Fernie Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Fernie, British Columbia

Fernie didn’t just kick off our BC road trip—it hijacked it in the best possible way.

We rolled into town with a car full of camera gear, hiking boots and baby toys, and within a couple of days Fernie had completely won us over: burritos on a sunny patio, mining stories that read like a Netflix drama, stroller-friendly flower walks, a waterfall hike with our “chunky monkey” snoozing in the backpack, craft beer with big mountain views, and an alpine lodge so dreamy it felt like Banff and Lake Louise had a quieter, cooler cousin.

For context: I grew up in small-town British Columbia, and we’re currently based just over the border in southern Alberta, so we’ve spent years road-tripping the Rockies. Fernie instantly reminded me of my hometown (Gold River) in all the best ways—industry roots, tough history, and a community that reinvented itself around the outdoors. That lived-in, local feel is a huge part of why we loved it.

If you’re planning your own Fernie travel guide in real life—maybe a family weekend, a ski road trip, or a summer loop through BC—this article walks you through the best things to do in Fernie, split into two clear sections: what we actually did and filmed, and extra ideas we didn’t get to this time.

Fernie, BC Snapshot

Top Things To Do in Fernie, BC (From Our Video)

This section is 100% first-hand: what we actually did, ate, walked, and filmed over two days in Fernie with baby Aurelia in tow.

Lunch at Luchadora: Burrito Fuel for the Trip

We rolled into Fernie right at lunchtime and made a beeline for Luchadora Burritos in the historic downtown. Think sunshine and giant burritos that require both hands. I ordered a beef burrito loaded with rice, cabbage and sauce; Audrey went for fried cod with beans; baby Aurelia happily squeezed fruit purée and judged us for not sharing.

It was that classic first-lunch-of-the-road-trip moment: hungry, slightly frazzled adults, happy baby, and the feeling of, “Okay, NOW the trip has finally officially started.”

• Why it’s worth it:
  Burritos are a perfect pre-adventure base—lots of carbs, flavour, and easy to customize. Plus you’re already in the heart of downtown, so you can roll straight into exploring.
• Who it suits:
  Road-tripping couples, hungry families, anyone who wants fast, good food before sightseeing.
• Best time of day:
  Lunch or early afternoon. Luchadora is seasonal patio-style
• How long to budget:
  45–60 minutes including ordering, eating, and wrangling small humans.
• Cost feel:
  Budget to mid-range for a solid, filling meal.

Fernie Museum: Mining Disasters, Firestorms & a Reinvention Story

From Luchadora, we walked over to the Fernie Museum, housed inside a handsome brick building that used to be the Home Bank. Inside, the permanent exhibit reads like a mini-series: coal boom, mine explosions, fires, banking scandal, prohibition-era rum-running, and eventually reinvention as an outdoor tourism hub.

A few pieces of Fernie history that really stuck with us (and that you’ll see echoed around town):

• 1902 Coal Creek mine disaster:
  Around 128 miners killed in a single explosion, one of the worst coal mining disasters in Canadian history.
• 1904 downtown fire:
  A massive fire tore through the commercial district, taking out around 65 buildings.
• 1908 Great Fire:
  The entire town went up in flames in under 90 minutes; only the mine office survived, which today is Fernie City Hall.
• 1923 Home Bank collapse:
  The national bank that operated here failed spectacularly, wiping out local savings and hitting towns like Fernie hard.
• 1986 onward:
  The last underground mine closed, and Fernie began leaning harder into tourism: skiing, hiking, biking, river sports, and mountain culture.

We loved how the museum connects all of this to real people and places. You’re not just reading panels; you’re seeing photos of miners and artifacts that are part of its unique history. It also mirrors stories from other BC towns we’ve visited and, for me, echoed the ups and downs of my own hometown of Gold River on Vancouver Island.

