It’s been an incredible week spent with our friends in Calgary, and we’re now back on the road, making our way to southern British Columbia. Our journey took us over the stunning Crows Nest Pass, an incredible scenic route that offers stunning views of the mountains and forests below.
One of the highlights of the drive was a short stop at the Frank Slide, a natural rock slide that occurred in 1903, burying the town of Frank in over 100 million tons of rock and debris. It’s a sobering reminder of the power of nature, and seeing it from the ground gave us a different perspective from the aerial view we saw the previous week.
We arrived at the Fernie RV Resort, a lovely camping spot that’s surrounded by towering mountains and the fast flowing Elk River. The resort is a great base for exploring Fernie, a charming mountain town that’s rich in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Fernie is a former coal mining town that has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Today, it’s a thriving outdoor recreation destination, with skiing, snowboarding, and hiking being some of the most popular activities. The town is also home to a number of historic buildings and charming streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.
As we wander the streets of Fernie, we can’t help but be charmed by its quaint atmosphere and friendly locals. The town has a real sense of community, and everyone seems to know everyone else. We’ve enjoyed exploring its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and we’re looking forward to discovering even more of what this area has to offer. Click on thumbnail to view image
Fernie, BC
Fernie Alpine Resort
The next morning, we woke up eager to explore the surrounding mountains and headed up to the Fernie Alpine Resort. This world-renowned ski resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, and is a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers alike.
We took the chairlift to the top, and were greeted with stunning panoramic views of the mountains and forests below. The sky was a little smokey which added an ethereal look to the distant mountains. We were lucky to meet a local naturalist who provided us with a wealth of information about the flora and fauna of the region and suggested a great hike back down to the base.
The hike took us through a virgin Spruce forest, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. We were surrounded by giant, towering trees where the only sounds were occasional bird calls punctuating the silence. It was a peaceful and serene experience, and we felt so grateful to be surrounded by such natural beauty. We made our way back to the mountain base and were pleased to find a cozy bar with a great selection of beer and fantastic pretzels. Click on thumbnail to view image
Island Lake Lodge
On our final day in Fernie, we headed to the famous Island Lake Lodge, a breathtakingly beautiful mountain resort that’s known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking views. The lodge is surrounded by towering peaks, sparkling lakes, and lush forests, and offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
In the winter, Island Lake Lodge is a popular destination for cat skiing, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy miles of untracked powder in some of the most beautiful backcountry terrain in the world. And in the summer, the lodge offers fantastic hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the surrounding mountains and forests.
In addition to its outdoor recreation opportunities, Island Lake Lodge is also a popular wedding spot. The stunning setting and breathtaking views make it a truly unforgettable venue for a special day.
After a leisurely hike around the lake, we stopped in at the Lodge for a fantastic lunch on the patio overlooking the lake. The scenery was simply stunning, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to end our stay in British Columbia. Click on thumbnail to view image
