Want to refresh yourself? Go hiking

When it comes to adventure, fun and holidays, people usually get excited about hiking, trekking and similar activities. Hiking trips not only give a break from regular mundane schedules, but hiking is also a perfect stress relieving activity, and the options of adventurous to serene settings are more than enough to refresh you.

Plan your perfect hiking vacation with Island Lake Resort

Walking, hiking and climbing in pristine wilderness relaxes and renews the spirit along with providing an endorphin rush to the body and mind. Island Lake Resort will help you unwind, whether it be a 30-minute stroll or a full day climb. Choose from our Discovery Programs, Privately Guided options or choose a self-guided hike.

Striving to provide our guests with the best wilderness experience possible, our Discovery Programs offer an educational approach to the mountains, meadows and forests that make up our wilderness setting. A complimentary schedule of walks and hikes are provided with the hope of enriching your wilderness experience. Suitable for all ages and abilities, Island Lake Resort will let you explore what lies beyond the Old Growth forest. From massive 800 year old Western Red Cedars to tiny wild strawberries, the walks offer new discoveries around every corner.

The privately guided programs offer you the best way to discover the area. The professional guides of Island Lake Resort will allow you to safely discover places unknown to you. All of our technical programs i.e. advanced hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering are lead by professional guides, appropriately trained and certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides ( ACMG).

Are you well prepared for your hiking vacation? If not, read this

Hiking vacation is both enjoyable as well as invigorating. However, it is essential that you are prepared for your hiking experience. Proper gear is a prerequisite for a good hiking experience. Hiking boots and hiking shorts are most essential part of a hiker's equipment just as a water bottle and back pack are. Don't forget food and water. While food is needed on hikes of 3 to 4 miles and longer water is an essential on every hike. Even short hikes at higher altitudes can cause you to get thirsty faster than you would think. The choice of the right pair of boots can add considerably to your comfort and personal safety, especially in rugged or difficult terrain. Hiking boots that are built sturdy can protect your feet from rough trails. Get hiking boots that are waterproof. Follow the guide below for a list of things to look for when buying hiking boots:

'Solid' Feeling- This is what hiking boots are all about. The good ones have that 'solid' feeling on the bottom, which means that you should not be able to feel rocks or stones through the soles.

Side Protection- The bottom part of your hiking boots is not the only thing important. Good boots are also expected to provide you with protection on the sides. In fact, the reason they are called "heavy" hiking boots is that they have extra padding to protect your foot from stones, rocks, and branches you may step on which could gouge into the side of the boot.

Ankle Support- Pick good hiking boots with good ankle support.

Your list of packing for a hiking trip must-haves should include a garbage bag, lighter, whistle, pocketknife, and water bottle. Hiking vacations and trekking are not recommended as impromptu adventures. With a little planning, you should be able to make the most of your hiking experience.

From narrow gorges to deep valleys, tiny rivulets to immaculate sceneries - all are part of good hiking vacations. Join us on a great summer of hiking Fernie, exploring a variety of spectacular alpine trails and meadows.