There are a variety of area swimming holes the locals and regular visitors recreate at. Some are small lakes, some are great for boating and fishing.

Surveyor’s — a 30 minute drive away south from Fernie. It has a beautiful sand beach on a small lake that warms up in the summer months with a raft in the middle of it to swim to. There are no motorized boats allowed on this lake. It is located at Kikomin Creek Provincial Park.

Koocanusa — a large lake that was created when the Libby Dam was built. There are several beaches/swimming areas. Boating and waterskiing are popular on this lake. It is a 30-40 minute drive from Fernie.

Tie Lake — located by Jaffray in a regional park 30 minutes from Fernie.

Silver Springs — located by Elko 20 minutes from Fernie. These three lakes are popular with the locals. There is a short hike required to get into the first lake where people sunbathe on large rocks and jump off cliffs.

Maiden Lake - is a small lake situated within the community of Fernie and is easily accessible as a popular gathering spot for birdwatching, picnicking and dog walking. It is located behind Canadian Tire and Extra Foods. There is a hiking and biking trail in the park following the shores of the lake. The Maiden Lake Trail connects up to the massive network of community trails located, in and around, the Fernie starting with the Great Northern Trail. There are viewing benches constructed around Maiden Lake. Ideal front row seats for birdwatching, people watching and having lunch. At one end of the lake is a small sandy beach and a swimming pier.

For more information call the Fernie Visitor Information Centre.