Island Lake Lodge summer guide 2014

24
Experience our Version of Spectacular

description

Island Lake Lodge near Fernie B.C. is known for superb cuisine, hiking, fly-fishing and full spa. National Geographic Traveler has called it "One of the most unique and authentic places to stay in Canada".

Transcript of Island Lake Lodge summer guide 2014

Experience our Version of Spectacular

Summer 2014 at Island Lake Lodge

4 - 7 8 - 9 10 - 3 14 - 15 16 - 17 18 - 19 20 - 21

Hiking ProgramSpaDiningWeddingsActivitiesFly FishingPackages and Info

Scheduled Calendar Hikes - Summer 2014:

➢ Sunday, June 15th - Fathers Day (Tam View or Lake Trail)➢ Saturday, June 21st - Big White Peak hike➢ Sunday, July 6th - Island Lake - Windy Pass➢ Sunday, July 13th - Tamarack Viewpoint - Kids Hike➢ Sunday, July 20th - Rocky Way - Mt Fernie - ILL➢ Saturday, August 2nd - Heiko's Trail➢ Sunday, August 3rd - Lizard Lake Trail➢ Sunday, August 17th - Lizard Lake - Cabin Bowl Loop➢ Sunday, August 24th - Spineback Ridge Trail➢ Monday, Sept 1st - Heiko's Trail➢ Sunday, Sept 14th - Rocky Way - Mt Fernie - ILL

HikingThe Canadian Rocky Mountains have long been known as one of the premier hiking destinations around. Dramatic peaks, mountain meadows carpeted with wildflowers and pristine lakes are part of the aesthetic. Island Lake Lodge, which is located in the Lizard Range of the Rocky Mountains is surrounded by 7,000 acres of prime hiker habitat ranging from old growth Cedar forests to alpine tundra. From the Lake Trail, which is an easy 45 minute walk to Heikos Trail, a 22 km all day adventure over mountain passes and through alpine - there is something for all levels of hikers. A full time trail crew maintains the trail system all season long. If you want to learn about the flora and fauna of the area or just want to let someone lead the way, Island lake also has guides available.

Guided Interpretive Hike - $20 per person - Minimum of 2 people. Choice of our half-day trails: Mt Badly, The Fir Trail, The Spineback trail and Tamarack Viewpoint. Must be booked at least 24 hrs in advance.

Guided Route Hike - $99 per person - Minimum 2 people. Must be booked at least 24 hrs in advance. (With an ACMG certified hiking guide)

Tamarack ViewpointPhoto: Dave Heath

On the Summit of Big White- Photo: Mike McPhee

Spineback Trail

Spineback Trail

Mountain Lakes Trail(Heiko’s Trail)Mountain Lakes Trail(Heiko’s Trail)

Island Lake Lodge

LEGEND

Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Hiking TrailRoute (Rough Trail)Cedar Valley Road

Trail HeadPeak Elevation

Lizard Creek

Old Growth Trail

Old Growth Trail

Lake & Fir TrailLake & Fir Trail

Tamarack TrailTamarack Trail

Mt. Baldy Loop

Mt. Baldy Loop

5 Star Summit(2010m)

5 Star Summit(2010m)

Mount Baldy(1989m)

Mount Baldy(1989m)

Big White(2253m)Big White(2253m)

Papa BearPapa Bear

Baby BearBaby BearMama BearMama Bear

Thunder MeadowsThunder Meadows

Mount FernieProvincial ParkMount Fernie

Provincial Park

Cabin Ridge (Route)

Cabin Ridge (Route)

Lizard Lake (Route)

Lizard Lake (Route)

Lizard LakeLizard Lake

Lizard Lake Trail HeadLizard Lake Trail Head

Cedar Valley Trail HeadCedar Valley Trail Head

Rail Trai

l

Rail Trai

l

Big White Peak (Route)Big White Peak (Route)

FAR (2 mins)FAR (2 mins) Fernie (4 mins)Fernie (4 mins)

ViewpointViewpoint

LodgeLodge

Paintbrush at the top of Mount BaldyPhoto: Mike McPhee

www.Islandlakelodge.com 1.888.422.8754

Marked Hiking Trails LAKE TRAIL (2 km, 1 hr) Rating: Easy FIR TRAIL Extension (add 3 km & 1 hr) Rating: EasyAccess: From the trail head below the Bear Lodge, head down the trail to the lake and follow the signs. Highlights: Allows for a gentle hike around Island Lake following lunch or dinner or when your time is limited. The Fir Trail wanders through the legendary Old Growth Forest of the upper Cedar Valley.

