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!
The heart of Fernie's vibrant community is the small but perfectly formed Historic Downtown located on 2nd Avenue between 3rd Street and 9th Street.
After the Great Fire of August 1st, 1908, Fernie City Council decreed that 'all buildings within a ten-block section are constructed of fireproof material'; and so it was that from the ashes rose an attractive town built from locally produced unique golden and rose coloured brick and local sandstone.
The architectural style is described as simplified Italianate, typified by rows of 3 storey, flat-roofed commercial brick buildings, enlivened with round-arched and rectangular windows decorated with hood mouldings or classical pediments and pilasters. Most of the buildings in the downtown core date from 1908/09 and emanate an air of permanence rarely found in small-town BC. In 1922 the wooden sidewalks and dirt roads were paved; these were widened in 2004 for the city's centennial revitalisation, creating the pleasant boulevard that we enjoy today.
While in Fernie be sure to visit the museum to truly immerse yourself in the rich history of Fernie. During the summer join one of the Guided Heritage Walking Tours. View the events calendar for dates and details, as well as other cultural events and programs. Explore the places to visit & things to see & do in Historic Downtown
History Blog - A Vision for Fernie's Future
History Blog - Ghost Towns of the Valley
Heritage Building Blog - The Arts Station
History Blog - Prohibition & Rum Running
Heritage Building Blog - Holy Family Catholic Church
View the Fernie Cultural Guide or pick up a copy in town.
