Fernie was the kickoff to our British Columbia road trip—me (Nomadic Samuel), Audrey Bergner (That Backpacker), and our tiny boss (baby Aurelia)—freshly back in my home province after too much time staring at southern Alberta skies. And yes, Fernie immediately delivered that “ohhh right… this is why people won’t shut up about BC” feeling.
But the moment that turned this trip from “great little mountain town” to “we are absolutely coming back” happened up a rugged backroad, at the end of a cedar-valley climb, on a patio that made us say “wow” so many times we started sounding like malfunctioning robots.
Lunch at the Bear Bistro (a.k.a. Bear Lodge Bistro) at Island Lake Lodge was the highlight of our day… and honestly, one of the highlights of the trip.
Bear Bistro at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Island Lake Lodge, Fernie (up in the Cedar Valley, surrounded by peaks + old-growth forest) |
| Vibe | Casual, serene, rustic lodge energy; big patio + big views |
| Season | Summer operations (dates vary year to year; check the calendar because closures happen) |
| Hours | Typically 11am–5pm, but operating days can vary by week (see “Before you go” below) |
| Reservations | None — first come, first served |
| Pet policy | No pets on the patio (there’s “pet parking” nearby) |
| Our order | Miso ramen + Wagyu smash burger + salted caramel ice cream sandwich + “Jos Louis” cake |
The “earned lunch” factor
We didn’t roll in like elegant lodge people who wear linen and say things like “a spritz would be divine.”
We arrived like this: baby backpack, sweat, trail dust, and the kind of hunger that makes you briefly consider taking a bite out of your own camera strap.
That day started with the Fairy Creek Falls hike (Aurelia in the hiking backpack, Sam sweating “like a mule,” avalanche terrain signs keeping things spicy, and baby waking up perfectly in time for the waterfall like she has a built-in director’s schedule).
Then we did the only responsible thing: Fernie Brewing Company for a “we earned this” beer (Ridgewalk Red Ale)… and learned the hard way it’s more pints + snacks than full meal. Which was fine. We called it “appetizer strategy.”
And then… Island Lake Lodge.
That drive felt like a little quest: the kind where you’re not sure if you’re headed to lunch or to audition for a rally race.
Getting to Bear Bistro (drive, bike, or hike)
Island Lake Lodge is up the Cedar Valley, and the Bear Bistro is up at the lodge. It’s not hard… it’s just committed.
Option 1: Drive up (most common)
After you enter the property gates, you drive up the access road approximately 8 km to the top. It’s described as rugged, with a 30 km/h max, and they recommend allowing about 20-30 minutes.
Tip: If you’re prone to carsickness, this is a great time to practice deep breathing and positive affirmations like “the ice cream sandwich is the real deal.”
Option 2: Bike up (for the “I deserve this lunch twice” crowd)
Island Lake encourages riders to use the Lazy Lizard bike trail to reach the lodge, and there are bike racks right by the bistro entrance.
Option 3: Hike up (the full reward mode)
From the lower parking lot, you can hop on the Rail Trail → connect to the Old Growth Trail → then hop on the Lake Trail with signage for the lodge.
Tourism Fernie also calls out family-suitable options like the Rail Trail, Old Growth Trail, and Lake & Fir Trails.
The “check the calendar or you’ll cry” reality
This is the one detail that matters more than anything else: Island Lake Lodge has non-operational days and private function closures—and they really, truly want you to check the calendar before you drive up.
Here’s the practical version:
- The Bear Bistro page lists the bistro as open in summer Friday–Tuesday, 11am–5pm, with closures for private functions and non-operational days.
- Tourism Fernie hiking info adds that vehicle access to the lodge is typically Sunday–Tuesday, and on non-operational days/private functions the road is closed beyond the lower lot and no services are available.
So: yes, you can often still hike from the lower lot even when services are closed… but if you drove there for ramen and a patio beer, you want an operational day.
Tip: The most Fernie sentence ever is, “We drove 30 minutes for lunch and got a great hike instead.” Don’t let it happen to you.
First impressions: this place is ridiculous
We rolled up and immediately started doing the wide-eyed, pointing-at-everything routine.
“Look at the view… look at the chairs… look at the lake…”
Then the official verdict: Unbelievable place. The highlight of the day. The highlight of the trip.
