What’s the deal with catskiing at Island Lake Lodge?

Island Lake Lodge is internationally known for winter catskiing. Packages are typically premium and are built around guided backcountry-style skiing/riding with lodging, meals, and safety equipment included.

Island Lake Lodge, Fernie: Best Day Trip for Lunch, Views and Hike

Q: Do you need reservations for Bear Lodge Bistro?

Typically no, but it can get busy and private events can affect availability. The smartest move is to keep your timing flexible and confirm the operating day on the calendar.

Q: What are Bear Bistro’s hours?

Bear Lodge Bistro operates seasonally and hours can change. In summer it’s commonly listed as a daytime service window, but you should verify the current hours and open dates on the lodge’s calendar before visiting.

Q: How long does it take to drive up to Island Lake Lodge?

Plan extra time. The approach includes a dirt/gravel access road, and driving conditions (and your comfort level) will affect timing. Going slow is normal and recommended.

Q: Is the Lake Trail worth doing if you only have a little time?

Yes. It’s the go-to easy loop for quick lakeside scenery. It’s ideal as a post-lunch walk or a short family-friendly outing when you want views without a big effort.

Q: What’s the best easy hike besides the Lake Trail?

If you want a little more trail time without turning it into a mission, look at the easier forest options like the Fir Trail extension or other short routes listed on the lodge trail map and local trail listings.

Q: Are there harder hikes at Island Lake Lodge?

Yes. There are longer and steeper routes that push into advanced territory with more elevation gain and route planning. If you’re aiming for those, treat it like a real mountain hike with proper gear, food, and time.

Q: What happens if you visit on a non-operational day?

You may still be able to hike, but vehicle access can be restricted and services like dining may be closed. Expect to start from the lower area and add extra walking distance, and always check the calendar first.

Q: Where do you park if the lodge road is closed?

When access is restricted, day visitors generally park at the lower parking area and hike in. This changes the effort level, so plan your trail choice around the extra distance.

Q: Can you bring dogs to Bear Bistro?

Policies can be strict around dining areas and patios. If you’re traveling with a dog, confirm the current rules before you go and plan for where your pet can safely stay while you eat.

Fernie has a bunch of “yeah yeah, we’ll just pop in for a bit” spots… and Island Lake Lodge is the one that turns that lie into a full-blown life choice.

Because it’s not just a restaurant. It’s not just a trail network. It’s not just one of the prettiest lakes-in-a-valley scenes you can reach without committing to an all-day suffer-fest. Island Lake is the rare place where you can roll in hungry, eat something that makes you say “wait… why is this that good?”, and then immediately wander down to a lake that looks like it was art-directed for a movie.

Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, with calm alpine lake, wooden chairs on the shore, and forested peaks rising behind, as Audrey Bergner relaxes by the water enjoying a quiet pause after lunch and an easy lakeside walk. — One of those moments where you just stop and take it all in. Sitting by the lake at Island Lake Lodge after lunch, surrounded by towering peaks and still water, felt like pressing pause on the day in the best possible way. This easy lakeside spot is perfect for lingering before or after a short hike.

We went for a day trip: lunch at Bear Bistro, then an easy family hike down to the lake for those ridiculous “mountains galore” views. And we left with that slightly unhinged post-visit feeling of: “Okay. So when are we coming back?”

This guide leans hard into what we actually did (and loved), but it also covers the big stuff we didn’t do—overnight stays, other dining options, bigger hikes, and the legendary catskiing—clearly marked as “research mode” so it stays honest and useful.

Is Fernie the ultimate small-town in BC during the summer? Here is our travel guide on YouTube via Samuel and Audrey channel. Skip to 12:53 for our Island Lake Lodge experience.

Island Lake Lodge at a glance

Topic	Quick take
Best for	A “luxury mountain vibes” day trip: lunch + lake views + choose-your-effort hiking
Ideal time	Summer seasonal window (dates vary—always check the lodge calendar)
Lunch spot	Bear Lodge Bistro (seasonal hours; typically open daytime on select days)
Hiking vibe	From gentle lake loops to advanced ridge/alpine hikes
Winter headline	Luxury catskiing operation on 7,000+ acres; multi-day tours include lodging/meals/safety gear

Exterior of Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, showing the timber-and-stone log building with green metal roof, balconies, and forest setting in Cedar Valley—an iconic stop for lunch, views, and hiking. — That first look at Island Lake Lodge feels like arriving at a wilderness hideaway straight out of a postcard. The log-and-stone exterior, balconies, and deep-forest setting instantly set the tone for a relaxed day of lunch, lake views, and easy trails.

