Hiking in the Rocky Mountains

Hiking is one of those summer sports that is accessible to everyone and gets people into places that can truly inspire.  Dramatic peaks, quaint mountain creeks, wildflowers and big views are some of the essential experience nature has to offer.  Island lake lodge near Fernie B.C. has been building and maintaining a hiking trail network for a good 20 years.  With 7,000 acres of private land and the dramatic Lizard Range as a backyard the hiking is truly great. There is a nice range of ability levels in the area including the lake trail which is rated as easy and can be done in less then an hour.  At the other end of the spectrum is the Mountain Lakes Trail (Heiko's Trail), which is an all day 20 kilometre adventure and ends at Island Lake Lodge.   Here is a quick breakdown:

LAKE TRAIL   (2 km, 1 hr) Rating: Easy   FIR TRAIL Extension (add 3 km & 1 hr) Rating: Easy

RAIL TRAIL   (3 km, elevation gain 50 m)  Rating: Rail Trail:  Easy.

OLD GROWTH TRAIL (4 km, elevation gain 250m)  Rating: Moderate.

SPINEBACK TRAIL  (3.5 km, elevation gain 530 m, 3-4 hours)  Rating: Advanced

MOUNT BALDY LOOP  (10.5 km, elevation gain 620 m, 4-6 hours)  Rating: Advanced

TAMARACK TRAIL  (8 km, elevation gain 640 m, 5 hrs)  VIEWPOINT (4 km,  elevation gain 200 m, 3 hours) Rating: Moderate to Advanced

MOUNTAIN LAKES TRAIL  (HEIKO’S TRAIL) (22 km, elevation gain 4500 m,  8-12 hours)  Rating: Difficult

Island Lake also holds various hiking tenures in the area including in the Steeples and at Fernie alpine Resort.  A great way to explore and learn about the area is with a guide.  You can hire one for half or full days.  Call Island Lake or check the website for details.  1-250-423-0622  www.islandlakelodge.com

Here are a few hiking photos from around Island Lake:

 

Romance in the Mountains

In winter Island lake is perfectly setup for exceptional catskiing experiences.  During the warm months, the lodge, view, cuisine, spa and ambience seem to lend itself to perfect romantic getaways.  Go for a quiet walk around the lake then dine on the patio overlooking the peaks of the 3 Bears.

Experience the Mountain Romance Package

Two relaxing nights in a deluxe lodge, breakfast in bed and gourmet dinners, a bottle of local BC Bubbly and a chocolate & fruit plate awaits your arrival.  Enjoy full use of our lodge facilities, as well as miles of pristine hiking trails in our remote mountain setting. Perfect for anniversaries and special occasions!

Package price with deluxe accommodation $749.00 per couple. 

www.islandlakelodge.com

New trail running and mountain bike race is coming to Fernie and Island Lake Lodge

Here are the details so far:

Dates: Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th

Format: Saturday trail run composed of six, point-to-point legs covering approximately 80km with solo and teams of up to 6.  Sunday mountain bike on the same, or similar course (pending weather conditions) with the same format.  Athletes can participate in the run or the bike, or both, but they are separate events (there is no combined bike and run category).

The Route (subject to permits, weather, wildlife, and adjustments for quality): 

Thanks to organizations like the Fernie Trails Alliance, the Fernie trail system rivals the best in the world. Riders and runners alike will be treated to a challenging and beautiful route, covering approximately 80km with 3000m of climbing to spectacular alpine vistas.  Look for the inclusion of Sherwoody, Tamarack, Verbotten,  Mushroom Head, Hyperventilation trails with  Transition Areas at Island Lake Lodge, Fernie’s Annex Park and Coal Creek.  *16 hour time limit to complete all 6 legs.

www.islandlakelodge.com

Summer mountain biking around Fernie

Fernie is blessed with a great number of mountain bike trails.  The local trail alliance has done a great job of building and maintaining a large trail network.  From the lift accessed downhill trails at the resort to the all the cross country trails through the valley, Fernie has become a mountain bike destination in its own right. Here is a little bike video from Tourism Fernie

Watch Video 

Island Lake Lodge is a great place to stay in fernie while on a summer bike trip.
www.islandlakelodge.com

Thanks for a great winter

Well, sad to say, but our winter catski and snowboard season has come to an end.  Though we still have a bit of ski touring in the next couple weeks, our main catski season is over.  The season overall had above average snowfall with some spectacular storms mixed in.  Who can forget the storm just before Christmas, in which we received 2 metres of snow in 6 days!  All cold, dry blower pow.  If you are wondering about booking catskiing for 2014, please be aware that we give current guests 30 days to rebook the same dates.

Summer is right around the corner and we have some accommodation packages planned including:
- The Mountain Romance Package
- Hike and Stay
- Fernie Fly Fishing
- Corporate Retreats and Team Building

Call our friendly reservation department to discuss your summer options
Toll Free: 1-888-422-8754

Accommodations in Fernie

Island Lake is now on instagram

Hey there friends, Island Lake Lodge has now joined instagram.  Feel free to follow our photos from winter and summer.
http://statigr.am/islandlakelodge

www.islandlakecatskiing.com

What a Week

Is has been a surreal week up in our catski terrain.  90 cms has fallen over 7 days, making for some happy guests.  Snow stability is also very good and we have been skiing some runs that don't get skied very often.  We hope your winter is also going well!

Here is a photo from Feb 27th.

www.islandlakecatskiing.com