Winter · Usually December–early April
For our cat skiing guests.
Lodging, dining and winter experiences are reserved for guests with confirmed cat ski bookings. Public drop-in visits and restaurant reservations are unavailable.
The Lodge · A guide to the seasons
Island Lake
Month by Month
Know when to come
One place. A changing year.
Choose the season for your stay, then confirm the date. Public summer visits, private winter ski trips and the shoulder-season closures each have their own rhythm.
Summer · Usually June–September
Open to the public, on select dates.
Come for a stay, a hike, lunch or the spa during summer operations. Weddings, buyouts and non-operating days can close facilities and vehicle access.
Check your date
Spring & autumn · Between guest seasons
The lodges close.
No hotel, restaurants, spa, washrooms or guest services. Road and recreational trail access follow separate notices; an open trail does not mean an open lodge.
See access noticesThe seasonal calendar
Island Lake, month by month.
Compare the climate and lodge access, then open a month for activities, wildlife and planning notes.
Temperatures are a Fernie valley reference.
Average daily high / low and total monthly precipitation below use historical 1981–2010 Fernie climate normals. Island Lake sits higher in the mountains and can be colder and snowier, with snow lingering much later. These are planning averages, not a lodge forecast.
Climate data & sourceJanuaryDeep winterValley high / low−1° / −10°C31° / 15°FPrecipitation139 mmrain + melted snowCat Skiing guests only — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Cold mornings, short days and a settled winter landscape. Mountain temperatures can fall well below the valley averages.
Guided cat skiing and snowboarding, followed by the spa, fireside time and dinner with your ski group.
In the wild
Bears and ground squirrels are generally denning or hibernating. Deer, moose and forest birds remain active; tracks may be easier to see than animals.
For your plans
Plan around a confirmed ski package. The lodges and restaurants are reserved for booked winter guests, with no public drop-in dining.
FebruaryPowder days, longer lightValley high / low2° / −9°C35° / 15°FPrecipitation88 mmrain + melted snowCat Skiing guests only — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Winter still has a firm hold, with cold nights and gradually lengthening afternoons. Snow quality and available terrain change with each weather cycle.
Guided cat skiing and snowboarding, mountain photography and relaxed evenings back at the lodge.
In the wild
Most bears remain in their dens. Winter-active wildlife still needs space and undisturbed travel routes.
For your plans
For a private ski gathering, ask about group space or a buyout well ahead. Confirm ability levels and equipment with reservations.
MarchWinter with a little more sunValley high / low7° / −5°C44° / 23°FPrecipitation98 mmrain + melted snowCat Skiing guests only — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Longer days can bring fresh snowfall, sunshine and spring-like warmth in the same week. Expect changing snow surfaces and overnight freezes.
Guided skiing and riding continue on the winter programme. Your guides choose terrain to suit that day’s weather and snow.
In the wild
Den emergence approaches as spring develops. Wildlife follows food and snow conditions rather than a fixed calendar.
For your plans
Choose dates for the whole group and keep travel plans flexible around mountain weather. Public summer activities and dining have not opened.
AprilThe mountain changes seasonsValley high / low12° / −1°C53° / 30°FPrecipitation93 mmrain + melted snowWinter ends → closed — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Valley thaw does not mean alpine summer. Deep snow can remain around the lodge and higher up, with wet weather and freeze–thaw cycles.
Some years include early-April ski departures, followed by the spring closure. The published 2026/27 trip calendar runs through April 5, 2027.
In the wild
Bears typically emerge around April, with timing varying by snow, food and individual animal. Ground squirrels begin their spring return as conditions allow.
For your plans
After the final winter departure, lodge services close. Do not plan a public visit, wedding or retreat without a confirmed operating date.
MaySnowmelt in the Cedar ValleyValley high / low17° / 3°C62° / 37°FPrecipitation92 mmrain + melted snowSpring closure — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Milder valley days, cold nights, rain and runoff. Higher trails can remain snowy or muddy even when Fernie is green.
This is typically a preparation period between guest seasons. Summer lodging, dining, canoe rentals and spa visits await the announced opening.
In the wild
Bears forage on new growth; ground squirrels become active. Give wildlife extra space as the valley enters its spring breeding and birthing season.
For your plans
Treat May as closed for lodge stays and events unless the team confirms otherwise. Trail permission, road access and lodge services are separate checks.
JuneLong days, a fresh green valleyValley high / low21° / 7°C69° / 44°FPrecipitation110 mmrain + melted snowSummer opening varies — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Long daylight, cool evenings and frequent opportunities for rain. Alpine snow can linger after lower trails open.
After summer opening: forest walks, lake time, canoeing, the spa and patio lunches. Choose higher hikes using the current trail report.
In the wild
Look for ground squirrels and birds; deer, moose and bears also live here. Keep well back from adults with young.
