If you’re new to hiking in Fernie, the Island Lake Lodge comes highly recommended with some of the most scenic hiking around. Island Lake includes over 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness and highly maintained trails for various skill levels. Don’t miss the hike up Spineback Trail for some of the best views of the area. You’ll love this place!
Last Updated: March 27, 2024
I had no idea where to go hiking in Fernie. Back in August 2021, we ended up down in Fernie with friends at Mount Fernie Campground. I asked one of the parks staff where I should go hiking and Island Lake Lodge was the clear suggestion. Specifically, Spineback Trail was highlighted as an awesome option with spectacular panoramic views from the ridge. That was enough for me. I woke early while my campmates slept and made my way over to Island Lake Lodge, just minutes away from Mount Fernie Provincial Park.
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Table of Contents
About Spineback Trail
Location: Island Lake Lodge, Fernie, British Columbia
Distance: 7 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (depending on fitness)
Elevation: 575 m elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Spineback Trail begins at Island Lake Lodge just 20 minutes from Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Island Lake itself provides stunning scenery at the beginning of the hike, before heading into the forest and gradually up several switchbacks. Once above the treeline, rugged mountain views abound as you make your way up Spineback Ridge, with the famous “Scot Schmidt” Bonsai tree hanging off the side. A worthy reward for this leg-burner!
Spineback Trail Map
Island Lake Lodge — Scenic Hiking in Fernie, BC
Island Lake Lodge is known as one of the best places to go hiking in Fernie. Visitors enjoy family-friendly trails, like the loop around the Island Lake, and more challenging hikes like the popular Spineback Trail. It’s not too difficult to fit a couple of hikes in before lunch. When I visited, I started with Spineback Trail and finished Lake Trail before calling it a day. If you start early enough, you might even have these trails all to yourself.
Interestingly, the entire valley beyond Mount Fernie Provincial Park is privately owned, including Island Lake Lodge and the well-maintained trail network. Island Lake Lodge’s hiking trails are privately maintained and available to locals and visitors alike free of charge. If you have time, enjoy a bit to eat or drink after your hike at the lodge.
Read next: Mount Fernie Provincial Park — What You Need To Know
Finding the Trailhead
Spineback Trailhead is located at Island Lake Lodge about 20 minutes west of our campsite at Mount Fernie Provincial Park. If you’re coming from downtown Fernie, head south on Highway 3 (Crowsnest Hwy) until reaching the sign for Mount Fernie Provincial Park (you can’t miss it!). Turn right onto Mt Fernie Park Rd and continue along for about 20 minutes. Keep right at the Island Lake Lodge sign and pass the lower parking area next to Old Growth Trail. After around 8 km, approach the stunning log cabin lodge with the main parking area to the right. No fee for day-use parking.
Spineback Trail — Hiking in Fernie
Are you ready to head out? Spineback Trail begins near the west end of Island Lake. To get started, head right onto Lake Trail until you come across the marked junction. Continue following the signs for the Spineback Trail. If you begin early enough, you can enjoy the peaceful calm and quiet of Island Lake. When I arrived around 7:00am, the glassy lake reflected the surrounding mountains in a tranquil moment. It’s worth admiring the lake for a minute.
Continue to eventually find gradual switchbacks heading up through the forest and above the treeline. Spineback Trail soon narrows slightly as you progress, but this well-maintained route is never overgrown. Turn around every once in a while to find increasingly better views as you work your way up. As you approach the boulders, listen closely to hear the high-pitched alarm of pika scurrying below. If you stand still long enough, these cute rodent-like mammals may even make an appearance. At this point, you’re hiking parallel to the ridge above on your left. Trekking poles were helpful here.
As I continued hiking toward the ridge, I didn’t find the trail technical or difficult. If you’re a regular hiker, this may feel like a fairly moderate hiking trial. Your experience will be based on your skill level and personal fitness. Take a break on the bench and bring a water reservoir and a snack in your day pack. I suggest at least 3 hours for this 7-km out and back hiking route. I finished the Spineback Trail and the Lake Trail in just under 3 hours. If you have time and energy, consider continuing to Goldilocks Trail after Spineback Ridge.
Read next: 7 Things To Do in Fernie in the Summer
Wildlife in Fernie
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Fernie is renowned for breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Fernie is home to a diversity of wildlife including elk, moose, cougar, wolves, and a significant bear population. I came across a few pikas and a black bear momma and cub near the lake. When hiking in Fernie, keep your distance from wild animals to protect yourself and the animals. Pack out all of your garbage and never feed wild animals (this can cause real problems if wild animals become habituated). Since you’re hiking in bear country, I suggest carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it (I use a bear spray holster for easy access). We all have a responsibility to protect wildlife. Let’s do what we can to keep wild things wild!
Know Before You Go — Hiking in Fernie
Parking: Free parking is available at Island Lake Lodge.
Toilet: Washrooms are available at Island Lake Lodge. No outhouse toilets near the trail.
Pets: Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times. Bring a smell-proof bag to pack out full dog waste bags. No water aside from the lake so pack extra for your doggo.
Trails: One of the great things about Island Lake Lodge is the variety of hiking trails. Consider your fitness level and skills before attempting the Spineback Trail. There are some steep sections and rocky terrain to navigate through.
What To Bring: It’s always a good idea to bring hiking essentials, including a water bottle, snacks, clothing layers (including a warm jacket and waterproof jacket), and a first aid kit. If you’re new to hiking, consider the 10 Hiking Essentials before heading out.
Navigation: You will find plenty of signs on the well-marked and maintained trails. For additional support, download Spineback Trail on AllTrails for offline use.
Read next: Silver Spring Lake: The Best Cliff Jumping Near Fernie, BC
Have you hiked the Spineback Trail or other trails at Island Lake Lodge? Where have you hiked near Fernie? Let me know below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
This is such a great post 🙂
We did this trail last year (and I am just writing up my own post about it) so it was lovely to see another great description of the hike. I hope you can go back and do the loop around the top – it just gets better and better!!
Thanks, Josy! Glad you enjoyed it, too. I’d love to go back someday!