Why Island Lake Lodge is such a perfect Fernie add-on

It’s the combo that gets you:

A destination meal (not “mountain cafeteria… but cute,” actual “we’re still thinking about this” food)
A lake-and-lodge setting that feels remote without needing a multi-day backcountry plan
A choose-your-own hiking menu, where “easy” still delivers the views
An easy win for families (we did it as a low-stress day with our baby and it totally worked)

And the sneaky part: once you’re there, you realize Island Lake is also an overnight lodge, a spa hang, and a full-on winter catskiing legend… which we did not do on this visit, but it absolutely explains why people treat it like a bucket-list property.

🧭 Quick Booking: Your Fernie Travel Essentials ✈️

If you’re planning your trip to the East Kootenays, these are the four bookings that make everything smoother — your base, adventures, transport, and freedom.

🎒 Your Travel Toolkit

🔖 What to Book	💡 Why It’s Worth It	🔗 Quick Link
🎟️ Tours & Experiences	Skip the logistics and explore Fernie + the Elk Valley with local guides (easy wins when weather turns or time is tight)	👉 Browse Fernie & Elk Valley tours on Viator
🏨 Hotels & Stays	Lock in the right base (walkable town vs. ski hill vs. highway convenience) — especially on weekends + peak season	👉 Find Fernie hotels on Booking.com
🚗 Car Rentals	The easiest way to do day trips, chase viewpoints, and keep your schedule flexible	👉 Compare car rentals for Fernie on DiscoverCars (pick in up Cranbrook)
🚌 Bus Tickets	If you’re piecing together regional transport, checking schedules early saves headaches	👉 Check bus routes to/from Fernie on Busbud

Island Lake Lodge entrance sign in Fernie, British Columbia, highlighting hiking, spa, dining, and cat-skiing services, surrounded by forest greenery near the access road that leads visitors to the lodge, trails, and day-use areas. — The main entrance sign at Island Lake Lodge lays out everything this destination is known for in one glance—hiking trails, dining, spa experiences, and legendary cat-skiing. Spotting this sign feels like the official transition from Fernie town vibes into full mountain-lodge mode.

Before you go: the most important planning detail (the “select dates” thing)

Island Lake’s summer operations run on select dates, and vehicle access/services change depending on the day. Tourism Fernie’s trail page spells it out clearly for a sample season (June 15–Sept 16, 2025), including that vehicle access to the lodge is typically on select days and that non-operational days/private functions can mean no road access beyond the lower parking lot.

What that means in real life:

Some days you can drive up to the lodge and eat/hike like a civilized creature.
Other days you might still be able to hike, but you’ll be starting lower and adding distance (and there may be no food/service at the top).
Private functions can also change what’s open.

So: check the lodge calendar before you commit.

Scenic forest drive toward Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, with towering evergreens, mountain slopes, and dappled light along the access road, setting the tone for a relaxed day trip of hiking, dining, and lake views. — The drive up to Island Lake Lodge is part of the experience, winding through dense evergreen forest with mountain slopes slowly revealing themselves along the way. It’s the kind of approach that gently shifts you out of road-trip mode and into full mountain-lodge mindset before you even arrive.

Getting there (and why you should not treat the access road like a racetrack)

Getting to Island Lake is part “oh wow, we’re really going into a valley” and part “okay, focus, this road wants your suspension.”

From Tourism Fernie: Island Lake Lodge is accessed via an 8 km dirt road, and they recommend allowing 20 minutes from the highway.

Bear Bistro’s page adds a very practical detail: drive to conditions and do not exceed 30 km/h.

Our real-world take: it’s doable in a normal vehicle in summer conditions, but it’s not the place to cosplay as a rally driver—especially if you’d like your coffee to remain inside the cup.

