Favourite Hikes and Après Hike Patios in Fernie, BC

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain trail,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My Camelback full of ale…

Oh wait! Wrong words….water….it’s full of water! The ale is for après hike, sitting in the sun on one of Fernie’s many patios. So let’s go for a hike first! Fernie is a hiker’s haven…..so many to choose from that sometimes the summer just doesn’t seem long enough. Last summer I was lucky enough to spend a number of days on the trails and I have decided to share with you 5 trails that stand out – some family friendly and some a little more adventurous and challenging.

Castle Mountain: Prepare yourself for a 4 – 6 hour round trip (also used for mountain biking) with spectacular views of our beautiful valley once at the top. There are 2 ways to access the trail, either from River Road or from Cokato Road, so you can actually go up and back down on 2 separate trails.

Old Growth Trail: Very family friendly and only a 1 hour round trip. Rain or shine, the giant ancient cedars canopy you as you make your way to Island Lake Lodge. Stop and grab some lunch on the famous Bear Lodge deck before you wind your way back down or head out on another of Island Lake’s diverse and well maintained trails.

Mt Hosmer: Plan on using up a day to explore the full two part hike to the summit of this spectacular peak - home to our legendary Ghostrider. There are some switchbacks, steep hills and scrambles but worth it once atop this magnificent mountain. Watch for mountain goats!

Mt Fernie: The easiest access is just off the power line above Alpine Trails/Parkland Terrace. This hike is approximately 3 hours and can be a tad scrambly towards the top, but there are benches strategically placed at amazing viewpoints and the view from the top is absolutely awesome! The trail meets up with the notorious Mountain Lakes Trail aka Heiko’s Trail which brings you to Island Lake Road just below the lodge and I will be honest, I’ve not done this one yet but it is definitely on my bucket list!

Lizard Lake: Accessed via Island Lake’s lower parking lot, Lizard Lake although a relatively short hike gains vertical fairly quickly. It leads to a lake found just below the peaks of the Lizard Range. There is a rough game trail above the lake if you want to get to the top - it becomes fairly challenging - but if you like bushwhacking, loose rock, snow and complicated terrain (which all seem to be criteria when hiking with my sister Sue) then all the power to you. The sea of wildflowers and the view of Lake Koocanusa will be your reward…you may even spot a few mountain goats!

Well there you have it…some great trails to choose from. Now for the après hike info….I seem to be good at this part …my top 5 Fernie patio picks:

Bear Lodge Deck at Island Lake Lodge – Sunshine, Sangria & Smoked Cod Pasta
Bridge Bistro – Half Chicken and Rib Dinner, ice cold pints
The Clubhouse at Fernie Golf and Country Club – Clubhouse Sandwich & Daily Drink Special
Kelsey’s at Fernie Alpine Resort – Hit it on a Thursday after the race series and enjoy half price wings
The Curry Bowl – Sit rooftop and enjoy an array of beers from around the world and a tantalizing Mango/Shrimp Curry

Once you’ve hiked til your legs are jelly and you’ve filled your belly come stay with us at Fernie Lodging Company! Check out our Summer Savings on our accommodations which include cabins, condos, chalets and resort homes.

Love Fernie in the Summer!
1.800.667.9911

Summer Time and the Livin’ is Easy in Fernie, BC!

Well would you look at that big yellow thing in the sky! It’s called the sun and it is here to stay for the summer! There really is nothing more beautiful anywhere in the world than Fernie in my opinion and that’s the main reason I’m here to stay. Oh there are other reasons…a plethora of reasons…in fact too many to name, but the main ones are that my sister and her family live here, the skiing in the winter is phenomenal and I’ve made many friends whom I consider to have quickly become lifelong. The sense of community in Fernie is sometimes mind boggling…certainly unique. The events are always well supported and attended by the locals therefore encouraging our visitors to join us in the fun and frivolity!  Take for instance the Sunday Downtown Socials every Sunday throughout the summer. This Sunday is Feel Good Fernie from 1 – 4pm with sidewalk shopping, trunk treasures, entertainment for all ages, food and beverages, children’s story time, outdoor yoga, free workshops and treatments from our local practitioners and much, much more! How easy is that?! Then there are the Wednesday Night Concerts & Market at Station Square…..between 5 and 9pm you can treat yourself to the mountain market, live entertainment and a refreshment garden (wink!). This is only a taste of Fernie fun and I certainly won’t rattle off everything, but check out our events page to plan your trip to Fernie and don’t miss out on anything!

So here’s what I would do…..check out our Summer Savings accommodation special or our Last Minute Sunshine Special, choose your lodging... condo suite, chalet or log cabin and give us a call. It’s that easy! Let us make your summer vacation dreams come true!

Come to Fernie, BC where it’s….

   Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the mountains are high
Mountain biking
Golfing, floating or hiking
Ropes course, zip line
All here for you.

Love Fernie in the Summer
1.800.667.9911

P.S. Just so you know, it’s not too soon to think about your winter ski packages…..the early bird get’s the worm….or in this case, the early bird gets the powder and the pick of accommodations!