Biking in Fernie Easy & Family-Friendly Trails 2024 | Page 2

Fernie Valley Pathway Easy Beaver to Montane Hut
Cemetery Bypass to Rainer ’ s Way
3 4 5 6
Lazy Lizard ( incl . Connector )
Distance : 10.6km ( return ) Avg . Time : 2.25hrs
Distance : 7km ( return ) Avg . Time : 1hr
Distance : 2.7km ( return ) Avg . Time : 0.75hrs
Distance : 18km ( return ) Avg . Time : 3hrs
Elevation Gain : 15 m
Elevation Gain : 118 m
Elevation Gain : 116 m
Elevation Gain : 595 m
This newly paved trail is accessible to a diversity of users and includes river and mountain views , shaded picnic areas and a scenic duck pond . It also connects onto the Great Northern Trail leading to James White Park . Both the Fernie Valley Pathway and Great Northern Trail are suitable for strollers and there are public washrooms located in all the adjacent parks .
This adaptive trail leads to the Montane Hut via an easy , wide gravel trail , allowing various levels of trail users to enjoy views of the spectacular Lizard Range . The trail travels through forested sections before opening up to wide valley views in all directions . Once reaching the Montane Hut you can relax and savour the surrounding landscape from the viewpoint bench . During cooler weather , you can warm up inside the hut . This trail is suitable for chariots .
This popular loop is created through a connection of trails including Cemetery Bypass , Kiddy Up and Rainer ’ s Way ( formerly What ’ s Up Doc ). The trail offers a great introduction to single-track riding in Fernie , with moderately sustained climbing on gentle switchbacks through forested terrain . At the top of Cemetery Bypass you can stop and enjoy the view before starting the next set of climbs . The loop trail can be enjoyed in either direction .
This trail is accessible from the Mt . Fernie Provincial Park , where you ’ ll ascend to the beautiful Island Lake Lodge . Once there , take in the stunning mountain views before heading down and enjoying the smooth , flowing berms . This machine-built flowy trail winds through forest , old growth cedars , viewpoints and creek bridge crossings . As this trail is an out-and-back , be aware of riders in both directions , and note that shuttling to Island Lake Lodge is not permitted .
Location & Details
Location & Details
Location & Details
Location & Details
Park at the Visitor Centre off Hwy 3 and follow the paved trail south along the highway . After crossing the bridge , follow the trail heading downstream all the way to Bridge Bistro . Here you can take the West Fernie Bridge underpass to connect onto the Great Northern Trail that will take you through Dogwood Park boat launch to James White Park . This section of the trail is not paved . To stay on the paved Fernie Valley Pathway , turn left before the underpass and get on the bridge ( without crossing the highway ) to cross the Elk River and continue to Mt Fernie Park Road . Watch for Food Trucks sign along Hwy 3 and stop for a coffee or delicious lunch .
Did you know … Annex Park offers shaded picnic areas and features a new kids ’ playground , drinking water fountains , and more . James White Park is popular for a variety of activities including a disc golf course , tennis courts , and baseball diamonds .
Easy Beaver is part of the Montane trail network . The trailhead is located on Montane Parkway . From downtown take 4th Street across the train tracks , then turn right on Pine Ave . Continue past the Fernie Aquatic Centre and the bridge across Coal Creek , then turn left onto Montane Parkway . The Montane Trailhead will be on your left with ample parking , trail information and a portable toilet . Follow the wide trail and signage to Montane Hut . There is a new pit toilet located by the hut . This trail is within private property with access granted by the Montane landowner , Parastone Developments .
Did you know … Montane trail system is a popular area for cross country skiing , fatbiking and snowshoeing in the winter season .
This trail is situated within the Ridgemont neighbourhood and can be accessed starting from downtown ; limited parking at the trailhead . Depart downtown along 4th St , crossing the railway tracks and head up the hill on Ridgemont Drive . Take 1st right onto Ridgemont Crescent and right again onto St . Margaret ’ s Road . The trailhead is accessible just before the gates of St . Margaret ’ s Cemetery . Starting on Cemetery Bypass , the single-track moderately winds upwards until it plateaus above the City reservoir to join the gently ascending switchbacks of Kiddy Up via a short double-track section . Enjoy a break at the bench prior to beginning your descent on Rainer ’ s Way .
Did you know … Fernie ’ s free and refreshing Outdoor Splash Park is located close-by , right next to the Fernie Aquatic Centre .
Proceed to Mt Fernie Provincial Park , located 3 km west of Fernie off Hwy 3 . Continue through the campground and look for a designated parking lot on the right-hand side . Begin on the Hedonism / Stove Connector trail and turn left onto the Lazy Lizard Connector trail . Within 2km this meets up with the Lazy Lizard trail . From here it climbs moderately for the next 3km , then continues at a steeper ascent until reaching a viewpoint . The trail then levels out . Proceed to follow the signage if you wish to continue to Island Lake Lodge .
Did you know ... Island Lake is home to 800 year-old Cedar , Spruce and Douglas Fir trees . Dining , lodging & spa facilities are typically open from late June to mid September on select operating days .