For your plans
A lovely early-summer setting for gatherings once dates are confirmed. Have an indoor weather plan and allow warm layers for lakeside ceremonies.
JulyHigh summer in the mountainsValley high / low25° / 8°C77° / 47°FPrecipitation67 mmrain + melted snowPublic summer season* — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Warm valley afternoons and cool nights. Rain and mountain thunderstorms remain possible; higher terrain is cooler and more exposed.
Hiking as trails clear, Lazy Lizard biking, canoeing, guided walks and long lunches. Alpine flowers follow snowmelt rather than a guaranteed bloom date.
In the wild
Ground squirrels and chipmunks are active, while bears feed across the landscape. Watch quietly and leave animals their natural food.
For your plans
A strong choice for family reunions and outdoor wedding plans. Reserve rooms, meals and activities together; public access still depends on private-event dates.
AugustAlpine days, cool eveningsValley high / low25° / 7°C77° / 45°FPrecipitation52 mmrain + melted snowPublic summer season* — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Historically one of the warmer, drier valley months. Heat, wildfire smoke or storms can still change outdoor plans.
Alpine hikes when conditions allow, biking, canoeing, spa time and group adventures with time left for the table.
In the wild
Bears seek seasonal foods including berries. Ground squirrels can begin hibernating surprisingly early; adult males often disappear before females and young.
For your plans
Keep an indoor option for group sessions and celebrations. Pack an evening layer, and check air quality and trail notices before outdoor activities.
SeptemberEarly autumn, a quieter rhythmValley high / low19° / 3°C67° / 38°FPrecipitation76 mmrain + melted snowSummer ends → closed — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Cooler days, crisp nights and increasing frost potential. Colour develops unevenly with elevation; early mountain snow is possible.
Early-season dates may offer hiking, photography, lodge stays and gatherings before the announced summer closing day.
In the wild
Bears feed intensively before winter. Many ground squirrels are already underground; deer and moose remain active.
For your plans
Check the closing date before choosing an autumn wedding or retreat. Shorter evenings call for earlier outdoor plans. Summer services were closed by September 21, 2026.
OctoberThe valley settles downValley high / low12° / −1°C53° / 31°FPrecipitation116 mmrain + melted snowAutumn closure — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Cool, wet weather, frosty nights and snow returning to higher elevations. Autumn colour does not imply that the lodge is open.
Typically no lodge stays, public restaurants or spa service. Any independent trail visit depends on current access notices and conditions.
In the wild
Bears may still be feeding as winter approaches. Deer and moose do not hibernate.
For your plans
Treat the lodge as closed for hosted gatherings. Do not promise a meal, washroom stop or drive-up photo visit during the shoulder season.
NovemberWinter takes shapeValley high / low3° / −5°C37° / 23°FPrecipitation179 mmrain + melted snowAutumn closure — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
A wet, cold transition with valley rain or snow and building mountain snowpack. Daylight is short and conditions change quickly.
The team prepares for winter. Summer amenities remain closed; ski access begins with the scheduled guest programme.
In the wild
Bears commonly enter dens during November or December, depending on conditions. Some individuals remain active longer.
For your plans
Winter-looking mountains are not an opening announcement. Arrange your arrival only after reservations confirms your ski trip and transfer details.
DecemberThe winter welcome returnsValley high / low−2° / −10°C29° / 14°FPrecipitation118 mmrain + melted snowClosed → cat skiing guests — activities, wildlife and planning notes
Weather & activities
Cold nights, short days and returning winter storms. Early-season terrain depends on snow coverage and the guides’ assessment.
Guided cat skiing and snowboarding resume on scheduled opening dates. The published 2026/27 trip calendar begins December 11, 2026.
In the wild
Bears are generally denning and ground squirrels hibernating. Resident birds and other winter-active animals remain part of the forest.
For your plans
Before the winter opening, lodge services remain closed. Afterwards, stays and dining are for booked ski guests; there is no public holiday walk-in service.
*Public summer access is subject to the operations calendar, private functions and individual service hours. Opening and closing dates change each year. Rain + melted snow is water-equivalent precipitation, not snowfall depth.
Two tables in the mountains
Restaurants & opening hours.
Public restaurant hours apply only during summer operations, on dates open to the public. All times are local to Fernie.
Lunch, drinks & the patio
Bear Bistro
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Summer public days
- Sunday–Tuesday; confirm Friday & Saturday service directly.
- Wednesday & Thursday
- Closed to public dining.
- Reservations
- Walk-in seating, first come, first served. Call ahead for large groups.
Published summer notices differ: the Bistro page lists Friday–Tuesday, while the main dining notice lists Sunday–Tuesday. Confirm your date with the lodge before travelling up.
Explore Bear BistroAn evening at the table
Tamarack Dining Room
5–9 p.m.