Bear Lodge Bistro patio at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, where Nomadic Samuel Jeffery enjoys an elevated Jos Louis-style chocolate cake with marshmallow filling after lunch, capturing the fun, indulgent food stop on a scenic mountain day trip. — Dessert at Bear Lodge Bistro is not an afterthought. This elevated Jos Louis-style chocolate cake with marshmallow filling was the kind of treat that turns a casual lunch stop into a full-on food memory, especially when enjoyed on the sunny patio at Island Lake Lodge after a hike.

The “Ultimate Day Trip” game plan

Here’s a day-trip rhythm that works beautifully:

Time	Plan
Late morning	Drive up, soak in the “how is this real?” first look
Lunch	Bear Lodge Bistro
After lunch	Lake Trail loop (easy, scenic, satisfying)
If you want more	Add Fir Trail extension or Old Growth Trail (depending on access day)
Before you leave	Patio linger + photos + deep internal debate about moving here

This is basically what we did: lunch first, then we wandered down to the lake for the views (with our baby happily snoozing through part of the experience, like a tiny travel influencer who refuses to pay rent).

Bear Lodge Bistro patio at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, as Audrey Bergner of That Backpacker lifts miso ramen noodles with chopsticks during a relaxed lunch stop, with alpine forest and mountain views framing the outdoor dining experience. — Lunch at Bear Lodge Bistro turned into a genuine “how is this this good?” moment. Enjoying a bowl of miso ramen on the patio, surrounded by forest and mountain views, felt more like a destination meal than a simple stop during our Island Lake Lodge day trip.

Lunch at Bear Lodge Bistro: why we were so into it

Bear Lodge Bistro is the “day trip magnet,” and for good reason. Officially, it’s open 11am–5pm on select days (listed as Friday to Tuesday on the Bear Bistro page).

Tourism Fernie also frames it as a lunch stop that’s typically open Friday–Tuesday (seasonal).

A few practical notes:

No reservations (at least as listed by Tourism Fernie), so build in a little flexibility.
Groups may be limited (Bear Bistro notes group restrictions).
Pets: Tourism Fernie notes no pets on the patio and mentions “pet parking.”

Now, the food. Our experience was basically: “We came for the views… and then the meal tried to steal the show.”

We had this moment of genuinely surprised enthusiasm about how good it was—down to the kind of playful food comparisons you make when you’re a little too happy: ramen dreams, burger cravings, the whole thing.

Bear Lodge Bistro smash burger at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, featuring two 3oz beef patties, melted American cheddar, house burger sauce, and a Le Bon Pain brioche bun, served with crispy fries during a scenic mountain lunch stop. — This smash burger is exactly the kind of lunch you hope for after a mountain morning. Two juicy beef patties, melted American cheddar, and burger sauce stacked on a brioche bun made Bear Lodge Bistro feel less like “lodge food” and more like a destination burger worth driving for.

Our Order (and Honest Reactions)

What We Got	Reaction	Would We Order Again?
Ramen	“This is like traveling back to Japan.”	Immediately
Burger	Shake Shack vibes, double patties, melted cheese heaven	Absolutely
Dessert #1	Salted caramel ice cream sandwich	Yes, every time
Dessert #2	Elevated Jos Louis-style chocolate cake with marshmallow filling	Yes — and we’ll fight over it again

Also: the setting matters. Eating at a mountain lodge and then immediately walking down to a lake with huge peaks around you is the kind of one-two punch that makes a normal Tuesday feel like you’ve hacked reality.

Lake Trail sign at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, pointing visitors toward the easy lakeside walking trail through forested surroundings, marking the start of one of the lodge’s most popular short hikes for scenic views. — The simple Lake Trail sign marks the beginning of one of Island Lake Lodge’s most rewarding easy walks. Following this path leads through quiet forest and down to the lake, making it a perfect post-lunch stroll for visitors looking for big scenery without a big effort.

The easy hike payoff: Lake Trail (the “we came, we saw, we immediately took 100 photos” loop)

If you only do one post-lunch walk, make it the Lake Trail.

2 km loop
45–60 minutes
15 m elevation gain
Easy
Highlights: a gentle hike around Island Lake when time is limited or after lunch/dinner

Island Lake Lodge hike in Fernie, British Columbia, with Nomadic Samuel Jeffery and Audrey Bergner of That Backpacker smiling on the lakeside trail while carrying their baby Aurelia in a backpack carrier, surrounded by alpine forest and calm mountain water. — Hiking the Lake Trail at Island Lake Lodge as a family turned out to be one of the easiest and most rewarding stops of our Fernie trip. With calm paths, big scenery, and a baby-friendly pace, it was proof that this spot works just as well for families as it does for hardcore hikers.

