6 breathtaking views and awesome adventures you won’t believe are less than a days drive from Calgary
If you live in Calgary, you’re actually pretty lucky to! Being able to live in a beautiful urban area surrounded by gorgeous mountains is certainly something to be thankful for. On top of the views, being so close to seemingly endless outdoor adventure and activities are an accolade many cities don’t have to brag about. If you’re looking for outdoor fun while maintaining social distance, here are a few suggested short staycations to consider.
Fernie, B.C
Views from town and the top of the mountain
Our first location is one that is already many Calgarians’ favourite short trip to make, Fernie, B.C. An easy 2.5/3 hour drive from the south end of Calgary along the Cowboy Trail you’ll drive right into Fernie’s town site, where you are literally surrounded by mountains on all sides. Continue through the town to Fernie Alpine Resort and you will not be disappointed. The views of the Lizard Range from the base of Fernie Alpine Resort are breathtaking enough, but by taking a ride on the Elk Chairlift you’ll get a view of the valley of Fernie, B.C that can’t be matched.
Golden, B.C
Hiking & Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse
Continuing on, let’s go to Golden, B.C, home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and just a 2.5 hour drive from Calgary’s north side. One of the unique aspects of Kicking Horse is the view of 6 National Parks from the peak of the mountain. And guess what, the peak of the mountain is easily within your reach! Kicking Horse has gondola accessed hiking and dining that offer some of the most stunning views you’ll find. And if you’re looking for something a little more to get the adrenaline pumping, the views from Via Ferrata are intense not just due to the views but due to the fact that you’re dangling off the side of a mountain or the suspension bridge (all while harnessed in of course).
Kimberley, B.C
Hiking & Biking
People love to describe Kimberley as a hidden gem in the rockies – and that’s exactly what it is. You’ll need to turn off the main highway to find this town but trust us, it’s worth the time. Not only can you hike up the ski hill at the resort to take in some of the gorgeous views of the town from the top of the mountain, but Kimberley, like the others above have an array of trail networks in and around the towns. One of the places that is a must do while in Kimberley is the short walk to the Marysville waterfalls, it’s another one of those hidden gems you don’t expect to find so easily and is definitely worth the short trek out to it!
Places to stay along the way
Even though you can easily visit any one of these towns and get back to Calgary in a day, staying overnight is always a nice option to have!
✅ Gorgeous slopeside mountain views
✅ Outdoor patios & in hotel restaurants offering take out
✅ Outdoor pools & hot tubs
✅ Close to all activities & adventures
✅ Convenient and safe – all our suites have full kitchens
Both of our feature properties at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort feature all of the above, making either location a great basecamp for your quick getaway or longer staycation.
See special offers at Lizard Creek Lodge
See special offers at Trickle Creek Lodge
We realize this can be a difficult time to consider travelling, before heading out on your trip check on the Alberta & British Columbia government website for any guidelines or restrictions at your time of travel. To see what safety procedures and routines we have put in place visit our resort or hotel websites.
Fernie Alpine Resort COVID information.
Feature Photo by Powder Matt
Fernie Alpine Resort Announces Fernival 2020 Headliner
Fernie, BC – Fernie Alpine Resort knows how to throw a season ending party to remember and Fernival 2020 will be no exception. It kicks off with the longstanding, locals’ favourite – the Raging Elk Powder, Pedal, Paddle relay race on Saturday and finishes with the Coca-Cola Slopesoaker , while live music all weekend ramps the party up
The resort is excited to announce the headlining band for this year’s event will be Dehli 2 Dublin! Playing a FREE show in the plaza on Saturday afternoon, their unique and catchy beats they’re sure to bring a infectious high energy feel to the plaza.
It all goes down on April 11th & 12th! Book your getaway now and make sure you’re here for the Dehli 2 Dublin show!
Fernie Alpine Resort • Vacation Deals • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Fernie, Press Releases
Bonus Weekend in September
Fernie, BC – It has been another great summer at Fernie Alpine Resort, with our daily summer operations closing on September 2nd. But wait, we have one more Bonus Weekend for you to get the most out of your Fernie summer, join us for the final summer weekend on September 7th & 8th.
Saturday, September 7th
The 10th Annual Tears & Gears event from 9am – 1pm, a trail running & mountain biking duathlon! Enter for yourself or as a team of two, plus there is a kids category! More information & registration details are on our events calendar.
