STEPPING BACK IN TIME hiking the Coal Creek Heritage Trail
The Coal Creek Heritage Trail is one of the area’ s most easily accessible hikes. The trail provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of coal mining in the Elk Valley. A series of 15 interpretive panels along the route tell the story of the people who once lived here and the industry that thrived in the Coal Creek Valley. Artifacts, historical ruins and even a sulphur spring can be spotted on the way.
William Fernie and twenty miners imported from Cape Breton started the region’ s first coal mine east of Fernie in preparation for the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The mine was in operation from 1897 to 1958 and was
TRAILHEAD: The trail follows the abandoned Morrissey-Fernie-Michel Railway bed to the ghost town of Coal Creek and can be accessed from three trailheads: at the Fernie Aquatic Centre Trail Hub, at the Rifle Range on Coal Creek Road, or at the Coal Creek townsite.
From the Aquatic Centre the trail begins with the first section, ending at the entrance to St Mary’ s Cemetery. From here, follow Coal Creek Road the heart of the Crow’ s Nest Pass Coal Co. operations, along with the Michel- Natal mine.
The town of Coal Creek grew up around the mine. In is heyday, over 1,000 people of all nationalities lived in the community. An explosion at the Coal Creek mine on May 22, 1902 left 128 miners dead and remains one of Canada’ s worst mining disasters to this date. The mine closed after 61 years in operation, and today all that remains of this once vibrant community are ruins of the coke ovens and the mine plant, and imprints of the homes, stores, churches, and community halls that once proudly stood.
to pick up the trail again at the Rifle Range Kiosk and continue to the townsite trailhead.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Beginner, with some short steep sections. Wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Take snacks and water. Always be aware of local wildlife when hiking in Fernie.
DISTANCE: Round trip is 14 km ELEVATION GAIN: Approx 200 m
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