Fernie is a charming little mountain town that lies on the southern end of the Canadian Rockies. Itβs a little-known adventure playground and we want to show you all the amazing things you can do while visiting.
Located in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, the mountain ranges, forest-covered trails and surrounding lakes offer a lot of things to do in Fernie in all four seasons.
You will learn:
- 30 awesome activities you can do in Fernie
- The best time to visit Fernie
- Where to stay
- Best places to eat
- What to see on the way from Calgary to Fernie
The first time weβve visited Fernie was in 2016. We were planning to visit Fernie anyway but after we became friends with a local couple on our Lake OβHara backcountry adventure in Yoho National Park, we had one more reason. All it took was our new friends telling us of endless biking trails and we were sold. A week later weβve visited Fernie.
We celebrated Canada Day in Fernie and the long weekend quickly flew by. Even though itβs a 3-hour drive from Calgary where we live, we knew right then we will come back again. In fact, as soon as we returned from our trip around the world and the snow has melted, we were in Fernie.
And it was still amazing as we remembered it.
Despite the popularity of the world-class ski resort, we returned in summer to taste everything that Fernie has to offer. And I must say, itβs quite a long list. Enjoy!
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Get a free geotourism map of βThe Crown of the continentβ by National Geographic here which includes the Rocky Mountains for Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana.
Do you like small mountain towns? Check out our travel guides for:
- Canmore, the gate to the Rockies close to Banff
- Banff in Banff National Park, the oldest in the Rockies
- Jasper in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Rockies
- Golden in British Columbia, close to six national parks
- Revelstoke in British Columbia, a year-round outdoor hub
30 amazing things to do in Fernie, BC
1. Visit Fairy Creek Falls
Just as you enter Fernie from the Crowsnest Highway, stop at Fernie Visitor Information. The short 4,5 km hike with little elevation through the forest and ending at a waterfall is a perfect place to stretch your legs after the drive and refresh under the falls.
2. Walk the ancient Cottonwood Trail
Hidden from the highway and an only a 10-minute drive south of Fernie is an ancient forest with 400-year-old black cottonwood trees. A 20-minute walk among these giants with birds singing along the way really makes you appreciate the conservative efforts of the forest.
3. Get the thrill of white water rafting
An adrenaline water adventure you can do in Fernie is kayaking or white water rafting. Ride the wild waves of the Elk or Bull River and get your adrenaline up with cliff diving. Alternatively, both rafting companies – Tunnel49 & Canyon Raft Company – also provide family-friendly floats.
If you’re not ready for a full-day adventure, try half-day guided stand-up paddleboarding or scenic river floats.
4. Relax at Island Lake Lodge
Island Lake Lodge is a popular spot for outdoor lovers all year long for activities: catskiing, cross country skiing, hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Itβs also a great spot to relax after an active day in a spa or outside hammock with a snack in hand. When we visited the last time, several artists were out early in the morning with canvas painting the towering peaks of Lizard Range behind the lodge.
5. Look for moose at Island Lake
Island Lake Lodge area is not only popular for humans but also local moose. When we visited the first time a lovely sign greeted us at the beginning of the hiking trail: βAggressive moose in the area!β Later on, when we relaxed by the lake, we spotted a moose with her calf across the lake making their way towards us. The calf was hesitant to follow mom through the lake but once it did, we retreated back to the Island Lake Lodge.
As a local hunter pointed out, the moose is the most aggressive animal in the Rockies. Nonetheless, it was beautiful to observe these creatures for a little while. And they make an appearance here very often.
6. Hike the newly built Goldilocks Trail
Goldilocks is a new hiking extension to the already established Spineback Trail starting at the Island Lake Lodge. Starting through the forest and prime moose area, it quickly climbs and offers scenic views. Once you arrive at the viewpoint marked with a bench, you will continue through the rock garden with colourful wildflowers.
Soon after a steep climb again up the scree (the trail was covered under snow in late June) until you reach the saddle between Baby Bear and Papa Bear peaks. We were greeted by mountain goats and enjoyed the panoramic views. A truly gorgeous hiking trail for advanced hikers (12 km return).
7. Downhill bike the iconic Lazy Lizard Trail
The fact that Fernie is a mountain biking paradise of the Canadian Rockies is undeniable. And weβve biked a fair share of the trails in both Alberta and British Columbia. But our all-time favourite of all is Lazy Lizard. If you only have time for one trail, make it this one.
It has such a beautiful flow over the 7 km and the downhill only has 350 meters elevation loss making it very enjoyable for all levels. You can either park your car at the southern end, then bike up the Lazy Lizard or Mount Fernie Park dirt road and downhill the Lazy Lizard.
Or as we did the last time because I couldnβt bike, we parked at the Island Lake Lodge, went for a hike and then Michal biked down the Lazy Lizard by himself while I drove down to the parking lot.
