Mount Fernie Provincial Park

Mount Fernie Provincial Park is a small park with a big personality.

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. Abundant wildlife, diverse vegetation and waterfalls highlight this 38-vehicle/tenting site park just west of Fernie.

This area is also 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

Camping

There are 43-vehicle accessible campsites within the park. 9 of which are available on a first-come first serve basis. Camping at the park is permitted year-round however the facilities are only available when the park is open during the summer season (June 1st -Sept 30th). 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.

Making a reservation prior to travel is highly recommended and can be done online.

Biking

The multi-use trail network weaves in and out of the provincial park connecting to the City of Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Island Lake Lodgebike. 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.

Hiking/Snowshoe

If you want to take the tempo down a level, the multi-use trail network is all explorable on foot. Pick up a Fernie Hiking & Biking Trail Map from any of the outdoor shops along Historic Downtown 2nd Avenue, or from the Visitor Information Centre. You can also find a digital copy below. 

The Bridge View Connector, and Provincial Park Connector is a gentle introductory hike what is accessible year-round. If you are looking to explore high into the alpine this summer, then Island Lake Lodge and Fernie Alpine Resorts are short drives from Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Be sure to check out these 'Must-Do Fernie Hikes'.

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 we recommend that you purchase your Fishing Licence online prior to your arrival.

Cross Country (XC) Ski

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 cross country-specific trails 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. 

Winter opening varies depending on snowfall, but grooming normally begins in late-November into early-December. Additionally, depending on winter snowfall, the trails will stay open and maintained until around late-March when spring melt will expose some trail hazards.

Cross country skis can be hired from any of the outdoor shops along Historic Downtown 2nd Avenue, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Mountain High Adventures.