After months of planning, working and fundraising the Fernie Trails Alliance held the grand re-opening of the Coal Creek Heritage Trail. The directors of the Trails Alliance and guests gathered at the bike hut by the Aquatic Centre and after a brief introduction by Terry Nelson everyone walked around the hut to check out the new kiosk interpretive sign.
From there everyone went by vehicle or bike to the official start of the trail where long-time director, trail builder and Trails Alliance president Terry Nelson pointed out the newly erected sign with the top left image of the iconic Ghostrider symbolizing the new style of signs that the City has adopted.
From there a leisurely hike was enjoyed along the trail that is cleared and easily walkable. What makes it very pleasant is not only the surrounding scenery of trees, wild flowers and grasses but also the 12 interpretive signs strategically placed to explain what the ruins that are clearly visible once were. It is a pleasant hike that is punctuated by new walking bridges over clear picturesque creeks, a bubbling sulphur creek and along the way rusty artifacts and old stone walls that once were thriving mine offices, shops and other important buildings that made up the Coal Creek Mines and the town site itself.
This hike was particularly meaningful as Pat Gilmar, a member involved for over 25 years was also present to talk about the work that had been done to make this trail possible as was Bernie Pulsifer and Ian Stokie. Doug Temple from Tembec was present as was Museum curator Mike Pennock who has a lot of knowledge of the history of Coal Creek and Dr. Macbeth, Doug Feeley, and Julie Kelly, the new manager for the Trails Alliance.
The Fernie Trails Alliance is made up of the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club, Fernie Mountain Bike Club, the Fernie Nordic Society and Island Lake Lodge.
Thanks and Congratulations go to all the members of this group of volunteers who are responsible for building, maintaining and enhancing the trail network in and around Fernie. This work is significant and very important both recreationally and economically to our town. To view some of the kiosk interpretive signage click below:
