Summer Activities
Hiking
The mountains of Fernie Alpine Resort are as rigorous as they are spectacular. The trails offer everything from an easy walk along a cross-country track to the strenuous Ridge Walk from Grizzly Peak to Polar Peak. For those who just like going downhill take a chairlift ride to the top and descend at your own pace. To learn more about summer on the mountain, visit the Fernie Alpine Resort summer website.
Hiking Links
Kootenay County Adventures, Dave Doucet and John Pumphrey
Ph: (250)423-8965 email: kca@elkvalley.net
Mountain Pursuits
Ph: 250-423-6739 Web: www.mountainpursuits.com
Fernie Nature Tours
Ph: 250-423-4306 Web: www.fernienature.com
Island Lake Lodge
Ph: 1-888-422-8754 Web: www.islandlakelodge.com
Fishing
The magnificent rivers and streams of southeastern British Columbia are truly one of fly fishing's final frontiers. Largely undiscovered yet still only a three and one half hour drive from Calgary, Alberta and a 1 hour drive from Cranbrook, BC, the Elk River flows through one of the most picturesque valleys in the East Kootenay's. The Elk has been compared to Wyoming's Snake River, and for good reason.
The Elk River offers superb fly fishing for native west slope cutthroat up to 20". The river's also tailor- made for novice fly fishers, who will always find plenty of trout eager to rise to attractor dry flies. Novice or expert, a fly fishing trip to the Elk Valley is something you'll never forget. Wildlife such as bears, moose, and elk are commonly seen along the river. The Elk River itself flows over golden cobblestones as it spills off the continental divide through towering cedar forests.
Golf
Fernie Golf & Country Club is a challenging par 70 situated at the north end of town. It is less than a 10 minute drive from the Griz Inn. Throughout its 18 holes, the course showcases spectacular mountain views in every direction.
Golf Links
Fernie Golf & Country Club, Mel Dies - Head Pro
Ph: (250) 423 - 7773 Web: www.golffernie.com
Comments from Marv Slind, Moscow, Idaho, USA
This is definitely one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played. The physical setting is striking, with high mountains visible in all directions. Wildlife included a large fox running across the second fairway, and a wide variety of fowl. Cart paths often go through wooded areas for additional aesthetic charm. The course is challenging, without being daunting for a mid to high-handicapper. The scorecards suggest which tees are appropriate for different ranges of handicaps, and our foursome found those recommendations quite accurate.
Water comes into play on several holes, either lying alongside fairways, or crossing between tee boxes and the greens on some par-3's. The course was well groomed, greens in good condition, and rough long enough to pose a challenge without making errant shots impossible to recover from. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. While I am sensitive to Canadian feelings on the matter, I also cannot fail to mention that the current exchange rate makes play in Ca nada a great bargain as well. All in all, playing at Fernie was an extremely pleasant experience.
Mountain Biking
What mountains would be better for mountainbiking than the Rockies? Fernie is home to world-class mountainbiking events and has trails for all levels. During the summer, Fernie Alpine Resort also operates the chairlifts to provide lift-accessed mountain biking. To learn more about summer on the mountain, visit the Fernie Alpine Resort summer website.
Mountain Biking Links
Fernie Fat Tire Adventures at www.ferniefattire.com
Whitewater Rafting & Boating Excursions
From wild to mild, the beautiful Elk River and nearby Lake Koocanusa offers exciting opportunities for all ability levels to get out on the water.
Rafting Links
Canyon Raft Company
Phone: 250-423-7226 or 1-888-423-7226 Web: www.canyonraft.com
Mountain High River Adventures
Phone/Fax: 250-423-5008 or 1-877-423-5555 Web: www.raftfernie.com
Horseback Rides
Horseback is an excellent way to explore the trails surrounding Fernie Alpine Resort and throughout the Elk Valley. To learn more about trail rides at Fernie Alpine Resort, visit the Fernie Alpine Resort summer website. Trail rides to other spectacular destinations in the Elk Valley are also available through Alpine Enthusiasts.
Horseback Trail Riding Links
Alpine Enthusiasts, Rick Gris, Dean Esch
Ph: (250)423-0564 Web: www.alpineenthusiasts.com