Newly reopened hiking & biking trail with interpretive signage and a new suspension bridge over Coal Creek.
Newly reopened hiking & biking trail with interpretive signage and a new suspension bridge over Coal Creek.
Newly reopened hiking & biking trail with interpretive signage and a new suspension bridge over Coal Creek.
Newly reopened hiking & biking trail with interpretive signage and a new suspension bridge over Coal Creek.
Hike or bike this newly restored historic trail to the former-townsite of Coal Creek and a new suspension bridge east of Fernie. Whilst completely abandoned now, the small coal mining community was once home to over a thousand residents over a century ago.
Learn about the history of coal and coal mining operations in the Elk Valley, local wildlife, Canada's largest ammonite fossil that was discovered in 1947, and still lies in its original location, and more.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs one-way (to the Suspension Bridge)
Distance: 10.8 km one-way (to the Suspension Bridge)
Elevation Gain: 301 m
Elevation Loss: 92 m
Park at Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Ave, the trail head is located at the wooden kiosk by the parking lot.
Alternative trailhead, which would shorten the trail by 2.5 km, is located on Coal Creek road. Continue on Pine Ave past the Aquatic Centre and take the 1st left onto Coal Creek Road. Drive on this road for about 2 km until you see a parking lot on your right. The trail will be just across the road from the parking lot. Please note the parking is limited and there are no facilities at this trail head.
Coal Creek Heritage Trail is graded Green / Easy with very few short climbs making it ideal for family hikers and bikers. (Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on Fernie trails.)
A new interpretive signage was installed in June 2026 allowing for a look into the rich history and fascinating facts about this area.
Don't be alarmed when you likely begin to smell an odour of sulphur as you travel further up the trail until you arrive at one of the first old mine portals where a bridge crosses the seepage from the mine. The trail is well marked, where you will be led into the old Coal Creek Townsite. Many old foundation ruins and mining artefacts can be seen along this section of the trail. After passing through a large opening the trail sets off to the left following beside a large drainage feature, then you will exit at the townsite trailhead kiosk. You are encouraged to have a good look around, but remember many hazards may exist off of the trail so do so at your own risk.
Continue until you reach the new suspension bridge.
The suspension bridge was completed and officially opened in June 2026. It is built adjacent to the old suspension structure that used to carry a water pipe from Matheson Creek to the old town. From the Aquatic Centre trail head, it take about 3-4 hours / 10.8km to hike to the bridge.
Suspension Bridge Stats:
If you want to extend your adventure, we recommend visiting Matheson Falls. Cross the suspension bridge and follow the trail to Coal Creek road where there is a road bridge across Matheson Creek. The trailhead to the falls will be on your left. The distance from the suspension bridge to the trailhead is only about 150 m and the fall are only another 600 m away.
The short trail to Matheson Fall is rated Blue / Moderate due to some ladder features.
