What type of holiday are you looking for? Are you traveling with family or friends? When would you like to visit? Let us make some recommendations!
The newly paved and accessible Fernie Valley Pathway passes through Annex Park forming a part of Fernie's Recreational Trail system and connects to Fernie's huge multi-use trails network.
There's plenty to explore along the trail, pick up a copy of the Fernie Trail Map at the Visitor Information Centre on HWY 3, or at many locations around town.
The pathway begins at the Fernie Vistor Information, passing over the Fairy Creek non-motorized bridge and over the North Fernie Bridge. From here, take the path under the bridge to visit Maiden Lake or continue alongside the Elk River through Annex Park, across the West Fernie Bridge and on to Mt Fernie Provincial Park.
The 5.3km pathway is fully paved and 2m wide along almost the entire length. Apart from one short steeper section to get from the roadside where the trail crosses the North Fernie Bridge to access the Annex Park section, the trail covers very low gradients. The trail is suitable for all non-motorized wheeled transportation including wheelchairs, bicycles, run bikes and skateboards. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Parking is available at both ends of the trail at the Fernie VIC and at Mt Fernie Provincial Park. Parking is also available in Annex Park by taking 11th Street up and over the dyke and following the road to the left into the parking area, or at Maiden Lake along the road behind the Independent Grocery Store.
On foot, the trail can be accessed from the Fernie VIC, by virtually any street on the north-west side of 11th or 12th Avenue and in West Fernie, from Maiden Lake and from Mt Fernie Park Road.
Outhouse washrooms are available at the VIC, Annex Park and Mt Fernie Provincial Park. Refreshments are avaiable from various stores and restaurants within easy access from the trail.
Located on the banks of the Elk River, Annex Park is a large leafy park featuring accessible trails and lots of amenities to enjoy. The park is frequented by bikers, walkers, and joggers during the summer months and snowshoe and cross-country ski enthusiasts in the winter.
Annex Park is a natural area surrounded by community trails, featuring a duck pond, grassy open areas and shaded picnic facilities. This is a great place to introduce the little ones to our resident ducks. Dogs are welcome on leash. The park features drinking water fountains, a nature-based adventure playground, amphitheatre, a large shelter available to rent through the city of Fernie, and public outhouses.
Annex Park hosts the annual Wapiti Music Festival in August and the Fernie Half Marathon & 10k in early October.
