Six Reasons Why Island Lake Lodge is a Must-Visit this Summer

THE LODGE

Island Lake Lodge offers countless ways to enjoy the pristine mountainous landscape in its backyard.

Nestled beside the Lizard Range of the Rocky Mountains, a visit to Island Lake Lodge is the ultimate way to unplug and enjoy a luxury wilderness experience. Explore the 7,000 acres of surrounding wilderness by day and spend the evenings in your own soaker tub or on the private balcony; watching the sun disappear behind the mountains to reveal a sky full of stars. With no phones or TV’s in the rooms of its three log-cabin accommodations, this lodge was made for slowing down and enjoying the great outdoors with good company—just one of the reasons it was named one of the most unique and authentic places to stay in Canada by National Geographic Traveler.

HIKING

Hike through the picturesque Southern Canadian Rockies with Island Lake Lodge’s guides. Choose from a half-day, full-day or overnight adventure in B.C.’s rugged terrain and learn about local flora and fauna. Hiking trails range from 2-22 kilometres of varying intensities, and will lead you into the wild lands of waterfalls, caves and mighty Cedar, Douglas Fir and Spruce trees.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

The patio of the Bear Lodge Bistro is the perfect place to soak in a view of the iconic Three Bears mountain peaks.

Reserve ahead for a table in the highly-recommended Tamarack Dining Room, recognized for its creative cuisine and serving some of the Elk Valley’s best culinary experiences. Choose from small plates like Grilled Lamb Pops or Scallop and Elk Chorizo and follow it up with a large plate of sustainably sourced Pacific Ling Cod and Mussels. Look closely and you might recognize something in your dish that was foraged on the property that day. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to find the perfect pairing from the 3,000-bottle wine library.

BIKING

The Lazy Lizard bike trail located on the lower Island Lake property is a 7-kilometre machine-built, single-track trail suitable for the whole family.

Pack your bike and take on the Lazy Lizard bike trail located on the lower Island Lake property. One of Fernie’s more popular mountain biking trails, this machine-built, single-track trail is an adventure suitable for the whole family. Spend the day riding over bridges and winding through old-growth cedars and wildflowers to spectacular lookout points and head back to Island Lake for some refreshments and a well-deserved meal on the patio of the Bear Lodge Bistro.

THE SPA

Unwind after an adventure-filled day with a trip to The Spa at Island Lake. Choose from a deep-tissue massage to work out the kinks from a day on the trails, a Swedish massage with aromatherapy using locally-crafted essential oils, sip a cup of tea in the outdoor sauna while soaking up mountain views or enjoy a manicure/pedicure, facials and other skin care and body treatments. For ultimate relaxation, opt for The Lazy Ascent or Mountain harmony, both half-day spa packages, or treat yourself to The Hibernation, a full-day head to toe experience. Don’t forget to visit the retail boutique for locally-made essential oils, soaps and tea to take the relaxation with you when you go.

ICONIC PHOTOS

The private patio outside your room with company and a view that won’t disappoint.

Share your mountain memories with stunning photos, not hard in a place as beautiful as this. Island Lake makes it even easier to get the best shots possible with a list of 20 iconic photo spots. Spanning the entire trail system, this list will take you into the mountainous landscape to see old growth, historic railways, wildflowers and wildlife or just to the patio for dinner and a view. Be sure to include Island Lake’s location hashtags when you share your photos for a chance to win monthly prizes.

For more information and to book your adventure, visit Island Lake Lodge.