Hikes in Fernie

The Lizard Lake Trail is a 6.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that climbs uphill through the subalpine terrain to reach the stunning shores of the unsurprisingly lizardless lake. Although fairly overgrown, this trail is also well-trodden and distinctive enough to make navigation easy, even for casual hikers. Remember to bring bear spray and travel in groups as grizzly bear sightings are frequent along this trail.

The Mount Proctor Trail is a challenging 15.6 km loop route in Fernie, BC, that will take hikers on a steep uphill climb to the summit. This route is physically demanding and climbs along some exposed sections of the trail, making it more suitable for experienced hikers than beginners. From the summit, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views overlooking the Fernie area, including a sightline over the valley and the beautiful Three Sisters Peak to the northwest and Mount Fernie to the southwest.

Mount Baldy is an 8.4 km hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will provide hikers with some fantastic views overlooking the valley. You will have a sightline over Island Lake below and the surrounding mountain peaks from your hilltop perch. This is an excellent trail for both experienced and casual hikers due to the combination of moderate elevation gain and easy-to-navigate terrain.

The Mount Fernie Trail is a 7.6 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along a forested route up the mountain to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Elk Valley. This steep trail is well-maintained for most of the route, with the last portion being a bit more rugged and requiring some light scrambling. Although challenging, this hike is a great option for casual hikers looking to build up their experience for longer and more difficult routes.

The Three Sisters Trail is a 21.1 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will take you through beautiful alpine meadows and over rocky terrain to reach the summit. This challenging trail will provide phenomenal views over the mountainous terrain, including nearby peaks such as Mount Bisaro, Mount Proctor, and Mount Fernie. This is a tough climb, so make sure to come prepared with all the necessary equipment for a day in the mountains.

The Mount Hosmer Trail is a 10.5 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie that will both challenge your resolve and reward it with spectacular views overlooking Elk Valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. The trail climbs steeply uphill and does not offer much in terms of flat terrain to catch your breath; however, it is manageable for experienced and casual hikers who take their time. Bring bear spray and travel in groups as grizzly bears are known to frequent the area.

The Montane Trail is a 5.0 km out-and-back trail used for several outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. The route traverses some easy terrain and doesn’t have much strenuous elevation gain, making it a great trail for hikers of all skill levels. You can expect to enjoy a peaceful forest atmosphere and views through the trees of the surrounding mountain peaks along the trail.

The Fir Trail is a 2.4 km circuit hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will take hikers on a scenic loop around the waters of Island Lake. With reasonably level terrain, beautiful views of the woodland landscape and surrounding mountains, and the chance to see wildlife, this is a great family-friendly hike that everyone can enjoy. Due to the frequency of bear sightings in the area, it is best to familiarize yourself with bear-safe hiking practices when setting out on this trail.

The Lazy Lizard Trail is a 16.9 km hiking route just outside of Fernie, BC, that will take you through a range of terrain, including beautiful cedar forests, bridged creek crossings, and a scenic subalpine valley. Along the trail, you will be able to take in beautiful mountain views that include the rugged Lizard Range and the majestic peak of nearby Mount Fernie. Make sure to check for closures as animal activity in the area often dictates trail use.

The Fairy Creek Waterfall Trail is a 4.5 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you through the forest to visit the cascading waterfall. While there are some minor elevation changes, the route is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by hikers of most skill levels. Time this hike for the spring when water levels are at their highest.

The hike to Matheson Falls is a 1.3 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you along a short, forested path to reach a beautiful cascading waterfall that flows into a small pool of water below. While the trail is short, it does feature some elevation changes and requires a small amount of climbing, meaning that this route will not be accessible for all hikers. The trailhead is located on private property, so treat the area with respect for the owners that allow the public to access the beautiful waterfall.

The Tamarack Trail is an 8.5 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that climbs steeply uphill to reach several scenic viewpoints overlooking the valley and Island Lake nestled within it. The route utilizes a series of switchbacks to alleviate some of the strain of climbing uphill; however, the trail is still physically demanding. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear and bring plenty of water for this hike.

The Cabin Trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route outside of Fernie, BC, that climbs into the Lizard Mountain Range to reach the Thunder Meadows Cabin. Hikers will need to use their route-finding abilities to pick up and stay on the trail, so this route is geared towards experienced hikers rather than beginners. Along the trail, you will have a spectacular view across the alpine terrain of the valley, including the majestic sight of Mount Fernie, the Three Sisters, and Mount Proctor directly to the north.

The Coal Creek Heritage Trail is an 18.3 km hiking and mountain bike route in Fernie, BC, that travels alongside Coal Creek and offers scenic views of the surrounding valley landscape. Along the hike, you will have the opportunity to visit the remnants of the old Coal Creek town and take in some majestic mountain views. Make sure to share the trail as this is a multi-use route, and you will likely encounter passing mountain bikers.

The Fernie Rail Trail is a 6.9 km out-and-back hiking trail found just west of Mount Fernie Provincial Park and offers the opportunity to hike through a beautiful stretch of old-growth forest. The trail runs parallel to Mount Fernie Park Road and is a beautiful forest setting with intermittent views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Make sure to check for any trail closures before setting out for your hike.

The Castle Mountain Trail is a 7.7 km out-and-back hiking route in Fernie that will take hikers through the forest to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city and Elk Valley. This trail is part of a dense network of hiking and mountain bike routes that can make navigation confusing or difficult. Make sure to bring a good trail map or GPS to locate the trailhead.

The Gorby Trail Loop is a 5.5 km hiking route through Mount Fernie Provincial Park made up of several different trails to form a continuous loop through the woodland landscape. Along the trail, hikers will pass through beautiful stretches of the forest landscape and cross over several creeks as they make their way along the easy terrain. This is a great trail for hikers of all skill levels.

The Spineback Trail is a 7.2 km out-and-back hiking route near Fernie, BC, that will take you from the charming shores of Island Lake up to the alpine terrain of the Lizard Mountain Range. From here, you will have a fabulous view overlooking the lush green valley with Mount Fernie and the Three Sisters standing proudly behind. Access to this trail is often restricted due to animal activity, so make sure to check for any trail closures before setting out on your hike.

The Goldilocks Loop is a 9.7 km lollipop hiking route near Fernie, BC, that sets out from the Island Lake Lodge and climbs uphill through the picturesque alpine terrain to a small trail loop in the Lizard Mountain Range. Along the trail, you will experience breathtaking views that stretch out across the valley and include the majestic Mount Fernie and Three Sisters Mountain to the north. Make sure to check for any trail closures before setting out on this hike.

The Elk Rim Trail is a 19.8 km hiking route southwest of Fernie, BC, that follows along the edge of the water at the confluence of the Elk and Kootenay Rivers. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it an extended option for casual and experienced hikers. Keep an eye out for passing mountain bikes as this is a multi-use trail.