P.O. Box 1928 542B 2nd Avenue Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.tourismfernie.com [email protected]
Small Town Charm. Big Mountain Adventure.
Fernie offers a real, small-town experience with big Canadian Rocky Mountain adventures, while never losing sight of its enduring history.
About Fernie, Facts & Story Ideas
Some details to help start a great story about Fernie. Visit tourismfernie.com for details or contact us directly!
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About Fernie
From the jagged peaks of the Lizard Range to the unique caricature of Mount Hosmer, the mountains surrounding Fernie offer a sharp contrast to the quaint coal mining and ski town that sits at the base of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Located in south-eastern British Columbia, Canada. It is the only city in BC completely encircled by the Canadian Rockies.
Fernie’s year-round population is approximately 4,300 but sees a surge in population in both the winter and summer months of tourists, seasonal staff and long-term visitors due to the multitude of activities available. Visitors to the area are pleasantly surprised at the many experiences, great restaurants, unique stores and things to do in Fernie given its size.
Founded in 1898, Fernie was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1904. The economy was built on extraction of the Elk Valley’s plentiful natural resources - coal and forestry. The Coal Creek mine was officially opened late in 1897, the railway followed in 1898, and Fernie came to life.
In 1963, the original ski hill, called Fernie Snow Valley, opened. It was purchased in 1997 by the Lake Louise Group, who expanded it significantly under the new name of Fernie Alpine Resort. The resort, now under the umbrella of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Inc., stimulated an ongoing surge of growth, gaining Fernie international recognition as a ski destination.
Fernie’s colourful past is rich in history and folklore. The legendary tale of the Ghostrider speaks of a curse placed on the town by an angry Indian chief. Fernie’s two great fires, in 1904 and 1908, both reduced the town to rubble and ash and are attributed by many to the Ghostrider’s vengeance. The present day Fernie City Hall, which is located in the old Crows Nest Pass Coal Company office, was spared from the 1908 fire and offered refuge to hundreds of the citizens of the day. While mining is still a prominent economic base, the town has evolved into a Canadian Rockies vacation destination attracting adventure goers from around the world both winter and summer.
Drawn by the promise of outdoor adventure, avid and beginner skiers, snowboarders, golfers, mountain bikers, hikers, snowmobilers and fishermen return year after year. Not only does Fernie measure up as an adventure destination, it leaves visitors charmed by the historic town and its residents. It's not uncommon for a simple BC ski vacation or golf trip to turn into a lifelong love affair with Fernie.
Phone: 250.423.2037 ❘ Reservations: 1-877-933-7643 ❘ #ferniestoke Come to Fernie to discover adventure, history and community and soon you too will be coming back for more.
Fernie Quick Facts:
• Founded in 1898, incorporated in 1904. • Located in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, Canada, close to the Alberta border to the east and the Montana, USA border to the south. • Year-round population 4,271 – in 2006 (can double during ski season) • Town elevation 1,010 metres (3,314 ft) • Fernie climate consists of four distinct seasons and enjoys temperate mountain weather. Average winter temperature is -5 C / 23 F, average summer temperature is +25 C / 77 F • Fernie's time zone is Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7), summer (UTC-6) for MDT. • Fernie is home to one of Canada's largest ski resorts, Fernie Alpine Resort and exceptional catskiing at Island Lake Catskiing and Fernie Wilderness Catskiing. • Nordic Skiing can be found in four areas in Fernie offering a diversity trails and scenic views. • The freestone Elk River flows through Fernie and offers renowned fly fishing from June to October, whitewater rafting from May to September and general paddling opportunities.
Fernie Alpine Resort Facts:
The most snow, the most runs and the most vertical in the Canadian Rockies!
• 30-39 feet annual snowfall • 2,504 acres of ski/SB terrain • 142 ski runs, plus gladed terrain • 5 alpine bowls • 10 lifts (4 quads, 3 triples, 3 surface) • 1,082m / 3,550 feet vertical • 1,068m / 3,500 feet base elevation • 2,149m / 7,050 feet summit elevation • 30% Beginner 40% Intermediate 30% Advanced
What Fernie is Known For & Story Ideas
A ski resort town with big snow. Fernie Alpine Resort recently awarded Best Resort in North America, FAR features a village core with ski-in ski out lodging, shops, restaurants and non-ski activities. FAR is famous for its impressive and diverse terrain, beautiful scenery, large vertical, hefty snowfalls and great conditions. The resort is only 5km from the town of Fernie.
Catskiing: Fernie is honoured with two long-standing catski operations. Choose from the all-inclusive and award-winning Island Lake Lodge Catskiing, rated one of the top places to stay by National Geographic Traveler, or FWA’s Powder Catskiing with its popular day cat ski trips. Both celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2013. Both are easy to access being only minutes from town and Fernie Alpine Resort, while offering true backcountry seclusion.
