Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Issue 1 Summer 2016 | Page 15

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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