• Why it’s worth it:
  It turns Fernie from “cute mountain town” into a place with real depth. You’ll understand the architecture, the murals, and even the rum-running stories much better afterward.
• Who it suits:
  First-time visitors, history lovers, curious teens, and anyone needing a weather-safe activity.
• Best time of day:
  Late morning or mid-afternoon—great if the weather is extreme (too hot, too cold, or pouring rain).
• How long to budget:
  60–90 minutes for the exhibits, plus a quick browse in the small gift shop.
• Cost feel:
  Admission is typically by donation, which is incredible value and ensures maximum flexibility for visitors

City Hall Gardens & Fernie Heritage Walk: Stroller-Friendly Charm

Stepping out of the museum, we did exactly what I recommend you do: wander toward Fernie City Hall. The building itself is part of Fernie’s survival story—the former mine office that somehow made it through the Great Fire of 1908, now standing in front of manicured gardens buzzing with bees and butterflies. Our baby was absolutely transfixed by the flowers while we checked out the miner statue and mountain views.

We picked up the Fernie Heritage Walking Tour brochure (you can also find it via QR code) and began spotting historic buildings as we walked:

• The courthouse and its grand architecture
• Brick-clad commercial blocks along 2nd Avenue
• A beautiful church up the road
• The library and other civic buildings

It’s an easy, stroller-friendly route and a great way to get your mental compass set: where the river is, which streets have the best views, and where you want to come back for coffee or dinner later.

• Why it’s worth it:
  You get architecture, history, mountain scenery, and “life in Fernie today” all in one loop.
• Who it suits:
  Families with strollers, casual walkers, photographers, and anyone easing into town after a long drive.
• Best time of day:
  Late afternoon or early evening for softer light and cooler temps.
• How long to budget:
  1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace with plenty of photo and coffee stops.
• Cost feel:
  Free, aside from snack and drink breaks.
• Need to know:
  The museum often offers guided heritage and themed walking tours (including ghost tours and cemetery tours) in peak seasons—these add even more storytelling if you’re into it.

Breakfast at Big Bang Bagels: “Getting Banged” Like a Local

Day two started strong at Big Bang Bagels, Fernie’s bagel HQ and the place where everyone seems to converge in the morning. Locals talk about “getting banged” (in the most wholesome way possible): you order a stuffed bagel sandwich with a fun name and roll out with a hot coffee in hand.

Our lineup:

• The Avo Launcher: Avocado, cheddar, cream cheese, red onion, and herby mayo on a fresh bagel—ridiculously satisfying trail fuel.
• Switchback Salmon Stack: Cream cheese, alfalfa sprouts, red onion… basically a West Coast classic in bagel form.

We sat inside watching people grab takeaway bagels and coffees before heading to the trails, and it immediately felt like we’d tapped into the morning routine of the town.

• Why it’s worth it:
  Fast, filling, and portable—we ate on-site but noticed most patrons were in grab and run mode
• Who it suits:
  Everyone: families, vegetarians, fussy eaters, hangry hikers.
• Best time of day:
  Early to mid-morning; it gets busy, especially on weekends and powder days.
• How long to budget:
  30–45 minutes to order, eat, and caffeinate; 10–15 minutes if you just swoop in for a takeaway.
• Personal note:
  We ordered two different bagels and used them as our main breakfast —strong endorsement from both parents and one very curious baby.

Maiden Lake: Baby-Friendly Loop with Big-Mountain Backdrop

From downtown, we drove to Maiden Lake, a pretty little pond-lake hybrid with a flat loop trail with epic mountain views. Locals use it as a quick walk, a place to cool off, or a jumping-on point for the Fernie Valley Pathway, a 5.3 km paved multi-use path that connects the Visitor Centre, Maiden Lake, Annex Park, and Mount Fernie Provincial Park.

We pushed the stroller around the lake while Aurelia yelled encouraging things at the ducks (baby talk, but we got the gist). It was mellow, beautiful, and exactly what we needed to kick off our day.

• Why it’s worth it:
  Minimal effort, maximum payoff: mountain reflections on the water, easy walking, and a great spot to stretch your legs or let the kids run around.
• Who it suits:
  Families with young kids, anyone recovering from a bigger hike, or travellers breaking up a long drive.
• Best time of day:
  Morning for reflections and cooler air; evenings for golden-hour photos.
• How long to budget:
  30–60 minutes for the lake loop; longer if you connect onto the Valley Pathway.
• Cost feel:
  Free.
• Need to know:
  The trail and wider wetland area are used by wildlife—keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and the usual mountain suspects.

