The Trails

Small-town Fernie BC is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, within easy access of the Alberta and US borders. That being said, despite the small-town charm, there are 300kms of world-class trails waiting to be explored, whether an avid fat biker, Nordic skier, downhill biker, trail runner, backcountry skier or of course, mountain biker. Dedicated volunteers keep Fernie’s trail network rolling, improving and expanding year-on-year.

April/May is the start of mountain and downhill bike season and goes right to the end of October, with fat biking, backcountry skiing and Nordic starting in November until the end of March. For more information on your preferred trail use, be sure to check out our Member Clubs websites.

To get an overview of our areas and trails, check out the below. Then be sure to download Trailforks, to stay up to date on trail updates and status.

Fernie on Trailforks.com

TRAIL REPORT

CASTLE MOUNTAIN

Located on the Morrissey Ridge and is part of the Flathead range of the Canadian Rockies, Castle Mountain is particularly amazing as it offers views opposite of most hikes in the valley.

Great options for bikers, runners and hikers, with glorious views, (South to North) of Fernie Alpine Resort, Mount Fernie, Mt. Proctor and Mt. Hosmer.

MOUNT PROCTOR

An area to the north east of town, just off the Hwy. Starting at the Visitor’s Centre, enjoy a hike to Fairy Creek or up Mt. Proctor. Alternatively, enjoy Swine Flu by bike – one of Fernie’s most popular trails

MORRISSEY RIDGE

Morrissey ridge is a mountain range of the Border Ranges located south-east of Fernie, showcasing some of the steepest downhill biking trails.

48hrs, Three Kings, Al Matador and Dirt Diggler are some classics, not for the faint of heart.

This area is primarily for downhill biking.

Island-Lake-2015-KRT-45ResizedWeb-medium

ISLAND LAKE LODGE*

Whether you are interested in a 30-minute walk or a full day hike, Island Lake has what you need. Want to learn about flora and fauna? Guided interpretive hikes are available. This spectacular valley is privately owned by Island Lake Resort and offers lodging, dining, spa services, guided hiking and more.

Come winter, Island Lake boasts one of the top catskiing operations in the Rockies.

*Island Lake Lodge trails are not managed by the FTA.

MONTANE*

The Montane area is just minutes from Historic Downtown Fernie offering a range of beautiful trails for a variety of uses – including walking, hiking, running, biking and Nordic Skiing.

*The Montane Trail System & Warming Hut is not managed by the FTA.

FERNIE DIRT JUMP PARK

Conveniently located adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre and the skateboard park on the corner of Pine & Ridgemont in Fernie. Features include large and small dirt jumps, wooden bridges and obstacles and a pump track.

Home of the Annual Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam, Labour Day weekend.

RIDGEMONT*

The Ridgemont Trails on the southeast side of town are popular trails close to Downtown. The most popular starting point is Cemetery Bypass Trail located at the entrance of the Cemetery.

*Ridgemont Trails are not managed by the FTA.

ELK RIM TRAIL

Just a 20 minute drive from Fernie, located in the popular South Country area.

A 20 kilometer, 400m elevation gain/loss loop to the confluence of the Elk River and Kootenay, offers a very mellow single-track ride around the area. A great option from spring through to fall.