Mount Proctor Area

Accessing the snowshoe trails in the Mount Proctor area starts at the Fernie Visitor Information Centre located at 102 Commerce Rd on Hwy #3, east of town. The trailhead is marked with a large sign in the parking lot and is the starting point for both trails from behind the Centre.. Warm-up inside before or after your hike where you'll find washrooms, fresh drinking water, and WiFi.

 | Fairy Creek Falls | 5km return | 120m elevation gain | 1.5hrs

This waterfall at the base of Mount Proctor attracts plenty of hikers during the warmer months. It's even more stunning in the winter with soft marshmallow islands appearing to float over the creek. The trailhead begins at the Visitor Information Centre north of town just off Highway 3.

 | Swine Flu | 7.5km Loop | 337m elevation gain | 2-3hrs 

This trail is high up on the list of local’s favourite mountain bike trails. In the winter however, it’s perfect for an out and back wander by snowshoe rewarded with a picturesque view of Fernie, Ridgemont, Castle Mountain, and the Lizard Range.

Unfortunately, due to this hike crossing into land shared by livestock, no dogs are permitted for this adventure. 

Montane & Castle Mountain

Drive past the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Ave and turn left onto Coal Creek Road. There is a parking lot along the road on your right. The trailhead begins after the bridge over Coal Creek. Follow the multi-use trail markers for Montane Blue.

This area is popular with fatbikers, cross country skiers, dog walkers, and snowshoers.

 | Easy Beaver to Montane Hut | 4.8km Return | 82m elevation gain | 1.5hrs 

This multi-use groomed trail includes forested sections that open up to wide valley views of the spectacular Lizard Range. At the Montane Hut you can relax and savour the surrounding Lizard Range landscape from the viewpoint bench, or warm up inside the hut.

We totally recommend packing in a lunch and flask of hot cocoa. Pick up the Fernie Winter Trail Map to make sure you stay on trails designated for snowshoers.

If looking to extend your adventure, there are two add-on options from the Montane Hut:

 | Montane Hut to Marlu Trail | 3km Loop | 93m elevation gain | 1hrs 

An alternate route to get back to the parking lot from the Montane Hut. Marlu trail connects back onto the Easy Beaver.

 | Montane Hut to Hyperventilation Bench | 4km Return | 250m elevation gain | 1.5hrs 

Continue from the Montane Hut to Roots and Hyperventilation, for added cardio and even more stunning views of the Lizard Range from the viewpoint bench. Return the same way to the hut.

Mount Fernie Provincial Park

The trailhead is just a five-minute drive west out of Fernie, located 3km west of Fernie off Hwy 3. After turning onto Mt. Fernie Park Road, continue a short way along until reaching a designated parking lot on the right-hand side.

 | Lizard Creek | 4km Loop | 2hrs

This bridge to bridge hike starts at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre parking lot. Follow the trail over the bridge, and climb the Bridge View Connector, join Sherwoody, before descending down Gorby over the upper bridge. You can either return via the same route, or by following the Provincial Park Connector back to the Nordic Centre parking lot.

 | Lazy Lizard | 16km return | 576m elevation gain | 5-6hrs

The Lazy Lizard is a long winding trail leading up to Island Lake Lodge from Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Along the way, you’ll be passing Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Spruce trees as old as 800 years, with periodic breaks in the treeline to give you a stunning view of the Lizard Range. Please note that there is no lunch service at Island Lake Lodge this year.

Fernie Alpine Resort

A perfect activity if you're needing a break from skiing powder at the ski resort. If arriving by vehicle, parking is available at Fernie Alpine Resort. The trail starts just past the resort’s Village Base area, beside the Elk Chair. Take caution where the trail crosses the Highline Drive roadway.Trails start at the rear of  Parking Lot 4. 

 | Double Creek Loop | 3km Return | 1hr - 1.5hrs 

The trail begins with a consistent uphill stretch on groomed terrain, then transitioning into a lovely singletrack loop through a mature forest of Larch and Cedar trees. This multi-use trail also includes several bridged creek crossings. The trail starts from the south corner of Parking Lot #4 at Fernie Alpine Resort.

 | Hobbit's Trail, FAR Out, Honey Bee | 4 km Return | 2hrs

From the resort, this wide groomed trail begins just past the Elk Chair and crosses over Highline Drive before continuing into the forest. Hobbit’s Trail winds gently uphill to the Boomerang Chair, then changes to single-track on FAR Out. Return downhill on Honeybee and Hobbit’s trail back to the base.

The multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort are regularly groom for fatbikers, cross-country skiers, and snow shoers. Ask at Guest Services for guided interpretive tours. Rentals are available Sports Alpine Rental.

Find this handy guide to snowshoeing in Fernie at the Visitor Information Centre, or get the digital version for your devices below

Don't forget to share your snowshoe adventure with #ferniestoke. For more information and helpful tips check out our snowshoe page.

Trail Etiquette & Safety:

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
• Be respectful of other trail users and their enjoyment of the trail
• Be aware of wildlife, make noise, keep dogs on leash where required
• Respect the environment and leave no trace. All garbage must be packed out and deposited in proper receptacles
• Check the weather forecast before you go, plan and dress accordingly. Bring water and pack snacks for energy
• Support the local trails with a donation or membership • Stay on designated trails and adhere to signage
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited
• Check out AdventureSmart.ca and Avalanche.ca for information on how to stay safe outdoors in the winter months

Don't forget to share your snowshoe adventure with #ferniestoke. For more information and helpful tips check out our snowshoe page.