8. Enjoy camping in nature
Fernie has several campgrounds where you can stay. For example, Fernie RV Resort is surrounded by mountain views but the sites are next to each other offering no privacy. Mount Fernie Provincial Park, on the other hand, is located in the forest away from the highway; itβs a starting point for most of the biking trails and close to the Island Lake Lodge for hiking. The sites are separated by trees and they also have hot showers!
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Rent a Smile Campervan from us for your road trip and you donβt need to worry about any camping equipment or setting up a tent. You can comfortably sleep, cook and eat in the campervan.
9. Walk the historic downtown
In between your adventures, find time to get to know the town of Fernie and its coal mining history by walking around the historic downtown. You can either download a walking tour map and explore on your own or join a walking tour for 10 CAD including an admission fee to Fernie Museum (available every weekend during summer).
Of all 12 historical buildings, our favourite was Fernie City Hall and the Imperial Bank (now used as a Brickhouse Bar & Grill).
10. Try local craft beer
This town doesnβt stop to surprise me; they even have their own brewery. In summer, head to Fernie Brewing Company pub or one of the many patios downtown. From fruit flavoured to different types of Ale and Ipa beers, you can try them all. My favourite is Huckleberry Ale called What the huck.
11. Find local art
Fernie has quite a big art scene. From common art galleries and pottery to chain saw carvers. Start at the Arts Station for artisan fairs, art galleries, artist studios, movie screenings, and other events. And then walk around downtown in search of beautiful murals. Weβve found several murals that are worth a visit; download a Fernie Art Walk map to find them all. For unique handcrafted souvenirs made by Canadian designers, visit Coal Town Goods boutique store.
12. Ski in a powder paradise
The little town of Fernie receives a ridiculous amount (around 9 meters) of snow each year, hence the name powder paradise. Only minutes from downtown Fernie, you can ski in no time at Fernie Alpine Resort. Whether you like groomed slopes or deep powder runs, Fernie has it all.
Watch the βAscent to Powder, tale of a ski townβ movie that will surely spark the skiing flame inside you.
13. Mountain bike at Mount Fernie area
One of the best things to do in Fernie, if not number 1! A lot of fun mountain bike trails start at Mount Fernie Provincial Park. On one side is Mount Fernie and the other side leads to Fernie Alpine Resort. Our favourite trails are short and fun with possibilities to make them even longer, both around 8km with 250 m elevation gain:
- Stove Trail, Mushroom Head & Dem Bones on Mount Fernie
- Gorby, Megahurtz, Happy Gilmar and Woody Trails in Mt. Fernie Provincial Park (towards ski resort)
Download the Trailforks app and ride until the sun goes down (10 pm in summer)!
Visit Fernie Mountain Bike Club for trails, events, volunteering, and winter fat biking.
14. Try disc golf game
Disc golf (frisbee golf) is an increasingly popular activity, especially in summer. In Fernie, you can head to James White Park to play on a 18 hole course surrounded by cottonwoods. You can get discs at Fernie Aquatic Centre or at Gearhub.
15. Look for Painted Turtles
Turtles living in the Canadian Rockies were the biggest surprise for me. By the time weβve visited Fernie, weβve seen our share of wildlife β bears, elk, deer, moose and more. But when weβve seen a turtle by the Elk River, we actually thought someone lost their pet. We saw a few of them by the river at James White Park.
16. Swim at Surveyors Lake
Located a 30-minute drive south of Fernie in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park, Surveyors Lake is one of the most popular lakes in summer. The water gets warm enough for a swim, you can also walk in the shaded forest around the lake, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard right on the shore, jump from the deck or search for painted turtles that can be easily spotted on logs.
17. Take a plunge in Elk River
Even though lakes around Fernie are usually just a short drive away, you donβt even have to leave Fernie if youβre looking to cool off in summer. Look no further than Elk River passing through town. I recommend this during a really hot day, even in summer the Elk River is quite cold.
When we bravely jump into the river, we were surprised by how many locals passed us floating down on a raft with great tunes playing. It sounds like great summer fun if you ask me.
18. Get to the top of Mount Fernie
The short 4 km trail to the top of Mount Fernie provides stunning panoramic views of the mountain peaks and Elk Valley. Prepare for a steep trail with 900 meters of elevation gain, and a little bit of scrambling. Walking on the ridge is not for faint-hearted but his hike checks all the boxes for the best effort to view hike in Fernie.
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Read our recommendation: Hiking packing list for summer in the mountains
19. Visit the outdoor Splash Park
After an adventure-filled day, cool off with your kids at the outdoor splash park near the Fernie Aquatic Centre. It’s free to use during hot days and a perfect way to end the day to let kids burn off all their energy. In case it’s a bit cooler and the splash park is not operating, visit the dirt jump park across the street with pump tracks for all levels.
