Top Things to Do in Fernie

Before you dive into this guide, I thought I would provide a little inspiration to get your curiosity flowing. Here are this year’s top ten experiences to consider looking into while visiting Fernie! 

Gallery Tour
Fernie is rich in arts and culture. The Fernie Museum and Arts Station are major hubs to this growing and evolving aspect of Fernie, but alongside their exhibit spaces there are additional offerings and opportunities to take in the history and support local artists.  Along 2nd Ave you will find the Fernie Arts Co-op, which hosts over 40 artists and makers and their vast array of work.  

H Squared Gallery which hosts various artists, potters and jewellers is just a couple of doors down along the same avenue, as are Studio 562 and Elevation Fernie, with Eye of the Needle just down the street. 

Ski Under the Lights
I truly miss hitting the Mighty Moose for night skiing with my kids. It’s just extremely fun and somehow makes skiing feel new and exciting! Stopping into Slopeside for a warm hot chocolate by the fire is the icing on the cake. Another great option for skiing under the lights is at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre, where they light up a short loop through the woods near the Nordic Hut. It is truly magical!

Sample the Cafés
Yes, plural! During your stay, I encourage you to visit the many cafés in our community as they all have something different to enjoy. No café has a view quite like that from Lost Boys Café, at the top of the Timber Chair offering hot coffee, full meals and snacks to keep you going on the slopes. At the base you’ll find Slopeside Café in the Plaza, a fantastic place to warm up while watching your kids ski by on the Mighty Moose. 

In town, you have more options including the family-run Rooftop Coffee Roasters, where they roast their own beans, in house! Further along, you’ll find Freshies Café which is known for its large patio and house-made treats. Not far from here is Mugshots Fernie, which is a bustling spot for breakfast or lunch. Along the highway is Starbucks which is great for those on the go as you can order ahead or use the drive-thru! 

Tasting Tour
Did you know Fernie has options when it comes to tasting varieties of drinks and refreshments? First, I recommend hitting up Fernie Brewing Company and grabbing a flight. You can select up to four beers, and all funds benefit a local charity! Next, head to Fernie Distillers. Here you can book a tour and tasting of their locally made spirits. Lastly, don’t forget to head to Bramasole, where their specialty is wine… BC wine! Bonus – they all have NA options! 

Enjoy Fernie’s Cuisine
While in Fernie, you must get out for dinner. At least a few times. When people ask where they should eat, I ask questions because it’s not only about the food but the experience. When our kids were little, we worked hard so they would enjoy the restaurants we used to enjoy together or with friends – we missed not only the food but the vibe! Whether you decide on a more formal restaurant or a pub, you can’t go wrong. The pub menus in this town are very impressive, as is the array of ethnic cuisines and culinary experiences. What I’m trying to say is, it can be hard to make a decision… so plan to eat out more! 

Reach a Peak
While it is quite spectacular to enjoy the mountain views from the valley, there is nothing like being on a mountain top and taking in the valley and beyond. For those skiing, if the weather is clear, you may have the opportunity to enjoy these views from atop Polar Peak – it will not disappoint. If it’s not available, Lost Boys still delivers. For those in town, Castle Mountain is often snowshoed and is a great option! Either start from the Montane parking lot, or at the Coal Creek / River Road parking area. 

Try Something New
It is extremely nice to have alternative activities, especially during the winter season. Last year I took up swimming, and having recently been dealing with an injury, am extremely grateful for it. If swimming is not for you, there are options. Soar Studios offers adult ballet, barre and spin classes! Mantra Studio has a variety of yoga classes available each day and while it can be tough for some to be still, you may be surprised by how wonderful it feels. Evolution Fitness has regular classes and offers the option for personal training. And did you know the College of the Rockies has rock climbing?  

Get Tickets to a Live Show
The music offerings in Fernie continue to grow with each year. Knox on 2nd hosts 
a winter concert series, bringing amazing acts to its stage throughout the season. The Home Routes Tour also comes to Fernie, matching amazing artists with local home concert hosts this fall through spring with an amazing mix of genres. The Northern continues to bring big bands to the big stage as does the Griz Bar at Fernie Alpine Resort. And smaller venues such as the Pub, Taphouse, Kodiak Lounge, Bramasole and Bayleaf host live music regularly.

Shop in the Historic Downtown
I love our downtown businesses, and while I love shopping for myself, I really love shopping for others. People are often so surprised by the items I send them from Fernie, as they tend to be unique or hard to find. Additionally, it just feels good to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. They add so much vibrancy and personality to  our town! 

Ghostriders Hockey Game
The Fernie Ghostriders are part of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KJHL) and play regularly throughout the season. Their games pack the Fernie Memorial Arena, and are energetic, fun and exciting to watch for all ages. The puck drops at 7pm, the beer is cold and plentiful, and there are many snacks and refreshments at the concession stand available for purchase. Go, Riders, Go!

I hope this list helps you out during your stay, or at the very least inspires you for your next visit. Share your top ten with us at @email. We want to hear about your experiences!