That description is dead-on. It’s not a “training for Everest” trail. It’s a “we want the lake views without turning this into a sweat-based negotiation” trail.

After lunch, we spotted those iconic lakeside chairs — you know, the ones perfectly placed for maximum “main character energy.”

We walked down, sat for a while, and just stared. The scene looked so impossibly still that we both whispered without meaning to. It’s that kind of place.

Honestly, it felt like Banff-level views without the crowds. Just forest silence, reflection-perfect water, and us quietly losing our composure in the best way.

This is exactly why it worked so well for us as a family day: you still get the big scenery, but your mood stays pleasant and nobody has to start bargaining with snacks halfway up a switchback.

Trail direction signs at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, showing Lake Trail, Fir Trail, Old Growth Trail, Dew Point, Beach, and Spineback–Goldilocks Loop options, helping hikers choose routes ranging from easy lakeside walks to longer alpine hikes. — This trail junction sign perfectly captures how much choice you have at Island Lake Lodge. From the easy Lake Trail and Fir Trail to longer routes like Old Growth and the Spineback–Goldilocks Loop, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure moment for hikers of all levels.

Level up your walk: Fir Trail extension (more forest magic, still chill)

If you want to add a little extra without changing the vibe, the Fir Trail extension keeps things mellow while taking you through old-growth forest.

Tourism Fernie notes:

3 km
~1 hour
15 m elevation gain
Easy–Moderate
It “wanders through the legendary Old Growth Forest of the upper Cedar Valley.”

Translation: same “easy lake day” energy, with a bigger hit of that lush, mossy, “this forest has stories” atmosphere.

Audrey Bergner of That Backpacker hiking along a forest trail at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, surrounded by tall evergreen trees and lush undergrowth, capturing the peaceful, family-friendly hiking experience on one of the lodge’s scenic summer trails. — Wandering through the forest trails at Island Lake Lodge feels calm, unrushed, and quietly impressive. This section of trail highlights why the area is such a great choice for an easy hike—towering trees, soft forest light, and just enough elevation to feel like you’re truly out in nature.

The best hikes at Island Lake Lodge (by effort level)

Here’s a quick picker based on Tourism Fernie’s trail breakdown.

Trail	Distance / Time	Elevation gain	Rating	Best for
Lake Trail	2 km loop / 45–60 min	15 m	Easy	The classic lunch + views combo
Fir Trail extension	3 km / ~1 hr	15 m	Easy–Mod	Add old-growth forest without adding suffering
Rail Trail	3 km point-to-point / 45–90 min	50 m	Easy	Lower-access days; history + forest vibes
Old Growth Trail	4 km point-to-point / ~1.5 hr	300 m	Easy–Mod	Ancient cedars + a solid “earned it” finish at the lodge
Spineback Trail	7 km return / 3–4 hr	530 m	Advanced	Sub-alpine meadows + ridge benches
Tamarack Trail	8 km return / ~5 hr	640 m	Mod–Adv	Larch stands + viewpoint option + crags
Goldilocks Trail	9.5 km return / 5–6 hr	740 m	Advanced	Big loop extension with dramatic valley views

We only did the easy “lake views” style hike on this visit—but if you’re building a Fernie hiking trip, Island Lake clearly has enough variety to keep you busy for multiple days.

Alpine lake scenery at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, featuring calm water, floating vegetation, dense evergreen forest, and dramatic mountain peaks rising in the background, showcasing the peaceful lakeside views reached on an easy summer hike. — The scenery at Island Lake Lodge is the kind that makes you slow down without realizing it. With still water, forest reflections, and rugged mountain peaks framing the lake, this viewpoint feels like a reward even if you only walked a short distance from the lodge.

