VIDEO: The hidden trail running paradise of Fernie, B.C.

Nestled in the southeast corner of British Columbia, the ski town of Fernie is becoming increasingly popular for trail running in the summer. Known as an outdoor adventure town, Fernie has a population of just over 4,000 and sits at 1,000m above sea level.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Fernie offers the ideal backdrop for runners looking to challenge themselves with either trail running or mountain running (or both). Predetermined routes around town range from 10K with 100m of elevation all the way up to 45K with 3,178m of elevation.

RELATED: VIDEO: The 10 essentials for trail running and backcountry adventure.

Tourism Fernie released a video on Tuesday featuring local trail runner Abi Moore and the various routes in and around the British Columbia town. It’s worth a watch and can be found below.

Trail running is really taking off. The latest #ferniestoke original series episode explores why Fernie is such a great place to get onto the trails using our most basic and primal natural movements. Follow our profile link to the video. Photo: @findingvmo #Canada #britishcolumbia #explorebc #getoutside #explore #explorecanada #trailrunning #running #ferniebc @stagleaprunningco

A photo posted by FernieBC (@tourismfernie) on Sep 6, 2016 at 5:06pm PDT

According to Tourism Fernie, the best options include the following six routes:
– Community/Town Trail System
– Ridgemont
– Castle Mountain
– Montane
– Mount Fernie & Mt Fernie Provincial Park
– Mount Proctor

Note that, because the town is situated in the Rockies, there are bears present. WildSafeBC Elk Valley provides tips pertinent to the Fernie area as well as nearby towns.

A full version of Fernie’s trail map can be found here.

One of southeastern British Columbia’s more popular races is still to come this year. The Fernie half-marathon, relay and 10K are set for Oct. 2. Other races in Fernie included the concluded Fernie Tears & Gears, King of the Castle and the Lost Boys Lung Buster Hill Climb.

First hike of the season. Literally nobody else on the trail except for a grouse and mountain goat. #ferniestoke #canada #britishcolumbia #explore #explorebc #getoutside #explorecanada #hiking #mountains

A photo posted by Vince Mo (@findingvmo) on Jul 31, 2016 at 9:37am PDT

Meanwhile, Canada is in the midst of completing the world’s longest recreational trail system.

RELATED: Canada nears completion of world’s longest recreational trail system.

The Great Trail as it’s now known is expected to be completed in 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. The project started in 1992 as the Trans-Canada Trail, which will connect communities across the country with a multi-use system.