Fernie

Things to See and Do in Fernie

Arts, Culture & History
Explore Fernie’s fascinating history and wealth of heritage buildings.  Stop by the Fernie Museum and explore Fernie’s storied past including legends and myths like the tale of the Ghostrider. Be sure to visit The Arts Station and the Arts Coop for your fill of local art.  The Fernie Heritage Library offers many services and programs, and resides in the restored Post Office building of 1909.

Cat-skiing
Experience the ultimate at Island Lake Catskiing, a destination resort with sumptuous accommodation, gourmet dining and incredible skiing serviced by private snowcat on a multi-day all-inclusive vacation. Fernie Wilderness Adventures offers convenient single day tours.

Cross-country Skiing
Five distinct areas around Fernie provide plenty of opportunities for self-powered ski adventures. Choose from daily-groomed trails at Fernie Alpine Resort, Old Growth Forest Trails at the Fernie Nordic Centre, the Montane trail system and Island Lake Lodge, or spectacular views from the groomed trails at the golf course.

Fat-biking and Snowshoeing
Fernie’s network of mountain biking and hiking trails stay busy in the winter as locals and visitors jump on their fat-tire bikes and snowshoes. Try Ridgemont or the groomed trails at Montane for fun adventures the whole family will love. Guided Tours are available.

Fernie Alpine Resort
A world-class snowsport resort during the winter with 142 runs on five vast alpine bowls. Fernie’s legendary resort has sublimely groomed beginner runs, long blues and gorgeous glading, plus plenty of steep and deep adventures.
Experience a mountain playground in the summer with a Bike Park, Tree-Top Aerial playground, Rippin’ Zipline chairlift rides, hiking tours and Interpretive Centre to explore.

Fernie Golf  & Country Club
Rated one of BC’s most scenic and playable courses. Hit the links at this 18-hole, par 70, 6,556 yard course.

Hiking & Nature Walks
A mix of easy to advanced trails include the Old Growth Trail, Fairy Creek Falls and Mountain Lake’s Trail. Enjoy magnificent Rocky Mountain views at every turn. Island Lake Lodge is a mountain paradise minutes from town. Come for the day or stay the night. Enjoy spectacular hikes and walks, fine dining, the spa and a luxury lodge.

Mountain Biking
Fernie’s extensive trail system features beginner to advanced riding around town and at the Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Park. The Dirt Jump Park is also a hit for all ages.  Mountain bike coaching, instruction and guiding is available on the Elk Valley Trails.

Snowmobiling
Well known as a ‘must do’ adventure destination for sledders, Fernie has over 50 km (30 mi) of groomed trails at Rolling Hills accessed from the Coal Creek Staging area, complete with 2 warming huts and plenty of big mountain snowfields. Other popular areas include Ram Creek and Hartley Lake Road areas.

The Fernie Legend: William Fernie, founder of the city, met a tribe of Indians and noted the Chieftan’s daughter wearing a necklace of coal stones. The Indian Chief agreed to reveal the source of the coal upon Fernie’s agreement to marry his daughter. William Fernie agreed, but went back on his promise. The Indian princess therefore laid a curse upon the valley in which Fernie is located. This resulted in the 1901 explosion in the Coal Creek Mine, 1904 and 1908 fire destroying the town and the 1906 flood. Finally in 1964, an elaborate and dramatic ceremony was held to lift the curse on Fernie.