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Mt. Fernie Provincial Park

Small provincial park, big personality since 1959.

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Situated in the southern portion of the Kootenay Range, this 259-hectare park is shadowed by the 2,133m high Mount Fernie and protects the drainage area of Lizard Creek. Lizard Creek flows through the park before forming a beautiful waterfall and emptying into the Elk River.

Surrounding forests consist of western larch, Douglas fir, black cottonwood, trembling aspen, western red cedar and spruce, including some areas of old-growth. Plantlife includes a variety of lichens, mosses, ferns and wildflowers. 

Mount Fernie Provincial Park was established in 1959 to protect the ecology of the lower Lizard Creek while providing recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors alike.

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This area is especially popular for mountain biking and hiking. The vast trail network offers a great opportunity for visitors to explore the Provincial Park and beyond. Keep in mind that these trails are shared multi-use trails so remember to keep your head up and be mindful of your surroundings.

Things To Do in the Provincial Park

Mountain Biking

The multi-use trail network weaves in and out of the provincial park connecting to the town of Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Island Lake Lodge. You'll be sure to find a trail you'll love whether you're looking for a family-friendly ride for novice riders, a white-knuckle rush to get the heart pumping, or to get your sweat on with a whole day enduro ride complete with grinding climbs and fast descents to test your stomach's capacity to hold down breakfast. More about mountain biking in the park

Hiking / Snowshoeing

If you want to take the tempo down a level, the multi-use trail network is all explorable on foot. Popular trail names to hike from Mt. Fernie Provincial Park include Sherwoody Forest, Gorby, Happy Gilmar, Old Goat, Stove, Dem Bones and more. The Bridge View Connector, and Provincial Park Connector is a gentle introductory hike what is accessible year-round. 

Dry Fly Fishing

Lizard Creek is a small tributary feeding into the Elk River in Fernie. The small streams are an ideal spot for younger fly fishers to try their first casts and maybe land their first Westslope Cutthroat Trout.

If you are planning to fish in Fernie during your stay you'll need to purchase your Fishing Licence either nline prior to your arrival or with one of our local outfitters. Fly fishing season on local rivers and streams goes from June 15 until March 30. Learn more about Fly Fishing in Fernie.

Cross-Country Skiing

The Elk Valley Nordic Centre is right next to the campgrounds and features over 9km of groomed and track-set trails connecting to Fernie Alpine Resort. Day users are welcome to make use of the warming hut which is also available to hire for private events. These trails are for cross-country skiing only, and weave, climb and descend through a beautifully sheltered forest with surrounded by views of the neighbouring mountain peaks. There is a day-use fee for non-members which can be paid in cash at the entrance box collections. 

Camping

There are 43 vehicle-accessible campsites within the park. A few of them are available on a first-come first serve basis. Campsites are nestled in the trees offering a little more privacy. Showers, toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and drinking water is available within the camping area. The campground's operation season is typically from June until the end of September. Gates are closed outside of the operating season and no services are provided. Learn more or book a campsite. 

Quiet Moments in the Park