Spring in Fernie, BC is Synonymous with Adventure
In Fernie, BC, spring is a special season. At lower elevations you’ll find clear trails, a surging river and sunny downtown patios that beckon you to explore and unwind in an unpretentious mountain town that’s well-worth discovering.
Here’s how to make the most of the beautiful shoulder season in Fernie.
Ride the Wild Waters of Spring Snowmelt
Fernie boasts outstanding white-water rafting on the Bull and Elk rivers from spring through early fall. The wildest, most thrilling rides happen in spring, when snowmelt surges through the canyon, creating intense rapids and face-splashing fun. Canyon Raft Company and Tunnel49 offer white water rafting and kayak river adventures for all skill levels.
For a day on the water without the adrenaline kick, book a scenic float on the calmer stretch of the river. This (almost) splash-free outing is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Lace Up Your Boots
With hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails to explore in high-season, there are plenty of options already available in spring for novices and outdoor experts alike.
The Montane area trails on the south end of town are typically the first to open in spring. For a relatively gentle hike, choose the aptly named Easy Beaver adaptive trail. This seven kilometre out-and-back trail to Montane Hut offers stunning views over Elk Valley with just 118 metres of elevation gain.
For an easy creekside walk, head to Fairy Creek Falls trail, where spring sees the falls run extra full and misty with snowmelt. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Castle Rock is a rewarding 12 kilometre out-and-back hike with roughly 650 metres of elevation. You’ll get plenty of views along the way and catch the colour of early-season wildflowers bursting into bloom.
Get in the Saddle
Just like hikers, mountain bikers can tackle the Montane area cross-country trails early in the spring season. Easy Beaver is a good choice for all abilities on wheels as well as on foot. Roots is an early season favourite for intermediate riders. For a technical, singletrack descent, head to Carpal Tunnel.
The south-facing Ridgemont trails also open early in the season. The Cemetery Bypass trail is a popular option, which winds through the forest to Rainier’s Way.
For the classic Fernie mountain biking experience, tackle the climb from the Visitor Centre up Swine Flu Trail on Mount Proctor and soak in the epic views over Fernie and the Lizard Range before the ride downhill.
If you didn’t bring your own bike (or just want to try something different), you can rent one downtown at GearHub, Ski Base or Straight Line Bicycles. Need an extra boost? Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on Fernie’s multi-use trails.
Make Mountain Town Memories
It’s no surprise that a small mountain town renowned for outdoor adventure also has an unpretentious vibe and a strong sense of community.
Lined with century-old buildings and framed by towering peaks, the Historic Downtown area is truly a stunner. Stroll along 2nd Avenue for an afternoon of shopping, grab lunch at Big Bang Bagels, or settle in for dinner at The Brickhouse—housed in a historic bank built in 1909.
For a locally made tipple, head to Fernie Distillers (don’t miss the Spruce Tip Gin) or Fernie Brewing Company.
To dig into the history that makes Fernie such a special place, visit the Fernie Museum or pick up a self-guided Heritage Walk tour map from the Visitor Centre.
Plan Your Trip With The Iconic Fernie App
For self-guided exploration, download the Iconic Fernie Mobile App. This free app includes inspiration to make the most of your time in this beautiful BC destination. You can also collect points along your journey to redeem for local rewards!
This article is sponsored by Tourism Fernie
Where small town charm meets adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Fernie is a historic mountain town founded in 1898. Fernie is located in southeast British Columbia, Canada and is completely surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
