Fernie in Summer
Fly Fishing
The Elk Valley, of which Fernie Mountain is a part, hosts some of the best fly fishing in the world! The Elk River is an exceptional dry-fly river. From late June right through to early October, expect to find west slope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and white fish in the river and its 30+ tributaries.
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There are several guiding outfits in town that can take you where the fish are biting. You can float down the Elk or wade in the smaller rivers/creeks. Catch and Release practices are commonly used and encouraged in the Elk Valley.
Lakes & Beaches
For those looking to kick back and relax under the sun, here are a few lakes nearby Fernie:
- Surveyor’s — a 30 minute drive away south from Fernie. It has a beautiful sand beach on a small lake that warms up in the summer months with a raft in the middle of it to swim to. There are no motorized boats allowed on this lake. It is located at Kikomin Creek Provincial Park.
- Koocanusa — a large lake that was created when the Libby Dam was built. There are several beaches/swimming areas. Boating and waterskiing are popular on this lake. It is a 30-40 minute drive from Fernie.
- Tie Lake — located by Jaffray in a regional park 30 minutes from Fernie.
- Silver Springs — located by Elko 20 minutes from Fernie. These three lakes are popular with the locals. There is a short hike required to get into the first lake where people sunbathe on large rocks and jump off cliffs.
Golfing
Fernie Golf and Country Club is noted for the majestic scenery, with mountain vistas in every direction at each hole! The course is a par 70, 6556 yards long and rated in the top 25 of B.C.’s courses. The course has a new clubhouse where you can enjoy good food and drinks on the elevated terrace overlooking the Three Sisters and Ghost Rider Mountains.
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There are other world-class golf facilities, both at Fernie and within an hour’s drive. They include:
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Horseback Riding
Mountain Magic Ventures is located at the base of the mountain, and has something for every rider! From ponies for the kids to full-day tours of the mountain, you’ll find the experienced trail guides friendly and informative with local knowledge and folklore.
Take a half-day ride over to the spectacular Island Lake Lodge for lunch or be cowboy for a day on their working ranch at Wardner (45 minutes from your condo on the mountain).
Ask your reservationist to book a trail ride for you!
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Kid’s Camp
An educational and active program with qualified instructors within our spectacular mountain setting. Your kids will love this magical mountain experience!
Activities at the camps include river float trips, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, arts & crafts, and your usual fun kid stuff like scavenger hunts, orienteering and games. The kids will never forget this week in the mountains!
The camp runs Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm and costs $245/week. There is a weekend camp available as well running on Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 3pm and costs $25/day or $40 for 2 days.
Ask your reservationist to book your children for the time of their lives!
White Water Rafting
The yearly melting of Fernie’s famous powder is the source of great rafting from early spring to late summer. Two of the most exciting local chutes are the Elk River Canyon and The Running of the Bull.
The Elk River Canyon is a classic river run that has it all; a wilderness setting with outstanding scenery, big game animals, birds of prey, exciting rapids and deep quiet canyons.
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The Running of the Bull delivers all the thrills of great river running. The excitement builds with each set of rapids to the climax in the lower canyon, an incredible rush of white water rapid called “Bubblicious, The Sandwich Maker and Toilet Bowl”.
If you are looking for something more serene, the Float and Loaf is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounding scenery by loafing a day away on a float trip on the upper Elk River. Swimming holes and sun tanning are the peak of this trip!
Hiking
There are endless trails and switchbacks available to adventurous explorers looking to conquer Fernie by foot! Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon walk or a strenuous full-day affair, Fernie has your trail! Very popular is the Ridge Walk that takes you up the ski hill, across the ridge and back down the far bowl.
Many tail maps/guides are available in Fernie to direct you or join a guided hike where you will learn about the local flora and fauna and local history while you hike!
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Mountain Biking
Trails abound around Fernie for the beginner and expert biker alike. The Elk Quad chairlift runs from June 23rd through to September 3rd so you can save your energy, and just ride down the hill!
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Dog Carting
New to Fernie, take the exciting dog sledding of the winter months and throw some wheels on the sleds and you’ve got Dog Carting. Take a tour of the forest trails while the dogs do the work. It’s an exciting way to see the resort’s trails. It is available for all levels.
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