Opening and Trail Conditions

Yes thats right, we are opening today for Summer! 

Current Trail Conditions

General Information:  Welcome to spring at Island Lake Lodge. The Lake, Fir, Old Growth and Rail trail have all had spring clean ups. We will be working on the Baldy loop and Tamarack trail this weekend.

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 peaks 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. However there is a short snowy section at the beginning of the trail. We have marked the trail with log on either side of the snow patches to make the trail more visible.

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

We have not yet maintained the trail. We have reports that there are a few trees down at the start of the trail and a snowy section before the viewpoint. This trail is not recommended at this time.

We will be working on the trail on Saturday to remove the trees and mark the snow section.

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

We have not yet maintained the trail. We have no other information at this time. This trail is not recommended.

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

It is still winter up in the bowl where the Spineback trail is. This trail is not recommended at this time.

Hiking in Fernie

Island Lake Lodge is Opening for Summer on June 14th.

Yep - thats right, we are opening for the summer season this Friday, June 14th. Though we won't be serving lunch that day, you can come up for dinner and or stay over.

Also, we have:
Father’s Day Brunch - Sunday, June 16th, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Adults - $34.95 Kids $14.95
(reservations required)

Date Night Mondays - All Summer!
Bring your partner up for a romantic dinner! Get 2 entrées, 2 glasses of Bubbly and an appetizer or dessert to share.  Just $75 per couple

Wine Tasting Wednesdays - All Summer!
5 course tasting menu with 5 wines. Each Wednesday we will feature a new and old world wine from our diverse cellar. $89.95 per person

Bed & Breakfast - Starts at just $159

Free Meeting Space! Call about utilizing our conference room for your next meeting. (Minimum F & B purchase required)

Fernie Accommodation

Call us Toll Free: 1.888.422.8754

Fernie Mountain Biking

Fernie B.C. has long been known as a mountain bike destination.  The local mountain bike club and trail alliance have an active program to build and maintain trails.  There is constant work being done to enhance the mountain bike experience with new bridges, signage and cutting.  There are dozens of great trails, but some of the classics include: Hyper Ventilation, Old Goat, Project 9, Roots, Stumpy, Verboten and Brokeback Ridge.  In terms of a staying in Fernie, Island Lake is a great option.  Here are a few bike photos from the area:

www.islandlakelodge.com

Fly Fishing around Fernie B.C.

Fernie B.C. which is just 14 kms from Island Lake Lodge is one of the top “Dry-Fly” Fishing destinations in the world. The Elk River runs right through town and is full of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. The Elk holds the largest population of Westslope Cutthroat left on the continent and if you know anything about them, you know they love to eat off the surface. Dry Fly Fishing is considered by many to be the pinnacle of sport fishing...kinda like catskiing deep dry powder is the pinnacle of skiing! You can use a drift boat or walk and wade various sections of this spectacular river and its tributaries. The best months are usually July, August and September. Call to inquire about Island Lake's fly fishing packages. Here are a few images from the area to get you excited about your next fly fishing adventure!

www.islandlakelodge.com 

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