RAIL TRAIL (3 km, elevation gain 50 m, 45min - 1.5 hr) Rating: Rail Trail: Easy. OLD GROWTH TRAIL (4 km, elevation gain 250m, 45min - 1.5 hr) Rating: Moderate. Access: The Rail Trail starts at the base parking area, 30m past the Island Lake gate and finishes at the Old Growth Trail head. The Old Growth Trail then tours through ancient cedars, finishing at the lodge. Highlights: Historical railway, lumber mill sites and old growth cedar trees. These trails are steeped in the Elk Valley’s history.SPINEBACK TRAIL (3.5 km, elevation gain 530 m, 3-4 hours) Rating: AdvancedAccess: Via the Lake Trail and Fir Trail toward the west end of Island Lake. Once you reach the marked junction, follow the Spineback signs. Highlights: Paralleling the beautiful Spineback Ridge, the trail winds up through sub-alpine meadows, reaching the crest of the ridge and its bench. Continue another 0.5 km up to a second bench nestled between the 3 Bears’ peaks. MOUNT BALDY LOOP (10.5 km, elevation gain 620 m, 4-6 hours) Rating: Advanced Access: From the trail head below the Bear Lodge head west following signs for the Mount Baldy Trail. From the summit, the trail traverses the Mount Baldy ridge, continuing west. Highlights: The Baldy Trail switchbacks its way to the north summit of Mount Baldy where hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Island Lake area.

TAMARACK TRAIL (8 km, elevation gain 640 m, 5 hrs) VIEWPOINT (4 km, elevation gain 200 m, 3 hours) Rating: Moderate to AdvancedAccess: From the trail head below the Bear Lodge head east following signs for the Tamarack Trail. Highlights: The trail winds its way up the south-west slopes of Mount Fernie through beautiful stands of mature Larch, with an option part way to go to the stunning viewpoint. The trail continues up through open, grassy slopes to the dramatic rock crags of Mount Fernie.

Hiking Routes of the Cedar ValleyRating for Routes: Difficult These routes are unmarked with no trails above the tree-line. Significant route finding and navigation skills required. Steepness, loose rock, becoming lost, encountering wild animals, and stream crossings are some of the hazards. A hiking guide is recommended.

MOUNTAIN LAKES TRAIL (HEIKO’S TRAIL) (22 km, elevation gain 4500 m, 8-12 hours) Rating: DifficultAccess: The trail starts 2 km down a cart track, 3 km north west of Hartley Lake on the Hartley Creek Road, with a rewarding finish at Island Lake Lodge. Highlights: Waterfalls, caves, snowfields, big mountain passes, and the option of making it an overnight trip. A high level of fitness and route finding skills are required and hiring a professional guide is strongly recommended CABIN RIDGE (ROUTE) Access: Drive the Island Lake Lodge access road 3km to the Old Growth Trail head. Follow the Old Growth Trail for 1km, then take the left fork trail to the Cabin Trail. Hiring a guide is recommended.

LIZARD LAKE (ROUTE) Access: The trail head is in The Mount Fernie Provincial Park, approximately 0.5 km from the Island Lake Lodge property boundary and gate. No trail exists above and beyond the lake itself. Loose rock, snow and complicated terrain are all aspects of this route. Hiring a guide is recommended.