20. Heli-skiing
When you feel like challenging yourself even more than skiing in a resort, try catskiing with Fernie Wilderness Adventures or heli-skiing. You will get to the places very few people are skiing while being surrounded nothing but amazing white powder and winter wilderness.
21. Go cross country skiing
Besides amazing ski trails, there are plenty of cross country ski tracks in Fernie as well. Visit Elk Valley Nordic Centre for 10 km of groomed tracks, Gold Course for 12 km of groomed tracks, Fernie Alpine Resort for 9 km of groomed tracks, trails at Island Lake Lodge are 25 km long with different elevation (road to the lodge is closed in winter and you need to ski in), and some trails at Montane.
For events, ski rentals, and maps visit Fernie Nordic Society.
22. Enjoy the popular Fernie adventure at Heikoβs Trail
The famous Mountain Lakes Trail, which was renamed after its founder to Heikoβs Trail, is a 21 km long wilderness hike with 1,200 m of elevation.
The trail starts 15 km west of Fernie and ends at Island Lake Lodge, therefore requiring a shuttle. While mostly done as a 2-day hike with no-trace backcountry camping, strong hikers can finish it in just one day. (Because weβve visited in June, we couldnβt hike this still snow-covered trail and cannot wait for next season.)
Heiko Socher, a Fernie legend who put Fernie on the map of the worldwide ski community, built this trail which climbs over two mountain passes and features waterfalls, alpine meadows, breathtaking mountain top views, and also a cave. These photos will convince you to go.
23. Visit a giant Bisaro Cave
The recently found cave called Bisaro Anima is Canadaβs deepest cave, 670 metres deep (so far). While this one is accessible by helicopter only, the giant Bisaro Cave is at the beginning of Heikoβs Trail. To reach the trailhead, make sure you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The hike is about 1,5 km long with 300 m elevation gain to the entrance of Bisaro Cave. Watch this video if youβd like to know how the inside of the cave looks like.
24. Cliff jump at Silver Springs Lake
About a 30-minute drive south of Fernie is a hidden cliff diving (and swimming) oasis. A short (and a bit steep) 10-minute hike leads to a crystal clear Silver Springs Lake surrounded by cliff walls, and further south are two more lakes. The trailhead to the lake is signed from the parking pullout, click here to download more info and directions. Itβs a beautiful spot for a relaxing afternoon sunbathing on the rocks away from the highway.
25. Try fly fishing
The Elk River floating through Fernie provides lots of options for having fun – floating down, swimming, and even fly fishing. Hire a local guide and try to catch a cutthroat or bull trout.
26. Have a morning picnic at Maiden Lake
When mornings in the campgrounds are cool, we like to find a sunny spot to enjoy breakfast before we start any adventure. Maiden Lake is located right in Fernie behind the Canadian Tire store. And for those who donβt feel like preparing breakfast, Tim Hortonβs and Starbucks are conveniently located nearby. Then just enjoy the sun lying on the deck and witnessing all the mountains around waking up.
27. Enjoy an outdoor concert
Fernie hosts an annual Wapiti Music Festival featuring plenty of Canadian musicians over the weekend in August. Wednesday Concert Series runs all summer and presents live bands with great food and drinks at the Fernie Arts Station. Other options for live music are The Fernie Hotel and Pub, Infinitea and The Royal.
28. Stand up paddleboard on lakes
If you read our blog, you know we’re huge fans of stand up paddleboarding. I would go on a SUP year-round if it was an option. Fernie has several places where you can go stand up paddleboarding. Great lakes for a leisurely paddle are Surveyors Lake and Baynes Lake, both are adjacent to Lake Koocanusa (which is not the best for SUP due to a lot of motorboats).
You can also try Supsquatch in Fernie, which is a guided tour (the first of its kind in Canada) on a giant SUP for 4-8 people and float down the river.
29. Play golf
Visit the beautiful Fernie Golf Club and enjoy playing golf with friends. More than 100 years old club is surrounded by stunning mountains, and local wildlife often wanders on the course as well.
30. Join trail running race
Not only hiking and mountain biking but also trail running is a very popular activity in Fernie. You can choose from whichever trail you like on Trailforks App based on your fitness level. The trail system around town is almost all flat and kid-friendly. Trails with a nice flow and a bit of elevation are at Montane, Ridgemont, and Mount Fernie Provincial Park.
I was surprised how many trail running races are happening in this charming little town:
- The Fernie Alpine Resort hosts The North Face Trail Race Series on a bi-weekly basis in summer with changing routes and lengths 5-10km
- The Lone Wolf in June is a unique looped race with the aim to finish as many loops as possible
- Elk Valley Ultra in July is a challenging 50km race with 2,800m of elevation gain
For more trail & race info, visit the local trail running resource Stag Leap Running.
