Cultural and active options for a fantastic 5-day music-themed extravaganza, August 8-11, 2019.
Central to this weekend of good times, Wapiti Music Festival will celebrate 9 years of the best Canadian Indie in 2019 on August 9 - 10th in Annex Park.
Wapiti is known for great music, good times, and a friendly sunny atmosphere, but that's not all! To help you make the most of your stay, we've put together this itinerary packed with other events, activities, and dining suggestions.
Make sure you book your accommodation in advance, camping spots (off-site only) and rooms will fill up fast! Limited spaces may be available at some of the activities mentioned below; be sure to call or book ahead!
WHO: Wapiti is family friendly! There's no charge for Kids 12+U but everyone must have an advance reservation to ensure admittance! For big kids aged 65+, tickets are just $5! Save time at the gate and purchase/book your free tickets in advance online.
WHERE:Annex Park ontheNorth side of town, 6 blocks from the highway.
Turn off highway #3 onto 11th St between Snow Valley Motel & Red Tree Lodge and follow this right into the park.
WHOW!
Stay hydrated! Factory sealed non-glass containers of non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Free city water on site, bring an empty reusable bottle or cup.
Bring something to sit in/on/under. Blankets go at the front of the lawn behind the dancin' area, then low chairs, followed by high back chairs, and shade tents at the back and along the side.
Limited parking, including designated handicapped access. Free, secure bike check with room for everyone—all the accommodations in town are within biking/walking distance.
Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and something warm for after the sun goes down.
Bugs are not usually a problem but bring some spray if you're super-sensitive.
WHY? Because it's all about the dancin' shoes and big happy summer smiles! Check out the FAQ page on the event website for more great intel!
So that's Wapiti, but what else should you do? First, decide whether you want a cultural day or an active day, and then select as much as you can handle!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7TH
CULTURAL:
5:30 PM: Roll into town in time to catch the first live outdoor show of the week: West My Friendis live on the steps of the Arts Station in Station Square for the Outdoor Concert Series Summer Social, plus Beverage garden, Children's activities & Mountain market.
6 PM: Ladies can join the FWOW ride- Fernie Women on Wheels hit the great mountain bike trails around town for an evening ride, or join them on Friday mornings.
GOOD EATS: Check out the food truck options at the Outdoor Concert Summer Social.
6:30 PM: the Thursday Night MTB Race at Fernie Alpine Resort, is a great way to burn off some steam as the sun goes down.
GOOD EATS: There's lots of great options downtown! Go with the musical theme and try the famous blues burger at The Brickhouse for dinner.
FRIDAY AUGUST 9TH
CULTURAL:
WAPITI is here! Gates open at 6pm, performances from 7-11pm.
11 PM: After the festival gates close, hit the highway and check out the bar scene at Kodiak Loungeor thePub Bar & Grillor head downtown for more live acts and DJs at all good venues including:
11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM: Join a Heritage Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Fernie. Learn about our legends and beautiful architecture on a gentle 90-minute tour starting from the Fernie Museum.The first tour finishes just in time to grab your bike and head on over to Wapiti to catch the first act at 12:30 pm. Stay for the day and enjoy amazing music right through to 11 pm.
GOOD EATS: Sample more food truck treats at Wapiti.
SUNDAY AUGUST 11TH
CULTURAL:
10 AM: Start your day at the weekly Mountain Marketfrom 10am-2pm in Rotary Park. Explore the many booths and pick up local crafts and produce. Bibbity Bobbity Boo, Fernie's annual children's festival, will also be held in Rotary Park from 10am-2pm. It's free and aimed at under 10's, but everyone is welcome!
Want to go at your own pace? Trails begin with a gentle stroll around the lake, advancing to expert-level alpine hikes. Guides are also available for private tours.
Island Lake is also the terminus for iconic Heiko's Trail, a strenuous full-day hike featuring waterfalls, caves, mountain passes, and unique subalpine flora & fauna.
GOOD EATS:Island Lake Lodge offers laid back patio dining for lunch and refined fine dining for dinner. Savour the spectacular views and understated farm-to-fork cuisine at this foodie paradise.
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Itinerary Tips & Tricks
Wapiti is Fernie's annual music festival, held in August
'Wapiti' is derived from the Cree word for Elk
The weather should be hot and sunny, but this is the Rocky Mountains so check the forecast to be sure
Tenting and RV Camping is available at Fernie RV Resort & Mt Fernie Provincial Park. There is no camping at the festival as it's a residential area
The festival ends at 11pm each day, but there's more live music downtown to keep the party going
The festival is held on Friday and Saturday but there's plenty of fringe entertainment and activities all week for the whole family!