BIG WHITE PEAK (ROUTE) Access: Via Spineback Trail. Just prior to reaching the crest of the Spineback, leave the trail heading west across the alpine bowl. Big White is found in the back of the second basin through a steep scree-slope leading to the widest and least steep access point. This is the only access to the Lizard Ranges’ ridge crest above Island Lake Lodge. Hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Tips:* Bring extra clothing and water. The weather in the mountains can change quickly.* The wild flowers are at their peak from mid to late July.* Heiko’s trail is clear of snow by late July and is spectacular in the fall when the Tamarack have turned orange.* The Spineback trail has a fascinating fossil bed about halfway up the trail* The Bear Lodge deck is the prefect place for Après Hike.

SpaaaThe Spa at Island Lake is the perfect oasis from which to enjoy the beauty that is unique to Island Lake. No where else in Canada will you be able to experience esthetics and massage treatments while being completely surrounded by 360 degrees of Rocky Mountains.Upon arrival to the Spa, you will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine or Elderflower water. Take a moment in our solarium to enjoy the unobstructed view of the Lizard Mountain Range before your treatment. One of our six private treatment rooms awaits you with a complimentary sample of our Yon-Ka products to take home afterwards. Don’t forget to enjoy the amenities before you depart – book in for lunch or have a soak in our outdoor hottub that looks out onto the Old Growth forest and lake. The Spa at Island Lake is guaranteed to please all of your senses… Exciting changes and additions have been made to our spa menu for the summer of 2014. We are pleased to announce that Island Lake will be an exclusive carrier of Yon-Ka skin care products. Yon-Ka is a French skin care line that has been perfecting the science of aromatherapy, phytotherapy, and phytembryotherapy for 50 years. Yon-Ka products feature an exclusive formula combining 5 essential oils from the Mediterranean with extraordinary properties. These products draw from the best of nature and science, giving your skin the natural means to regain its balance and energy. The oils are charged with solar energy, anti-oxidant poly-phenols, regenerating peptides and clarifying fruit acids, vitamins, and re-mineralizing trace elements. Yon-Ka is proud to provide total traceability of each of its products, from the raw material through to its final destination. Island Lake’s entire facial and body treatment program is thoughtfully created using Yon-Ka products.

We are pleased to offer the following mid-week specials for Summer 2014:Manic Monday – $50 manicures with your choice of regular OPI Lacquer or OPI Gel ColourTreat Yourself Tuesdays – $25 off any of our facial treatmentsUn-wind Wednesdays – 20% off any body treatment on our menu

Girlfriends Spa Getaway If you need a get-away with your girlfriends this summer, we have an amazing package just for you! Enjoy two night’s accommodation, breakfast, two Spa treatments, and a deluxe Yon-Ka starter kit starting at $449 (based on double occupancy). We also have manicures and pedicures on our menu at Island Lake, and are excited to be the only Spa in Fernie to offer the OPI Gel Lacquer system. OPI Gel Lacquer is a soak off gel manicure or pedicure that will last more than 2 weeks.We look forward to seeing you this summer up at The Spa at Island Lake!Reservations required – 250-423-3700

Click here to view the entire Spa Menu

Wellness

Old Growth forest - Photo: Henry Georgi

The Bear Bistro deck is the most scenic lunch spot around.Photo: Mike McPhee

DiningOur Food Philosophy has evolved over 25 years of lodge dining experience.

Our approach to food at Island Lake Lodge is simple; complexity without complication. We use our best efforts to use organic and traditionally raised foods and prepare them with unpretentious flavourings and well-executed techniques. We believe there should be strong connections between plate, planet, people and culture. It is from this belief that we are committed to the procurement of ethically raised and envirowise products and offer them in healthy and balanced dishes. We believe in unprocessed, unrefined, whole foods, ‘real food’. These real foods, traditionally prepared offer countless flavours and textures and concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Executive Chef Keith Farkas is committed to community involvement. Every Sunday you will see him at the local farmer’s market purchasing the freshest seasonal produce from local farmers and community gardens. This helps shorten the distance our food travels and reduces our carbon foot print.

As of 2013 Island Lake Lodge has become a member of the Ocean Wise program. Ocean Wise is a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program created to educate and empower consumers about the issues surrounding sustainable seafood.