Island Lake Lodge sits in a spectacular setting—big peaks, a mountain lake, lush forests—and the approach itself runs you through ancient old-growth cedar.
And the Bear Bistro is in Bear Lodge, the historic first log building completed at Island Lake—home to that grand river-rock fireplace and the bistro itself.
It has that “cozy-but-not-cutesy” mountain feel: handcrafted lodge details, a rustic interior, and then… the patio.
Island Lake itself literally describes the Bear Bistro as the kind of “post-exertion reward” that belongs on the “most scenic patio in the Fernie area.”
We’re not here to start patio wars, but… we get it.
What we ate at Bear Bistro (and what we’d order again in a heartbeat)
We arrived at Island Lake Lodge in full “earned lunch” mode: we’d already done our hike, had a quick beer stop, and then rolled up the road to this backcountry lodge with serious hunger.
Then we stepped onto the patio and immediately went full-time professional view appreciators (“look at the view… look at the chairs…”) and declared it the highlight of the day—and honestly the trip.
And the food? It matched the setting. Like, suspiciously well.
Our order (with prices from the Summer 2025 menu)
| Dish | Price | Why we loved it |
|---|---|---|
| Miso Ramen | 22 | “Like traveling back to Japan.” Deep, comforting, post-hike perfection. |
| Wagyu Smash Burger | 27 | “Shake Shack inspired” double-smash joy with major cheese energy. |
| Housemade Ice Cream Sandwich (salted caramel) | 15 | Big, melty, and wildly satisfying with mountain views as the backdrop. |
| Elevated “Jos Louis” | 12 | Nostalgic chocolate + marshmallow decadence that begs to be shared. |
Miso Ramen: the “wait… we’re in Fernie?” bowl
Audrey ordered the Miso Ramen, and I’m not exaggerating when I say she was transported. Her exact line: “It was like traveling back to Japan.”
On the menu, it’s a proper, composed bowl: miso broth, egg noodles, chashu, soy egg, spinach, wood ear mushroom, and bamboo shoots.
Which is basically the ideal blueprint for a post-hike reset: warm broth, chewy noodles, that salty-savoury miso depth, and enough “stuff” that you feel like you actually ate a meal.
It was also the perfect contrast to the whole rugged-road / cedar-valley / big-peak environment. You expect burgers, fries, and maybe a salad. Instead, you’re suddenly cradling a ramen bowl while staring at the Rockies like this is the most normal thing in the world.
Who should order it
- Anyone who wants something warming + satisfying after hiking.
- Anyone who’s had great ramen elsewhere and is skeptical you can get a legit bowl up a backroad in the mountains. (You can.)
Wagyu Smash Burger: the double-smash, “so much cheese” moment
I went with the Wagyu Smash Burger, and my immediate comparison—unprompted, with the confidence of a man holding a brioche bun—was that it felt Shake Shack inspired.
Menu-wise, it’s two 3oz Wagyu patties, American cheddar, house-made burger sauce, and a brioche bun.
And in real life, it ate like a greatest-hits playlist:
- The thin, smashed patties give you those browned edges and that deep “griddled” flavour.
- The cheddar + sauce + brioche combo is basically engineered to make you say, out loud, “this is so good” at least twice. (We did.)
If you want the simplest “mountain lunch done right,” this is it. And if you’re sharing food like we did, it’s the perfect counterpart to ramen—one bowl, one burger, and suddenly you’ve built a tiny personal buffet without ordering half the menu.
Who should order it
- People who want a classic patio lunch that feels indulgent but not fussy.
- People who say they’re “not that hungry” and then eat half your burger. (We see you.)
Dessert: the ice cream sandwich + “Jos Louis” = choose-your-own happiness
We did the responsible adult thing and ordered two desserts.
Housemade Ice Cream Sandwich (salted caramel)
Audrey’s dessert was the housemade ice cream sandwich (you can choose salted caramel or cookies ’n’ cream on the menu).
It’s a real ice cream sandwich—aka, not a polite little afterthought. This is the kind of dessert that makes you do quick math like: “If we hold it up for a photo, will it melt immediately?”
Who should order it
- People who want a fun, shareable dessert that feels like summer—especially if you’ve hiked and you’ve earned the sugar.
Elevated “Jos Louis”
I went with the Elevated “Jos Louis”—a moist chocolate cake + soft marshmallow.