🏨 Where to Stay in Fernie (Our Top Hotel Picks)

⭐ Quick Booking Box: Fernie Hotels (Compare Rates)

Pick	Best for	Vibe	Booking link
🏆 Top Pick: Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge	First-timers & families who want a comfy, well-reviewed base with great facilities	Indoor pool, hot tubs, restaurant, solid location near town	👉 Compare Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge (Booking.com)
⛷️ Ski-Area Stay: Fernie Slopeside Lodge	Powder days & ski access without long drives	Ski-area convenience plus mountain views	👉 See Fernie Slopeside Lodge (Booking.com)
🏨 Mid-Range: Lizard Creek Lodge or Fernie Stanford Resort	Walkable town stays with a bit more character & amenities	Classic mountain-town hotels with pools/hot tubs	👉 Browse mid-range Fernie hotels (Booking.com)
🌲 Cabins / Cozy Stay: Snow Creek Lodge or Pinnacle Ridge Condos	Couples & small groups who want more space + scenic stays	Mountain views, hot tub, private space	👉 Check Snow Creek Lodge & cabins (Booking.com)
💰 Budget: Canada’s Best Value Inn & Suites Fernie	Practical choice for road-trippers & value seekers	Simple comfort with pool & sauna close to town	👉 Find Canada’s Best Value Inn & Suites Fernie (Booking.com)

🔎 Want to browse all options instead?

👉 Compare all Fernie hotels on Booking.com

What changes on non-operational days (and why the lower parking lot matters)

Tourism Fernie notes that during the sample summer season, free parking is available at the lower parking lot, and it becomes the primary staging area on days when the access road is closed beyond it. They also note the lower lot is 4.5 km from the lodge.

So if you show up on a day without vehicle access to the top, you can still hike—but your “easy lunch + lake loop” day turns into something longer.

Island Lake’s own hiking page also flags that some days have no motorized road access beyond the lower parking lot and that hiking certain routes can add an extra 8 km on those dates.

Island Lake Lodge accommodations in Fernie, British Columbia, showing the timber-and-stone main lodge with balconies, flower boxes, and mountain lodge architecture set against forest surroundings, highlighting the upscale yet rustic lodging available for overnight guests. — Seeing the accommodations up close makes it easy to understand why so many guests choose to stay overnight at Island Lake Lodge. The blend of rustic log construction, thoughtful design details, and peaceful setting creates a true mountain-lodge feel that goes far beyond a simple day stop.

Staying overnight at Island Lake Lodge (we didn’t do it… but here’s what to know)

We honestly didn’t even realize overnight stays were a thing when we showed up for lunch—then we found out and had that immediate “wait, what?” moment.

According to Tourism Fernie’s accommodation listing, Island Lake Lodge is an off-grid wilderness retreat with a very specific vibe: no air conditioning, no in-room mini fridges, and no TVs/phones in rooms, and a minimum 2-night stay.

That’s a feature, not a bug, if what you want is a real unplugged mountain escape (with the important modern compromise: yes, there’s WiFi in common areas, per the lodge’s catskiing overview).

Bear Lodge Bistro outdoor patio at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, featuring umbrella-covered tables, log lodge architecture, and forest surroundings where guests enjoy lunch and drinks with mountain air and relaxed alpine lodge vibes. — The outdoor patio at Bear Lodge Bistro is where Island Lake Lodge really shines on a sunny day. With wide-open seating, fresh mountain air, and a relaxed lodge atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to linger over lunch before heading out for an easy hike.

Other dining options (we only ate at Bear Bistro)

Tamarack Dining Room (fine dining at the lodge)

Island Lake’s site positions the Tamarack Dining Room as their gourmet dining option (bookable through their dining link on the main site).

Tourism Fernie’s dining listing describes Tamarack as fine dining and notes hours and reservation expectations for the sample season.

We didn’t eat here on this trip, but if you’re doing an overnight stay—or you want to upgrade your “Fernie dinner” into a full event—this is the play.

The patio / après vibe

Even if you’re not doing a full dinner, Island Lake’s catskiing pages paint a pretty clear picture of the lodge atmosphere: a big lounge feel, stone fireplace, and a social après energy that’s built into the experience.

Again: we didn’t personally do the overnight/après scene on this visit. But it’s part of why Island Lake feels like more than “just a lunch spot.”

The spa (we didn’t do it, but it’s absolutely on the “next time” list)

Tourism Fernie highlights the lodge spa as part of the experience, and their accommodation listing also emphasizes the “endless activities right outside your door” angle.

The lodge’s main catskiing page mentions amenities like hot pool and cedar saunas (in the winter catskiing context).

