Fernie in June: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Mountain Views
Why I Keep Falling in Love with British Columbia
They say British Columbia is God's own country, and I couldn't agree more. Every year I fall a little more in love with this province. Last year we explored the East Kootenays, so this time it was all about the West and Central Kootenays.
This post brings you everything we did during our two-day stay in Fernie in June 2026.
The Drive from Calgary
Fernie may be a ski lover's paradise, but the serenity and calmness that a ski resort town has in summer hits differently.
We drove from Calgary, taking my favorite route: Highway 22. The prairies slowly begin meeting rolling hills and meadows, with dramatic skies full of dark clouds overhead. The landscape along this lesser-known highway makes the drive just as memorable as the destination itself.
Stops Worth Making Along the Way
Bar U Historic Ranch
One notable stop is Bar U Historic Ranch. It's a wonderful place for kids to experience a bit of western history and an equally good excuse to stretch your legs before continuing toward Fernie.
Lundbreck Falls
Another worthwhile detour is Lundbreck Falls. I've visited these falls both in early spring and in summer, and they never disappoint. The roar of the water alone is enough to pull you off the highway for a quick stop.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is another place worth visiting. It's sobering to learn about the tragedy that unfolded there, but standing among the rocks truly puts into perspective the sheer force of a landslide.
Sparwood BC
We did a quick stop at World's Largest Tandem Axle Truck. What a fun place!
Where We Stayed
Fernie is incredibly rewarding if you want to put in very little effort and still enjoy spectacular scenery. It's also a wonderful destination for those traveling with older parents who want a taste of an alpine town without undertaking difficult hikes.
We stayed at Snow Creek Lodge in the Fernie Alpine Resort area. The mountain views from the lodge were remarkable and honestly weren't even highlighted in the Airbnb listing we booked.
Hiking Above Fernie
One of the unique things about Fernie in summer is that many trails in the ski resort area can be accessed using the chairlifts.
By pure luck, the weekend we visited happened to be a preview weekend, so the chairlifts were already running and we got to ride to the top.
I would highly recommend the Megasaurus Trail. Do carry bear spray—we heard reports of a mama bear and her cub in the area on the day we hiked.
If mountain biking is your thing, Fernie is absolutely the place to be. The chairlifts were full of locals carrying their bikes up the mountain, making the most of the quiet days before the summer crowds arrived.
Fairy Creek Falls
The next day we hiked to Fairy Creek Falls, a moderate 4-kilometre trail that follows the creek almost the entire way before ending at beautiful waterfalls.
If that doesn't satisfy your hiking appetite, you can continue on to Mount Proctor, which turns the outing into a much longer adventure of nearly 20 kilometres.
An Unexpected Gem: Koocanusa Lake
After the falls, we drove to Kikomun Creek Provincial Park and made our way to the Koocanusa Lake beach access area.
This place is truly a hidden gem. The water reflects deep shades of green from the surrounding trees, making everything feel pristine and untouched. I don't think my pictures quite do it justice, so I'll leave the experience for you to discover for yourself.
The Jaffray Farmers Market
Our next stop was the Jaffray Farmers Market—a small-town Saturday market filled with good people and good vibes.
The molasses gingerbread cookies from one of the grandmas there were top-notch. I still regret not picking up her carrot cookies as well.
Wildflowers at Wycliffe Butte
Another hike worth doing, about 30 minutes from Fernie, is the Wycliffe Butte Trail.
The trailhead sits right off the road, and because it's a preservation area, there isn't much dedicated parking. The meadows were full of wildflowers, and if you visit in April or May, locals say you'll catch the Arrowleaf Balsamroot in full bloom.
We visited in June, but the landscape still felt incredibly beautiful. The open meadows and panoramic views from the top made the hike well worth it.
Closing Thoughts
This is far from everything that Fernie has to offer. The Island Lake area was closed during our visit, which gives me yet another reason to return.
Something tells me this won't be my last Fernie post. I'm certain there will be a Part Two in the years to come, because places like this reveal themselves slowly—and that's exactly what makes going back so worthwhile.
