Whether you’re drawn to its snow-capped peaks, thrilling trails, or the welcoming spirit of its people, Fernie, BC, is a destination that captivates and rejuvenates.
1
1
1
240 mi
With its rich mining heritage, world-class outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, small-town charm, Fernie has cemented its place as a premier destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exhilaration. You can make Fernie into any type of holiday, depending on when you visit the area.
Getting There
We went to Fernie on a day trip from Northern Montana, and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. While planning our summer trip to Glacier National Park, we discovered that we would be just a short drive away from the Canadian border. The idea of crossing into Canada and exploring a new town was too enticing to pass up, so we decided to make the three-hour drive from our rental home in Kalispell, MT.
Kalispell, located about an hour from the U.S.-Canadian border, served as our base for this adventure. The morning of our trip, we packed up the car, excited for the journey ahead. As we made our way toward the border, the landscape began to change, transitioning from the familiar plains of Montana to the rugged terrain of the Canadian Rockies. The anticipation grew as we approached the border crossing, where we were greeted by the friendly customs officers who welcomed us to Canada and Southeast British Columbia.
Once we crossed into Canada, we were treated to stunning views as we drove through the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. Towering peaks lined the road, their snow-capped summits glistening in the sunlight, and lush forests blanketed the lower slopes. The scenic beauty was a feast for the eyes, and we couldn’t help but stop occasionally to capture photos of the breathtaking vistas.
The drive itself was filled with excitement as we passed through picturesque valleys and along winding rivers, which added to the charm of our road trip. The air was fresh, and the vibrant greens of the trees contrasted beautifully against the brilliant blue sky. As we approached our destination, Fernie, the anticipation reached its peak. This charming mountain town, known for its outdoor adventures and rich history, awaited us with open arms.
Upon arriving in Fernie, we were immediately captivated by its quaint downtown area, with its unique shops and inviting cafes nestled against the backdrop of towering mountains. The town’s blend of natural beauty and small-town charm made it the perfect spot for our day of exploration. From the moment we stepped out of the car, we felt a sense of adventure in the air, eager to discover all that Fernie had to offer.
Best Time to Go
For winter sports enthusiasts, December through March is the prime time to visit Fernie, as the area experiences some of the best snow conditions in North America. During these months, Fernie Alpine Resort comes alive with visitors drawn to its impressive 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, renowned for deep powder and varied runs that cater to all skill levels. Beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding, winter in Fernie also offers activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and exhilarating cat-skiing, providing ample ways for adventurers to enjoy the pristine winter landscape.
For those who prefer warm-weather pursuits, June through September is the ideal time of year for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The summer months in Fernie bring mild, pleasant weather, making outdoor exploration comfortable and enjoyable. The town’s location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia ensures access to scenic hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Popular trails like Heiko’s Trail and the Mount Proctor Trail reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, abundant wildlife, and striking waterfalls.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find Fernie’s extensive network of trails irresistible. With trails for every level of rider, from beginner-friendly paths to expert-level downhill courses, the area has become a hotspot for mountain biking in recent years. Fernie also hosts biking events and races that draw participants and spectators alike, adding to the vibrant summer atmosphere.
Fishing is another cherished activity in Fernie, especially along the Elk River, known for its clear waters and thriving populations of cutthroat trout. Fly-fishing aficionados can spend hours casting their lines in serene river settings surrounded by dramatic mountain views.
Summer in Fernie also brings a variety of festivals and community events that celebrate local art, music, and culture. From farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts to events like the Wapiti Music Festival, visitors can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and lively town festivities. This combination of mild summer weather, breathtaking scenery, and a full calendar of activities makes Fernie a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the best of southeastern British Columbia during the warmer months.
If you are planning to fly into the Fernie area, the closest airport is in Calgary AB, about 3 hours away. Calgary is also the best airport to fly into if you are headed to Banff AB.
One Day in Fernie
Roosville Border Crossing
Our trip to Canada included the four of us along with Justin’s parents. Justin’s brother and his girlfriend weren’t able to join us as they didn’t have their passports. Instead, they spent the day exploring some of the shops and restaurants around Kalispell using our rental car while we rode in my in-laws’ vehicle.
The drive to the Canadian border took about an hour and a half. As we approached, we had our passports ready. The Canadian Border Patrol greeted us, asked a few routine questions, and shared some helpful tips for first-time visitors. The process of crossing into Canada was straightforward and quick.
Just past the border station, we spotted a small sign welcoming visitors to British Columbia, Canada. It was more modest than I expected, so we made a quick stop to snap a photo, thinking it might be the only one. It turned out that was the case—the Roosville Station is a small and less frequently used border crossing, which likely explains the understated signage.
Lynch family by the Welcome to British Columbia sign
The four of us at the BC sign
Fernie, Canada
While planning our trip, I used Google Maps to find a town in Canada where we could stop, as we were looking for an alternative to visiting Waterton Lakes National Park, which connects to Glacier National Park. As I scanned the map, Fernie, British Columbia, caught my eye along BC-93, the highway we’d be traveling. It seemed like the perfect choice, so we decided to make it our destination.
Fernie was about an hour’s drive from the border and conveniently located just off the highway, making the trip smooth and straightforward. The historic downtown area was charming, and we enjoyed spending some time exploring its unique shops and sights.
Cute City Center building and garden in Fernie
Welcoem to Fernie sign
The Fernie Hotel and Pub: The Fernie Taphouse
Our first stop in Fernie was the Fernie Taphouse for lunch. The weather was perfect, so we chose to sit outside and enjoy their patio. From our spot, we had a great view of the majestic mountains that loom over the town, including Mt. Fernie and the peaks of the Three Sisters. Just behind the restaurant ran a train track and a greenbelt area with a nature trail, keeping the atmosphere calm and free from heavy vehicle traffic.
