Fernie and the Elk Valley are situated in the southeast corner of British Columbia in a area known as the East Kootenays. Fernie is the ultimate B.C. mountain playground. Enjoy fishing, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and of course, all of the winter activities you can possibly think of, including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.
Things to do in Fernie
Adventure Ski and See
Whether skiers are black diamond enthusiasts or are new to the bunny hill, Ski and See has a range of tours to meet their needs. Packages include accommodation, shuttle, lift passes, breakfast and a guide if desired. If you are an adventure seeker you will enjoy skiing above the clouds on hard to reach ridges only accessible by helicopter or enjoy cat-skiing, cross country, snowshoeing and dog sledding. We are located in downtown Fernie. Best Western Fernie lodging is nearby. Call 250-423-7367 for more information.
Elk River
The Elk River starts at the clear lakes in Elk Lakes Provincial Park near the Alberta/British Columbia border. Flowing southwest past the communities of Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie, it eventually pours into Lake Koocanusa. The river is known internationally as an excellent angling river, especially for cutthroat trout and is located in the Elk Valley area near Fernie.
Fernie Courthouse
The current courthouse is the fourth for the town of Fernie. This structure was started in 1909 after a devastating fire burnt down much of Fernie's core. The exterior of the Fernie Court House is idyllic, with materials obtained from British Columbia and Alberta. The six stained glass windows (each with a historic BC Coat of Arms), the West Coast cedar finishings and the paneled dome ceiling make it one of the grandest court houses in British Columbia. Call 250-423-7016 for more information.
401 4th Avenue, Fernie, BC
Fernie Heritage Library
This heritage building was built in 1909 and served as the Fernie Post Office for many years. In 1952, the library was given use of 2 rooms in the premises. Over the years the building has been extensively renovated, and the library continues to thrive. Open October – March Tuesday – Friday 11am – 8pm; Saturday & Sunday noon – 5pm; closed Monday; April – September Tuesday – Friday 11am – 8pm; Saturday noon – 5pm; closed Sunday & Monday Call 250- 423-4458 for more information.
492 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC
Ghost Rider
Gaze up at the face of Mount Hosmer on a summer evening to see the shadow of 'The Ghost Rider'. Local legend states that the shadow is of an Indian princess who rides on horseback as her father the Chief leads the horse. The Chief put a curse on the community of Fernie when William Fernie, the town's namesake, refused to marry the princess as promised in exchange for information about local coal deposits. The Ghost Rider is said to be a reminder of the tragic disasters in the Fernie area. Kikomun Creek Provincial Park – The Kikomun Creek Provincial Park is a delight to families. On site you will find three campgrounds, man-made Lake Koocanusa and a boat launch are all in the park. For the recreation enthusiast you will find a boat launch, playground, and mountain bike trails. Several small lakes are included in the park. Located southwest of Fernie Call 250-422-3212 for more information.
Lake Koocanusa
The Koocanusa is actually a reservoir that has been formed due to the damming of the Kootenay River in Libby, Montana. The name is derived from three names: koo from Kootenay River, Kootenays, can for Canada and usa for the United States. Boating, including house boating, is popular on the lake. Located just south of Fernie.
Mammoth Ridge
Come and experience the thrill of cat-skiing or backcountry skiing/snow boarding on a tour by Mammoth Ridge. We are located in Fernie. Call 403 238-2610 for more information.
Mount Fernie
Mount Fernie is 2210m (7250ft) high and offers an excellent hiking trail for those that can handle steep and challenging ridges. Mount Fernie was named after William Fernie, who was instrumental in starting the coal industry in Fernie. Mount Fernie Provincial Park is adjacent to the mountain, and is directly northwest of the town of Fernie.
Mount Fernie Provincial Park
This Provincial Park is small in size (259 hectare) but grand nonetheless. Situated in the shadow of Mount Fernie, the area is home to abundant ferns, trees, wildflowers, black bears, deer and elk. Interpretive trails, campsites and lovely waterfalls are also in Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Abundant wildlife, diverse vegetation and waterfalls highlight this Park located 3 km (1.9 mi) south of the town Call 250-427-5452 for more information.
Mount Hosmer
Mount Hosmer can be seen from anywhere in Fernie, and stands 1970m (6460ft.) The mountain is renowned by geologists as it is an upside down mountain, where the oldest part of the rock formation is near the top and the youngest is at the bottom. 'The Ghost Rider', a shadow that appears in the evening during the summer, is located on the face of Mount Hosmer, and is a part of local legend. The hike up is very scenic. Morrissey Provincial Park With the Elk River flowing through it and the tall cottonwood trees, Morrissey Provincial Park is both picturesque and visitor friendly. The park is located 16 km (10 mi) southeast of Fernie
Mount Proctor
This is part of the Lizard Range (along with Mount Fernie and Three Sisters). The limestone mountain is home to a very popular hiking trail and the legend of Mount Proctor tells of a young Indian chief who could not decide whom to marry of three sisters. He was punished for this by being turned into the mountain. The Three Sisters peak facing Mount Proctor is said to be the three maidens.Stephanie's Glass & Art Studio - Stephanie Rogers creates outstanding images on fragile glass. Sandblasted glassware, stained glass and sandblasted windows are all featured in addition to a variety of items from other local artists that includes paintings, pottery and photographs. Call 250- 423-3944 for more information.
532 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC
Mountain Pursuits
We offer guided backcountry adventures including hiking, backpacking and climbing in the summer and ski touring, avalanche courses and powder ski lessons in the winter. Professional and certified guides are used exclusively. Call 250-423-6739 for more information.
1480 Stewart Avenue, Fernie, BC
The Arts Station
This was once a hub of activity as train commuters boarded the CN train for destinations to/from Fernie. Today this heritage building is home to the Fernie and District Arts Council and houses a gallery, artist's haven and performing arts venue. Paintings, pottery, metal works and Photographs are just some of the art displayed by local and regional artists. Call 250-423-4842 for more information.
601 1st Avenue, Fernie, BC
Three Sisters Mountain
This Mountain is the highest in Fernie, at 2788m (9146ft) and is sometimes confused with the same named mountains in Alberta! Local legend states this peak came about because a young Indian chief could not choose between three girls for a wife, so he was turned into Mount Proctor. The maidens were so distraught, they prayed to be turned into mountains as well, and became the Three Sisters.