What type of holiday are you looking for? Are you traveling with family or friends? When would you like to visit? Let us make some recommendations!
Are you travelling to Fernie with your fur buddy? Here are some top spots you and your four-legged friends are welcome to visit!
Fernieites love dogs, and you'll see all breeds and sizes on your walks around town. Within the city limits, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome in most outdoor/public areas. For a little off-leash exercise within town, head to the Fernie Railyard Dog Park can be found in the green space between 4th and 13th Street just over the 1st Ave Railway line. This 10-acre fenced greenspace features a paved walkway with lots of shade trees and benches. There is a seperate, fenced small-dog area and complimentary baggies and waste disposal bins. The park is a multi-phase project with construction continuing over the coming years to complete the facility.
Annex Park (along 12th Avenue between 14th St & 16th St) is a popular area for dog walking with lots of shade, space to run and easy access to water. There's space to park on 12th Ave, or in the Annex Park Parking Lot nearby which you can access at 11th St and 12th Ave by driving up and over the dyke. The park is next to the river for water-loving dogs, and has nearby garbage bins and doggie bag dispensers. The river has shallow areas suitable for splashing, but the middle of the river can be swift so always be aware of hazards.
There is a map of these designated areas in the banner-gallery photos above. If you’re a biker or a hiker, dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the multi-use trails. Take a look at the trail maps to locate those trails.
Keep in mind dog park etiquette! Not every animal owner has the same idea about dog behaviour, so please be respectful. Be aware of any health risks your dog has been in contact with recently. Healthy dogs that are up-to-date on vaccines will have a lower risk of becoming ill due to contact with multiple dogs at the dog park. Please be considerate to other dogs, owners, and the facilities.
For other great easily accessible trails for on-leash walks, try the fantastic Community Trail Network that runs along the river on the perimeter of town. The Dyke Trail and James White Park both offer lots of great walking where leashes are required. These areas are monitored by diligent City of Fernie Bylaw officers who may issue tickets to owners of off-leash, aggressive, or out of control dogs.
Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, at Rotary Park or at Ridgemont Park due to being children's playground areas.
