walking tours

On the surface, Fernie might seem like any mountain town: beautiful vistas, interesting shops, and abundant outdoor activities. Dig a little deeper and discover the stories of tragedy and triumph.

Fernie entered the First World War in 1914 with optimism and a sense of national pride. Five years later, it emerged having experienced staggering losses and multiple controversies that threatened to tear the community apart. Fernie was profoundly affected by conflicting impulses of labour, loyalty, and ethnicity.

Six significant Fernie heritage buildings have recently been successful recipients of Heritage Grants funded by the Columbia Basin Trust and managed by Heritage BC. Join heritage consultant, Elana Zysblat, on a walking tour to learn about their history, evolution, a few fascinating and little known facts, and the plans for their conservation. The buildings on tour are: City Hall (former Crowsnest Pass Coal Co. headquarters), Christ Church, Holy Family Church, Fernie Courthouse, Knox United Church and the Fernie Museum (former Home Bank of Canada).