- Summer public days
- Sunday & Monday.
- Tuesday–Saturday
- Closed to public dining.
- Reservations
- Required. Available dates are confirmed through OpenTable.
Seasonal & private closures
Both restaurants close to public dining throughout winter, when meals are for our private cat ski guests. Both close with the lodges during the shoulder seasons. Summer weddings and private events can override any advertised service day.
Check restaurant opening & closuresCall the lodge · 1-888-422-8754
Public hours do not describe the meal schedule for overnight packages or private events; your booking includes its own arrangements.
A living landscape
The wildlife has its own calendar.
Deer, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, ground squirrels and chipmunks live in the Cedar Valley. Sightings are a possibility, never a promise.
Bears
Spring emergence.
Autumn appetite.
Black and grizzly bears commonly emerge around April and enter dens around November or December. Snow, food, elevation and individual animals can shift that timing; some remain active outside these months.
Spring brings feeding on fresh growth. Late summer and autumn bring an intense search for food before winter. Cubs are born in the den and emerge with their mothers.
Columbian ground squirrels
A very short
summer above ground.
These small neighbours return in spring and can begin hibernating during summer, well before the first snow. Males typically go underground earlier than females and young; timing varies with elevation and breeding.
Their winter sleep can occupy most of the year. Enjoy watching them forage, but leave their food supply to nature.
Deer, moose & forest life
The forest stays
awake all year.
Deer and moose do not hibernate. Watch for them around forest edges and the lake, giving adults with young particular space. Chipmunks and birds add movement to summer walks.
Bring binoculars, stay on established trails and never feed or approach wildlife. Ask about recent activity before setting out.
noam_chimpsky / iNaturalist · CC0.
Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) · CC BY 4.0. Resized and cropped to fit.
Weddings, retreats & family reunions
Plan for the people you’re bringing.
Start with dates & rooms
Summer is the public season for stays and gatherings. The three guest lodges have 26 rooms; overnight capacity depends on your rooming plan. Tell us your numbers, children’s ages and whether you need shared or separate rooms.
Build in a weather plan
For an outdoor ceremony or group activity, agree on an indoor alternative. Pack rain protection and an evening layer in every summer month. July and August usually offer the warmest valley weather; higher trails open as snow permits.
Make arrival easy
The final access road is approximately 8 km; allow about 20 minutes from the gate when it is open. Arrange transport for guests staying in Fernie, and discuss mobility needs before allocating rooms or planning a lakeside ceremony.
Book the whole experience
Reserve meals, spa treatments and guided activities alongside the rooms. Share allergies and dietary needs early. Agree on meeting space, equipment, Wi-Fi needs and time for activities that suit different abilities.
Summer guest arrivals
Check-in: 4–9 p.m.
Check-out: by 11 a.m.
Arriving after 9 p.m.? Call the front desk by 7 p.m. to arrange your arrival. Winter trips have separate arrival and transfer instructions.
Planning & reservations
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Except statutory holidays. Spa appointments, private-event meals and guided departures are booked separately.
Before you set out
See what the
mountain is doing.
The monthly guide helps you choose a season. Our conditions report, webcams and operations calendar help you plan the actual day.
Summers at Island Lake
Long days.
No need to hurry.
Walk beneath old-growth cedars, find a view above the lake, ride Lazy Lizard or take a canoe out before lunch. There’s room in a summer day for an adventure and an afternoon on the patio.
Plan around open trails and confirmed lodge dates, and leave a little space for doing very little.
Explore summers at Island Lake
Mountain weddings
A whole weekend
with your favourite people.
Gather beside the lake, celebrate at the table and wake up with everyone close by. The current summer wedding format is a two-night stay for 60–100 wedding guests; room arrangements and date availability are confirmed with your coordinator.
Exclusive lodge and indoor-facility access is part of the wedding arrangement. Recreational hiking and biking trails can remain open to the public.
Plan your Island Lake wedding
Buyouts, group retreats & family reunions
Bring everyone
back together.
Trade the usual meeting room for mountain views, or gather the generations for a few days of shared meals and time outside. Tell us your preferred season, headcount and the spaces you want to make your own.
Summer gatherings and winter ski buyouts follow different operating calendars. Confirm what is exclusive to your group, the guest-room plan, meals, activities and any access restrictions as part of your booking.
Stewardship
Leave room for
the next season.
Some of the valley’s cedars have been here for centuries. The forest, lake and wildlife are part of every visit—and every gathering has a part in looking after them.
Stay on marked trails, pack out what you bring in, keep food away from wildlife and follow seasonal closures. Ask our team how to plan a celebration that respects the place and supports local partners.
Our approach to stewardshipExplore Island Lake
Make yourself at home.
A conversation is the beginning
Who would you
bring here?
Tell us your dates, your group size, and what you have in mind.
Our concierge will help you plan the stay.