Fernie

Formally known as Coal Creek the City takes its name after the prospector William Fernie.

Incorporation

1904, Fernie has a total land area of 16.05 square km (2006 Census).

Location

Located easterly along the Crowsnest Pass (Highway 3) in British Columbia’s southeast corner Fernie is approximately 45km from the Alberta/British Columbia border.  The city is nestled in one of the most spectacular settings in the Rockies and is literally surrounded by mountains: Mount Hosmer, Mount Proctor, The Three Sisters, Mount Fernie and the Lizard Range.

Climate

Winter in Fernie is truly a wonderland of steady snowfall often reaching record depths yet temperatures remain bearable even in Canada’s peak winter months December to January.  Snow transforms to rain and is heaviest from May to June turning the Valley into a lush green oasis. The surrounding mountain ranges serve to protect the area from extreme temperatures.  July and August are typically the warmest months with average temperatures reaching between 25˚and 30˚C.

Profile

Indoor Recreation

Aquatic Centre – Featuring a 6 lane, 25 meter competition sized pool complete with diving board and Tarzan swing plus a 25 person hot tub and 15 person steam room and a 150 foot waterslide!  Wow, fun for the whole family.

Fernie Memorial Arena – Home of the Fernie Ghostriders Junior Hockey Team, the 180 x 80 ice sheet is utilized in the winter for figure skating and recreational hockey come summer, Lacrosse is the activity of choice.

Climbing Wall - Families can enjoy dropping in to the College of the Rockies, Fernie Campus, to test their skill at the climbing wall.

Curling your passion? Check out the Fernie Curling Club

Yoga - is extremely popular with several options in town to choose from.

All forms of fitness are taking off everywhere and Fernie is no exception.  Check out the leisure center and local gym for your fitness niche.

Outdoor Recreation

Ski - The Fernie Ski Hill is now world famous for its powder skiing and challenging slopes.  Whether you’ve come for snowboarding, cross country, or downhill skiing, you won’t be disappointed, in this paradise.

Dog Sledding - With so much snow in this area, it’s a given that snowmobiling and snowshoeing would top the list of winter activities but dog sledding too is hitting the mark for adventure seekers. 

Golf - The Fernie Golf and Country is an exceptional 18 hole course situated in a truly spectacular scene of natures glory
 
Off Leash Dog Park – Thanks to the City of Kimberley, the minor ball field in James White Park has been designated as an off-leash dog park.
 
The Best Fishing - Fly fishing is Fernie’s big local and tourist draw in the summer. Trout is the catch and the Elk River is full of them.  Ice fishing is increasingly popular among Kootenay communities.
 
River Fun - Want bit more excitement? Spend a day on the river white water rafting; other river activities include Kayaking and canoeing
 
Trails - The days are long and the trails are endless here so bike, hike or just take a stroll along some of the many popular routes throughout the district.
 
Skateboard Park – The skateboard park has been open to youth since 2001

Local Entertainment

Vogue Theatre – Catch a movie at the Twin Cinemas with new releases are shown nightly.  On occasion the Theatre will host Film Festivals and Foreign Films.
 
The Arts Station – Is an extremely popular venue featuring live theatre performances throughout the year.
 
Bowling – Coal Train Lanes, five pin family bowling

Local Attractions

Historic Fernie – the unique history is a remnant reminder in the downtown revitalization projects where unique buildings and original architecture is proudly displayed.

Fernie Ski Resort – tops the list for local attractions

Museum – The museum showcases early life in Fernie and the Elk Valley

The Arts Station – Not only is this spot a venue for live entertainment but it is also a hub for artisans to display their fine work in pottery and visual art.

Main Community Event

Griz Days - Winter Festival celebrated each year in early March – It is a formal blessing by the Griz (the event mascot) for the vast snowfall. This is a weekend long event which includes a parade, carnival, competitions and much partying.
 
Fernie Fest – Takes place during the Canada Day long weekend and showcases musical and artistic talent from across the Kootenays, BC and Canada.

Shopping

From groceries to pet supplies, footwear to sporting gear, unique gifts to antiques and anything in between, if you need it then there is a store in Fernie where you can buy it.  For friendly expert advice and service and competitive pricing, shop Fernie.

Schools

Continuing Education

College of the Rockies
Elk Valley - Fernie Campus:
342 - 3rd Avenue, PO Box 1770
Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0
Toll Free: 1-866-423-4691 / 250 423-4691

Senior Services

Senior Citizen’s drop in Centre – Join the Hearts Duplicate Bridge Club, newcomers are always graciously welcomed.

Closest Hospital

Elk Valley Hospital
1501 - 5th Ave
Box 670
Fernie, BC V0B 1M0
Ph: (250) 423-4453

Closest Airport

Canadian Rockies International Airport
1-9370 Airport Access Road
Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E4
Phone: 250 426-7913

Helpful Links

BC Stats
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca

East Kootenay Regional District
http://www.rdek.bc.ca/

Government of British Columbia
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca

Southeast Kootenay School District No 005
http://sd5.bc.ca

College of the Rockies
http://www.cotr.bc.ca

City of Fernie
http://www.fernie.ca/