Elk Chair will be open from 1pm – 5pm for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sightseeing & Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre – twilight rates for lift tickets are in effect!
Aerial Park is open – tours must be booked in advance, contact the Adventure Centre for your spot at 250-423-2435 or email [email protected]
Sunday, September 8th
The Pop Up Fernie Mountain Market will be at the resort from 10am – 2pm! The Pop Up Market will be set up in the plaza at the base area and features locally grown food and local artisans.
Elk Chair will be open from 10am – 5pm for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sightseeing & Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre.
Aerial Park is open – tours must be booked in advance, contact the Adventure Centre for your spot at 250-423-2435 or email [email protected]
For more information on activities, events and hours please see our website or social media channels;
Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
Fernie Alpine Resort to open on Saturday, December 1st
Fernie, BC – First turns! First chair! Fernie Alpine Resort’s opening day is here! This Saturday, December 1st, Fernie Alpine Resort starts the lifts for the 2018.2019 season. Fernie is known far and wide as one of the best places for snow in Canada, an exceptional variety of terrain with 5 Alpine Bowls offering the most Bowl skiing in the Canadian Rockies. For information on lifts/runs, service open and hours visit our Snow Report page.
Winter doesn’t have to be all skiing & snowboarding! During your visit to Fernie Alpine Resort this season, try out some of these other winter activities* right at the resort;
Snowshoe & Dining or Fat Biking & Dining
Join in on a Snowshoe tour followed by pasta & wine at Cirque Restaurant – tours run each Tuesday night at 5pm. Build up even more of an appetite by participating in our Fat Biking Ride & Dine, a 1.5 hour guided ride followed by a burger and beer at Legends Mountain Eatery – each Thursday night during the season! Snowshoeing & Fat Biking are also available anytime throughout the season through guided tours or by renting equipment from our rental shop and venturing out on your own.
Saturday Nights Uptracking Tour
Try the latest craze in skiing – uptracking. With our guided tour you’ll skin up through a beutiful forested area to the Bear’s Den, after warming up with a hot beverage, ski back down to Cirque Restaurant for a well deserved cocktail. Tour runs every Saturday at 5pm.
Kids Pool Party
Who doesn’t love a good pool party? Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we can’t have one! Each Saturday night, Lizard Creek Lodge hosts a pool party and movie night for the kids, BBQ dinner is included! Kids love our outdoor heated pool, all is supervised by our professional resort staff.
Other activities and programs offered include Nordic Sundays and Cross Country Skiing Trails, First Tracks experience, Guided Mountain Tours, Backcountry Basics course and much more! Get more information on all from our website.
*Winter Activities start for the season on December 4th.
‘Many know The Powder Highway is one of the top ski destinations in the world for snow and variety of terrain’, says Matt Mosteller, Senior VP of Marketing & Resort Experience. ‘Fernie Alpine Resort, which gets the most snow in the Canadian Rockies kicks this ski season this weekend, and with a Farmers Almanac forecast of another snowy winter, skiers and riders are ready for winter,’ he concluded.
Don’t just visit – make Fernie Alpine Resort, your new home away from home at the new Timber Landing Development
Our exciting Timber Landing Development has broken ground! With construction starting over the summer for new lots. Get more information on our website.
Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
What’s New? Mountain Improvements & Upgrades for the Upcoming Ski Season
Fernie, BC – at Fernie Alpine Resort we strive each season to make improvements to our mountain operations and infrastructure to ensure we are providing the best experience possible for our guests. Here are some of the highlights we’ve been working on for this upcoming winter season;
The Epic Pass
Resorts of the Canadian Rockies’ Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Nakiska Ski Area, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Stoneham will join the industry-leading Epic Pass in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season, bringing the total to 61 mountain resorts around the world for skiers and snowboarders.
Your new home away from home – Timber Landing Development
Our exciting Timber Landing Development has broken ground! With construction starting over the summer for new lots. Get more information on our website.
Two Activities, One Day
Get your ‘Dual-athon’ on here. We challenge you to do two activities in one day. Here are two routes, one designed for Nordic skiing and the other for biking or snowshoeing. Head to Mount Fernie Provincial Park and park at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre or Island Lake lower parking lot. It’s your call if you want to ski or bike/snowshoe first!
