Welcome to Fernie Nature Tours

I am happy to announce the Winter 2006 Programs.  2005 was my third season offering this unique nature tourism experience to visitors to Fernie and area.  The response was very positive.  Many visitors are interested in a quiet experience, away from the crowds to learn about the natural environment surrounding them.  Anyone who can walk can snowshoe and the routes are easy to moderate and we take our time tailoring each trip to the interest of the guests.  Now let it snow!

Ingredients of a Fernie Nature Tour - breathtaking beauty, wildlife, fresh air, moderate exercise, entertaining stories, laughter and fun!

Winter Programs 2005/2006 (November -April)

Snowshoe Safari – Explore one of the snowiest places on earth. Discover the fascinating winter survival strategies of wildlife in the Rocky Mountains. Snowshoe across powder meadows glistening like diamonds. Silence is broken only by the soft thud as snow falls from cedar boughs. Enjoy a hot drink and homemade baking along a sparkling mountain creek before returning with rosy cheeks, fond memories and a new appreciation of winter ecology.

Tour 1: Fernie Alpine Resort – Departs from Guest Services
When: Tuesday and Friday afternoons 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Also available on request.
Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Price: Adult $40.00 Child (6-12) $20.00 (not recommended for 6 and under) Family $100.00 Includes guided interpretive tour, snowshoes, poles, hot drink, homemade snack. Prices based on a minimum of two people.

Tour 2: Mount Fernie Provincial Park – This special tour is to the closest protected area (Provincial Park) to Fernie Alpine Resort – one of the finest snowshoe locations in the Elk Valley.
When: Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.. Also available on request.
Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Price: Adult $60.00 Child (6-12) $30.00 Family $150.00. Includes van pick-up and transportation to Mount Fernie Provincial Park, guided interpretive tour, snowshoes, poles, hot drink, and homemade snack. Prices based on a minimum of 2 people.

Tour 3: Winter Wilderness Adventure – An all day snowshoe adventure exploring the backcountry and remote wilderness of the Elk Valley.
When: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Available on request.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Advanced. High level of fitness required
Price: Adult $140.00 Includes van pick-up and transportation, gourmet lunch, guided interpretive tour, snowshoes, poles, hot drink, and homemade snack. Prices based on a minimum of 2 people.

Being Canadian Eh! – An afternoon of all things Canadian – Winter and snow. Building an igloo or snow quinzee. Maple syrup treats. Beavers, mountains and moose!
When: Wednesday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Also available on request.
Level of difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Price: Adult $60.00 Child (6-12) $30.00 Family $150.00. Includes van pick-up and transportation, guided interpretive program, equipment to build igloo/quinzee, snowshoes, hot drink, and homemade maple syrup snack. Prices based on a minimum of 4 people.

Stargazing Snowshoe Fondue – Guided by shimmering moonlight and twinkling stars, snowshoe across open meadows while discovering the nature of night in the Rockies. Your senses are heightened as you travel across crisp powder snow, discover snow angles, identify constellations and see wild tracks scampering into the forest. Wrap up this intimate evening with a decadent chocolate fondue.

Departure: 7:00- 10:00 p.m. Fernie Alpine Resort Guest Services Tuesday and Thursday
Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Price: Adult $65.00 Child (6-12) $43.00 Family $170.00 Includes guided tour, snowshoes, headlamp, chocolate fondue, hot/cold beverages and transportation you're your accommodation and back. Prices based on minimum of 4 adults.

Watchable Winter Wildlife – In winter wildlife migrate into the valley bottoms. See elk, bighorn sheep, moose, coyote, deer, snowshoe hare and beaver. Watch resident and winter birds - bald eagles, Bohemian waxwings, American dippers and more! Learn about local conservation biology and efforts to protect wildlife.

Departure: 8:00-12:00 p.m. Booking dates flexible – on request. The tour includes viewing from a van and snowshoeing into some sites.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Price: Adult $75.00 Child (6-12) $37 Family $185.00 Includes pick up at lodging, guided interpretive tour, van transportation, snowshoes, home baked snack, hot beverages, guide books, use of binoculars and spotting scope. Prices based on a minimum of 2 adults.

Slide and Glide Ski Tours – Stride and glide along track set trails and explore remote places in the Southern Canadian Rockies. Take a tour to an alpine basin, visit Deadman's Pass, or simply enjoy skiing silently through spectacular mountain scenery while learning about local winter ecology and history.

Departure: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Booking dates flexible – on request.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Price: Adult $125.00 - $150.00 (depending on location chosen). Not suitable for children. The tour includes guided interpretive tour, pick up at lodging, van transportation, gourmet lunch, hot beverages, and homemade snacks. XC ski rental not included in the price but can be rented locally. Prices based on a minimum of 2 adults.

Heritage Tours – Want to take a break from skiing for a day? Is the weather not cooperating or the conditions icy? Spend the day with a local historian and naturalist exploring the back roads, heritage sites and attractions in the region. Visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial, Rum Runners Route, Lost Lemon Gold Mine, Crowsnest Volcanics, Archaeology Sites, Sparwood Terex Titan Truck and Historic Downtown Fernie or spend the day in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Departure: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Booking dates flexible – on request.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Price: Adult $155.00 & Children $100.00 (with a minimum of 4 adults $500.00) Price includes: Pick up at lodging, van transportation, informative and entertaining narrative by a local historian and professional naturalist, gourmet lunch, home-baked snacks, beverages, entrance fees to attractions, use of spotting scope, binoculars, guide books, historic photos, and snowshoes if required. Maximum 6 people.

Special Events –

New Year's Eve (December 31) 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Start 2006 musing about celestial signs from the heavens, a delicious cheese fondue, hot and cold beverages, fun and games, party favours and to finish it all off, a decadent chocolate fondue dessert. Adults $75 - Children 12 & under - $55 Family $205.

Chinese New Year (February 9) 5– 9 p.m. Bring in the year of the Rooster with an evening of snow serpents, snow dragons, a Chinese New Years dinner, party favours, fun and games. Adults $75 Children 12 & under $55 Family $205

Valentines Day (February 14) 7-10 p.m. Sweetheart's Chocolate Ecstasy – A Night of Adventure, Romance and Fun. Snowshoe under the full moon and stars. Back by the fireside a violin serenades you with romantic music. Aphrodisiac stimulants send you home fired up! Couples $130.

Price for Special Events includes: Pick up and return to lodging, guided tour, all food and beverages, party favours and snowshoe rental.