Patio Season

For a town that only sees summer weather roughly three months a year, Fernie is home to a surprising number of patios. 

As soon as spring sticks and the temperatures allow, numerous restaurants and bars begin the process of setting up their deck spaces – whether curbside along Victoria Ave, or an attached patio on 7th Ave, or tucked away on a side street or alley, restaurant owners dust off their picnic tables, pitch up their umbrellas and welcome people to enjoy a cold drink and perhaps some snacks in the fresh air and sunshine. It’s the perfect way to end a trail run, challenging hike or bike ride as there’s nothing quite as rewarding, especially with such limited time to enjoy it! Here are just a few of our favourite patios – if you have the time, spend it finding your own personal favourites and make sure to share them with us. 

Well, number one in our books is Island Lake’s Bear Lodge Bistro. The views of the Lizard Range, and the Three Bears specifically, are breathtaking and such a unique perspective. Whether you’ve biked up the Lazy Lizard trail from town, or just completed the popular Goldilocks loop, fueling up with a fresh summer salad or one of their hearty bowls alongside a signature cocktail is pure perfection. 

Next is the Bridge Bistro. This patio is ideally positioned alongside the Elk River and provides a great stop on any adventure on the water. Fly-fishing, stand up paddle boarding, floating from bridge to bridge, taking a cool dip… the strategic approach is to organize these activities with a finish at the Bridge, toasting to the day’s adventures. Try the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl or their fish and chips!

For those who enjoy a picturesque round of golf, or just hitting the driving range with the kids, the Bayleaf Indian Fusion restaurant at the Fernie Golf Club is the obvious patio choice. Known for its 360-degree views, authentic Indian food and western menu with the best breaded chicken burger and strips around, we’re pretty sure nobody regrets time spent on this patio. 

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a meal and refreshment at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort? Cirque Restaurant at the Lizard Creek Lodge offers views of the Lizard Headwall and excellent people watching as bikers and hikers make their way up the Elk Chair for a mountain experience. We suggest an order of the Truffle Fries paired with an Aperol or Campari Spritz!

In town, Nevados has created an oasis in the middle of town, with wooden trellises full of lush, green ivy encompassing its patio. In the afternoons, you can stop in for margaritas and burritos through their lunch service known as Luchadora. In the evening, Nevados comes to life as does their patio with soft lighting, music and laughter. Start the meal off with their palate pleasing patacones and finish it off with a shared platter of tacos.

Just down the road, The Brickhouse has a patio known for its sunshine on 2nd and 4th. This is also one of the best locations in downtown Fernie for people watching, as they bike, run or walk through town en route to a local adventure, or return to cool down and discuss the trails of the day. Share a pitcher of locally brewed FBC beer, and their popular loaded nachos. 

Fernie Distillers is another location with a patio that feels like a sanctuary. Off to the side, in the alley, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy one of their signature cocktails made with premium, in-house small batch spirits.  Is there anything better than a perfectly made Negroni paired with a charcuterie board made by local Chef Barrie? I think not. Tip: ask them about their picnic policy! 

The Pub Bar & Grill at Park Place Lodge is known for its après culture. With an extensive list of beer on tap, BC wines on offer, and a menu that literally has something for everyone, The Pub has become a go-to spot after a day of work or outdoor activity, or to take in a sports event. A Smokin’ Joel Chicken Burger and a pint of Hit the Deck on their patio always hits the spot.  

Boston Pizza is a great option for the whole family, popular for its pizzas, pastas, bowls and salads, especially with the option of the patio during the summer months. Take in the beauty of the mountains surrounding you, as you enjoy good company and great food. 

Truly, I could go on and on but there isn’t the space! So, in haste, you don’t want to miss the Chopstick Truck and Miner’s Mud in West Fernie, enjoying freshly made ice cream outside of Happy Cow Ice Cream, or a Big Bang Bagel on the patio for breakfast or lunch. And last but certainly not least, order a flight of beer at Fernie Brewing Co. supporting local charities, and take a seat on their dog-friendly patio as you recap your time spent in Fernie.