Ski Touring
Ski touring. Yep. Alpine Touring. This is the place to get skin in the game. The early riser who skins up, gets the best run to ski down. Learn how with our Winter Sports School, a ski touring expert from the resort will lead skiers up a designated run (with equipment that allows you to glide uphill) and get your backcountry basics with our team of professionals – all part of our Backcountry Basics clinic.
New Equipment
We’re adding 2 new grooming cats to our fleet! Plus our new cats are ‘Tier 4’, innovative technology from Pinroth, meaning they meet the new emission standard for the US.
Information subject to change.
Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
Timber Landing Development at Fernie Alpine Resort Update
Fernie, BC – Timber Landing at Fernie Alpine Resort is one of the newest developments in progress for Canadian Rockies Realty. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a 4-season vacation home nestled in the mountains, Timber Landing is the development for you. Four new lots have recently been released and start at $259,000, now that the new road leading up to Timber Landing is in its finishing stages, you’re closer than ever to moving into your new resort home.
About Timber Landing
Timber Landing is a prestigious community of ski-in estate lots, situated in a forest rising up the most desired flank of the Fernie base ski village. This land has been carefully planned to maximize mountain access, views, sun exposure and privacy, and is unique to any opportunity in Canada due to the limited supply of unique ski-in access properties.
Making a home here, you will find the privacy you desire and the space to build unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Surrounded by pristine nature and unparalleled views of the local mountains, each lot is a blank canvas waiting for your ideas. Whether you come with a list of questions, several sketches or an entire team of experts, our team caters to what makes sense for you. From concept to quality construction, we have the resources and the experience to help bring your dreams to life.
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For more information on Timber Landing please contact Real Estate Agent: Carol Cohen at 250-278-0678 or [email protected].
RCR Realty Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
We’re looking at you Fall! Upcoming fall fun at Fernie.
You already know you love Fernie Alpine Resort in the winter and summer months, now it’s time to acquaint yourself with fall in the mountains! Choose your adventure from our new programs – whether you’re into delicious food, learning about health and wellness or mindfulness retreats and meeting new like minded people, you’ll find it in Fernie.
Foodie Fernie
Saturday, September 15th – Scenic Dinner at Lost Boys Cafe.
It’s a fact – food tastes better when you’re high..up on the top of a mountain! Join us for our first ever scenic dinner at Lost Boys Cafe, located at the top of the Timber chairlift.
September 21st to 23rd – Lobsterfest & adventure weekend!
Come for the lobster – stay for the non stop fun. Lizard Creek Lodge is hosting the lobsterfests to trump all lobsterfests, the rate for your weekend includes your accommodations, delicious lobster themed meals (5 in total) as well as a guided nature hike (did you know Fernie used to be an ancient sea bed?)
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Health & Wellness
September 28th to 30th – Women’s Trail Running Weekend.
Our second annual trail running workshop will be led once again my Magi Scallion, an avid trail runner based out of Golden, B.C. The registration fee for you weekend includes accommodations, massage, yoga class, trail running basics and food & beverage!
October 23rd to 28th – You & Your Body Wellness Retreat. 
Treat yourself, you deserve it! Your retreat package features 10 group classes focused on mind and body wellness, guided nature walks, healthy and mountain inspired meals, a self care welcome kit and your accommodations – all in a gorgeous mountain setting, the best spot to learn about your body & mind health.
November 2nd to 4th – Fall Yoga Retreat.
Recharge your mind, body & soul in the serenity of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, join Yogi Gordana Gigovic as she leads you through this invigorating all inclusive weekend. Book now, the rate includes you accommodations, nature walk, yoga lessons and all meals.
**Book before August 15th to take advantage of our Early Bird Rate!**
Plus don’t forget about everything that’s coming up before fall, including our new Throwdown Thursdays, trail running series, The Griz Kidz Summer Carnival and our brand new Perseid Meteor Shower viewing & Mountaintop camping event.
Booking links and more information on all above can be found on our online events calendar.
- Published in Blog
Fernie Alpine Resort’s awesome line up of fall programs
Fernie, BC – You already know you love Fernie Alpine Resort in the winter and summer months, now it’s time to acquaint yourself with fall in the mountains! We’ve put together a variety of new fall programs, events and retreats to appeal to foodies, wellness enthusiasts and women.
Foodie Fernie
Saturday, September 15th – Scenic Dinner at Lost Boys Cafe.
It’s a fact – food tastes better when you’re high..up on the top of a mountain! Join us for our first ever scenic dinner at Lost Boys Cafe, located at the top of the Timber chairlift.
