Mountain Manna at Island Lake Lodge

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Escape to a spa resort tucked amidst old-growth forest above a mountain lake in the BC Rockies. And it’s now an environmental award winner too. Ahhh...

Upon arrival Mama, Papa and Baby Bear greet you. The three mountain peaks (top left), part of the Lizard Range, rise high above the luxurious log-cabin-chic lodge that’s tucked in the valley by Island Lake (middle).

Welcome to the Kootenay Rockies. This corner of southeast BC is far from the daily distractions of city life, yet it’s easily accessible from Calgary (a beautiful three-and-a-half hour drive) and Vancouver (an easy one-hour plane ride to Cranbrook, plus one-hour drive).

Come here to completely relax or to get the adrenaline going. My goal: a mix of both. There’s hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, canoeing, even golf…take your pick. Island Lake Lodge itself has 11 hikes that range from an easy jaunt around the lake to an overnight trek in the alpine. I walked the Old Growth Cedar Trail (top right) under the cover of towering 800- year-old red cedars. Surreal. Especially after discovering centuryold names etched in trees that have long outlived the carvers (“Steele” could be legendary Sam Steele of the North-West Mounted Police…).

The whole region is full of history. Nearby Fernie retains its early outpost vibe; heritage buildings date to the early 1900s. The town has survived fires, floods, even a curse…Local legend says that when William Fernie brought coal mining to the Elk Valley he courted an aboriginal chief’s daughter to source the black stones in her necklace. Once he found the coal, Fernie abandoned her, and a curse was placed on the valley in revenge. The curse was eventually lifted, but the Ghostrider legend lives: When shadows fall across the face of Mount Hosmer in summer, the ghostly figures of the chief and his daughter appear.

Back at the lodge, after hiking and circling the pristine lake on canoe (I glided through jumping fish and past families of baby ducks), a hot tub awaits. Sitting chin-deep in soothing bubbles, I gazed up at the bear family and watched as a bald eagle swooped and circled down to the lake…Then there’s the spa. Divine. A full-body massage is sooooo much more satisfying after a surplus of fresh air in spectacular surroundings. This is definitely not roughing it!

Next I sampled the fabulous food. Based on the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, it’s gourmet fare that’ll satisfy any foodie. The dishes range from coconut-encrusted prawns to bison (one guest said it was one of the best pieces of meat he’s ever tasted!). And then dessert…the Pavlova (bottom left) I savoured was both light and decadent. All of it is served with the region’s reknowned hospitality—the entire staff at Island Lake Lodge has a perpetual smile going. No wonder…look where they work.