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The easy to moderate hiking trail ending at a picturesque waterfall.
This family-friendly hike is a popular section of the Mt Proctor Trail hike. It is accessible year-round and is enjoyed by all, especially young children and toddlers due to its ease and access to explore nature.
Level: Easy / Moderate (the trail has short ups and downs and some rooty sections)
Distance: 4.6 km (return hike)
Elevation Gain: 115 m
Hiking Time: 90 min - 2 hours (depending on the speed of hiking and number of stops along the way)
Stop and park at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Centre located at 102 Commerce Road on Highway #3 to the east of town. Water and toilet facilities are available inside if required, there is also a toilet facility at the end of the parking lot that's accessible at all times. The trailhead is marked with a large sign in the parking lot.
Be aware that this is wildlife country. Please respect the environment and leave no trace of your visit, and pack out any garbage. Be safe during the spring season as creek water levels can be high.
Don't forget to pick up a free Fernie Trail Map from the Visitor Information Centre, or any of the bike shops in Town and Fernie Alpine Resort. You can access a digital version for your mobile devices
TrailForks users can track their progress and location along this hike, if they have GPS on their mobile device, using the Trailforks app, and the route for Fairy Creek Trail.
Fairy Creek Falls trail follows Fairy Creek to a picturesque waterfall. This trail explores the lower slopes of Mount Proctor and can connect you to the bigger Fairy Creek Trail up to Mount Proctor and also connects to the base of the Three Sisters (aka. Mt Trinity). If hiking in summer, listen out for chirps of the Columbian Ground Squirrels as you approach the open field.
Whilst the trail is mostly dirt and gravel some rooty sections make it unsuitable for chariots or strollers. Please be aware and mindful of all other trail users, as bikers channel from upper trails into the lower section of the hike. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Note: There are adjacent mountain bike trails that do not allow dogs due to potential cattle grazing, such as Swine Flu, Mad Cow, More Cowbell
Fun Fact: Snowmelt from Mount Fernie, Mount Proctor and the Three Sisters channel into Fairy Creek forming the main water supply source for the city of Fernie.
Many people hike to Fairy Creek falls in the winter season to witness the frozen falls. Be aware that snowshoes may be required and the trail will be less defined after fresh snowfall. In early spring, spiked shoe grips may also be recommended on some icy trails section.
WARNING: During the winter season do not go close to the base of the falls as it is an avalanche deposit zone from up high on Mount Proctor (east side).
Starting at the Fernie Visitor Infomation Centre, get a glimpse into the hike by taking a digital walkthrough to Fairy Creek Falls with Google Maps.
Trail conditions reports are powered by the TrailForks app through information contributed by local and visiting hikers. Please feel free to add and update the trail report if you have completed the hike recently.
