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 by foot , bike or vehicle ! The wide and easy Great Northern Trail along the Elk River in town connects it all or drive to the various locations between the Fernie Visitor Centre , Maiden Lake , Annex Park and James White Park . You can also go to West Fernie , at the end of Eckersley Street and follow the trail up river . Please be considerate of local 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 such as Sherwoody and Gorby by foot or mountain bike . 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
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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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Fernie Alpine Resort
FAIRY CREEK
West Fernie
To Cottonwood Forest >
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ELK RIVER
James White Park
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Annex Park P
11th St .
4th St .
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Fernie
Visitor Centre
COKATO ROAD
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Historic Downtown
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Maiden Lake
2nd Ave .
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Fernie Aquatic Centre
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Town Loop & Coal Discovery Trail
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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 .