Fernie Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Henry Georgi/Resorts of the Canadian Rockies
Dramatic Rocky Mountain vistas form the backdrop for a town filled with historic charm and exciting adventures. 

Completely encircled by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fernie invites you to discover an idyllic lifestyle of arts, culture and exciting outdoor pursuits. Enjoy the area’s world-renowned summer fly-fishing, winter skiing and year-round charm.

Experience the best of the warm seasons in the Rockies, from spring flowers in May to colourful falling leaves in October. Follow forest trails by mountain bike or on a family hike. Restaurant patios come alive every afternoon with clinking glasses and enthusiastic chatter.

The Elk River is a welcoming spot on a hot summer day, providing a refreshing, lazy float or a peaceful day of fly fishing on sparkling waters. Visit the lower Elk River Canyon for exhilarating whitewater rafting with thrilling rapids and spectacular scenery. Include a round of golf or pamper yourself at a spa.

In winter, Fernie features legendary powder for excellent skiing. The outstanding snowfall is only the beginning of the appeal of this winter playground. Diverse mountainous terrain provides winter activity choices from low exertion to big thrills. Discover world-class groomed and backcountry snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski on some of the highest vertical drops in the Canadian Rockies. Try cat skiing: Ride up the mountain in a heated snow cat and then ski or board on fresh lines down uncrowded backcountry slopes.

Learn about the area’s interesting past in Fernie’s Historic Downtown. Look for the stony profile of the Ghostrider on a nearby rock face and listen to the legend of the one-time curse on the valley. 

Fernie is located in southeastern British Columbia. Reach the area with a 3-hour drive from Alberta’s Calgary International Airport or a 2-hour drive from Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, Montana.

World-renowned fly fishing, mountain biking, snow sports, golf, river adventures and hiking highlight Fernie’s natural beauty and provide outdoor thrills. Indoors, meet friendly people in a laid-back atmosphere and relax with soothing experiences for your mind, body and soul. 

Where to stay in Fernie

Fernie and District Museum showing heritage elements

Historic Downtown Fernie

You'll enjoy the mountain views and coffee shops in Historic Downtown Fernie. You might want to make time for a stop at Fernie Museum or Fernie Heritage Library.

Historic Downtown Fernie
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Alpine Trails

While Alpine Trails may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fernie Nature Centre and Fernie Memorial Arena.

Alpine Trails
Fernie Stanford Resort
Fernie Stanford Resort
3 out of 5
100 Riverside Way, Fernie, BC
The price is ฿3,342 per night from 26 May to 27 May
฿3,342
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"The pictures of the room are bang on. Good value for a room with a jacuzzi tub. Don’t drink too much boxed wine with the stairs to the bedroom however!"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Fernie Stanford Resort
Park Place Lodge
Park Place Lodge
3 out of 5
742 Highway #3, Fernie, BC
The price is ฿4,962 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿4,962
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (784 reviews)
"Quite and clean"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Park Place Lodge
Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Fernie
Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Fernie
2.5 out of 5
401 Highway 3, Fernie, BC
The price is ฿3,469 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿3,469
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (920 reviews)
"I had the privilege of talking to the owner and the manager. They were friendly and open to suggestions. With regard to Fernie British Columbia finding a good hotel at a reasonable price is a challenge. This hotel for people who care about their budget is an excellent option. The owner has invested ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Canadas Best Value Inn & Suites Fernie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co
Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co
3.5 out of 5
4559 Timberline Crescent, Fernie, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star ski condo in Fernie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Mighty Moose Platter ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
"It was great our boys could easily walk to the hill each day."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2024

Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co
Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co
Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co
3.5 out of 5
5389 Highline Drive, Fernie, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star ski condo in Fernie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Elk Quad Ski Lift and Mighty Moose Platter ...
8/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"Nice condo, just no coffee maker"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2022

Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co
Cornerstone Lodge
Cornerstone Lodge
3 out of 5
5339 Ski Hill Road, Fernie, BC
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Fernie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Deer Chair Ski ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (57 reviews)
"Overall, we loved our stay. Extremely convenient location on the mountain where you can put your skis on as soon as you step out the door to glide to a chairlift. The unit we stayed in was clean and comfortable. Our unit had a double bunk bed in one room, but there was no ladder to the very high ..."

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2024

Cornerstone Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Fernie

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

Great town with lots of great place to eat and drink.