Fernie Museum

Discover Fernie's past and present in the historical setting of one of Fernie's distinctive heritage buildings - the former home bank. 

COVID-19 Update: The Fernie Museum is currently closed.

Explore Fernie's colourful past and learn all about what Fernie has to offer for recreation, entertainment, shopping, accommodation, and services.

The ground floor features the 'This Is Our Fernie' permanent exhibition, visitor information services and gift shop. 

The Museum Gallery on the 2nd floor features solo and group exhibitions by local, and regional artists, as well as local and touring historical exhibits. Gallery programming aims to promote professionalism and foster appreciation for arts and culture and bring awareness to the museum’s wealth of archival and artifact material.

The facility is fully accessible with level entry, elevator, and washrooms on both floors.

ADMISSION:

Adults: $5
Seniors: $4
Children & Youth: FREE
Groups (10+): $3/pp

IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY:

• Currently closed

• SUMMER TOUR SERIES

• Historical Walking Tours - View & Download PDF of Self-Guided Tour Map - NB: Not operating in 2020
  
  • 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.
    Join one of our knowledgeable local guides for a 90-minute walking tour of historic downtown Fernie. Explore the stories of movers and shakers, rumrunners, devastating fires, coal mining disasters and legends of a Ktunaxa curse and discover how these people and events have helped to shape Fernie as we see it today.
    Our guides will also share the inside scoop of where to find the right memento, a perfect latte or a great place to eat in our community. We endeavor to make your stay in Fernie, whether long or short, a truly memorable experience.
    • Every Saturday & Sunday in June 8 - September 1, plus first Monday in July, August & September.
    • Tours will take place in all weather conditions.
    • Please wear appropriate footwear for walking outside on slightly uneven ground.
    • A weatherproof warm jacket and an umbrella are encouraged.
    • Tours depart at 11am, 1pm & 3pm (most days) and last approx 90 minutes.
    • Tickets $15

HISTORY OF THE FERNIE MUSEUM:

The Fernie District Historical Society was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Fernie by collecting and displaying photographs, artifacts and documents relating to Fernie's development. Homeless for the first 15 years, the Society struck an agreement with the Holy Family Church to use the vacant rectory behind the Church as a museum site.

On August 4, 1979, coinciding with Fernie's Diamond Jubilee, the museum was officially opened. The rectory served as Fernie's museum for twenty years until 1999 when the Church realized that it would soon need the property for its own purposes. The museum was forced to close its doors but a temporary seasonal exhibit at the Arts Station celebrating Fernie's centenary in 2004 proved so popular that a new seasonal Museum was opened at the Fernie Mall on the corner of 2nd Ave & 4th St. This, in turn, was so popular that it remained open year-round, and the board of directors began earnestly seeking a more appropriate location.

The City of Fernie purchased the former Home Bank Building on the corner of 2nd Ave and 5th street, and an agreement was reached for the Museum to occupy the space. The building had been used for many years as the offices of BC Hydro. A two-year program of renovations and repairs was undertaken, including stripping out much of the 1960s and 70's style fittings and fixtures, and restoring and replacing the original woodwork and trim. The Fernie Museum reopened in 2013, just prior to the 50th anniversary of the Fernie & District Historical Society. 

The Museum Gallery is a beautiful space and is also available for meetings, lectures, readings, and social gatherings.