Back by popular demand, Island Lake Lodge organizes specially designed day hikes throughout the summer.

Anyone who has ever visited or who lives in Fernie will agree that it is a beautiful valley framed by stunning peaks. From the iconic Three Sisters, to the folded layers of geological history of Mt Hosmer, to the lush heavily vegetated slopes of Mt. Fernie, there are many exciting places to discover and explore.

Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge are pleased to present specially designed day hikes for this summer’s Hiking Series. Back by popular demand – and in its 6th summer – the Hiking Series runs a number of group hikes throughout the summer. These are fully guided educational hikes offering everything the Elk Valley has to offer from vibrant alpine wildflowers to incredible mountain views.

Every season Mountain Pursuits puts on a Hiking Series to encourage locals and those visiting to become a little more intimate with our mountain environment. They do this by offering group hikes with local guides and experts taking you to neighboring peaks and points of interest.

Jennifer Coulter, guide and hiking program manager of Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge explains “This series has something for every one. From summiting Fernie’s rugged peaks, to a casual hike exploring the flora and fauna of the alpine environment, there is an adventure for all ability levels. Joining a guided hiking series hike is a great way to get off the beaten path and let our guides lead you to places you may not have visited on your own. ”

For more information about Hiking and Mountain Spa in Fernie, check out the Mountain Pursuits and Island Lake Lodge websites:
Mountainpursuits.com
Islandlakeresorts.com

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com
(250) 423 3700 ext 3002
christa@islandlakeresorts.com
www.islandlakelodge.com

Island Lake Lodge Hiking and Mountain Spa welcomes the announcement of Bill Bennett as BC’s new Minister of Tourism. “Many people think of Bill Bennett as coming from a mining background but he grew up working in the tourism industry with over 20 years of experience.” says the GM of Island Lake Lodge Steve Kuijt. Kuijt went on to say “the importance of tourism in a region with a long history of resource extraction is paramount. In order to thrive and continue to be sustainable our communities need to have a good balance of both to be strong in the long run.”

A longtime leader in East Kootenay eco-tourism, Island Lake Lodge is committed to working with local and provincial governments to preserve the environment and efforts to minimize energy use in daily operations. A cornerstone of the operating philosophy, Island Lake Lodge received a 4-Key rating in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Program, and recently received the Energy and Environment Award of Excellence, also from the HAC.  Key among these initiatives is the installation and operation of 2 micro-hydro stations to generate 100% of the Lodge’s electrical needs. “We are very proud of our efforts in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly operation” says Kyle Hamilton, Building Services Manager, who was integral in reviewing the company’s environmental practices.  Island Lake Lodge is looking forward to working with the new Minister on furthering all types of tourism in the area.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge and its environmental initiatives contact Steve Kuijt or visit www.islandlakeresorts.com

About Island Lake Lodge – The lodge sits above a stunning mountain lake on 7000 acres of pristine wilderness.  In the winter it operates as a catskiing company, servicing 36 guests in three snow cats.  In the summer it is a luxurious backcountry lodge, offering hiking, spa, fine dining and deluxe lodging.  Located 20 minutes from Fernie B.C. it is an easy 2.5-hour drive from the airport in Kalispell, Montana a 3 hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Alberta, or a 1 hour drive from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook British Columbia.

For additional information on Island Lake Lodge contact:

Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com
P: 250.423.3700 ext 3002
F: 250.423.4055
T: 1.888.422.8754
www.powdercowboy.com
www.islandlakecatskiing.com

Island Lake Lodge launches the newest addition to their extensive trail system the “Rail Trail.” Saturday June 21, 2008.

Fernie, B.C. Canada — At the turn of the century railroads stitched the region together transporting passengers, coal and timber. Evidence of this can be found in the Elk Valley near Island Lake Lodge where a new trail – The Rail Trail follows one ancient railway. Utilizing an 80 year old abandoned logging railway, hiking the Rail Trail you will discover old rail tracks, spikes and former mill sites. The trail offers incredible views of the rocky summits like the 3 Bears, the landmark precipices of the Lizard Range.

Steve Kuijt, guide and general manager of Hiking and Mountain Spa Island Lake Lodge explains “This trail completes the link from Mount Fernie Provincial Park, through the valley into the Old Growth Forest to our remote mountain lodge. Our goal at Island Lake is to preserve this unique, natural and historical place for people to walk with their kids, for special times well beyond ours” emphasizing why this trail is a great addition to the continually growing trail network at Island Lake.

Nestled in the southeast corner of British Columbia in the Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge stands out as the premier hiking and spa resort destination in the region. Island Lake Lodge opens for its summer season on June 13, 2008. The annual Summer Solstice Celebration will be held on Saturday June 21st and will be highlighted by the launch of its newest trail, the historic Rail Trail. This trail is a unique addition to the already extensive trail network found at Island Lake Lodge, connecting the Elk River valley to the alpine through the Old Growth Trail offering visitors an attractive alternative to accessing the lodge and its surrounding terrain.

Join prominent members of the community and press as they explore the Rail Trail and Old Growth Forest through these distinctive trails up to the lodge. Lunch specials in the Bear Bistro, along with other specials to launch our summer season will be offered throughout the day.

ABOUT:
Secluded in the peaks of Canada’s Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an Old Growth Forest. Visit www.islandlakelodge.com for more information.

CONTACT:
Mike McPhee
Director of Sales and Marketing
Island Lake Resort Group
mike@islandlakeresorts.com
P: 250.423.3700 ext 3002
F: 250.423.4055
T: 1.888.422.8754
www.powdercowboy.com
www.islandlakecatskiing.com