10 Best Hikes in the Fernie Area
10 Best Hikes in the Fernie Area
For such a small, quaint town located in the heart of the East Kootenay mountains, Fernie has a lot to explore. Along with the gem of Mount Fernie Provincial Park and the Island Lake Lodge area, there is much to see if you are an outdoor adventurer, and you absolutely cannot miss the numerous hiking trails you can find here. The hardest part is choosing which beautiful views you want to catch along the way!
Fairy Creek Falls
Length: 4.5 km
Time: 1.5 hour round-trip
Elevation: 115 m
Located right in the heart of the town of Fernie and with a trailhead adjacent to the visitor’s centre, Fairy Creek Falls is the ideal winter hike due to its low-grade incline and accessibility close to the centre of town—though it is a popular option during the summer months, as well. The delightful falls at the end look magical frozen during the colder months, and this hike is a wonderful option for families and dogs.
Fernie Ridge
Length: 9.9 km round-trip (3.2 km to peak)
Time: 5 hours
Elevation: 721 m
For a challenging trek that climbs through the treeline and provides expansive views of the surrounding mountains, Fernie Ridge is the perfect moderate day hike. Keep in mind that the trail becomes loose with scree the closer to the top you get, so you’ll want to watch your footing. However, the views from the top spanning over the mountains are well-worth the struggle.
Mount Fernie
Length: 8 km round-trip (4 km to peak)
Time: 5 hours
Elevation: 941 m
While in the Fernie area, why not take on summiting the most famous mountain around? This difficult trail has a number of steep switchbacks, sections of the trail that work their way back and forth up the mountain, which eventually lead to an easy scramble to get to the top. If you plan on taking this hike on, and you should if you want the best views of the Canadian Rockies in the region, then make sure you’re prepared.
Heiko’s Trail
Length: 21.1 km
Time: 12 hours
Elevation: 1200 m
Named after one of Fernie’s most beloved residents Heiko Socher, you can start and end this trail from several points. Starting from the Island Lake Lodge is usually the best choice since it provides the most scenic trek, though it is only open on certain days during the summer months. Although it requires some logistical planning to enjoy, this tough adventure is worth the massive elevation gain in order to experience the smell of cedar trees and snow-capped mountains well into the summer.
Castle Rock (Mountain) Trail
Length: 14 km round-trip
Time: 5-6 hours round-trip
Elevation: 327 m
For views of the Continental Divide, this hike along Morrissey Ridge begins with a fairly easy climb before getting progressively steeper. Eventually, it connects with the Hyperventilation Trail. Not up for too many switchbacks? If you want to stop and take a rest during the hike, you’ll get the chance to witness the incredible Castle Rock. This makes it an ideal sunset trek to see its namesake light up with orange colours from the setting sun.
Mount Hosmer Trail (Ghostrider Peak)
Length: 8.8 km (3.5 km to peak)
Time: 4 hours
Elevation: 984 m
Located in the northern part of Fernie, this summit hike begins navigating over rocks and roots on the trail before making its way up some steep switchbacks. You’ll reach two false summits on your way up, areas that look like the top and the end of your hike but actually require you to do more hiking, but with some sweeping mountain scenery along the way, it’s worth the extra burn in your thighs. If you would like, you can stop at the base of Ghostrider Peak for a more moderate option.
Lizard Lake Trail
Length: 6.5 km round-trip
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 529 m
If you are searching for a subalpine lake surrounded by wildflowers, then this shorter hike through cedar trees is the trek for you. Starting off on Island Lake Road and crossing Lizard Creek, you have a bit of elevation to climb before you reach the main attraction. This trail is fairly secluded and perfect for an afternoon of solitude. It’s also common to find huckleberries for snacking in season.
Easy Beaver
Length: 7 km round-trip
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 118 m
This hike never reaches more than a five per cent incline as it winds its way through the Montane trail system. However, just because there isn’t a lot of elevation gain, doesn’t mean that you don’t get some beautiful views of the Lizard Range, one of the main mountain ranges in the area, from the trail. Also known as an adaptive trail and a fat biking haven during the winter, it goes to show you don’t need to take on the toughest trails to appreciate nature.
Goldilocks Trail via Spineback Loop
Length: 8.3 km
Time: 5 hours
Elevation: 708 m
As one of the many trails available on the Island Lake Lodge property, this hike starts at the lodge before winding its way up the Spineback Trail. From there, you’ll see signs that point to Mama Bear or Baby Bear—it’s a loop so you can go either way. As you wander through the peaks, you’ll come to several spots where you can get a look at the Fernie valley. Keep in mind that the Island Lake Lodge hikes are only available during the summer season and only on select days of the week. Check their operations calendar in advance.
Silver Spring Lakes
Length: 0.5 km to first lake, 3.7 km to third lake
Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 172 m
You get three gorgeous lakes in one on this hike near Elko, about 30 minutes away from Fernie. The trailhead is located on a logging road so you will want to watch for trucks entering. The first lake you reach is a popular location for cliff jumping during the summer months, though make sure to take proper measures if you choose to take the leap! All three lakes are spring-fed and also serve as an excellent area for trout fishing.
