Thursday, August 30, 2012

More hiking around Fernie BC - with photos

The beautiful summer weather continues in Fernie B.C.  Because it has been getting pretty hot during the day, we started on a hike up to the top of the Tamarack Trail near Island Lake Lodge at about 8:30 am.  The trail winds it's way through Old Growth forest, then through some open slide paths.  The wild flowers and berries are still in their prime on many aspects.  An elevation gain of 650 m gets you to the top of the ridge, which is actually a should of Mount Fernie.  Nice catski terrain in the winter makes for nice open meadows with wild flowers in the summer.   From the top of the ridge you can see towards windy pass and the 3 sisters, as well the Lizard Range and Island Lake Lodge.  This trail is the end of Heikos Trail if you start from the other side of the 3 sisters.  Round trip was 16 km and took about 4.5 hours... with stopping to take lots of photos and lunch on top.   It's a good moderate level hike.  Here are some photos.




Hiking in Fernie BC

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Toronto Star article on Fernie and Island Lake Lodge

Tracy McLaughlin  from the Toronto Sun recently paid a visit to Fernie BC and Island Lake Lodge.  She seems to have had a great time exploring different adventures in the area.  You can read her full article here:
 
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/08/28/kootenary-rockies-a-little-piece-of-heaven

Don't forget - the catski season is right around the corner and seats are filling.

www.islandlakecatskiing.com

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Check out this real food traveler article on Island Lake Lodge

Though best know for catskiing, Island Lake Lodge has gained a great reputation for summer as well.  Bobbie Hasselbring from therealfoodtraveler.com dropped by in early summer to experience Fernie and Island Lake.   Have a look at the great article she wrote:

http://www.realfoodtraveler.com/2012/08/island-lake-lodge-fernie-bc-rustic-elegant-lodging-and-dining/

Monday, August 27, 2012

The hiking trails are in prime shape.

The hiking trails at Island Lake are in prime shape right now.  A few keen hikers went up the Spineback trail a couple days ago and report a fantastic wildflower display.  Because there was so much snow last season the wildflowers got off to a late start, so up high in the subalpine they are now in full bloom.   The Spineback trail is a medium 3-5 hour hike with a elevation gain of 530 metres.  You pass a really neat fossil bed along the way and get great views of the valley.  Guides are available from the lodge and are a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the area.  They must be booked in advance though.  Here are a few photos from the trail:
















Hiking in Fernie BC

Monday, August 13, 2012

Toque and Canoe visit Island Lake Lodge

Kim Gray from the award winning travel site Toque and Canoe recently visited Fernie and spent a few nights at Island Lake Lodge.  Kim and her family had a great time partaking in various activities around Fernie including: White Water Rafting, Fly Fishing and Hiking.  The weather was stellar and Fernie showed the  adventure seeking family it's best.

You can find the whole story here: http://toqueandcanoe.com/2012/08/13/adventures-fernie-b-c/

www.islandlakecatskiing.com


Friday, August 10, 2012

Our catski TV show has hit 100,000 views on youtube

Our TV show The Balance of Powder has hit 100,000 views on youtube.  Thanks to all our friends for helping to make this happen!  The show has also been on network TV across the USA and Shaw Video on Demand across Canada for the last year.  It will continue to be viewed on various station into 2013.  Produced by Sherpas Cinema the 1/2 TV show is a beautifully filmed powder filled journey to both Island Lake Catskiing and Mica Heliskiing.


catskiing
heliskiing


Friday, August 3, 2012

Greg Stumps trailer for Legend of Aahhhs

Greg Stump revolutionized ski movie making in the late 80's and 90's.  Greg filmed an iconic segment at Island Lake Catskiing for his 1994 classic P-Tex Lies and Duct Tape.  Well, he is back in action with a new movie due out this fall.  Legend of Aahhhs looks like a must see movie for any skier or anyone involved in the ski industry.  Here is the trailer:


Catskiing

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Fly fishing on the Elk River in Fernie BC

We recently had the gang from Fly Fusion Magazine up at Island Lake Lodge. Author / photographers Jim and Linda Mclennan were also up for the retreat.  Needless to say they spent some time on the Elk River making friends with the Cutthroat Trout.  The Elk is looking real good and their were some great hatches during the day.  Here are a few photos from the Elk River.














Fly Fishing in Fernie BC