September 21st to 23rd – Lobsterfest & adventure weekend!
Come for the lobster – stay for the non stop fun. Lizard Creek Lodge is hosting the lobsterfests to trump all lobsterfests, the rate for your weekend includes your accommodations, delicious lobster themed meals (5 in total) as well as a guided nature hike (did you know Fernie used to be an ancient sea bed?)
——
Health & Wellness
September 28th to 30th – Women’s Trail Running Weekend.
Our second annual trail running workshop will be led once again my Magi Scallion, an avid trail runner based out of Golden, B.C. The registration fee for you weekend includes accommodations, massage, yoga class, trail running basics and food & beverage!
October 23rd to 28th – You & Your Body Wellness Retreat.
Treat yourself, you deserve it! Your retreat package features 10 group classes focused on mind and body wellness, guided nature walks, healthy and mountain inspired meals, a self care welcome kit and your accommodations – all in a gorgeous mountain setting, the best spot to learn about your body & mind health.
November 2nd to 4th – Fall Yoga Retreat.
Recharge your mind, body & soul in the serenity of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, join Yogi Gordana Gigovic as she leads you through this invigorating all inclusive weekend. Book now, the rate includes you accommodations, nature walk, yoga lessons and all meals.
**Book before August 15th to take advantage of our Early Bird Rate!**
Booking links and more information on all above can be found on our online events calendar.
Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
What to do & Where to Drink on your Powder Highway Summer Road Trip
Craft Breweries, quaint mountain towns, stunning rocky mountain views – those are the new experiences many people seek when planning at road trip. Road trips really are the best of all travelling worlds – without the major cost/headache of flying somewhere, staying semi close to your homebase while getting out and seeing the world at the same time. If you’re still looking to plan a fun, easy to manage getaway this summer or fall – here’s an itinerary all laid out for you. Less planning – more fun! It doesn’t get much better than that!
If you’re coming from Calgary in the south of the city or surrounding area, start at Fernie Alpine Resort – it’s an easy 2.5 hour drive when there’s no snow on the ground and it is home to perhaps the best known craft brewery scene of all our suggested locations. If you’re heading out from Calgary in the north or surrounding area, Kicking Horse might be the place for you to start your trip and do this whole circuit in reverse.
Fernie, B.C. – where the beer is local, but your server might be an import
Fernie is one of Canada’s great ski towns, not only has it been named ‘the coolest little town in North America’ by Rolling Stone Magazine, it’s also been named ‘the greatest Canadian outdoor town’ by Get Out There Magazine, in part because it truly is a year round outdoor destination with so much to do in the summer as well as the winter.
What to try – for a non boozy activity, try the Aerial Park at Fernie Alpine Resort. It’s a super fun afternoon where even adults find a challenge in the tree top obstacle course (perhaps do this one before the brewery tour, you might not want to have a hang over when 30 feet up in the trees)!
Where to drink – The Fernie Brewing Company is not just well known in Fernie, it’s well known in Calgary and branching out into many other major cities as well. But Fernie, of course, is the breweries home. The Fernie Brewing Co. building is located just as you drive into town (from the Sparwood/Calgary direction), they have a tasting room where you can try a flight of 4 beers for just $5 – which they donate to charity! Want to give back and drink at the same time? Fernie Brewing Co. is for you! Another fun initiative from the Fernie Brewing Co. is the Trail to Ale challenge, which is pretty much exactly what the name suggests, get more information on the Trail to Ale challenge on their website.
Photo | Fernie Brewing Company
Kimberley, B.C – a place to get away from traffic, full calendars and all things marked ‘urgent’
Kimberley is a town where you feel relaxed, like really relaxed. If you’re from the city when was the last time you can say you felt completely relaxed? 
Maybe it was on a nature walk, or in your backyard or maybe it’s only when you actually get out of the city. If you’re asking the questions where can I relax and forget about all my worries while on vacation – Kimberley is your answer.
What to try – swimming in gorgeous St. Mary’s lake, it’s super fun & super free! There’s not only swimming at St. Mary’s Lake you can also canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board, fish or just float! If you’re looking to rent some water sports equipment check out local company Kootenay Rafting for options. St Mary’s is home to some of the most gorgeous views in the region, Instagram worthy pictures for sure (and everyone needs to document their best vacations on Instagram). For even more options of what to try in Kimberley, check out my blog from last summer – ‘12 (plus) reasons to visit Kimberley this August’.
