Fernie, BC : Three Sisters Trail
East Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada
( hiking, backpacking, wilderness camping, wildlife )

Three Sisters Trail is a hiking and backpacking route exploring mountain peaks, wilderness lakes and alpine meadows. The popular hiking trail is located north of the community of Fernie BC which is in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada.

The 3 Sisters Trail is also referred to as the Mountain Lakes Trail. The backcountry trail route is considered one of the premium wilderness hikes in the region for scenery and wildlife. Backpackers, hikers, naturalists and photographers will enjoy this backcountry adventure route.

There are many natural wonders on this adventure like flowering alpine meadows, old growth forests, sink-holes, caves and limestone boulders. And there are many rewards for hiking this trail like the mountain views over looking Fairy Creek, the community of Fernie, Mount Fernie, Mount Bisaro and the Elk River.

The Three Sisters Trail is 20 kilometres long and climbs to an elevation of 2286 metres (7500 ft.). Some of the destinations visited on the hike include Jumping Waters, Bisaro Cave and Canyon, the 3 Sisters, Fairy Meadows, West Fernie Pass, Cedar Valley Ridge and Island Lake.

The Three Sisters is considered a difficult hike on a well marked trail. It is a hike filled with steep cliffs, switchbacks, rocky ridges, loose rocks, exposed tree roots and unpredictable and sometimes harsh weather conditions.

All hikers and backpackers should be well prepared with the right equipment, clothing and water when hiking in the wilderness mountains. Fitness levels play a big part in the time it takes to complete this hike.

Some backpack the entire 20 kilometre route over a few days staying in rugged, remote wilderness campsites like the ones located on Olivia Creek and Sulphur Creek. (however some trail reports suggests the entire route can be completed in 8 hours ).

Others embark on a 4-5 hour one-way day hike ( 8 hour return ) exploring the first 6.5 kilometres of the trail which leads them to the first saddle located at the base of the 3 Sisters.

Some wildlife roaming in the area include deer, mountain goats, Bald Eagles, black bear and grizzly.

How to Get to the Trailhead of the Three Sisters Trail:

Travel Highway #3 to the community of Fernie in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. Continue traveling through Fernie on Hwy #3 for 5 kilometres and then take a left onto Dicken Road. Continue 500 metres and turn onto Hartley Lake FSR (Forest Service Road). Travel 9 more kilometres on a rough gravel forestry road, pass Hartley Lake. Look for a very short spur road on your left leading to a large clearing hidden behind trees. LOOK for a large wooden trailhead sign standing alone out in the open clearing with a Mountain Lakes Trail map on it. The road is not well marked and the trailhead sign is not visible from the road.