It’s a decadent chocolate cake with a bit of marshmallow filling. Nostalgic snack-cake energy, but upgraded and plated.
Who should order it
- Chocolate people. Marshmallow people. Anyone who wants dessert that feels like a little victory lap.
The underrated best ingredient: a sleeping baby
Here’s the part that made the whole meal feel borderline luxurious: Aurelia slept the entire time we were eating.
So we had this rare, peaceful patio lunch where we actually got to taste everything while quietly competing to steal each other’s bites (“Oh my gosh, you’ve got to try this”).
Then she woke up ready for the lake trail, and we got the full Fernie parenting experience: delicious meal, ridiculous views, and a tiny traveller who’s somehow thriving in the middle of it all.
What else is on the Bear Bistro menu
This is pulled from the Bear Bistro Summer 2025 menu PDF (so expect seasonal changes), but it gives you a very accurate sense of the style: casual mountain dining with playful flavours, plus boards, salads, bowls, and a serious drinks list.
Quick “pick your vibe” guide
| If you want… | Order this |
|---|---|
| Share plates + patio grazing | Bear Frites, boards, chicken tenders |
| A full meal that’s not a burger | Miso Ramen, Golden Crunch Bowl, Goldilocks Bowl |
| A lighter meal | Bear Summer Salad, Lodge Caesar, Watermelon & Tomato Salad |
| Something crunchy + saucy | Chicken Karaage Sandwich or Golden Crunch Bowl |
| Dessert-first behaviour | Ice Cream Sandwich, Whipped Cheesecake, Elevated “Jos Louis” |
Desserts
- Whipped Cheesecake (berry coulis, graham cracker) — 12
- Elevated “Jos Louis” (moist chocolate cake, soft marshmallow) — 12
- Housemade Ice Cream Sandwich (salted caramel or cookies ’n’ cream) — 15
Bowls
- Goldilocks Bowl (quinoa, chickpeas, kale, carrot + beet, miso tahini dressing, soft-boiled egg, feta, beet hummus) — 24
- Miso Ramen (miso broth, egg noodle, chashu, soy egg, spinach, wood ear mushroom, bamboo shoots) — 22
- Golden Crunch Bowl (karaage chicken, tonkatsu sauce, rice, cabbage, grilled corn, carrot, chili garlic aioli) — 29
Handhelds
- Crispy Tofu Mushroom Sandwich (miso/tahini tofu, portobello, gochujang aioli, havarti, slaw) — 23
- Chicken Karaage Sandwich (chili garlic aioli, slaw, brioche bun) — 28
- Wagyu Smash Burger (two 3oz patties, cheddar, burger sauce, brioche bun) — 27
“Take A Hike” Burger + Beer special
If you do the lodge’s trail-of-the-week promo, there’s a Burger + Beer special for 27 (with a veggie option: Lion’s Mane mushroom burger) and a choice of Fernie Brewing beers.
Salads (and add-ons)
- Bear Summer Salad — meal 19 / starter 12
- Lodge Caesar — meal 21 / starter 13
- Watermelon & Tomato Salad (whipped feta, prosciutto, focaccia, citrus dressing) — 23
- Optional add-ons: garlic chicken breast (10), garlic shrimp skewer (8)
Start / Share
- Crispy Chicken Tenders — 20
- Bear Frites — full 18 / half 12
- Cheese Board — 36
- Butcher’s Board — 34
- Charcuterie Board — 59
Drinks (highlights)
Mocktails: Lavender Lemonade, Virgin Caesar, Zen Fizz, Iced Coffee.
Local beers: multiple Fernie Brewing Company cans listed (Project 9 Pilsner, Hit the Deck Hazy IPA, Headwall Hazy Pale Ale, What The Huck Berry Ale, Waymark IPA, Campout Pale Ale).
Cocktails: Sunnyside, Summer Berry Mojito, Lodge Caesar, Elderflower Spritz, Pimm’s Cup, Zen Fizz, plus a rotating cocktail-of-the-week.
Drinks: cold beer, mountain air, and the “why don’t we live here?” moment
One of the lodge’s own descriptions of Bear Bistro is basically: cold beer, friends, lunch, backcountry setting.
And yes, there are Fernie Brewing Company options on the Bear Bistro menu.
