Hartley Lake Road
Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie, BC. Listed by Mariah Runions, REALTOR ®
A Rare Opportunity to Own 55 Acres in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies
Just five minutes from Fernie, British Columbia, lies a property unlike anything else on the market—55 acres of pristine mountainside with unmatched privacy, sweeping Rocky Mountain vistas, and limitless potential.
This extraordinary estate invites you to imagine life at a higher level: a private sanctuary where luxury, nature, and possibility converge.
Behind the property lies over 600,000 acres of private wilderness, accessible only through this land — an exclusive gateway to endless recreation and solitude.
The property’s 17-acre field and additional untouched forest showcase the natural splendor of the region, with massive old-growth trees that have never been logged.
There’s a designated “party grounds” area — a unique outdoor gathering space.
The land includes an east-west airstrip approximately 1,100 feet in length — easily extendable to 1,600–1,700 feet for larger aircraft — along with a fully built hangar ready to accommodate your plane.
For the buyer seeking unparalleled privacy, convenience, and the freedom to arrive by air, this property presents an opportunity unlike any other in the Kootenays.
This property has been successfully removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) — a significant advantage for future development flexibility. The land is now zoned outside of agricultural restrictions, offering a rare opportunity for creative planning, estate expansion, or subdivision, all while maintaining the property’s natural and private character.
Access to the property is via a maintained Forest Service Road, which is regularly plowed and sanded by forestry crews. While conditions can occasionally be challenging during mid-winter thaws, maintenance is consistent, and access remains reliable for most of the year. The seller, formerly responsible for plowing the road for both highways and forestry, confirms the route is well established and fully serviceable.
There is potential for road improvement, as prior government approval was secured to enhance the access route. An opportunity may exist to acquire an adjoining 50-acre parcel, creating a 105-acre estate for expanded use, privacy, or subdivision potential.
This property was developed entirely from the ground up, with full services professionally brought in and registered easements in place for power access. For those who value sustainability and independence, there’s also a hydropower opportunity on the creek — capable of producing approximately 600 watts during low water and up to 2,000 watts during peak flow. The sellers successfully lived off this system for seven years, a testament to the property’s self-sufficient potential.
The property is serviced by four fully gravity-fed water systems, ensuring sustainable, independent access to clean mountain water.
Adding to its unique character, the land also includes a fully operational sawmill, powered by a 600 Cummins engine and equipped with 52" and 48" blades. Known as a Head Saw Coots Mill, this impressive piece of machinery blends heritage craftsmanship with functional capability — ideal for milling your own timber right on site.
In addition to the main 1,800+ sq. ft. home, the property features multiple income-producing rental suites and additional structures offering incredible versatility. A former horse and hay barn has been repurposed for storage, while another smaller building includes three self-contained rental suites.
A collection of shops and residences adds functionality and comfort, while the campground area features 27 fully serviced sites (water, sewer, and hydro), offering incredible flexibility for hosting or income potential.
The land itself is composed of pure glacial till*, offering exceptional soil stability and ease of construction. Unlike much of the surrounding region, there are virtually no large rocks beneath the surface — a significant advantage for future development or custom building.
This unique geological composition, combined with pristine water sources, old-growth forest, and sweeping mountain views, makes the property not only breathtaking but exceptionally functional and self-sustaining — ideal for those seeking to live in harmony with nature without compromising comfort or accessibility.
Once used for hay production, the meadow continues to produce abundant yields of up to 100 bales per season, a testament to the rich, productive soil that defines the property.
*Glacial till refers to the soil and sediment left behind by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. It’s typically a mix of sand, silt, clay, and small gravel — material that glaciers ground up and spread over the land as they moved.
No large rocks or boulders — the soil is easy to dig, grade, and build on.
Well-draining and stable — it holds up well under construction, roads, or foundations.
Nutrient-rich — good for growing grass, gardens, or trees.
Naturally beautiful — it often creates smooth, rolling terrain instead of rocky or uneven ground.
The soil is clean, workable, and ideal for development or landscaping, unlike other local areas that are full of hard gravel or bedrock.
In addition to its agricultural potential, the estate has also been a venue for private outdoor events and music gatherings, with space for multiple stages and large gatherings. The natural layout of the land, paired with its open meadows and surrounding forest, makes it ideal for exclusive retreats, celebrations, or creative projects.
The property spans approximately 1,000 feet in width and 2,000 feet in length, offering 55 acres of diverse terrain — from fertile fields and ridge lines to mature timber and open space — all beautifully framed by mountain views and forest edges that define its natural borders.
The property is surrounded by rich forestland with abundant timber, offering both beauty and practical value. Mature larch and pine trees frame the landscape, and while the owner selectively removes deadwood for firewood or milling, the majority of the forest remains untouched and naturally preserved.
Adjacent Crown land allows for additional wood harvesting if desired, making it easy to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle or manage the property sustainably.
Several areas of the estate present ideal sites for future cabin builds or private retreats, taking advantage of the natural privacy and forest backdrop. The land has also served as a setting for weddings and intimate outdoor gatherings, offering a truly magical environment for hosting events immersed in nature.
Combining natural resources, scenic beauty, and adaptable open spaces, this property offers the rare ability to live, create, and celebrate in complete privacy — surrounded by the best of British Columbia’s wilderness.
The property is surrounded by rich forestland with abundant timber, offering both beauty and practical value. Mature larch and pine trees frame the landscape, and while the owner selectively removes deadwood for firewood or milling, the majority of the forest remains untouched and naturally preserved.
Adjacent Crown land allows for additional wood harvesting if desired, making it easy to maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle or manage the property sustainably.
Several areas of the estate present ideal sites for future cabin builds or private retreats, taking advantage of the natural privacy and forest backdrop. The land has also served as a setting for weddings and intimate outdoor gatherings, offering a truly magical environment for hosting events immersed in nature.
Combining natural resources, scenic beauty, and adaptable open spaces, this property offers the rare ability to live, create, and celebrate in complete privacy — surrounded by the best of British Columbia’s wilderness.
Why Fernie?
Because life here is more than a view — it’s a deep, four-season connection to landscape, community, and freedom.
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Fernie is a true mountain community where nature shapes every day. In winter, Fernie Alpine Resort delivers legendary powder — often exceeding 30 feet of snowfall per season — with expansive terrain, steep glade runs, and uncrowded lines. A world-class playground for skiers, boarders, cat-skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers, and winter adventurers alike.
But Fernie’s magic doesn’t melt away when the snow does. In summer, it becomes an outdoor paradise:
Mountain biking & hiking on vast trail networks that stretch across the valley and into the alpine wilds.
Fly-fishing, kayaking, rafting, and floating on the Elk River and its tributaries.
Golf, riverside trails, community parks, and quiet corners to reset and recharge.
Downtown Fernie is its own story: quaint brick storefronts, local cafés, artisan shops and galleries, the Fernie Museum, the Arts Station, and community events year-round. Whether strolling a snowy 2nd Avenue in winter or relaxing on a summer patio, the town is intimate, walkable, and full of life.
Living here is elevating your lifestyle:
Quiet mornings in your meadow, with forest and creek as neighbors.
Afternoons on trail or river, returning home to your own piece of land that breathes and grows.
Evening events or celebrations, hosted beneath the stars with forested privacy.
A tightknit community that balances authenticity, culture, and the wild outdoors.
All seasons as your playground — snow for winter lovers, green life for summer souls.