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Outdoor experiences of a fun, friendly and wild nature!
Discover the natural beauty, serenity, and stories of the southern Canadian Rockies. Join local naturalists on a guided experience to explore a unique and diverse ecosystem. Our guides possess vast local knowledge and experience guiding all ages and ability levels bringing you the opportunity to watch, listen and learn about the special flora, fauna, landscape and heritage of the area. Join us for bird watching, wildflower wonders, guided hiking, wildlife viewing, or a winter snowshoe safari.
Wild Nature Tours is a non-profit venture, all proceeds will support local conservation projects. Operated by Wildsight, based at the Local Store at 632 2nd Ave.
Fernie Wildlife & Birding Brochure/Map - PDF
Fernie Hiking & Biking Trail Map - PDF
Outdoor experiences of a fun, friendly and wild nature!
Uncover the natural beauty, serenity, and stories of the southern Canadian Rockies. Join local naturalists on a guided experience to explore one of the most unique places on earth. Our guides possess vast local knowledge and experience guiding all ages and ability levels which sets the stage for an opportunity to watch, listen and uncover flora, fauna, landscape and the heritage of the area. Join us on a winter snowshoe safari, bird watching, wildflower wander, viewing wildlife or guided hike.
WINTER SNOWSHOE PROGRAMS:
Discover the unique natural history and seasonal scenic beauty of the Elk Valley on an educational snowshoe tour through a beautiful forest with gorgeous views, an invigorating winter hike to one of our favourite local spots or a family-friendly excursion on some of the local trails.
Led by professional naturalist Lee-Anne Walker and nature education specialist Ayla Bennett, winter tours are geared to get you outside and learn about the amazing flora, fauna and landscape of the Elk Valley.
Choose from the list of tours below or contact the office for custom tours. To book, use the contact info on this page or Register Online.
CUSTOM TOURS
**Minimum 1 week's notice and minimum 8 guests required for custom bookings**.
Please contact directly to inquire about available dates and pricing.
Winter Wander
Discover the secret ways wildlife survive winter on this snowshoe through Fernie’s only protected area. Discover winter ecology and local lore. Price includes local naturalist guide, snowshoe rentals, snacks and drinks.
Availability: Jan 14 & 28, Feb 25, Mar 11 & 25, Apr 8.
Difficulty: Moderate effort. Suitable for most ages and abilities.
Price: Adult $57, Child $30 (under 12)
REGISTER ONLINE
For the Love of Winter
Moonlight sparkles off the snow and guides Valentine snowshoers through a winter wonderland. Lovers of winter, with your special someone, enjoy an evening of amour, chocolate and rosy cheeks. Price includes local naturalist guide, snowshoe rentals, chocolate fondue and hot mulled beverage.
Availability: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for most ages and abilities
Price: Adult $70
REGISTER ONLINE
***Please provide 48 hours notice prior to reservation to ensure availability
CUSTOM TOURS
**Minimum 1 week's notice and minimum 8 guests required for custom bookings**.
Please contact directly to inquire about available dates and pricing.
Throughout the summer, Wild Nature Tours offers a series of interpretive tours and experiences, or contact the office about custom guiding.
Fungus Among Us
Discover forest fungus and learn which ones are tasty, which ones are deadly, and which ones are essential to forest health.
Forage in the Forest
Take a hike in the park and use your senses to forage in the forest for food, medicinal plants, and inspiration for technology.
Cool Critters in our Clean Water
Wear your rubber boots! Rub rocks and collect critters in nets! Use keys and magnify boxes to classify insects and learn cool facts about these indicators of high water quality. A great family adventure.
Watershed Tour
Discover Fernie's amazing water source, how water is used in our community and what happens when we are done with it. Increase your knowledge and awareness of our local watersheds and water-related issues in our community in this great afternoon walk spent with Lee-Anne Walker, naturalist and director of the Elk River Alliance.
Wild Nature Tours is a program of the Elk Valley, Golden, and Invermere Branches of Wildsight. Wildsight works to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable human communities in Canada's Southern Rocky Mountain eco-region.
Wild Nature Tours guests contribute to Wildsight, our local conservation group working locally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities. Wildsight operates a variety of initiatives including education in the wild programs; the Fernie Eco garden; a fruit harvesting program; the Local Store, events and more. Wildsight also works in furthering a north-south wildlife management area in the Flathead and Elk Valleys to ensure connectivity corridors for wide-ranging carnivores.