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Pick up a copy of Fernie Fix magazine at the Visitor Centre or subscribe to their newsletter for tales from locals, full events calendar, and secret local tips.
The best time to visit Fernie
Winter in Fernie
Unlike mountain towns in the national parks which are the busiest in summer, Fernie’s high season is actually winter. The warmest winter month is November with an average temperature of 0C and the coldest month is February with around -8C on average. That being said, keep in mind that it can easily get -20C during the day.
The powder in Fernie is legendary and people from all around the world visit during winter. They get 9 metres of snow on average so if you’re looking for a winter vacation, Fernie is your place.
Spring in Fernie
If you’re visiting from Calgary or Alberta in general where we don’t see any greenery until May, you’d be very pleased how lush and green Fernie gets in April. The green meadows filled with wildflowers are so pretty!
Summer in Fernie
The chill atmosphere of Fernie in summer is what visitors are drawn to the most. When most places get busy and crowded, Fernie doesn’t get any better. Lots of events are happening in summer, temperatures are very warm 20C-30C on average for some fun in the water, biking trails are in the best shape, and imagine ending the day camping with a bonfire. It sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it?
Autumn in Fernie
Autumn in Fernie is a hikers’ dream. Temperatures are still warm but not sweaty warm with an average from 15C to 20C. The leaves are changing to a lot of different colours in British Columbia, and at the end of autumn, they even get golden larch trees.
The best time to visit Fernie depends on what activities you’d like to do. As you can see Fernie is amazing year-round and, honestly, I’m not sure which season I’d pick next to visit Fernie cause they all sound great (which is not the case for most mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies.
Where to stay in Fernie
Camping in Fernie
Personally, I love camping. If I’m going to Fernie to enjoy the outdoors, I want to be outdoors all the time! And there’s no better option than camping – that’s why I included camping as one of the best things to do in Fernie in this guide.
Camping options in Fernie:
- Mount Fernie Provincial Park – the best option for camping near Fernie and close to biking & hiking trails
- Fernie RV Resort – camping right in town for RVs with an option to stay in yurts
- Kikomun Creek Provincial Park – located 30 min from Fernie on Lake Koocanusa
Cabins and Bed & Breakfast
- Snow Valley Lodging – the first tiny home hotel in Canada. Houses are tiny but spacious and located right in town. Check reviews & prices here
- Island Lake Lodge – opened in summer in a pristine valley with panoramic mountain views, and spa & sauna on-site! See details here
Chalets & hotels
- Alpine Lodge – located at Fernie Alpine Resort with ski-in ski-out option, jacuzzi and steam room. See details here
- Fernie Fox Hotel – eco-conscious hotel with outdoor hot tub and patio with BBQ. Check reviews & prices here
Best places to eat in Fernie
- Big Bang Bagels – the most delicious breakfast in Fernie and a favourite of locals
- Nevados – Tapas & tequila, excellent for evening bites and drinks
- Himalayan Spice Bistro – South Asian restaurant. I loved their samosas and chicken vindaloo
What to see on the way from Calgary to Fernie
Lundbreck Falls
West from Pincher Creek are Lundbreck Falls, a nice picturesque place where you can have a picnic or walk down to cool off.
Burmis Tree
After about 5 minutes on the Crowsnest Highway look for an unusual tree on your right. The tree is ~700 years old and a heritage symbol in Alberta.
Frank Slide
Due to a massive rockslide in 1903, the mining town of Frank was buried under the rocks. 90 million tons of limestone rock slid down from Turtle Mountain within 2 minutes. It reached the opposite hills and even though the majority of the town survived, it is considered as one of the largest and deadliest rock slides in Canada estimated burring 80 people.
It is now a popular tourist attraction with interpretive centre providing stories and presentations of the tragedy where you learn why the part of Turtle Mountain fell.
*In the spirit of full disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission at no extra costs to you. We appreciate your support!
Additional reading about the Canadian Rockies
Plan your trip to the Rockies:
- Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary: 5 national parks in 2 weeks
- Adventure travel guide to Jasper National Park
- Adventure travel guide to Banff National Park
- Adventure travel guide to Yoho National Park
What is one of your favourite things to do in Fernie? Share with us in the comments.
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This so great to have this information, I will go for biking soon.
Everything is snow covered right now so you would need to wait for spring π
Disc golf but not real golf. Why do these Fernie promos never mention the beautiful golf course?
The article definitely mentioned the golf course!
It was added in the update.
This post has me so excited for my trip to Fernie! The variety of activities you highlighted makes it clear that there’s something for everyone. I can’t wait to explore the stunning hiking trails and check out the local dining scene. Thanks for the great recommendations!