Bison Short Ribs at Island Lake Lodge

Island Lake Lodge has been know as a "must stop" for foodies and this summers menu will not disappoint. Chef Keith Farkas and his team have created a mouth watering menu that is sure to impress even the most travelled culinary aficionados.  One of the highlights is the Bison Short Ribs with slow braised, truffled cheddar polenta, roasted vegetables, cinnamon red wine jus.

Bison Short Ribs – gluten free, nut free The short rib is a cut from the plate primal in the fore quarter of the animal. The bison is seared and braised with veal jus, red wine, tomato, herbs, cinnamon and spices for approx. 5 hours. For the polenta: cornmeal is added to boiling milk and chicken stock and stirred continuously on low heat for 40 mins then finished with butter and aged Canadian cheddar. To finish - cream and truffle oil are added. Roasted summer vegetables will be a combination of cipoline onions, zucchini, carrot, parsnip, squash… roasted with olive oil. The jus served with the ribs is a reduction of the braising juices.

Yes, you do need to try them...

Dining in Fernie BC

Summer 2013 Guided Hike Calendar

We have put together a schedule of guided hikes for this summer.  You can of course book a different date or hike, but these are scheduled on our calendar.

- Saturday, July 20, 2013 - Mount Fernie to Island Lake (18 km - Advanced)

- Saturday, August 3, 2013 - Huckleberry Family Hike (4 kms - Easy)

- Saturday, August 10, 2013 - Lizard Lake (7 kms - Moderate to Advanced)

- Saturday, August 17, 2013 - Heikos Trail (21 kms - Difficult)

- Saturday, August 24, 2013 - Big White Peak (12 Kms, Advanced)

- Saturday, August 31, 2013 - Heikos Trail (21 kms - Difficult)

- Sunday, September 1, 2013 - Mount Fernie to Island Lake (18 km - Advanced)

- Saturday, September 7, 2013 - Lizard Lake Cabin Bowl Loop ( 13kms- Advanced)

Lunches can be provided.  Price is dependant on group size. Call for more details.
Ph# 250-423-3700

accommodation in fernie

Hike Big White Peak

It's a great time of year to Hike Big White Peak! We are running a guided group hike this Saturday July 6th.

Big White Peak

This hike follows the favorite Spineback Trail. Just before reaching its crest the Big White Trail heads west across the alpine bowl. We will gain the 2253m Big White Peak by ascending scree and snow filled slopes. You will be instructed by our guides on best practices on snow slope travel. This is the only access to the Lizard Range's ridge crest above Island Lake and provides incredible views to Island Lake Lodge, Mount Fernie, The Three Sisters to the North and Lake Kookanusa to the South. The hike will return to Island Lake Lodge where you will be able to enjoy an ice cold drink on the Bear Lodge Deck.

Logistics

Depart, Saturday July 6th - 9am, Tamarack Lodge

Guests must have:

Comfortable Day Pack
Hiking Poles
Hiking Boots (will be traveling in alpine on scree and snow)
Sun Shade Hat
Rain Jacket and Pants
Mid Layer
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
2 x 2L Water Bottles
Personal Items (camera, binoculars, extra socks, etc.)

Return to Island Lake 3pm (depends on speed of overall group)
Price depends on group size:

2 ppl - $260
3 ppl - $285
4 ppl - $340
5 ppl - $350
6 ppl - $390
Lunch is an additional $15 and needs to be pre-booked by 6pm on Friday.

Photos from Big White:

Guided Hiking in Fernie BC

Call 250-423-3700

Hiking Trail Conditions - July 2nd, 2013

Current Hiking Trail Conditions – July 2, 2013

General Information: Well summer is officially here! The spine back trail is the latest trail to emerge from the snow cover. There has been multiple Moose sightings on Baldy, Spine back, Lake and Fir trails. Please make lots of noise while hiking as to not surprise an animal.

Rail Trail:  Easy:  3km (one way) 1.86 miles

At the end of this trail you will be able to sit on a big bench and view the three mountain tops called the Three Bears, where we ski in the winter. The trail is snow free and offers easy walking for all ages and abilities.

Old Growth Trail:  Moderate:  4km (one way) 2.49 miles

Shady old growth cedars and lush interior rainforest plants make this trail a local favorite. You can start this trail at the Old Growth parking lot and after a 4 km hike; you can come and enjoy an afternoon beverage, cocktail and meal at the Bear Lodge. Stay bear aware.  Watch out for some water on the trail at the beginning after the second bridge. We have placed a temporary bridge in this section to hopefully avoid wet feet.

Lake Trail:   Easy: 2km (one way around the lake) 1.24 miles

Take some time to observe the families of ducks and ducklings out on the lake. There have also been sightings of a moose and calf on the island. If you see the moose please leave lots of space and back away slowly. The trail is in good shape and is free of snow.

Fir Trail:   Easy: 3km (one way) 1.86 miles

This family oriented trail wanders thru some of the biggest Douglass Fir, Tamarack and Western Red Cedar trees that Island Lake has on its propriety. There are currently three trees down on the trail. However you can step over them easily.

Tamarack Trail:  (Viewpoint) Moderate: 4km (Summit) Advanced:8km (one way) 4.97 miles

Watch out for lose rocks in the canyon section of the trail. The trail is snow free to just before the lower viewpoint where there is a small section of snow in the trees. There is blue flagging tape in the trees for 10 meters to guide you through the snow. After the viewpoint the trail is clean and free of snow. The wildflowers are starting to bloom in the sunny sections.

Baldy Loop:   Advanced: 10.5km (one way) 6.52 miles

   We have recently cut down fallen trees and limbed branches on the trail.

   The snow has mostly melted on the connector sections but the trail might be muddy in places.

Spineback Trail:  Advanced: 3.5 km (one way) 2.17miles

Most of the trail is now snow free until just before the bench on the ridge. The glacier lilies  are in full bloom! We have not worked on the trail yet this summer but overall the trail is good shape except for the remaining snow patches at the top.

hiking around fernie bc