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Getting Here

Set your course for Fernie.

Fernie may feel tucked away in the mountains, but getting here is easier than you might think. Whether you’re arriving by car or plane, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to set your course and travel with confidence.

Getting to Fernie

Map of northwestern Canada and northwestern USA, with red dot on the town of Fernienear Alberta.

Quick Facts & Info

  • Fernie is
    • a 3-hour drive south-west from Calgary, Alberta
    • a 2.5-hour drive north of Kalispell, Montana
    • a 30-minute drive from the Alberta border and from the USA border
  • During the ski season there are charter shuttle services available from YYC Calgary Airport and YXC Cranbrook Airport
  • For assistance in planning and booking your travels to Fernie from overseas, select tour operators also offer packaged holidays to Fernie.

Driving to Fernie

Fernie is situated on Highway 3 (Crowsnest Pass Highway) that travels east to west from Alberta to BC. Highway 3 is the easiest and safest of all the highways going through the Rocky Mountains. However, always check and ask about driving conditions during the height of the winter season between November to March. The drive along Hwy 3 is beautiful and if you are coming from Calgary, consider including Hwy 22 south to Hwy 3 for an added scenic route. 

Winter tires are required on BC Highways from October 1st - April 30th.

For road conditions visit www.drivebc.ca.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Fernie has a variety of electric vehicle charging stations. Most are free to use, but some are for customers only. More being added regularly.
Find details and updates of new locations and regional charging points for your journey on plugshare.com.

Driving Times to Fernie

Not including stops / EV charging or border crossings.

  • Cranbrook, BC - 1 hour
  • Kimberley, BC - 1.3 hours
  • Whitefish, Montana - 1.5 hours
  • Kalispell, Montana - 2 hours
  • Calgary, Alberta - 3 hours
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC), Alberta - 3.5 hours

  • Nelson, BC - 4 hours
  • Spokane, Washington - 5 hours
  • Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta - 4.5 - 5 hours
  • Edmonton, Alberta - 6.5 hours
  • Kelowna, BC - 7.5 hours
  • Seattle, Washington - 9 hours
  • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - 9 hours
  • Vancouver, BC - 11 hours
  • Winnipeg, Manitoba - 15 hours

Flying - Which Airports Are the Closest to Fernie?

Calgary International Airport (YYC), Alberta

  •  Approx. 300 km from Fernie (3.5-hour drive)
  • Scheduled airport shuttles depart throughout the winter. All major car rental agencies are available.
  • Flights from Calgary Airport to Fernie's closest airport, Cranbrook, are available daily, see below.


Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), Cranbrook BC

  • Approx. 115 km from Fernie (75 minutes drive)
  • Daily scheduled flights from/to Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver by Air Canada, Westjet and/or Pacific Coastal.
  • Charter shuttles and rental car services are available.


Vancouver International Airport (YVR), BC

  • Located on the west coast of BC with regular international flights from around the globe - a good choice for travellers from Asia/Pacific, with regional flight service to Cranbrook/YXC which is the closest regional airport to Fernie.
  • Vancouver is an 11-12 hour drive to Fernie, or add a short (1.5 hrs)flight to Cranbrook, plus 75-minute drive to Fernie.


Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), Montana, USA 

  • Located in Kalispell, Montana, USA - a great option for US travellers.
  • Kalispell is a 2.5 hour drive to Fernie, with no mountain passes.
  • The USA / Canada Border at Roosville is open 24/7. You must have a valid passport to cross the border.
  • Daily flights from numerous US cities and airlines.
  • Rental Cars & Charter Shuttle Services are available from the airport.


Spokane International Airport (GEG), Washington, USA

  • Located in Washington State, USA.
  • A 5-hour drive from Fernie with no mountain passes, providing another option for travellers.
  • The US Border crossing at Kingsgate is open 24 hours. You must have a valid passport to cross the border.

For information on Canada Border Services & for travellers not from Canada please visit www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Rent a Car at the Airport

There are no car rental agencies or car-sharing services located in Fernie at this time. Closest car rental agencies are an hour's drive away in Cranbrook/Cranbrook YXC Airport, or at any of the above mentioned airports.

Transportation Providers

Airport Shuttles & Bus Service