Justin, who always enjoys sampling local beers when we visit new places, ordered a Canadian beer to share with his parents, while the boys opted for hot chocolate. For lunch, Justin chose the shawarma, a dish of marinated beef served on a warm pita and topped with lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, house dill sauce, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy tahini. I wasn’t very hungry, so I went with two baked pretzels—a favorite of mine—served with a tasty honey mustard dipping sauce.
Since we were in Canada, we wanted to try some authentic local food. One dish we had heard a lot about but never tasted was poutine—crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy. Although I wasn’t familiar with it before, Justin and I ended up loving it! The boys gave it a try but weren’t too impressed. While we were there, we chatted with a couple of ladies who told us that the Taphouse had some of the best poutine in the area.
Sign for The Fernie Taphouse in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Justin with a local craft beer
Views at The Fernie Taphouse
Shwarma on pita bread
Giant pretzel appetizer
Poutine
Tyler with his hot chocolate
Ryan wasn’t too sure about the poutine
Enjoying lunch on the outdoor patio with mountain views
Shopping in Fernie
When we travel, I enjoy collecting ornaments for our Christmas tree, while the boys love picking out a stuffed animal. We started browsing the shops along the main street, but we didn’t come across any typical souvenir stores. Eventually, I found a shop with a small moose keychain that caught my eye. It had “Fernie, Canada” written on its flannel jacket, which felt like the perfect keepsake. It might not have been an ornament, but it was the closest thing I could find, so I bought it to commemorate our time in Canada.
Dogwood Park
After finishing our shopping, I wanted to find a geocache in Canada to earn the badge in the app and be able to say we found one there. The closest geocache was located near an old building along Mutz Creek in Dogwood Park. We parked in the dirt lot and walked along the creek until we reached the spot where the geocache was hidden. It took about 10-15 minutes of searching, but we eventually found it and logged our discovery.
Afterward, we made our way down to the boat launch area and the creek’s edge. We all took off our shoes and enjoyed the feel of the sand and cool water. The setting was beautiful and provided a perfect spot to relax and unwind before the long drive back to Montana.
Nearby, the boat launch had a vault toilet, similar to those found in national parks.
US Customs & Border Patrol
Crossing back into the United States was noticeably more time-consuming than entering Canada. When we reached the border station, we were met with a long line that hadn’t budged. I was disappointed that our passports hadn’t been stamped when we first entered Canada, so I took mine and the boys’ passports and hopped out of the car to visit the Canadian Border Patrol building. I explained that it was our first visit to Canada and I wanted the stamps as souvenirs. The officer was friendly but mentioned he couldn’t stamp the boys’ passports without seeing them in person. When I told him they were waiting in the car in line to return to Montana, he kindly grabbed his stamp and followed me outside to check. He came over to our car, saw the boys, and stamped all of our passports! I was genuinely impressed by how accommodating he was. He even stamped the passports for the whole group, not just mine and the boys’, although the ink was running low by the last few since he hadn’t brought the inkpad outside.
Once I returned to the car, we slowly made our way to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint. The officers there asked a series of detailed questions before examining all six of our passports and allowing us back into the U.S. We had to declare any purchases we made, explain our reason for visiting Canada, share where we were headed within the U.S., where we lived, and why we were in that particular region.
In total, the border crossing back into the United States took about 30 minutes. From there, we drove the hour and a half back to our rental home, arriving just in time to prepare dinner.
Entrance sign heading back into the United States
Day One Map
Itinerary Options
Spring & Summer Activities
- Hike to Fairy Creek Falls (5 km return, beautiful waterfall)
- Trek Mount Proctor trail for panoramic views
- Walk or bike the Montane Trails (great for fall foliage too)
- Explore mountain biking trails for all skill levels
- Go white-water rafting on the Elk River
- Try world-class fly fishing for cutthroat and bull trout
- Paddleboard or canoe on Maiden Lake
- Swim at the outdoor Splash Park along the Elk River or at nearby lakes like Loon, Tie, or Surveyors Lake
- Stroll through Historic Downtown Fernie with shops, restaurants, and cafes
- Visit the Fernie Museum to learn local history
- Check out the Fernie Heritage Library for events and programs
- Explore Hosmer Ruins, remnants of an old mining community
- Visit Sparwood’s Terex Titan, the world’s largest truck
- Learn about Frank’s Slide at the interpretive center in Blairmore
- Relax at Lussier Hot Springs in a natural setting
- Dine at Island Lake Lodge for gourmet food with alpine views
- Sample local craft beer at Fernie Brewing Co.
- Enjoy live music and cozy vibes at Brickhouse Bar & Grill downtown
- Download the Iconic Fernie App for self-guided tours
Fall Activities
- Walk or bike the Montane Trails to see beautiful fall colors
- Hike to Fairy Creek Falls (enjoy cooler weather and changing scenery)
- Trek Mount Proctor trail with fall views
- Explore mountain biking trails (still good in early fall)
- Stroll Historic Downtown Fernie and enjoy seasonal events
- Visit Fernie Museum and Heritage Library
Winter Activities
- Ski or snowboard at Fernie Alpine Resort (142 runs, deep powder)
- Cross-country ski or snowshoe on 42+ km of groomed Nordic trails
- Snowmobile in the backcountry
- Try ice fishing during colder months
- Explore fatbiking trails (mountain biking on snow)
- Visit Historic Downtown Fernie (winter atmosphere, shops, cafes)
- Relax at Lussier Hot Springs (beautiful winter setting)
- Dine and warm up at local breweries and bars like Fernie Brewing Co. and Brickhouse Bar & Grill