Authentic, Historic & Legendary:
o An Enduring Past: Fernie’s history is engaging, authentic and real with a diversity of unique stories to attract and enthrall visitors. A variety of historic landmarks and attractions dot the community that in of itself make a visit to Fernie very worthwhile. Attractions include the Fernie Museum, City Hall, Court House, Miner’s Walk, the Oil Derrick and Cemetery.
P.O. Box 1928 542B 2nd Avenue Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.tourismfernie.com [email protected]
o Historic Downtown: Fernie has become well known for its friendly and picturesque downtown with turn of the century brick buildings filled with unique and sophisticated shopping, dining, nightlife and attractions. Authentic to the core, Historic Downtown is tied to legends and is a real modern day attraction. Drop by the Fernie Museum for a detailed history on this passionate community that was originally built as a result of local mining and forestry in the 1800’s.
o Real Locals & Vibrant Culture: A community first, Fernie is rich in local roots and culture from current day mining families to ski bums, passionate environmentalists and artisans. Community vibe and amenities show the diversity that defines Fernie, including blue-collar pubs and big trucks to the local indie films and film festivals and a vibrant Arts Station with ongoing performances, workshops and art exhibits. Famous for friendliness and like-minded recreationalists Fernie boasts a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere.
o The Legends: Fernie is known for its legends. The Ghostrider Legend – every summer evening the shadow of a distinctive horse and rider reveal itself in the mountain-side of Mt Hosmer; said to be the ghost of an angry Indian Chief and his daughter pursuing William Fernie who had promised to marry her in exchange for information on coal locations. The chief placed a curse on the town leading to many tragedies until the official curse lifting ceremony in 1964. The Legend of the Griz – how a baby boy born in a grizzly bear’s cave in the Lizard Range overlooking FAR and town resulted in Fernie’s huge annual snowfall. Or learn of other legends such as the Three Sisters by visiting the Fernie Museum.
Foodie's Love Fernie. Restaurants, cafes, bakeries gourmet cheese shop and chocolate maker line Historic Downtown on 2nd Avenue, creating a smorgasbord of flavours in the historic downtown. Craving more?! Explore the tantalizing offers along 7th Avenue including sushi, curry, homemade ice cream treats and more!
Festivals & Events: Aside from activities and attractions, visitors come to Fernie for its diversity of festivals and events. From Griz days, Fernival, 80’s Weekend, Fernie Mountain and Canadian Reel Film Festivals, Snow Dreams and the Cardboard Derby in winter to Wapiti Music Festival, Tears & Gears, Wam Bam, Porky Blue, Heiko’s Hellish Half, Downtown Socials, Wednesday Concert Series and much more.
Big mountain adventure. Fernie boasts year round outdoor adventure with skiing, catskiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, golfing and Rocky Mountain sightseeing spring, summer and fall.
Spectacular scenery, hiking & wildlife viewing. The surrounding Rocky Mountains are a big sight to see and hike in Fernie. Guided, self-guided and lift access hiking and wildlife viewing offer wonderful vistas and memories. Cameras are necessary, especially when you spot deer, elk, moose, birds of prey or even black and grizzly bears. Fernie is also located along the Crown of the Continent and sits adjacent to the Flathead Valley, one of the most diverse and ecologically intact natural ecosystems in the world.
Destination Weddings. Over the years, Fernie has become a destination for year round weddings due to its Rocky Mountain scenery, excellent service and venue options and multitude of activities for all. Couple love saying "I Do!" at Island Lake Lodge's I Dew Point.
Fly Fishing: As home to one of the largest remaining populations of wild, pure-strain Westslope
Phone: 250.423.2037 ❘ Reservations: 1-877-933-7643 ❘ #ferniestoke Cutthroat Trout and monster Bull Trout, Fernie is truly one of North America’s finest dry fly fishing destinations. The pristine Elk River is the primary draw while its tributaries and local lakes provide endless options of renowned fly fishing. Add experienced and knowledgeable local guide outfitters and fly shops and the fishing experience in Fernie becomes unmatched.
Mountain Biking: A genuine mountain bike destination with real mountain trails. Ride right from town to over 100km of beginner to expert XC and DH trails, or read to Fernie Alpine Resort’s lift access bike park with over 37 trails. Popular events like Fernie 3 and Lungbusters keep the bike culture thriving while locals work hard to maintain trails and enhance access to them for all to enjoy. The local dirt jump freestyle park in town is a haven for little riders, new riders and expert freestyle riders in anticipation for the annual Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam event.