It is our hope that you the customer will take as much enjoyment in this conscientious style of eating as we do in its preparation. As chefs, we continually put a great deal of thought and care into each dish. We feel that you our guest deserve nothing less.

Sincerely, Executive chef Keith Farkas and the Island Lake Lodge Culinary Team

We are a proud member of the oceanwise program

The Island Lake Cookbook is a Canadian Best Seller

Cauliflower Flat Bread $14Aged cheddar and cauliflower crust, wild arugula, truffled cream, cold smoked salmon

Grilled Prawn Tacos $14Sesame honey glaze, Korean bbq sauce, red cabbage, cilantro,corn tortillas, spiced edamame & cucumber salad

Caprese Salad $13Organic tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil,vincotto, fresh basil, sea salt crystals

Seared Tuna Salad $16Herb crusted albacore tuna, tomato, bell peppers, cucumbers, roasted olives, goat feta, red wine vinaigrette

Lettuce Wrap Platter $17BBQ chicken, fresh carrot and daikon, mango, sweet and sour sauce, butterleaf lettuce

Lodge Platter $24Muskox mipkuzola, black cod escabeche, artisan cheeses, vegetable pickle, antipasto, confit garlic and crustinis

Lodge Burger $17Local beef patty, lettuce, red onion pickle, aged cheddar, tomato, pancetta, lodge ketchup, baby potatoes and greens

Chorizo and Octopus Pasta $16Elk chorizo, braised octopus, lemon + fresh parsley, wild mushrooms, tomatoes, cipoline, pappardelle noodles

Daily Soup & Sandwich $13

Grilled Tempeh Melt $14Dijon marinated tempeh, pickled beets, emmanthal swiss, sauerkraut, baby potatoes and organic greens

Grilled Beef Striploin Sandwich $19AAA alberta beef, onion chipotle relish, arugula, grilled ciabatta, baby potatoes and organic greens

Summer 2014 Lunch Menu

Summer 2014 Dinner Menu

Pacific Tartar Trio $15 Albacore tuna, wild salmon, qualicum beach scallops, ginger, apple & daikon slaw, fresh citrus, micro greens

Cauliflower Almond Blinis $14 Smoked beet ‘caviar’, curried lime yogurt, watercress, fried chickpeas

Tomato & Goat Cheese Salad $14 Organic and heirloom tomatoes, goat cheesecake, whole grain biscuit, extra virgin olive oil, vincotto, fresh basil, sea salt crystals

Duck Confit $17 Fraser valley duck leg slow braised in its own juices, warm brussel sprout salad, shallots, apple brandy vinaigrette, toasted walnuts

Grilled Lamb Pops $16Glazed cipoline onions, fresh thyme jus, mustard sabayon, pomegranate

Market Salad $13 Sustainable & envirowise produce; chef’s conception

Starters

Coriander Crusted Sablefish $32 Fennel cream broth, spiced carrot julienne, lemon scented mashed potatoes, French beans Squash ‘Spaghetti’ $27Zucchini & spaghetti squash ‘noodles’, sun dried tomato romesco sauce, king oyster mushroom, artichoke, baby spinach

Free Range Chicken $31 coconut and lime risotto, mint and cashew pesto, grilled pineapple, spiced asparagus, crisp plantain

Pan Seared Wild Salmon $29 roasted beets, pumpernickel gnocchi, ginger and scallion sauce, lemon caper butter

Bison Shortribs $35 slow braised, truffled cheddar polenta, roasted vegetables, cinnamon red wine jus

Grilled NY Striploin $34AAA Alberta beef, potato and bone marrow waffle, tomato confit, market vegetables, maple stout veal jus

Mains

Passion Fruit Mousse $11Flourless chocolate biscuit, mango glaze, dark chocolate sauce, chocolate macaron

Spiced Parsnip Cake $8Coconut cream cheese mousseline, brandied pecans, meringue

Seasonal fruit galette $8Sweet dough crust, champagne pannacotta, sunflower seed brittle

