Hike through Mount Fernie Provincial Park

Fernie is a well-known destination for outdoor rec activities, from resort skiing to backcountry touring to hiking and mountain biking. Going for a short winter hike might seem like the least exciting thing you could do, but as a break from the regular nine-to-five, it provides a perfect reconnection to the beautiful natural world that surrounds town.

There are trails used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and ski touring all around Fernie. Tourism Fernie has a map called Fernie Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails that shows some of the routes, many of which are maintained by volunteers through the Fernie Trails Alliance. If you're in the area, consider supporting Fernie Trails Alliance and their work. If you're interested in cross-country skiing, consider joining and supporting the Fernie Nordic Society.

For now, let's talk Mount Fernie Provincial Park. The park is accessible year-round and has a small campground, along with many kilometres of trails that zigzag the valleys near Fernie Alpine Resort. If you're heading in for a day hike, watch for a parking area near Gorby Bridge, in between Elk Valley Nordic Centre and Island Lake Lodge. Beside the bridge is a trail map, where you can choose your route. Follow Lizard Creek, explore the Black Forest, hike over to check on the ski resort terrain. Or just explore and enjoy the scenery. 

Keep your eyes out for wildlife. Many of the trails in the area are used as mountain biking trails, so if you're hiking in the biking season do keep that in mind. If you have some time left at the end of the hike, head into Big Bang Bagels in town for one of the most popular spots to eat.