Road Trippin’ Elk Valley

It’s only about 10 km from Fernie but it feels like you are in ‘another place.’

Island Lake, and Island Lake Lodge, is one of those magical locations where one is able to stop and reflect, “wow, this is my back yard. This is home.”

Life in the East Kootenay does not get finer than when we step into the great beyond of the boundless backcountry of B.C.’s Crown land.

Island Lake, easily accessible by vehicle, bicycle or foot, is actually 7,000 acres of the former Cedar Valley Company (mill/logging) land, now owned by Mica Heli Guides, which operates the beautiful alpine Island Lake Lodge.

Now a four-season operation, Island Lake Lodge offers accommodations and haute cuisine along with access to a wide variety of trails for hiking and some for biking. In the winter, it is winter sports heaven with extensive Snow-cat operations allowing for fantastic access to some of the most jaw-dropping country in a region internationally renowned for jaw-dropping scenery.

In Fernie to cover the celebration of the completion of the West Fernie servicing project, we decided to head up to Island Lake Lodge for a munch and hike afterward and opted to take the easy, two kilometre Lake Trail, which circles Island Lake.

There is nothing like the delicious cedar aroma that accompanies you as you hike and there is the added bonus of being able to avail oneself to the diverse delectables and beverages in the lodge’s two dining establishments.

To access Island Lake Lodge head to Mount Fernie Provincial Park, drive through it and follow the road uphill for 8.2 km.

Photos and video by Carrie Schafer and Ian Cobb

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