“Mom, this lake is so beautiful. Wait – I think I ate a fly!”

And so started our two day paddling and biking trip to Fernie, B.C.

Our summer was beginning to fill up as it always does cramming in campfires, baseball games,
and swimming lessons. In the fall our three kids and I will all be heading back to school. The
summer is our time to soak in days that are not governed by a schedule. My husband, however,
works in the summer so we have become proficient at sneaking in fun on his days off. Fernie is
an incredible destination whether you can go for a night or a summer. The activities are endless!

After a short two-and-a-half hour drive from Calgary, we were blowing up paddle boards at
beautiful Island Lake to take in the impressive peaks around the forested shores. The lake was
calm, breathtaking and garnished with an iconic floating dock. Adirondack chairs sat peacefully
along the shore inviting tired legs to sit and take in pristine views. Island Lake was the perfect
starting point for our two day adventure.

Once we finished paddling, our older kids took their dad biking and our youngest and I set out to
explore an old growth forest. All of us enjoyed the ancient cedars, fern-lined paths and wooden
bridges on the different trails whether biking or walking. The area is home to a rich network of
biking and hiking trails providing different entry points to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.
Upon meeting up after riding and hiking, everyone was ready to drive the five minutes into town
and get a bite to eat before heading up to the Lizard Creek Lodge at the base of Fernie Alpine
Resort. The Lodge proved to be the perfect place to unwind after a busy day and was set up
perfectly for a family or group of friends. From the balcony off the living room with a fireplace, to
the loft with two queen beds and second full bath above the kitchen, it felt luxurious to settle in
for the night. Or at least for a few minutes before the kids had us swimming and soaking in the
outdoor heated pool and hot tub.

The second day was the one everyone had been waiting for. Lift access mountain biking is such
a treat with a family. Although our older kids have gotten quite quick at ascending, our youngest
is still just five. For everyone to be able to get as many downhill laps in as possible was
amazing. It also allowed our youngest to enjoy a slower pace riding the lifts to hike at the top,
swing in one of the many hammocks set up and explore Nature Bob’s Interpretive Centre. After
catching the last lift at 4:30 pm, we hopped in the truck and headed home regaling stories from
the afternoon. It was decided – a trip to Fernie is something we would like to do again very soon.