We didn’t book spa time on our day trip, but if you’re going up for a hike and want a “mountain reset” day, it’s a strong add-on to research—especially if you’re already committing to the drive.

Canoeing on the alpine lake at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, with visitors paddling across calm water framed by evergreen forest and dramatic mountain peaks, highlighting one of the most peaceful summer activities available at the lodge. — Canoeing on the lake at Island Lake Lodge adds a completely different perspective to the experience. Gliding across calm water with towering peaks and dense forest all around feels quiet, unhurried, and perfectly in tune with the lodge’s relaxed mountain atmosphere.

Canoeing and lake time (yes, that kind of day exists here)

Tourism Fernie’s attraction listing notes canoe rentals on the lake (seasonal) and frames it as part of the summer day-trip appeal.

We didn’t do it this time (we were in “lunch + easy hike” mode), but if you want the full “mountain lake leisure” fantasy, this is how you do it.

Snowcat vehicle used for winter access and cat-skiing operations at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, shown parked near the trailhead and forest edge, highlighting the specialized tracked transport essential for deep-snow skiing adventures. — This snowcat is the backbone of Island Lake Lodge’s legendary winter operations. Built to handle deep snow and rugged terrain, it’s the vehicle that turns remote alpine bowls into accessible playgrounds for cat-skiers during Fernie’s snowy season.

Winter at Island Lake: catskiing (the legendary thing we did NOT do)

Let’s be super clear: we didn’t catski on this visit.

But Island Lake Catskiing is a huge part of why this place has the reputation it does. The lodge describes:

Over 7,000 acres of bowls, valleys, and gladed forest
A small-guest experience (no more than 36 guests at a time, per the lodge)
Tours that include lodging, meals, catskiing, safety equipment, and use of their powder ski/snowboard fleet
A history/legacy angle (they describe being a “must-ski” destination for decades)

Even if you’re not a skier/boarder, it’s worth knowing this exists because it explains the overall “luxury backcountry” DNA of Island Lake. It’s not trying to be a casual roadside restaurant. It’s a full mountain operation that just happens to also serve lunch to summer visitors on select days.

Pristine alpine lake at Island Lake Lodge in Fernie, British Columbia, with glassy water reflecting evergreen forest and blue sky, patches of floating vegetation near the shore, and a peaceful setting that defines the lodge’s iconic summer lake views. — This is the kind of lake view that quietly steals the show at Island Lake Lodge. Calm, reflective water surrounded by dense evergreens makes it feel serene and untouched, whether you’re stopping here mid-hike or simply soaking in the scenery after lunch.

Pick Your Day Trip

You want…	Do this	Best trail pick	Food move	Best for
Maximum views, minimum effort	Lunch + lake wander	Lake Trail	Bear Bistro	Families, casual hikers
A “real hike” but still chill	Lunch + longer forest loop	Fir Trail / Old Growth	Bear Bistro	Hikers who want more time on trail
Big views + big legs	Early hike + late lunch	Spineback / Tamarack / Goldilocks	Bear Bistro after	Fit hikers, photo chasers
Luxury reset	Easy hike + spa + linger	Lake Trail	Bistro or dinner	Couples, “treat-yourself” days
The full fantasy	Stay overnight + everything	Mix of trails	Bistro + Tamarack dinner	People who want the whole experience

Day Trip Intensity Meter

Plan	Intensity	Best for
Bistro + Lake Trail	▮▮▯▯▯	Easy win day
Lake Trail + Fir extension	▮▮▮▯▯	Casual hikers
Old Growth	▮▮▮▮▯	People who want a “proper” hike
Spineback / Tamarack / Goldilocks	▮▮▮▮▮	Strong hikers
Mt Baldy Loop	▮▮▮▮▮▮	Full-day beasts

What to pack for a day trip (and what people forget)

Item	Why it matters here
Layers	Mountain weather changes its mind constantly
Good shoes	Even “easy” trails have roots, rocks, and damp patches
Bug spray	Forest + lake + summer = you know
Sun protection	Alpine sun is sneaky, even when it feels cool
Water + snacks	Especially if you’re adding anything beyond the Lake Trail
Cash/tip plan	Always nice to have for service + guides

And if you’ve got kids: whatever makes the day smoother. For us, that meant keeping it simple—meal, easy walk, scenery overload, leave before anyone gets cranky.