Where to drink – Overtime Beerworks in Kimberley may be the youngest of all the breweries on our list, starting in 2016 – don’t let that deter you though, their beers are brewed with the sophistication of a much older brewery and they’re quickly making a name for themselves further than just in Kimberley and are available in a variety of cities and towns in British Columbia and Alberta. All their beers are brewed in small batches, making each of them slightly different with the unique flare of each individual batch – try local favourites like the ‘Mountain Standard’ Golden Ale or the ‘Right About Now’ IPA.
Photo | Overtime Beerworks
Golden, B.C – the friendly mountain town
Golden is another one of those ultimate outdoor adventure towns on our list, with a TON to choose from in regards to outdoor activities. Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are frequently named in magazines with annotations such as ‘extreme’, ‘challenging’ and ‘adventurous’ and while it is 
all of those things, it’s also a place to chill out and enjoy adventures everyone can try. For example…
What to try – the Via Ferrata at Kicking horse Mountain Resort is an amazing experience not to be missed while in Golden. While it admittingly does look pretty hardcore, it’s actually a mountain climbing trek even novices can accomplish and feel comfortable while doing so. Via Ferrata courses are a series of iron rungs and handles mounted across the mountain face that novices and expert climbers can do, all the while strapped into to a safety harness – an added bonus of the Kicking Horse course is the suspension bridge you need to cross to get to the Via Ferrata course, it’s an experience in itself! In fact, if the Via Ferrata is still a little too hardcore for you – the Suspension Bridge can be done on its own without having to continue onto the full course. The sense of wonder and accomplishment you’ll feel after achieving the Via Ferrata course or just crossing the Suspension Bridge is enough to make anyone want a beer!
Where to drink – The Whitetooth Brewing Company is the place to go in Golden, not only do they offer their own unique and delicious beers (that goes without saying), their outdoor patio is one of the best in Golden with an epic view of the surrounding mountains. There are quite a few beers to choose from that fall into three categories – ‘West Coast Inspired’, Belgian Inspired’ and ‘High Gravity’ – no matter what type of beer you enjoy you’re sure to find one that suits your taste buds here. The Brewery doesn’t have a huge capacity and is usually busy – they open at 2pm so make sure you go early and you might just get to sit here, I can’t think of very many better seats than that!
Photo | Whitetooth Brewing Company
- Published in Blog
Fernie Alpine Resort Alpine Hiking is Open on Saturday
Fernie, BC – Fernie Alpine Resort is one of the best places for hiking and sightseeing, uniquely offering lift accessed hiking opens up the Alpine for just about everyone to hike, sight-see & enjoy. Choose to venture out on your own and follow one of our maintained hiking paths, sign up for a guided hike and head out with a group or sign up for a specialty hike. Get more information about our Hiking Trails or Guided Hikes on our website.
Specialty Hikes & Weekly Hiking Programs
July 8th – Fossils & Geology
July 22nd – Mountain Wildflowers
August 5th – Birds & Wildlife
August 19th – Berries & Other Useful Plants
September 2nd – Forestry
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Forage & Feast – Tuesdays
Kids Nature Hike & BBQ – Saturdays
Birding & Breakfast – Sundays
Get more information about Specialty Hikes or Weekly Programs on our website.
Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre
Nature Bob has been guiding people around Fernie Alpine Resort for over a decade, he is a wealth of knowledge about the nature and history of the resort, we’ve compiled (most) of his expertise into the Nature Bob Interpretive Centre, located at the top of the Elk Chair. Fun and informative for the whole family, the Interpretive Centre features displays with information about Fernie Alpine Resort’s native flora, wildlife and fossils.
Get more information on our website.
Mini Griz Rangers Kids Camp
Kids love to be outdoors, the Mini Rangers kids camp gives children lots of fresh air and natural sunlight! Our Mini Griz Ranger leaders keep children active and engaged through games, scavenger hunts and digging for treasure. Half day or full day programs are available for kids ages 3 – 5.
More information on Mini Griz Rangers & other Kids Camp Programs
Fernie Alpine Resort • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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For more information, please contact:
Matt Mosteller
Senior VP Marketing & Resort Experience, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
[email protected]
Twitter, Facebook & Instagram – @PowderMatt
Powder Matt’s Blog
- Published in Press Releases