Crème Brulée $9Evolving and revolving flavours, biscotti

Dark Chocolate Torte $10Caramelized white chocolate, espresso ice cream, sea salt bark, coconut crème anlgaise

Ice Cream and Sorbet $7Cycling flavours, toasted pirouline biscuit

Desserts

gluten, lactose, allergen free by request

These are sample menus - some items may change

WeddingsA Wilderness Wedding WeekendCelebrate your wedding in the pristine mountain setting of Island Lake Lodge. Exchange wedding vows by the lake at our magical “I Dew Point” with the stunning Lizard Range as your backdrop, or by the warm glow of our unique river rock fireplace. Invite friends and family to join you for an unforgettable weekend in our 7,000 acre mountain paradise.

Amongst our unique wilderness setting, your guests will get a true taste of what our lodge has to offer. While you start your wedding day with a relaxing aromatherapy massage, your guests can enjoy a walk through the old growth cedar forest, discovering our rare 800 year old cedar trees.

Following the ceremony, enjoy Hors-d’Oeuvres and champagne on our patio to celebrate the occasion. Our culinary team will create an unforgettable 3-course wedding dinner using local organic meats & fresh produce whenever possible. Start the evening with dancing and finish with a late night soak in our outdoor hot tubs. Wake up to the smell of fresh baked pastries and steaming coffee and enjoy the sun on our peaceful deck.

After the excitement of the wedding, why not continue the stay and experience all of the luxury and relaxation that Island Lake Lodge has to offer. You and your wedding guests will receive a 15% discount on any early or extended stays.

I Dew Point - Photo: Kyle Hamilton

Old Growth forestPhoto: Yueko Image

Activities

White Water Rafting

With so much outdoor recreation at your doorstep, the only problem you will have is choosing which part of the Elk Valley you want to discover today!

In addition to the activities available at Island lake Lodge, the Fernie area offers spectacular fly fishing, hiking, golf, white water rafting and more! Fernie has many amazing activity providers, we would be happy to help you plan your day and add even more adventure to your stay with us.

Elk River

A classic river run that has it all; exciting rapids, wilderness set deep in a quiet canyon providing outstanding scenery, cliff jumping, big game animals and birds of prey. With no roads or trails along this stretch of river the only way to experience it is by boat. The intensity of the rapids varies with the change of seasons. May and June bring the spring snowmelt and high water creating the biggest waves and most powerful rapids. Early July is a great time with lots of water still flowing, but warmer weather prevailing. Later in July and August water levels are at their friendliest, a great time for first time rafters and families with keen children eight years old and older who love water.

Bull River

The Bull River is a small volume mountain river running through beautiful mountains and lush forests. Medium to high water trips are run in May and June including exciting class 2/3/4 rapids. The excitement builds progressively with each set of rapids to the climax in the lower canyon. The Lower Bull Canyon is one of the most sustained stretches of class IV water in the area. The Bull River is a great White Water challenge for anyone.

The Fernie area has a variety of river experiences available. From scenic floats to full-on white water adventure, there is something for everyone. We deal with 2 great companies - Canyon Raft and Mountain High Adventures, both of whom are safe and professional.

www.Islandlakelodge.com 1.888.422.8754

Golf

Mountain Biking

Operating since 1918, Fernie Golf and Country Club has been rated in the top 25 of BC’s golf courses. The 18-hole, par-70, 6,556 yard course has plenty of options to challenge your skills.

Home to the most extensive club-fitting and building program in the Kootenays, a beautiful club house, full pro shop and driving range. CPGA professionals are available for private, semi-private or group lessons should you need to tune up your game.

Fernie has a vibrant and growing mountain bike scene. There are a plethora of trails all over the valley and you don’t have to go far to find some world class single track. There is even an easy river trail around the town that is chariot and children friendly. Located partially on the lower Island Lake property, Project 9 is a great downhill trail that has become one of the signature trails in the area.

