Wildlife Viewing Tips
• Dawn and dusk are the best times, but always keep your eyes open.
• Be quiet and keep pets under control or ideally leave them at home. Wildlife consider dogs predators and quickly disappear.
• Stand quietly in one place where you might expect to see wildlife. Close your eyes and listen. Then watch and observe.
• Give wildlife space. Keep your distance so that adults are not scared away from maternal care leaving young vulnerable to predators. Instead, use binoculars or spotting scope to get a closer look.
• Be wildlife aware. Use appropriate caution and learn about avoiding conflicts before you venture into wildlife areas. For more information visit wildsafebc. com.
• As you explore please be respectful of the environment around you and others. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Take only photographs and explore safely.
Exploring # 4 & 5
Varied Thrush
Exploring # 2
Townsend’ s Warbler
Black Bear
Common Merganser Pair
Discover Wildlife in Fernie
The diversity of ecosystems in Fernie provide unrivalled birding and wildlife viewing opportunities year-round and especially in spring and fall season.
• Flowing Mountain Creeks: Mountains are like water towers trapping snow and rain. Rushing creeks drain the steep terrain from‘ water tower’ mountains above. Look for: American Dipper, Spotted Sandpiper, Dark-eyed Junco
• Riparian Forests & Wetlands: Riparian areas and wetlands transition from the Elk River to drier uplands. Wetlands store water for adapted plants and animals. Look for: Western Painted Turtles, Common Garter Snake, Western Toad, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Beaver, Moose
• Montane Forests( Valley Bottom): Sharing the space for both people and wildlife. Everything moves across the valley bottom. Look for: Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Coyotes, Fox, Varied Thrush, Rufous Hummingbird, Columbia Ground Squirrel
Explore Fernie’ s Diverse Ecosystems
1. Flowing Mountain Creek: Fairy Creek
Fairy Creek flows into the Elk River just north of town and is the community’ s watershed. This important creek can be explored by hiking to Fairy Creek Falls as part of the Mt Proctor Trail. The 5km return hike to the falls is family-friendly and begins at the Fernie Visitor Information Centre located at 102 Commerce Road along Highway 3 on the north end of town.
Island Lake Lodge
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Old Growth Trail
5. Old Growth Forests:
Explore Island Lake Lodge’ s Old Growth Trail, a moderate 8km return hike open June to September. Or head further south along Hwy 3 off Morrissey Road by the train tracks to explore the Ancient Cottonwood Trail, a gentle 2km loop hike.
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< To Island Lake Lodge
2. Riparian Forests & Wetlands: Along Elk River, Maiden Lake & McDougal / West Fernie Wetland
There is much to explore on foot or bike by taking the wide and easy Great Northern Trail( 2a) and the paved Fernie Valley Pathway( 2b). The trail system connects the various locations between the Fernie Visitor Centre, Maiden Lake, Annex Park and James White Park. You can also go to West Fernie to the end of Eckersley Street and follow the trail downstream. Please be considerate of residents.
MT. FERNIE PARK ROAD
GORBY BRIDGE
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Sherwoody
4. Subalpine & Old Growth Forests: Mt Fernie Provincial Park & Fernie Alpine Resort
Explore the forested trails of Mt Fernie Provincial Park by foot or mountain bike, such as Stove and Dem Bones loop, or Sherwoody and Gorby trails. Towards the top of Gorby about 2km up the trail you’ ll encounter some of Fernie’ s giant cedars. There are many trails to explore while looking for wildlife. Fernie Alpine Resort is open for summer late June to early September for lift access hiking, sightseeing and biking.
Photo Credits: Ryan Schultz, Vince Mo, The Afternoon Birder, Canyon Raft Company, Matt Kuhn, Beartooth Media
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• Subalpine Forests: Forests drape down the mountain sides and lead up to the high alpine at the top. Look for: Red Squirrels, Steller’ s Jay, American Pine Marten, Snowshoe Hare
• Old Growth Forests: Explore
Great Blue Heron ancient Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Spruce and Cottonwoods. Look for: Townsend’ s Warbler, Winter Wren, Grizzly Bear, Bald Eagle, Long-Toed Salamander.
The variety and quality of ecosystems near Fernie make an ideal area for wildlife viewing. Some animals are common, while others such as Bear, Beaver and Moose are more recluse and less likely to be seen.
Each of these unique ecosystems provide distinctive food, shelter and characteristics for wildlife habitat amidst humans living, recreating and working. Explore each area and discover the variety of wildlife rarely found elsewhere in the world.
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
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LIZARD CREEK
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2b
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Fernie Alpine Resort
FAIRY CREEK
West Fernie
To Cottonwood Forest >
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ELK RIVER
James White Park
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1
Annex Park P
11th St.
4th St.
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Fernie
Visitor Centre
COKATO ROAD
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Historic Downtown
P Montane
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2a
Maiden Lake
2nd Ave.
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3
Fernie Aquatic Centre
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Town Loop & Coal Discovery Trail
COAL CREEK
3. Montane Forests
Download the TRAILFORKS App for local GPS trails.
Hike or bike either or both of these options for as long as you want to go. Montane trails can take you all the way to a beautiful viewscape at Montane Hut( 7km return), or park at Fernie’ s offleash dog park on 13th, cross the street and take Coal Discovery Trail northeast.