Don’t get me wrong, I am all about the long, climbing hikes through the mountains on trails so unmarked that you spend the whole time wondering if you’re lost. However, sometimes my anxious self enjoys a nice, easy walk in the woods on a marked trail. On a family trip to Fernie, British Columbia last November, my parents and I found exactly that. I’d done a little research via Google maps on the drive from Calgary to Fernie, and found the Fairy Creek Falls trail.
This hike departs on a trail leading right from the Fernie Visitor Information Centre – meaning well-established parking, a clear trailhead, signs + maps and washrooms!
The Visitor Info Centre is located at 102 Commerce Road / Highway 3, Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M5, on the east side of town.
The hike is a four kilometre (2.5 miles) out-and-back, and I figured we could do it in 45 minutes to an hour, but it ended up taking us almost an hour and a half, and I still cannot figure out why! There was very little elevation gain, and we only stopped for about five minutes at the waterfall to take photos.
My parents had done this hike with my mom’s sister and her husband a few summers ago, and she said that they’d found the same thing – the hike had taken much longer than anticipated. Whatever the reason for this, I suggest planning for a little extra time than it would normally take you to complete an easy four kilometres at your usual pace.
That being said, the Fairy Creek Falls trail was lovely, and exactly what I was looking for. There wasn’t much too snow yet (mostly just slush), and the majority of the path was composed of hard-packed dirt – however there was a little mud, so a pair of grippy boots or old running shoes would’ve been a good idea. (I did the hike in Uggs…)
The path wound up the base of Mount Proctor, meandered along a creek and ended at a lively waterfall. The views were fantastic, and this was a very simple trek, with an elevation gain of only 120 metres (about 394 feet). Suitable for all ages, including kids (and dogs). Strollers and any equipment with wheels wouldn’t be able to navigate the terrain and narrower parts of the path, however toddlers can still enjoy this easy walk.
The Fairy Creek Falls trail gives you the option to connect with the bigger Fairy Creek Trail up Mount Proctor, and also connects to the base of the Three Sisters/Mt. Trinity.)
Please enjoy the below photos of this nice little Fernie hike (highlights include a little fairy statue near the falls and an abandoned bathtub on the side of the trail), and let me know if you’ve done it or are planning to do it too!
Find Tourism Fernie’s information about the hike here.
