FERNIE
A century-old coal town turned mountain-lifestyle destination — and still growing.
Incorporated back in 1904, Fernie has grown from a coal-mining outpost into a mountain town of over 6,300 residents — all here for reasons that haven't changed much: up to 37 feet of snow blanketing the resort each winter, and a historic downtown that's been standing since it was rebuilt in brick after the fire of 1908.
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Outdoor Life & Year Round
This is where Fernie really sets itself apart. Fernie Alpine Resort draws people in for legendary powder in winter and equally legendary mountain biking come summer, but the outdoor life doesn't stop at the hill — over 20 km of multi-use community trails wind through town, and the winter trail network stays freshly groomed all season.
Down by the water, Annex Park and Dogwood Park both back onto the Elk River with picnic areas and a boat launch, James White Park is the go-to for ball fields, tennis, and disc golf, and Rotary Park hosts the weekly Mountain Market against a backdrop of mountain views. There's even a dedicated dog park at the Railyard for four-legged locals.
Historic Downtown
Fernie's downtown has real history behind it — after a fire swept through in 1908, the town rebuilt its core in brick, and much of what you'll walk past on 2nd Avenue today dates back to that 1908–1912 rebuild. It's a rare thing: a genuinely historic streetscape that's still a lively, everyday part of the town, full of local shops, cafes, restaurants, and breweries.
Where People Live
-Downtown — steps from it all
- Annex & Riverside — close to the Elk River and its trails
- West Fernie & Alpine Trails — more space, quieter pace
- Castle Mountain, The Cedars & the Resort area — mountain views, ski-in trail access
- Montane — newer, trail-oriented community on the edge of town
- Isabella Dicken Elementary & École élémentaire Sophie-Morigeau
- Fernie Secondary School (School District 5)
- Fernie District Learning Centre (K–12 alternative program)
- The Fernie Academy (independent)
- College of the Rockies (post-secondary)
Schools
Getting Here
1 hour to Cranbrook
·3 hours to Calgary
· About 1 hour to the US border