Fernie, British Columbia Activities at a Glance

Skiing

Cuddle up to a warm fire after a fun day of skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

From December to April, skiing is one of the major activities in Fernie, British Columbia. With the 6,313 height of the Lizard Range and a base elevation of 3,500 feet, Fernie consists of nine lifts (including four quad chairs), 107 runs, five bowls, abundant glades, and a terrain park. Secluded runs can be made, which make for some of the most impressive skiing in the Canadian Rockies.
For those who are interested in Safari skiing where a number of resorts are enjoyed in a single visit to the area, packages are available that include Fernie, Kimberley, and Banff, British Columbia. Many resorts in the area include ski schools as well as daycare programs for children.

For backcountry skiers and snowboarders, Fernie offers tour guides for enjoying some of the most stupendous unspoiled terrain in the Canadian Rockies. If you plan on going on excursions alone, pay attention to weather conditions as there are often avalanches in the area due to heavy snowfall.
Snow cat and heli-skiing are also available for fit advanced skiers. Cat skiers are tracked up slopes ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet.

Heli-skiing allows for higher altitudes and challenge the skier to pay higher prices as well. Due to shifting weather conditions, helicopters can become grounded, so pay particular attention to the day’s weather report.

Nordic skiers can benefit from 9 miles of beautifully prepared trails at the Fernie Alpine Resort. Here you will also find dog sled teams and snowmobile tours, so keep your eyes open for convergent traffic!

Mountain Biking

Bike the challenging slopes of Fernie, British Columbia.

During the warmer months, Fernie Alpine Resort’s slopes are available to mountain bikers. Purchase a lift pass for a single trip or a day pass good for multiple trips. Challenging rides such as the Ich Bin Sofa Trail and the Ridgemont Clearcut trail systems are for the adventurous extreme biker, providing some adrenaline-raising thrills. A relaxing excursion ideal for families is the Coal Creek Heritage Trail where you can see the remains of Fernie’s 100 year old Coal Creek town site.

Hiking

There is nothing like a long hike through Fernie’s wilderness to exhilarate the heart and soul. Breathing the fresh air and gawking over the deliriously gorgeous sights, the hiker can take the chair lift to the top of a mountain to descend at a leisurely pace. A mid-mountain café is an ideal way to take in the sights and sounds of big nature while enjoying refreshments. For a greater challenge, climb to the summit of Mount Fernie, Mount Bizzaro, Mount Hosmer, Mount Trinity, or the Three Sisters. Trail guides are available through information provided at the Visitors Information Center or many sporting goods stores.

Wildlife Tours

With a plethora of flora and fauna, a wildlife tour in Fernie, British Columbia is a must for the nature lover. Rocky Mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, whitetail deer, elk, lynx, loons, and bald eagles are just some of the wild creatures you will encounter in Fernie’s Elk Valley. Take your camera or your sketchbook to make this experience an indelible one. Tread carefully, for the Elk Valley is truly untouched and remains the blissful home of species that are difficult to encounter elsewhere.

Fishing

Be on the lookout for bears on a wildlife tour.

The pristine waters of the Elk River and its tributaries provide the angler with some of the best fly and float fishing. Bass, rainbow and brook trout abound. Float fishing in a canoe or flat-bottom boat while moving downstream is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the sport while taking in the impressive sights that surround the area. During the winter months, ice fishing makes a wonderful pastime. Anglers simply need to contact a tour guide to find some of the best spots. Rent or purchase your license and equipment from one of the many sporting goods stores in Fernie.

Golfing

Fernie, British Columbia offers the golfer a par 70 course measuring 6,556 yards long at the Fernie Golf and Country Cub, ranking in the top 25 of British Columbia golf courses. Northeast of Fernie lies the Sparwood Golf Club where you will find another all-level course. Try to keep your eye on the ball, a challenge when surrounded by the magnificent mountain scenery!

Spas

Spa services are available in Fernie, offering the visitor hot tub baths, deep massage, and other relaxing therapies to soften and revive sore muscles. Most of the top-shelf hotels offer these services to guests and non-guests alike. Spa services are also available in town.

Entertainment

Besides the requisite pubs that can easily be found in Fernie, live music and dancing provides visitors with another way to unwind after a rigorous day on the slopes. If it is dinner and a movie you’re looking for, go to the Vogue Theatre to enjoy a current film and then take a leisurely walk in the star-filled night. Fernie is not a late night town, so be prepared to get a good night’s sleep in order to enjoy the next day’s activities!

Dining

Fernie offers a wide variety of dining experiences. Top chefs preside over higher end resort cuisines. For the more frugal, moderately priced restaurants and cafes can be found throughout the area.

Accommodations

From ultra high end resorts to affordable hotels and ultra-affordable hostels, accommodations in Fernie can be found in town or on the hill.