As the days become longer, the snow begins to melt, and the flowers start to bloom, we know we are heading into spring in Fernie. While many refer to it as “the off-season,” spring is anything but quiet here. In fact, it’s one of the best times to explore without the crowds.
Early-season hikes, spa days, local art, and great food are just a few of the spring activities in Fernie waiting to be enjoyed. Here’s your guide to making the most of a Fernie spring getaway and why Fernie Fox Hotel is the perfect base for your stay.
1) Explore Snow-Free Trails with Scenic Views
Spring is one of the best times to hit the trails in Fernie. As the snow recedes, several lower-elevation routes become accessible, offering stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and the perfect conditions for a day outdoors.
The Montane Trail Network is a favourite among families and beginner hikers. The trails here are vast, well-marked, and pet-friendly. The Montane Hut Loop is especially popular: it’s a 2.5 km round-trip walk with gentle elevation and panoramic valley views at the top. It’s also one of the first trail systems to dry out in the spring, so it’s a reliable early-season option.
Castle Rock Loop and the Ridgemont trail system are great choices for intermediate hikers looking for more elevation and scenery. Castle Rock offers a well-loved route through shaded forest paths and open ridges, while Ridgemont features a connected network of multi-use trails that wind through forested sections and sun-exposed slopes.
If you’re in the mood for a bigger adventure, Heiko’s Trail is a 20+ km alpine trek that features steep climbs, ladder sections, waterfalls, limestone caves, and breathtaking meadows. However, please note that Heiko usually isn’t hikeable until late spring (around June). The same goes for higher-elevation trails in Mount Fernie Provincial Park.
For real-time updates on which trails are open and in good condition, visit the Fernie Trails Alliance. They regularly post trail reports and helpful tips.
2) Biking: Fat-Tire or Mountain
Once the snow starts to clear, Fernie’s biking scene comes alive, particularly on lower-elevation trails that dry out early. The south-facing Ridgemont and Montane trails are the first to open and offer great early-season riding. These areas are ideal for warming up your legs after the winter break, with a mix of easy and intermediate options.
In Ridgemont, riders love Rainer’s Way (formerly What’s Up Doc) for a great mix of flowy sections, short climbs, and scenic lookouts.
New to town or unsure where to start? The Fernie Trails Alliance provides up-to-date trail maps and conditions. And please, do not ride muddy trails! It’s hard on your bike, and even worse for the trail surface.
Biking is one of the most rewarding spring activities in Fernie, and it only gets better as the trails keep drying out. In the summer months, the ski hill also opens for mountain biking enthusiasts who love the gravity-focused bike park.
3) Discover Local Art and Spring Creativity
This is also a great time to dive into spring art activities in Fernie. As things slow down after ski season, the local arts scene showcases fresh exhibits, workshops, and handmade finds.
Start with The Arts Station, Fernie’s cultural hub housed in a restored train station. Their spring calendar includes rotating exhibitions by Kootenay-based painters, photographers, and ceramic artists, plus adult-friendly workshops like watercolour classes, pottery nights, and open mic events.
Just a short walk away, H Squared Gallery is a newer downtown spot showing modern ceramic work, paintings, and small-batch design pieces from regional artists. It’s a calm, inspiring place to explore on a quiet afternoon.
You can also check out The Green Petal for local artisan goods like hand-thrown mugs, soy candles, and the perfect seasonal décor for a spring refresh.
Don’t miss the Fernie Arts Co-op, located on 2nd Avenue. It’s a year-round collective with everything from woodwork to jewellery, all made by creatives from the Elk Valley and beyond.
4) Recharge with a Wellness Day
A relaxing spa visit is one of the most sought-after spring activities for adults in Fernie. Head to Spa 901, set in a beautifully restored brick schoolhouse, for massages, facials, and access to their rooftop hot tub with mountain views.
For a more holistic experience, Three Sisters Day Spa offers aromatherapy, reflexology, and other calming treatments. If you’re planning a Fernie spring getaway at Fernie Fox Hotel, these stops are just minutes away.
5) Eat Outside and Soak Up the Spring Sun
Fernie’s patios come back to life in spring. Whether you’re fuelling up after a hike or winding down with a cocktail, there are plenty of spots to enjoy fresh air and good food.
The Brickhouse is a go-to for burgers, pints, and relaxed vibes on their spacious patio. Just around the corner, Big Bang Bagels serves up fresh, made-from-scratch bagels. You can choose this place for a grab-and-go lunch before you hit the trails.
For something more refined, Fernie Distillers offers craft cocktails made with small-batch spirits and seasonal flavours. Their sunny patio is ideal for sipping a Lavender Sour or Kootenay Cosmo while soaking in the views.
If you’re planning a Fernie spring getaway, patio hopping is a laid-back way to experience the local food scene.
Plan Your Stay at the Fernie Fox Hotel
Has all this talk about spring activities in Fernie got you excited? Stay close to all the action at Fernie Fox Hotel.
We’re just a short walk from downtown and a 10-minute drive to the ski hill, making it easy to explore trails, cafes, galleries, and more without the hassle. Guests love the quiet, laid-back spring ambience: there are fewer crowds, no traffic, and more time to enjoy the mountains at your own pace.
Our spacious rooms are perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers. We also offer free e-bike rentals to allow for easy cruising to local trails, cafes, and galleries.
We’re proud to follow a strong sustainability approach, with eco-friendly practices like solar power, in-room recycling, and energy-efficient systems. It’s a stay you can feel good about.
Whether you’re here to hike, relax, or try something new, Fernie Fox Hotel is the ideal home base for your Fernie spring getaway. Book directly for the best rates and enjoy everything spring has to offer—right at your doorstep.
Plan Your Trip Today
Spring in Fernie is all about slower mornings, quieter trails, and space to enjoy the mountains without the crowds. While it’s known as the off-season, it’s one of the best times to explore, whether you’re here for hiking, biking, art, or just some well-earned rest.
Ready to relish the fresh mountain air? Book your Fernie spring getaway at Fernie Fox Hotel today and make the most of this peaceful time of year.