Flexible growth at Island Lake Lodge

Island Lake Lodge, just outside of Fernie, has built on various strengths to offer activities for both summer and winter

by Kristen Mitchell — May 08, 2013

Two girls in hiking gear stand looking over an epic mountain landscape.

1 of 4Hiking is one excellent reason to visit Island Lake Lodge in the summertime. — Photo courtesy Mike McPhee

A large log lodge with a green roof has a wide patio overlooking trees and mountains.

2 of 4A popular patio can be found at the Bear Lodge. — Photo courtesy Mike McPhee

Three sets of hiking shoes are in the foreground of a stunning snowy mountain range and a green slope.

3 of 4Hiking is one excellent reason to visit Island Lake Lodge in the summertime. — Photo courtesy Mike McPhee

A large lodge with a green roof against a backdrop of mountains.

4 of 4The Tamarack Lodge is one of four that is available to visitors at the Island Lake Lodge. — Photo courtesy Mike McPhee

‹ ›

…

The world may know Island Lake Lodge as a mecca for powdery cat-skiing—it has been called one of the most authentic and unique hotels in Canada by National Geographic and the renowned ski opportunities have drawn people from around the world. Nonetheless, those a little closer to home are aware of the summertime beauty of the area.

“The location is absolutely stunning,” said Mike McPhee, director of sales and marketing. “The view from the lake rivals anything in the national parks. The ecosystem around the lodge is coastal style with old-growth forest—giant cedar trees and giant Douglas fir trees, so that’s very unique in the Rocky Mountains. The lodge experience is very nice, unique, a little bit high-end—our dining is absolutely amazing.”

Island Lake Lodge is only 14 kilometres out of Fernie and it is a trip well worth making simply for the food alone. A team of chefs carefully prepares French-inspired cuisine using ingredients that are local and organic where possible. A quality dining experience is the result and the lodge has also created several theme nights. Monday is date night, specifically geared for romantic meals for two, while Wednesdays pair a five-course tasting meal with five different wines. Additionally, the company anticipates starting a wine and dinner club over the summer of 2013.

The business is unique to the industry as the 7,000-acre parcel of land it operates on is privately owned. It’s an ideal location largely located in the Lizard Range on the west slope of the Rocky Mountains. This year, Island Lake Lodge is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The cat-skiing business originally operated entirely out of Bear Lodge. Now there are four lodges on site, and activities that can keep visitors busy in every season. Rooms don’t have televisions or phones installed. There is Wi-Fi available, but with so much beauty and opportunity guests are encouraged to disconnect and spend time enjoying nature.

Sure, the skiing is gone once the snow melts. Still, Island Lake Lodge remains a great place to visit for a spa, a meal or maybe a stay. Excellent hiking, a great wedding destination, world-class fly fishing and romantic getaways are among the strengths that Island Lake Lodge has built on to become a popular destination year round. Fernie can look forward to another 25 years with Island Lake Lodge.