Island Lake and the Cedar Valley have a long and interesting history.  The Cedar Valley has a special micro-climate that not only provides a lot of snow, but produces huge “coastal style” old growth trees that are unique in the Rocky Mountains.  Fires have bypassed most of the valley bottom for hundreds of years, enabling monster trees to survive – some of which have reached 800 years old!  In the early 1900’s, hikers, hunters and fishermen explored the valley and lake.   Parts of the lower Cedar Valley were logged at this time and some old stumps can still be seen in places. The 1960’s and 70’s saw a few people come up ski touring in the valley.  These early adventure seekers pioneered the first ski lines in the valley. In 1988 the Bear Lodge was built and in December of that year the first cat was delivered to Island Lake Mountain Tours - as it was called then and cat skiing officially started in the area.   Though not the first, it was one of the earliest catski operations in North America.  In the early 1990’s some of the biggest names in the ski and snowboard industry became regulars at the lodge.  Greg Stump filmed with Scot Schmidt. Mark Gallup started shooting photos with various snowboard pros including Craig Kelly, Jason Ford, Jake Blattner and Terje Haakonsen. Island Lake became one of the most famous ski & snowboard media destinations during this era. In 1993 Greg Stump filmed part of P-Tex, Lies & Duct Tape here.  Other Movies filmed at Island Lake include Warren Millers “Ride” and MSP’s “Fetish”. 

  In 1995 Shell Canada whom owned the 7,000 acres of land that Island Lake had been leasing, put the parcel up for sale.  13 long term guests and industry celebrities came to the table and purchased the land including Scot Schmidt. Mark Gallup, Craig Kelly, Jason Ford and Jake Blattner, making Island Lake the only Cat or Heli operation that owns it’s operating land base.  In 2005, a majority shareholder purchased the land and operation.  In 2004/05 - 2 more lodges (Tamarack and Cedar) were built making a total of 4.  Today Island Lake is one of the most highly regarded back-country lodges in the world - well known for both winter and summer activities.