We had already put in a Fernie Brewing stop earlier (Ridgewalk Red Ale), but the vibe up here is different: quieter, slower, more “let’s stare at mountains until our eyes forget what emails are.”
A quick lakeside walk after lunch (the easiest “wow” you’ll get all day)
After eating, we wandered down toward the lake for a gentle stroll—because Island Lake has that Banff/Lake Louise kind of “how is this real?” feel without the crowds.
The Lake Trail is an easy loop (45–60 minutes, minimal elevation). It’s perfect when your time is limited—like after lunch.
Our version, because it was later in the day, was less “45–60 minutes” and more “look at baby… look at lake… wow… wow… wow.”
“Take A Hike” Burger + Beer special (worth planning around)
If you want to turn this into a proper Fernie mission, Island Lake Lodge runs a “Take A Hike” trail-of-the-week deal: complete the featured trail, take a photo at the iconic spot, and you can redeem a Burger + Beer special at Bear Bistro.
The Bear Bistro menu itself explains the mechanics (photo at the iconic spot, tag on Instagram, show your server) and lists the $27 burger + beer special for participants.
Tip: Even if you don’t do the promo, the “trail + patio” formula is the whole magic of this place.
Choosing your approach (quick decision matrix)
| Approach | Effort level | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-up lunch | Low | Families, casual visitors, “we just want the patio” | Rugged road; allow time; check operational days/blackout dates |
| Bike up (Lazy Lizard) | Medium | Mountain bikers, active lunch people | Bike racks by the entrance; they prefer riders use the trail over the road |
| Hike up (Rail → Old Growth → Lake) | Medium to high | Hikers who want the full “reward meal” | On non-operational days you’ll start from the lower parking lot; services may be closed |
| “Lunch + Lake Trail loop” | Very low | Everyone | Easy loop after eating; prime for families and “we’re full” strolls |
Practical tips (so your visit is smooth)
- No reservations: it’s first come, first served.
- Groups: they may limit large group tables during peak congestion.
- Pets: no pets on the patio; “pet parking” is nearby.
- Pack in/out: it’s private property—respect the place and pack out your garbage if you’re picnicking/exploring.
- If you’re hiking: bring the usual mountain basics. We’ll admit it—on our Fairy Creek hike we didn’t have bear spray (oops), so don’t copy that part. fernie_cleaned_transcript
Tip: If you’re visiting with kids, this is a dream scenario when naps align. If naps don’t align… well… you’ll still have mountains.
Why this lunch felt like “the Fernie version of luxury”
Fernie impressed us because it has that sweet spot of serious scenery without the “everyone has the same itinerary” vibe.
We came for lunch.
We left plotting a return trip for canoeing, longer hikes, and Audrey’s extremely convincing pitch to “drive out right before a big snow dump and accidentally get stuck for three days.”
Fernie, you got us.
Plan your Bear Bistro day (simple, realistic game plan)
| Time | Do this |
|---|---|
| Morning | Pick a hike (either in Fernie proper or up at Island Lake Lodge trails) |
| Late morning / lunch | Aim for Bear Bistro before the afternoon rush; order something hearty + save room for dessert |
| After lunch | Lake Trail loop (gentle, scenic, very “we’re full but happy”) |
| Before you leave | Take a final patio look and say “wow” at least once for good luck |
Questions to toss in the comments
Have you eaten at Island Lake Lodge yet—Bear Bistro lunch, or the Tamarack Dining Room in the evening? And if you’ve done the “Take A Hike” trail-of-the-week special, tell us which trail you tackled.
Everything you need to know about Bear Bistro at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, BC
Is Bear Bistro open year-round?
Nope. Bear Bistro is a summer-season spot, and operating dates/hours can change based on lodge operations and private functions. Always check the lodge calendar before heading up.
What are Bear Bistro’s hours?
Typically 11am–5pm during summer operations. The exact operating days can vary by week (some sources list Friday–Tuesday; others list Sunday–Tuesday), so treat the calendar as the final boss.
Do you need a reservation for Bear Bistro?
No. It’s first come, first served.
How do you drive to Bear Bistro?
After entering the property gates, it’s about 8 km up a rugged access road with a 30 km/h max speed; they suggest allowing about 20-30 minutes.
Can you always drive all the way to the lodge?
Nope. In summer operations, vehicle access past the lower parking lot is closed on certain days, and on non-operational/private function days there may be no services. Plan around operational days and confirm by calendar.
