Come for Fernie’s legendary hospitality and history, and stay to experience a mountain escape that transforms with the seasons.
In summer, the Fernie area has fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, rafting and kayaking. In winter, Fernie is a snow-capped playground for skiers and snowboarders who descend on Fernie Alpine Resort.
Fernie’s lively arts and culture community will also engage all of your senses.
Fernie's natural beauty invites outdoor exploration.
Meander through forest and meadow along trails leading to spectacular falls. Explore the high alpine trails at
Fernie Alpine Resort, with great views overlooking Elk Valley. For a high-energy challenge, try the strenuous hike up Mount Hosmer.
Fernie is also one of Canada's premier mountain biking destinations. Area backcountry trails range from easy countryside pedals and intermediate rides through historic townsites, to challenging steeps on the expert-rated Ich Bin Sofa Trail.
If you dare, take on the vertical challenge at Fernie Alpine Resort where your chairlift up sets the scene for a ride down Kodiak Karnage or Top Gun. Round out your visit at the 18-hole Fernie Golf & Country Club, noted for panoramic mountain views and mature, tree-lined fairways. Ride the range on a horseback adventure through the backcountry. Or set up camp at Mount Fernie Provincial Park, Fernie Alpine Resort or Kikomun Creek Provincial Park. For those with their own equipment, paragliding and hang-gliding at Microwave Tower is truly spectacular. Flightseeing tours of the area are also available.
Wind your way on a self-guided tour through Fernie's 40 heritage buildings, dating back to the early 1900s.
Visit the mining town of
Sparwood to see the mighty Terex Titan-the world's largest tandem-axle dump truck. Brought to Sparwood in 1978 to work the mines, the Titan measures 20 m (66 ft) long, 8m (26 ft) wide and 7 m (23 ft) to the top of the canopy. Each 3.4 m (11 ft) tire weighs 8000 lbs (4 tons).
Retired in 1990 because it was no longer cost efficient, you can still marvel at this massive truck located near the Sparwood Visitor Info Centre.
Fernie has survived two fires, a flood and even a ghostly curse to become a lively arts and cultural community.
William Fernie led the drive to bring coal mining to the valley. According to local legend, Fernie courted the daughter of a local First Nations chief, to discover the source of the black stones she wore on her necklace. Upon finding the sought after coal seam, Fernie abandoned the Indian princess, and for revenge a curse was placed on the valley.
Though the curse was lifted more than 40 years ago, the legend of the Ghostrider remains. When shadows fall across the face of Mount Hosmer in summer, you can see two ghostly figures, one riding on horseback, said to be the chief and his daughter.
Fernie's Museum offers displays of local and coal mining history. Also visit the Arts Station featuring gallery, theatre and art studios housed in a fully restored railway station.
And after two devastating fires, the town of Fernie was rebuilt in brick and stone. Many of these historic buildings can be seen on the Heritage Walking Tour.
The Arts Station, housed in a fully restored railway station, offers live theatre and music year-round. Or catch the Fernie Ghostriders, a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team on ice at the Fernie Memorial Arena. Or take part in the Fernie Sports 5 & 10 km Run each June. For more local flavour, check out the Mountain Market in summer where local artisan display creations from painting to baking.
From picturesque parks to stunning wildlife, Fernie's natural beauty is captivating. Visit Mount Fernie Provincial Park to camp, picnic or hike amid wildflowers and waterfalls. Stand in awe before the 900-year-old old-growth cedar trees at the Cedar Valley Old Growth Reserve, also home to Island Lake Lodge where you can enjoy summer hiking and winter skiing. Close to town, see 400-year-old cottonwood trees along a short walking trail. The area is also home to diverse wildlife including Elk, White-tailed and Mule Deer, Black and Grizzly Bears, and Bald and Golden Eagles. Enjoy the mountain views at Olsen Rest Stop, or take in the view atop Microwave Tower and
Fernie Alpine Resort. The nearby town of Elkford offers pristine settings for wildlife viewing and the chance to see dinosaur fossils and footprints.
Restore your natural energy in the serene setting of Fernie Alpine Resort. Spa facilities include a health club, year-round outdoor pool and hot tub as well as a steam room. Replenish body, mind and spirit with services such as aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and massage. Local lodges also offer spa services from soothing massages to gentle wraps, and day spas are also available in the community.
River fishing and plenty of local lakes tempt anglers in the Fernie area. One of the most popular spots is the Elk River and its tributaries, stocked with Cutthroat and Bull Trout. You can fill a full day by rafting, kayaking or canoeing on the Elk and Bull Rivers and surrounding waters. Float along calm lake waters or take on challenging Class IV whitewater rapids. Paddlers of all levels will find inviting waters in the area. Find your perfect swimming or fishing spot along the 400 km (248.5 mi) of shoreline at Lake Koocanusa. Settle in on a sandy beach, set up camp, or try lake fishing for Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. Lake houseboating is also a popular option.
Five alpine bowls nestled in the Kootenay Rockies make Fernie an unforgettable skiing adventure. Your peak winter experience may be
Fernie Alpine Resort.
The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2004 voted Fernie Alpine Resort the "North American Resort of the Year." This powder paradise offers more than 9 m (29 ft) of snow across 1,013 ha (2,504 ac) of skiable terrain. Choose from 109 defined trails, all serviced by 10 lifts.
At the base of the Resort, make tracks along 10km (6 mi) of cross-country ski trails. Scenic community trails include the dyke trail, running approximately 18 km (11 mi) along the Elk River.
Snowmobilers will find easy trail access up into the mountains or directly from town.
Exceptional winter snowshoeing can be had on Fernie's snow-covered mountain biking trails and along the gentle dyke trail.
Cat-skiing is also popular in the area at the renowned Island Lake Lodge, Powder Cowboy and Fernie Wilderness Adventures.