Fernie trails are gaining momentum for spring biking, hiking and running, with lower-elevation routes already in use and higher-elevation trails still waiting for drier conditions.
Across Fernie, the trail season is already part of daily life again. Riders are getting out for after-work laps, runners are returning to familiar loops, hikers are heading into the forest, and families are making the most of the town’s close-to-home access. Spring is one of the best times to enjoy Fernie trails, especially when users match their plans to the conditions.
Fernie’s trail network is a community matrix shaped by landowners, access agreements, volunteer labour, conservation values, local businesses, resort operators and trail groups. The system works because many people and organizations contribute in different ways, from planning and maintenance to access, education, events, conservation and day-to-day trail use.
The Fernie Trails Alliance is part of that picture. The FTA manages and supports trails and contributes to local trail planning, maintenance and advocacy. The organization also hosts volunteer work parties, generally on Thursdays at 6 p.m., with meeting locations announced each week. Trail users who ride, run and hike the network can support that work by showing up, helping with maintenance and contributing to the trails they enjoy.
Coal Creek Heritage Society also plays a key role in Fernie’s trail system, particularly in Montane and Ridgemont. These are among the community’s most-used close-to-town trail areas for biking, hiking, walking, running and winter recreation. CCHS helps maintain access and care for these trail networks, and its work is an important part of keeping Fernie’s everyday trail culture strong.
Fernie Alpine Resort adds another major layer to the local trail offering with lift-accessed mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing in the summer. The resort’s 2026 summer operations are scheduled to begin June 25, with the Elk Chair open daily and the Timber Chair operating on weekends and statutory holidays. FAR promotes one of the largest lift-accessed mountain bike trail networks in the Rockies, with trails ranging from machine-built beginner and intermediate routes to steeper technical singletrack for advanced and expert riders.
Island Lake Lodge remains one of Fernie’s signature summer trail destinations. Its hiking network includes routes across the Island Lake area, while Lazy Lizard provides a popular bike connection into the lodge. Island Lake lists Lazy Lizard as a seven-kilometre, one-way, up-and-down trail with 339 metres of elevation gain and an easy-to-moderate rating. The lodge also notes that Lazy Lizard is the only biking trail that accesses Island Lake Lodge and is designed for a range of ability levels, including novice and young riders.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is also part of the broader access and conservation story around Fernie. Some trail areas connect with landscapes where recreation, wildlife, grazing, habitat and conservation values overlap. Their recent land purchase in the Elk Valley has saved Fernie’s trails from future irresponsibe logging.
Local outdoor businesses, including Fernie’s bike and outdoor shops, also help keep the season moving and volunteers motivated. Their role is practical and valuable: gear, repairs, local advice, route suggestions and support for riders, hikers and runners who want to make good decisions before heading out. Shops like Gearhub also support the trail volunteers with discounts on gear bsed on hours contributed.
A new spirit of cooperation is also taking shape around the Coal Creek Heritage Trail, with Coal Creek Heritage Society working with Tourism Fernie and the Fernie Trails Alliance on the 30-kilometre Coal Creek Loop Trail and historical project. The project builds on the area’s mining history, recreation value and long-standing community access, while helping create a more complete trail experience from the Montane Trailhead into the Coal Creek corridor. A new multi-use trail now follows Coal Creek and includes a bridge and creekside seating area, adding both function and character to the route. It is a good example of how trail development in Fernie can connect recreation, heritage, interpretation and cooperation between local groups.
Supporting Fernie trails can also be hands-on. The Fernie Trails Alliance and Coal Creek Heritage Society both offer opportunities for people to contribute to trail maintenance. Volunteering for a trailwork party, buying a trail pass where applicable, donating to local trail groups and respecting landowner requirements all help keep Fernie’s trail system strong.
While plenty of trails around town are already in good shape, it is still early season in the mountains. Higher elevation trails may still be holding snow, mud, fallen trees or other hazards, and many are not ready for use yet. Checking conditions, choosing appropriate routes and turning around when needed helps protect both the trails and the people using them.
Fernie’s trail network supports recreation, health, tourism, events, small business and the outdoor character of the community. From a quick lunch-hour run to a family hike, an evening ride, a trailwork party or a full day in the mountains, the trail system connects people to the landscape and to each other.
Stay safe, happy trails, and have a great weekend.