Where do you park if the road is closed?
Tourism Fernie notes free parking at the lower parking lot during the summer season, and that it becomes the primary staging area on days when the road is closed beyond it.
Can you bike to Bear Bistro instead of driving?
Yes. You can ride up via the Lazy Lizard trail, and bike racks are located right by the bistro entrance.
What’s the easiest hike to do after lunch?
Yes. The Lake Trail is a gentle loop (about 45–60 minutes with minimal elevation gain) and is specifically described as a great post-meal option.
What did we order at Bear Bistro?
We had miso ramen, the Wagyu smash burger, and then dessert: the salted caramel ice cream sandwich and the “Jos Louis” cake.
Is the ice cream sandwich actually worth it?
Yes. It’s one of those “this is why people blog” desserts—housemade, big, and totally designed for patio happiness.
Is Bear Bistro kid-friendly?
Yes. Casual lunch, outdoor space, and you’re surrounded by easy trails. We visited with a baby and had the rare miracle of her sleeping through the whole meal.
Are dogs allowed on the patio?
No. Pets aren’t allowed on the patio, but there’s designated “pet parking” nearby.
What is the “Take A Hike” special?
It’s a trail-of-the-week promo where you hike the featured trail, take a photo at the iconic spot, and redeem a Burger + Beer deal at Bear Bistro (listed as $27 on the menu for participants).
What’s the vibe inside Bear Lodge if the patio is full?
Cozy and rustic. Bear Lodge is the historic first log building at Island Lake and it’s known for its grand river-rock fireplace—classic lodge energy.
Can you just picnic instead of eating at Bear Bistro?
Yes, but Island Lake Lodge notes it’s private property and asks visitors to pack in/pack out all belongings and garbage.
Is Island Lake Lodge only about food in summer?
Nope. Tourism Fernie highlights hiking, canoeing, spa treatments, and lodging—so you can make it a full day (or a “why did we only book one night?” situation).
Further Reading, Resources and Sources
This article is based on our own lunch visit to Bear Bistro at Island Lake Lodge, paired with easy hiking and time spent exploring the property. To help with practical planning details—like operating days, menu specifics, trail access, and seasonal realities—we’ve included the official lodge resources and trusted local planning links below. These are useful if you want to double-check logistics or dig deeper before making the drive up the valley.
Notes on accuracy
Island Lake Lodge operates on a seasonal schedule, with occasional non-operational days and private function closures. Menu items, access rules, and trail availability can change year to year, so the sources below were used to verify current details while the experience and impressions remain firsthand.
Official Island Lake Lodge links
Primary sources for dining, operations, hiking access, and on-site experiences.
- Bear Bistro (Bear Lodge Bistro): https://www.islandlakelodge.com/dining/bear-lodge-bistro
- Dining overview (Bear Bistro + Tamarack Dining Room): https://www.islandlakelodge.com/dining
- Operations Calendar (blackout dates + private function closures): https://www.islandlakelodge.com/calendar
- Iconic Photo Spots (“Take A Hike” trail-of-the-week photo challenge): https://www.islandlakelodge.com/iconic-photo-spots
- Hiking at Island Lake Lodge: https://www.islandlakelodge.com/hiking-fernie
- Bear Bistro Summer 2025 Menu (PDF): https://www.islandlakelodge.com/sites/default/files/2025-05/Bear%20Bistro%20S2025.pdf
- Tamarack Dining Room: https://www.islandlakelodge.com/dining/tamarack-restaurant
Tourism Fernie (planning help)
Helpful for understanding how Island Lake Lodge fits into a broader Fernie visit, especially for hiking and dining logistics.
- Island Lake Lodge dining listing: https://tourismfernie.com/dining/restaurants/island-lake-lodge
- Island Lake Lodge attraction overview: https://tourismfernie.com/activities/attractions/island-lake-lodge
- Island Lake Lodge hiking trails: https://tourismfernie.com/activities/hiking-trails/island-lake-lodge
Independent guides + reviews
Useful for spotting patterns in visitor experiences and expectations (best read for trends, not absolutes).
- TripAdvisor reviews (Island Lake Lodge): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g182167-d274513-Reviews-Island_Lake_Lodge-Fernie_Kootenay_Rockies_British_Columbia.html