Safety notes (because mountains don’t care about vibes)

Island Lake’s hiking page is very direct about risks: trails are not monitored, users are responsible for their own safety, and hikers should check weather/trail/wildlife conditions and stay on trail.

The common-sense version:

Don’t underestimate weather.
Don’t wander off trail for “the perfect photo.”
If you’re hiking longer routes, treat it like a real hike, not a lunchtime stroll.

Our honest verdict: is Island Lake Lodge worth it?

Heck yeah. With enthusiasm. With the kind of certainty you usually reserve for pizza and sleep.

It’s one of those places that makes Fernie feel like it has infinite “bonus levels.” You think you’re coming to town for a mountain main street and maybe a brewery—and suddenly you’re eating a ridiculously satisfying lunch, staring at a lake in a private valley, and casually daydreaming about coming back for an entirely different season.

✨ Ready to start planning your Fernie route?

Island Lake Lodge in Fernie FAQ: day trips, Bear Bistro, hiking trails, and what to know before you go

Can you visit Island Lake Lodge without staying overnight?

Yes. In summer, day visitors can go up for dining and hiking on select operating days—just check the calendar first because access and services vary by date.

Do you need reservations for Bear Lodge Bistro?

Nope. Tourism Fernie lists Bear Bistro as no-reservations, so it’s smart to keep your timing flexible (and avoid showing up starving-angry).

What are Bear Bistro’s hours?

Usually. The lodge lists Bear Bistro as 11am–5pm on select days (noted as Friday–Tuesday), but seasonal operations can shift—so confirm with the operations calendar.

How long does it take to drive up to Island Lake Lodge?

About 20 minutes from Highway 3 is the commonly recommended allowance, and it’s an 8 km dirt road—so take it slow and don’t treat it like a game.

Is the Lake Trail worth doing if you only have a little time?

Absolutely. It’s an easy 2 km loop with minimal elevation gain, and it’s basically designed for “post-lunch lake views without regret.”

What’s the best easy hike besides the Lake Trail?

Yep. The Fir Trail extension is a great add-on if you want more forest time while keeping things relatively gentle.

Are there harder hikes at Island Lake Lodge?

Big time. Spineback, Tamarack, and Goldilocks push into advanced territory with more elevation, time, and commitment.

What happens if you visit on a non-operational day?

Important. You may still be able to hike from the lower parking lot, but the road can be closed beyond it and services/facilities may not be available. Plan for extra distance and no “grab lunch at the top” option.

Where do you park if the lodge road is closed?

At the lower parking lot. Tourism Fernie notes free parking there (seasonally), and it’s about 4.5 km from the lodge—so it changes the effort level.

Can you bring dogs to Bear Bistro?

Sadly, no. Tourism Fernie notes no pets on the patio (and mentions “pet parking”), so plan accordingly.

Is Island Lake Lodge family-friendly for a day trip?

Yes. The Lake Trail is genuinely easy, and the “lunch + short scenic walk” format works well with kids—especially if you keep the plan simple and don’t over-schedule.

Can you canoe on Island Lake?

Yep. Tourism Fernie’s attraction listing notes canoe rentals (seasonal), which is perfect if you want a relaxed lake day instead of a hiking-heavy one.

What’s the deal with catskiing at Island Lake?

Legendary. Island Lake Catskiing describes guided access to over 7,000 acres of terrain, with tours that include lodging, meals, catskiing, safety equipment, and use of their powder ski/snowboard fleet.

Is catskiing only for expert skiers?

Mostly. It’s aimed at serious skiers/boarders, and it’s not the same as cruising groomers at a resort. If you’re curious, start by reading the “what’s included / what to expect” details and talk to their team about fit.

Can you stay overnight at Island Lake Lodge in summer?

Yes. Tourism Fernie frames it as an off-grid wilderness retreat with a minimum two-night stay and a deliberately unplugged room setup (no TVs/phones in rooms, etc.).

Is there cell service at Island Lake Lodge?

Maybe. Mountain valleys are famously inconsistent, and it can change by carrier and exact location. Treat it like you’re going somewhere remote (because you are), and don’t rely on perfect signal.

Any last “don’t mess this up” tip?

Yes. Check the calendar first. The “select dates” reality is the difference between a perfect lunch-and-lake day and showing up confused and dramatically hungry.