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Fernie is defined by its towering peaks, ancient forests, and the winding Elk River. We are proud of this wild landscape — and equally committed to protecting it. Sustainability is not just a goal here; it’s a way of life, guiding how we welcome visitors, support our community, and protect our natural surroundings.
By exploring responsibly, supporting local, and caring for the land, every visitor becomes part of Fernie’s sustainability story. Help us protect what makes this valley wild so that the next generation can experience the same wonder that draws us here today.
Our vision is to ensure Fernie remains an authentic mountain destination, where visitors and residents alike can explore responsibly, connect with nature, and help preserve it for generations to come. Tourism Fernie is working together with government, local organizations, and the tourism industry to strengthen sustainability through stewardship, education, and innovation.
As more people visit the Elk Valley, we know it’s not just about supporting tourism, but managing growth and impacts, and caring for the outdoors that define us. That’s why we focus on protecting the environment, strengthening our local economy, and enriching community life.
A cornerstone of Fernie’s sustainability work, AmbassadorWILD®️ places dedicated outdoor stewards on the ground across the Elk Valley. Their mission is to care for and support popular trails, lakes, and river sites, promote responsible recreation, collect data, and educate visitors and locals on Leave No Trace principles. Each summer season, our ambassadors help reduce environmental impact while building a culture of respect for nature among residents and visitors alike.
With support from the tourism industry and community partners such as the RDEK, Province of BC and Columbia Basin Trust, Fernie has been investing in safe, sustainable access to our most loved natural spaces. Projects include new signage, trail counters, composting toilets, improved river access, and shoreline protection.
Recent funding from Elk Valley Resources ($200,000+) is helping to enhance sustainability infrastructure throughout the region, ensuring these places can be enjoyed responsibly long into the future.
A cornerstone of Fernie’s sustainability work, AmbassadorWILD®️ places dedicated outdoor stewards on the ground across the Elk Valley. Their mission is to care for and support popular trails, lakes, and river sites, promote responsible recreation, collect data, and educate visitors and locals on Leave No Trace principles. Each summer season, our ambassadors help reduce environmental impact while building a culture of respect for nature among residents and visitors alike.
With support from the tourism industry and community partners such as the RDEK, Province of BC and Columbia Basin Trust, Fernie has been investing in safe, sustainable access to our most loved natural spaces. Projects include new signage, trail counters, composting toilets, improved river access, and shoreline protection.
Recent funding from Elk Valley Resources ($200,000+) is helping to enhance sustainability infrastructure throughout the region, ensuring these places can be enjoyed responsibly long into the future.
The Fernie Valley Pathway is a paved, multi-use trail connecting downtown Fernie with Fernie Alpine Resort. It encourages walking, biking, and low-impact travel, helping both visitors and residents move around in more sustainable ways. This community-driven project reduces vehicle use while providing an inspiring way to explore the valley and its natural beauty.
Tourism Fernie has shifted from just marketing to destination development, focusing on long-term infrastructure and sustainability. Tourism Fernie directs a portion of its revenues and hotel tax funding toward projects that enhance sustainability and visitor management. Through programs like the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), Fernie continues to invest in green infrastructure and destination stewardship.
The Fernie Valley Pathway is a paved, multi-use trail connecting downtown Fernie with Fernie Alpine Resort. It encourages walking, biking, and low-impact travel, helping both visitors and residents move around in more sustainable ways. This community-driven project reduces vehicle use while providing an inspiring way to explore the valley and its natural beauty.
Tourism Fernie has shifted from just marketing to destination development, focusing on long-term infrastructure and sustainability. Tourism Fernie directs a portion of its revenues and hotel tax funding toward projects that enhance sustainability and visitor management. Through programs like the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), Fernie continues to invest in green infrastructure and destination stewardship.
Here in Fernie, we’re proud to be recognized with the GreenStep Bronze Certification—a meaningful milestone that reflects our community’s commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism. For visitors, this means you can explore with confidence, knowing that the places you experience and the businesses you support are working together to protect the natural beauty that makes Fernie so special.
As we look ahead, we’re continuing to build on this momentum by setting clear goals, working closely with local businesses, and taking practical steps to reduce our impact. Our focus is on creating a thoughtful path forward—so that every visit not only delivers an incredible experience today, but also helps preserve Fernie for future generations to enjoy.
