Guide To The Goldilocks Loop Via Spineback Trail

The Goldilocks Trail is a short loop hike that, when combined with the Spineback Trail from the Island Lake Lodge, makes for an amazing alpine adventure. The entire circuit is excellent and features all the best elements we expect from a hike in the Rockies.

It begins with the lovely Island Lake, before ascending through thick forest up the Spineback Trail, which leads guests to a wild rock ridge. From the alpine ridge, the hike loops a rocky peak called Baby Bear, which is next to Mama Bear and Papa Bear, hence the name Goldilocks.

The trail building through the entire route is excellent, and it’s our favorite trail near Fernie. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and pikas along the way, as they are abundant along the trail. The hike is best followed by a burger and beer at Island Lake Lodge.

Goldilocks Loop Stats

Route Overview

It’s one of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s not located in Banff or Jasper National Park. The first part of this walk is the steep Spineback trail from Island Lake Lodge in Fernie.

The lodge is a renowned backcountry cat-skiing operation in the winter, attracting professionals and die-hard skiers. However, in the summer, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere, better suited for those seeking a relaxing mountain escape.

To reach the car, you’ll need to travel along the 10 km Mount Fernie Park Road from Highway 3. The lodge is on private property, as it is much of a trail, but they welcome visitors. With that said, the lodge does occasionally close down for private events and functions, so check their calendar beforehand (mostly closed on weekends). They do have a great patio for lunch!

The hiking trail starts from the lodge and Island Lake. It begins a short descent down to the lake and then follows the north end of the lake through an old-growth cedar forest. At around 1 km from the start of the hike, the ascent up the Spineback trail begins. It’s well signposted so navigation should not be difficult.

The attention to trail building by Island Lake Lodge is evident here, as the trail up, although very steep, is well-maintained. It’s a steady climb that moves through the forest for another 1 km until it reaches the bottom of a rocky gully and the base of the Spineback ridge. It’s around here you’ll start to get some views.

Over the next 800 meters, the trail gains the ridge and hikers are treated with extraordinary views for the moderate effort required. That’s not to say that it doesn’t require some effort, as the elevation gain to the ridge is around 500 meters.

The ridge marks the end of the Spineback Trail and the beginning of the Goldilocks Trail. While the trail is a loop, we suggest going clockwise around the loop, that way you ascend the steeper section of the trail rather than descend.

As the Goldilocks Trail gains elevation, it is flanked by wonderful wildflowers, and the rocky terrain is home to an abundant population of pikas and marmots. The peaks of Mama Bear and Baby Bear tower over the trail, and views only get better as it reaches the col between the two mountains.

Views from the col are of a wild mountain valley down below. The trail gives plenty of time to appreciate the alpine as it traverses back around the Baby Bear towards Papa Bear.

Upon reaching the second col, the trail descends back into another gorgeous alpine amphitheater. The total loop is quite short at only 2 km long with a modest amount of elevation gain, around 200 meters. It will eventually reach the Spineback trail again, which is used for the return descent to Island Lake Lodge.

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Trail Difficulty

We would classify the hike as moderate to difficult. It has more elevation gain than what we would typically consider a moderate hike. However, it is relatively short and along a well-built trail. The initial ascent to the Spineback Ridge is pretty steep.

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Trail Length

The total hike is around 10 km and gains around 800 meters of elevation. It’s a great half-day hike that should take around 4-5 hours to complete.

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Best Time To Hike

The loop trail has a fairly short weather window due to the amount of snowfall the area receives. In general, we’d recommend the trail from mid-July to September, or until the lodge closes for the summer season.

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