Fernie: Discover history, trails, and the river

Fernie combines historic discoveries in the town centre with trails and experiences along the Elk River. You can shape your trip around a wide range of interests: stroll through the history of Historic Downtown Fernie, visit exhibitions, or make time for the trails and waterfront. When choosing a vacation rental in Fernie, the first thing to consider is which of these sides of the town you want to shape your holiday. The various options range from a short historical loop to a 15-kilometre trail system.

Discover Fernie’s history on foot

Historic Downtown Fernie is known for its early 1900s buildings with rose- and gold-coloured brickwork. The heritage walking tour takes in 16 buildings and historic sites in Historic Downtown Fernie. This lets you explore the town centre through specific stops rather than learning about its history only in an exhibition. Historical walking tours also include a 90-minute guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide. If the city’s background and stories matter to you, you can make a tour like this a focus of your trip.

Museum, gallery, and community art

The Fernie Museum’s ground floor houses the permanent exhibition “This Is Our Fernie.” The second-floor gallery features solo and group exhibitions by local and regional artists, as well as local and historical touring exhibitions. A visit therefore offers a look at Fernie alongside changing perspectives from local and regional art. The Arts Station also offers art activities, gallery exhibitions, and public art—both at the station and in the community. Together, these places offer different ways to experience culture: from a permanent exhibition and gallery shows to art activities and public art.

Trails with different formats

Those who prefer to spend time outdoors will find several distinct trail options in Fernie. Dogwood Park is part of the Fernie Recreational Trail Network. The Fernie Town Trail consists of 15 km of interconnected, family-friendly trails that run around and within the town of Fernie. For families, the stated family-friendly designation is a useful guide; the trails span a connected system rather than a single loop.

The Elk Valley History Hike offers a different way to explore: it follows a 3.3 km loop on local trails in Fernie. Along the way, there are stops with historical information, treasure maps, and clues in locked treasure boxes. If you prefer a single loop with historical stops and clues, this option is laid out differently from the 15 km Fernie Town Trail. The different distance details can help you plan the trails as separate parts of your stay.

A stretch of the Elk River for floating

There is also a specific option on the water: for a relaxing float or tubing, a stretch of the Elk River is recommended, starting at North Fernie Bridge or Annex Park and ending at Dogwood Park & Boat Launch. The stretch covers 3 km of Class 1 water. This lets you enjoy the river as a separate activity alongside town walks and trails. When planning your holiday, note that this description refers specifically to this recommended stretch of river.

A special discovery along the way

In Historic Downtown Fernie, visitors to Beanpod Chocolate, Coffee and Gelato can watch chocolate being made from rare, particularly aromatic cacao beans using traditional stone-grinding techniques. It offers a unique look at how chocolate is made and adds a culinary theme to the historical and artistic experiences. If you shape your stay around these interests, you can choose different focuses, from local history and art to trails, river activities, and chocolate.

More destinations for your reference: Skookumchuck, Spillimacheen, East Kootenay F, Cranbrook, Wardner, Radium Hot Springs, East Kootenay G and Panorama.

For the regional travel overview: East Kootenay.