Located in southwestern Canada’s Elk Valley, just 42 miles north of the border between Montana and British Columbia, the small town of Fernie is surrounded by the steep slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Although it’s considered a small mountain town, Fernie has a lot to offer in terms of activities and scenery.

The lush green mountains that provide numerous hiking and biking opportunities transform into a snow-covered ski destination during the winter. Historic downtown Fernie and its century-old red-brick buildings are home to a town museum, a heritage library, boutique shopping, art galleries, and several restaurants and bars.

The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) in Cranbrook is just over one hour away from Fernie and accepts connecting flights from Vancouver and Calgary. There are several shuttle services that can transport you from the airport to Fernie, but you will need to book in advance, especially during the winter. Once you have arrived in town, local shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services can help you get around town. If you choose to rent a vehicle or drive your own, consider opting for four-wheel-drive with winter tires or a set of tire chains if you visit from October through the end of April. Make sure to check driving conditions during the peak winter months to ensure the snowy roads are safe for travel.

With so much to offer in terms of year-round activities, there really is no bad time to consider staying in one of the vacation rentals in Fernie. Winters in Fernie are very cold, with a significant amount of snowfall. The cold temperatures generally roll in around November, and ski season begins in early December and lasts through mid-April. Griz Days Winter Festival in March is one of Fernie’s biggest events of the year, with several days of entertainment, food, and fireworks. As the warm temperatures return in the spring, you can enjoy white-water rafting beginning in late May. The warm season lasts through September, with moderate heat and frequent cloud cover, comfortable weather for a long hike. When rainfall increases in the fall, Fairy Creek Falls become particularly impressive — but make sure you wear sturdy shoes if you visit.

Fairy Creek Falls Trail

Located in northern Fernie, this 2.8-mile trail runs along Fairy Creek and ends at the Fairy Creek Falls. The gentle climb is suitable for hikers and bikers of all ages. More advanced hikers will find numerous other paths stemming from the trail, which will bring you to other areas of the waterfall or up the mountain slopes. While you can access the trail all year long, you may need snowshoes to hike it in winter.

Fernie Museum

Located in one of the town’s former banks, the Fernie Museum showcases the town’s history since its settlement in the 1880s. On summer weekends, the museum organizes guided walking tours to take you around town while explaining the historical importance of various sites and sharing stories of events like the Great Fire of 1908, which nearly destroyed the entire town.

The Arts Station

The Arts Station, on the east side of downtown, is considered the cultural hub for Fernie and Elk Valley. The town’s former railway station now displays an assortment of local artwork and hosts a rotating calendar of events for all ages throughout the year. Time your visit right and perhaps you can take a drawing, pottery, or photography class.