The heart of Fernie's vibrant community is the small but perfectly formed Historic Downtown. Scroll through the images above to view the many great experiences.
Historic Downtown is a highlight of any Fernie travel itinerary. Centred around 2nd Avenue primarily between 4th Street and 9th Street (not the highway through town), downtown offers boutique shopping, dining, attractions and activities of a more gentle nature. Plan to spend a day exploring all the unique features and soaking up the charming atmosphere from a summer patio or on a snowy stroll, while enjoying spectacular mountain views in every direction. Fernie is a small community more than a mass tourist destination so shops typically close after 6 pm and some are closed on Sundays.
Take the local #Ferniestoke Ski Shuttle to get between the town, accommodations and the resort during the winter ski season.
More about the history of downtown.
Fernie's Historic Downtown has become well known as a filming location, having featured in the 2018 Liam Neeson film 'Cold Pursuit', the 2010 Hollywood blockbuster 'Hot Tub Time Machine' and Disney's 2012 children's film 'Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups'.
Parking is free in Downtown Fernie, larger vehicles will find more space on the streets or avenues that surround the main 2nd Avenue downtown strip.
Places to Visit & Things To See & Do
- Shop one of the many unique locally owned businesses to take home something special.
- Dine at one of the many cafes, restaurants or pubs, or enjoy local (small but it's there!) nightlife.
- Start at the Fernie Museum for an informative and fascinating look at the history that has shaped our town. Virtual guides based on real local historical figures will lead you through Fernie's storied past, legends and unique flora, fauna and geology. Visit the 2nd floor gallery for special exhibitions.
- The Fernie Heritage Library is a beautiful stone building that was once Fernie's Post Office and Customs Building. It now houses 3 floors of reference, literature and magazines plus a cosy children's corner, study room, meeting rooms and computer lab. Large arched windows flood the 18ft upper floors with light making this a welcoming and pleasant space to spend an afternoon. The library also features a charming garden and is home to many events including the Fernie Writers' Series which brings some of Canada's most prestigious writers to Fernie.
- The Court House (1911) is a magnificent chateau-style building with slate shingles, copper trim and granite imported from Vancouver and is well known throughout BC as a historic landmark. In 2014, the Architecture Foundation of BC named it one of BC's best buildings.
- City Hall (1905) was once the home of the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company and is a survivor of the 1908 inferno. It was strategically located in the middle of a block to minimize fire risk and served as a place of refuge for the survivors during and after the great fire. City Hall has a free charging station for electric cars.
- The Miners Walk is located at City Hall and features interpretive panels with fun activities for children, local ironwork sculptures and the feature 'Face of the Miner' which changes right before the viewers' eyes. The gardens and adjacent lawns are a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a picnic.
- The Holy Family Catholic Church (1912) is a beautiful brick edifice built in a "cruciform pattern". The Italian stained glass front windows are backlit at night, which adds to the reverent stature of the church.
- The Arts Station was originally built as a railway station for the CP Rail Line. When passenger trains stopped visiting Fernie, this elegant Van Horne building was moved in 1990 to become the cultural hub it is known as today. It serves as a home for the local Arts community complete with a restaurant, 100-seat theatre, gallery space and studio space featuring many artistic pursuits including pottery, weaving, fine arts, fibre arts and children's programming.
- The Banner Project has graced historic downtown Fernie with colourful art banners for over 10 years. Each year, around 25 artworks are selected by a jury from dozens of local entries to be featured on the banners you see hanging from lightposts along 2nd Avenue. In their second year, the banners are transferred to the highway, and then finally they are presented to their sponsors. You may see older banners in businesses and even gardens around town. Take the time to view them all and pick a favourite.
- The Fernie Arts Co-op features many of the artists whose work you will see on the art banners. This large and inviting gallery space is bursting with the work of dozens of local artists, from painting, pottery and jewellery to sculpture and even artisan soap and cosmetics.
- Beanpod is one of only a handful of traditional chocolate makers in the world. Watch the antique melangeur at work through the glass viewing wall while you sip on a fresh roasted mocha or cool off with affogato- fresh espresso over exquisite gelato made in-store.
- The Fernie Aquatic Centre, across the railway tracks just off Pine Avenue is a recreational hub in the heart of Fernie. Enjoy a swim, hot tub or sauna indoors.
- In the warmer months, there are plenty of additional outdoor activities at the Aquatic Centre to enjoy from the Dirt Jump Park and Basketball Court, to the Splash Park and nearby Skate Park.
- A large covered meeting point is the starting point for the nearby Coal Creek Heritage Trail and offers interpretive signage, maps and a bike wash station.
Take a virtual tour of Historic Downtown Fernie
