When the Rocky Mountain summer arrives, the alpine celebration continues as
outdoor enthusiasts bring out hiking boots, fat tires, kayak blades and fishing
poles.
Mountain Biking
Fernie offers hundreds of miles of
beautiful riding terrain for any skill
and appetite. Local riders are out every weekend in the summer adding to this
extensive network of trails. Lift-accessed mountain biking is another exciting
option following riders to explore Fernie Alpine Resort's extensive trail
system.Fernie has an extensive mountain bike trail network that caters from intermediate to
advanced riders, minutes from the hostel front doors. For all maps, cool pics updates and
useful information please check out the Fernie mountain bike club website
www.bikefernie.ca...you wont be disappointed.
Hiking
Fernie boasts an incredible array of scenic hiking trails. Sturdy
boots and a sense of adventure will take you farther into ancient
old-growth cedar forests, through alpine meadows alive with wildflowers,
and atop high mountain peaks. Many of the trails are located just
minutes from town. Guided tours are hosted by Nature Bob at Fernie
Alpine Resort and Fernie Wilderness adventures.
Caving
Try caving in the Canadian Rockies!! caving adventures are literally a 20 minute car ride away from the hostel front steps.
Scenic Chair-lift Rides
Operating everyday during the summer months, a
chair-lift ride at Fernie Alpine Resort will take you to new heights. Whether
you plan to sit amongst the wildflowers and enjoy the view or carry on farther
to experience the challenging ridge walk this stunning vista will overwhelm you.
Horseback is an excellent way to explore the lush forests and
alpine meadows in the Elk Valley. From an afternoon ride around
Fernie Alpine Resort to a multi-day back-country adventure, several
local outfitters offer great trail-riding opportunities.
On The Water
Originating in Elk Lakes Provincial Park, the Elk River flows peacefully
south through the Elk Valley, with occasional riffles and white-water waves.
With the exception of spring run-off periods, the sections of river close to
Fernie are ideally suited to canoeists and intermediate paddlers. During hot
summer days, it is common to see people swimming and inner-tubing down the
river to cool off. Further south, the Lower Elk River is best suited for
white-water enthusiasts, offering up to class 4+ waters. Professionally guided
rafting trips are a great way to view the awe-inspiring canyon. Another great
way to cool off is to visit the 'South Country' lakes. All a short drive from
Fernie, Tie, Surveyors and Koocanusa lakes, offer sandy beaches, clear water
and spectacular views.
The Elk River is the easternmost watershed in
British Columbia, fed by more than thirty tributaries. Easily accessible
throughout most of it's length and flowing right through Fernie, it is not
uncommon to see fishermen walk only several meters from their back door to
access their favorite fishing hole. An exceptional dry-fly river, its season
starts in late June, producing excellent dry-fly hopper fishing throughout the
hot summer months. With wild populations of West Slope Cutthroat Trout, Bull
Trout and Whitefish. The Elk River supports some of the largest Bull Trout
found anywhere (up to 20 LBS)!
A guided float-trip in a Mackenzie-style drift boat
is a great way to get to know the local action on the Elk, while many smaller
rivers and tributaries are ideally suited for wading. As with many other
significant fishing rivers in North America, catch-and-release practices are
commonly used and encouraged on the Elk River. Lake Koocanusa is a short 30
minute drive from Fernie and produces excellent fishing for Kokanee and several
other species throughout the summer months.
Wildlife
With abundant wildlife surrounding the river and
many alpine lakes, the Elk Valley has been referred to as Canada's Serengeti,
featuring the densest populations of Rocky Mountain Goats and Non-coastal
Grizzly Bears in British Columbia - as well as elk, white-tail deer, moose,
cougar, wolves and black bears. The valley is also home to a wonderful variety
of bird species including loons, grebes, wood ducks, golden and bald eagles,
rosy finches and calliope hummingbirds. a Drive along any one of the area's
back roads or a short jaunt into the forest usually produces excellent
opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Please be aware that
when exploring the Elk Valley's back country you are in bear country and
appropriate precautions should be exercised.
Summer fun ..... Let the games begin........................... Happy 08,08,08 or Happy 24!
Unimog Adventures
Let us take you to Fernie hidden treasures! The unimog is available
for backcountry adventures and scenic tours. If you are looking
for the ultimate mountain bike adventure let us drop your group
at the microwave tower....the ultimate double black ride and not
for the faint hearted!
Summer is just another fun-filled season at the Raging Elk Hostel. Full of
adventure and surprises, the summer months promise to keep you in shape for
your winter.
