Getting Here
Cranbrook
Cranbrook, British Columbia : 1hr drive to Island Lake Lodge. Cranbrook airport has numerous flights daily to both Vancouver and Calgary (The base rate may be expensive but this is a great opportunity to use either Aeroplan or Velocity points.) If you're planning on flying into this location or hiring a car at this airport, inventory may be limited so booking early is advised. There is also a shuttle service to and from the airport offered by Tunnel 49 or Resort tours
Calgary
Calgary, Alberta: 3.5 hour drive away. The beautiful drive south through the Foothills of the Canadian Rockies is well worth the trip. Westjet is the main airline to fly in here. There is also a shuttle service to and from the airport offered by Tunnel 49 or Resort tours
Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia: Main Airport Hub if flying from Australia. Fernie is an 11.5hr drive from Vancouver so we suggest connecting through Calgary or Cranbrook to avoid a long drive
Kalispell (USA)
Kalispell, Montana: If coming in from the USA and looking for reasonable flights. From the airport, you will reach Island Lake Lodge in approximately two hours by car. There is also a shuttle service to and from the airport offered by Resort tours
- Tip: If flying within Canada - Velocity points can be used to book Air Canada flights and Qantas points can be used to book Westjet Flights
Surrounding Area
Banff National Park
- Banff National Park is famous for its vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds. The park spans 6,641 square kilometres of striking mountainous terrain in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. 4 hours north of Fernie and 1.5hrs from Calgary it makes for a great trip.
Yoho National Park
- Yoho National Park lies above Banff national Park. Home to Veritcal rock walls, waterfalls and dizzying peaks it draws visitors from across the world. Housing Jasper and stunning places like Emerald lake, it's Emily's personal favourite of the Rockies national Parks. Roughly 4 hours from Fernie and 2.5 from Calgary.
Kananaskis National Park
Kananaskis Country is a park system in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, covering 4000 square kilometres of land. Kananaskis National Park is located 1hr from calgary and 3.5hrs from Fernie . The little brother of Banff national park, this park is often quieter with secluded lakes and unique lodging. Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is one of our favourites with it's own Nordic Spa.
Yellowstone National Park
Needing little introduction, the world's first national park sits on top of a dormant volcano and houses beautiful views, Old Faithful, and geysers shooting water 100 feet into the air. Wonders abound at this truly unique national park, from sites like the Yellowstone Grand Canyon to wildlife like America’s largest buffalo herd, grizzly bears, and wolves. Roughly 8 hours from Fernie and Calgary.
Please note: Most national parks require a park pass to enter (This should be purchased online ahead of entering the park as they are starting to not sell them at the entry gates).