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.

For more information call (250) 423-4655 or visit www.skifernie.com

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.

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 Rides

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.

Enjoy the raging water of the Elk River & Bow River with Mountain High River Adventures.

Fly-fishing

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 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.