Historic Walking Tour: The 1908 Great Fire

On the surface, Fernie might seem like any mountain town: beautiful vistas, interesting shops, and over 90 accessible hiking and biking trails. But if you dig a little deeper, you will discover a rich and dramatic history.

In 1908, the mines of the Elk Valley were booming. Fernie, as a thriving regional hub, had grown to a population of nearly 6,000 people from nearly every corner of the world. On August 1, 1908 tragedy again struck this mining community. In less than 90 minutes, the city of Fernie was consumed by a firestorm. Discover stories of heroism and loss, learn how the town rebuilt in just three short years and explore how this event has shaped Fernie as we see it today in this 90-minute walking tour.