Fly-FishingIsland Lake Lodge is surrounded by numerous blue ribbon trout streams and the Fernie area has become one of the top “dry-fly” fishing destinations in North America. In recent years that moniker has become more true than ever. New regulations introduced about 8 years ago have resulted in today’s very robust Cutthroat and Bull Trout fishery. If you are addicted to dry-fly fishing (mimicking flying insects) then you most likely love Cutthroat Trout already; there simply is no other species of trout that will feed off the surface all day long like “Cutties”. The Elk River, which runs through Fernie and close to Island Lake Lodge holds the largest pure strain population of Westslope Cutthroat left in the world. The Elk seems to lie in the perfect geographical location for finicky Cutties to thrive; they love cold mountain water straight off the snow-pack and often inhabit tiny mountain streams that you would usually dismiss as barren. The Elk River Valley warms up in summer to produce abundant insect live, which trout thrive on. Monster Bull Trout to 3 or 4 feet also inhabit the river and can be caught on big colourful streamers. Many of the tributaries of the Elk like the Wigwam and Bull River are equally as reputable. Island Lake partners with some of the best guides in the area to provide the ultimate fly-fishing excursions. Both drift boating and walk and wade options are available.

Photos: Mike McPhee

Lodges and Packages

Mountain RomanceIncludes: 2 relaxing nights in a deluxe lodge, breakfast in bed, a bottle of local B.C. Bubbly, 2 spa treatments and a chocolate / fruit plate. Enjoy full use of our lodge facilities, as well as miles of pristine hiking trails in our remote mountain setting. Perfect for anniversaries and special occasions! From $639.00 per couple

Girlfriends Spa GetawaySet amongst the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains and old growth cedar forest - this is your next relaxing mountain retreat. Experience 2 nights in a deluxe lodge, breakfast, 2 spa treatments for each person, a deluxe Yon-ka spa products gift package for each and a fruit platter. From - $425.00 per person Based on double occupancy.

Fly-Fishing Island Lake Lodge is surrounded by some of the best fly-fishing rivers in North America. Warm up on our private lake before hitting the nearby waters. Experience our unique mountain lodges and spectacular setting, as well as the world famous Elk River. We will set you up with a professional guide and drift boat, or walk and wade trip. Call and let us customize a package for you.

Hiking PackagesIsland Lake, the Cedar Valley and surrounding area have a network of well-maintained and spectacular hiking trails. Whether you are interested in an afternoon interpretive walk or an all day adventure - we can customize a package for you. For the adventurous, Heiko’s Trail is the signature trail in the Fernie area. The trail starts up Hartley Lake road and is approximately a 20-kilometer hike over high passes, mountain meadows, caves and waterfalls - ending at Island Lake Lodge. Call and let us customize a package for you.

Open for Summer from June 13th – Sept 28th, 2014

NEW – Mid-Week Special Offer! Book 2 nights or more mid-week and receive a $20 lodge credit per room / per night of your stay.

The Tamarack lodge – 8 roomsBuilt in 2005,the Tamarack lodge boasts amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The eight deluxe guest rooms have spacious en-suite bathrooms with a soaker tub, slate shower and a combination of Queen and King beds. The lodge features a spectacular 100 seat dining room with a 3,000 bottle wine library and is also home to the elegant Spa at Island Lake.

The Cedar lodge – 8 roomsThe Cedar lodge features eight deluxe guest rooms furnished with either one King or two Queen beds. Each room hosts a patio and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a soaker tub and slate shower. The lodge features a common area with fireplace, a conference room/Yoga studio and a covered deck with a hot tub to soak your tired muscles after a day outdoors.

The Red Eagle lodge – 10 roomsNamed for the chief who lifted the curse on the Elk Valley, the Red Eagle lodge has 10 cozy rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The lodge features an outdoor hot tub on a large deck off the main level, providing great views of the mountains, lake and forest. There are comfortable common areas on both the upper and main floors.

The Tamarack Lodge

www.Islandlakelodge.com 1.888.422.8754

It’s never too early to think about Catskiing... We are booking up quickly for winter 2014/15

est. 1988

Skier: Eric Pehota Photo: Mark Gallup

Powder Therapy - Island Lake style

We hope to see you this summer

www.Islandlakelodge.com 1.888.422.8754