The Town

The Perfect Canadian Rockies Destination

Fernie is a small Canadian Rockies town in the south-eastern corner of British Columbia, Canada. Renowned for its legendary powder skiing at both Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge, Fernie has become a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, Fernie becomes a B.C. Rockies vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds – from hiking, fly fishing and golf to mountain biking and water sports of all kinds, Fernie offers an abundance of activities for everyone.

Fernie's location gives it a unique micro-climate and accounts for Fernie's legendary powder. Expect substantial snowfall (360 cm in town, 875 cm on the ski hill) during the winter (with an average temperature of -11C), mild temperatures and rainfall throughout spring and fall, and in summer the daytime averages hover around 25C. Expect the first frost-free day of the year in mid-April and the first frost usually arriving in September. Fall offers beautiful, crisp days full of sunshine, perfect for strolling trails in and around Fernie. In spring, visit local bike shops and get tuned up for an awesome season of mountain biking and casual biking with the family along the river.

A noted B.C. Rockies powder destination, Fernie is home to Fernie Alpine Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in Canada. Unique weather patterns bring much more precipitation to the area than typically found this far inland, making the area a mecca for powder skiing. The famous cat skiing operation of Island Lake Lodge is also nearby. Summer in Fernie is quickly becoming just as popular as winter with events such as the Fernie Writers Conference, The TransRockies Race, Full Throttle and the Taste of Fernie playing prominent roles in Fernie's summer allure.

Fernie's economy has diversified and matured, and while the mining and lumber industries remain very important to the city they have been joined by the increasingly important tourist sector. With the Elk River flowing through the center of town Fernie offers world renowned fly fishing. The Lizard Range towering above Fernie beckons skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels. Fernie has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered four seasons out of the year. Hike through the magnificent old growth cedar forests of Island Lake Lodge, cross-country ski through endless fields of fresh snow and discover wildlife such as deer, moose and bears.

Fernie boasts an 18-hole golf course with views of Mt. Hosmer, Three Sisters Mountain and the Lizard Range, as well as a new golf course designed by David McKay Kidd which is currently under construction.

With expansion plans slated for Fernie Alpine Resort, Island Lake Lodge and the recent completion of the Rockies International Airport just an hour away, Fernie is the perfect Canadian Rockies vacation destination.