Walking & Biking Trails in Town

Fernie Town Trail is 15km of connected family-friendly trails that go around and within the City of Fernie. You'll see mountain views, follow sections of the Elk River, and explore the fringes of Fernie's huge multi-use trail network.

Map of Trails and Parks in Town

Fernie Winter Trail Map: Pick up a copy if you planning to head out nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fatbiking this winter.

During the summer months, these trails are popular with hikers, bikers, and joggers. It can be just as busy during the winter season with snowshoers, fat bikers, and cross-country ski enthusiasts enjoying snowy mountain views. Dogs on leash are welcome to use the trail, and a section of the route can be detoured through Fernie's off-leash parks.  The City of Fernie Leisure & Recreation Department and the Fernie Trails Alliance manage sections of these trails.

Fernie Town Trail

This town trail is 15km of connected trail around the fringe of Fernie. The easy and family-friendly trails travel a mixture of singletrack biking trails, gravel pathways, and paved surfaces. There's no specific starting place, but we've listed a few recommended spots on the map below which vehicular access and parking.

Recommended Sections 

Expect to take about three to four hours to walk the whole trail, and approximately one hour on a bike (excluding time stopped for taking a few photos along the way, cooling your feet off in the Elk River, drink and snacks break in Downtown Fernie). If you're looking for a shorter outing, these are some recommended sections you could do instead:

Fernie Visitor Information Centre to Maiden Lake | 2km Return

This short paved trail leads to the edge of the Fernie Town Trail. As you cross over the North Fernie Bridge, look out downstream to your right to see the Fernie Alpine Resort and the Lizard Range. On the opposite side of the bridge, take the path down and you'll have the option of passing under the bridge towards Maiden Lake (recommended), or continuing southwesterly along the town trail for an extended walk towards Dogwood Park.

Maiden Lake to Dogwood Park | 8km Return

This is a very scenic section of Fernie's Recreation Town trail which has been incorporated in the Great Trail (aka. Trans Canada Trail). It follows the Elk River as it curves through town. You'll catch a great view of the peak surrounding the City of Fernie from Maiden Lake, including Mount Fernie, the Three Sisters, Mount Proctor, and Mount Hosmer. The Fernie Alpine Resort is clearly visible from Dogwood Park, a popular swimming hole for locals to cool off on the hotter summer days.

This stroller-friendly gravel trail is flat with little elevation change. Vehicle parking at both Dogwood Park or Maiden Lake. The Bridge Bistro is at the midway point and is a great place to drop by for drinks or lunch.

Dogwood Park to James White Park | 4km Return

Continuing on from Dogwood Park, you'll cross the road bridge over Coal Creek and rejoin a trail heading towards James White Park. The park trail passes through the Lizard Range Disc Golf course and follows the Elk River shoreline.

James White Park also has free tennis, softball, horseshoe game, as well as disc golf facilities on-site.

There are many great walking trails and parks in and around Fernie. Check out the related documents for a PDF map of the local walking trails and related links for more information on local parks.