Fairy Creek Falls: Our “Chunky Monkey” Waterfall Hike

If you only have time for one hike in Fernie with kids, Fairy Creek Falls is hard to beat. The trail starts right from the Fernie Visitor Information Centre on Highway 3, which is honestly one of the nicest trailheads you could ask for: clean washrooms, spacious bathrooms for baby changes, interactive displays, maps, and helpful staff. We chatted with them, grabbed a map, and then strapped Aurelia into the hiking backpack—our “sedan” for the day.

The hike itself is classic Fernie:

• Gentle but steady forest trail
• Avalanche terrain signage (we were there in summer, but it’s a good reminder that this is real mountain country)
• Final payoff at a pretty waterfall tumbling into a rock bowl

Aurelia slept through most of the climb while I sweated like a pack mule. She woke up right at the falls, looked around like, “Yes, good job, team,” and made it instantly feel worth the effort.

Stats-wise, Fairy Creek Falls is generally described as an easy-to-moderate hike: roughly 4–5 km return, about 100–140 m of elevation gain, and around 1–1.5 hours for most walkers.

• Why it’s worth it:
  You get a legit waterfall and forest experience without committing to a long or technical hike. It also feels like a “locals’ favourite” rather than a big-ticket tourist spot.
• Who it suits:
  Families, casual hikers, photographers, and anyone who can handle a couple of hours on uneven trail.
• Best time of day:
  Morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds; we went in cooler weather and it was perfect.
• How long to budget:
  1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace with photos and snack breaks.
• Cost feel:
  Free.
• Need to know:
  • Trail conditions can be muddy in spring or after rain.
  • In winter, sections can be icy and you may need traction aids.
  • This is bear country—carry bear spray, make noise, and check local advisories.

Fernie Brewing Co.: Ridgewalk Red & Reward Beer

Post-hike, we did what any good Canadian mountain town visitor does: Fernie Brewing Company. Set slightly out of downtown, it has a relaxed tasting room and a patio with big views of the surrounding peaks. I ordered a Ridgewalk Red Ale, which tasted even better knowing I’d just hiked with a sleeping baby strapped to my back.

Fernie Brewing is very much a “beer and snacks” kind of place: expect pints, flights, and simple bites (chips, pretzels, etc.) rather than a full sit-down meal. That’s not an option. We treated it as our post-hike reward stop and prelude to our lunch / dinner.

• Why it’s worth it:
  Excellent craft beer. It also gives you a feel for Fernie’s young, outdoorsy side.
• Who it suits:
  Beer lovers, couples, groups of friends; kids are often welcome (Aurelia was a happy camper)
• Best time of day:
  Late afternoon après-hike or après-bike.
• How long to budget:
  60–90 minutes for a tasting flight or a couple of pints.
• Cost feel:
  Mid-range; craft pints are never cheap, but the quality is there.
• Need to know:
  Don’t show up starving expecting a full meal—this is a “drinks and snacks” stop. Check their website or socials for current hours, patio openings, and any special releases.

Island Lake Lodge: The “Is This Even Real?” Alpine Finale

Our grand finale in Fernie was Island Lake Lodge, and it honestly felt like the trip levelled up BIG TIME. You drive about 30 minutes from town, much of it along a gravel road through tall old-growth forest, and then suddenly the trees part and you’re in a mini alpine kingdom: wooden lodges, a turquoise lake, and huge peaks towering behind everything.

We had lunch at the Bear Bistro, which hit that perfect sweet spot of comfort food and mountain views:

• A steaming bowl of ramen that transported Audrey straight back to Japan
• A smashed-patty burger that felt suspiciously like a mountain-town Shake Shack
• Desserts: a salted caramel ice cream sandwich and a nostalgic Jos-Louis-style cake

Meanwhile, Aurelia… slept through the entire meal like an absolute legend, giving us one of the most peaceful lunches we’ve had since becoming parents.

After lunch, we walked down to the lake and followed an easy lakeside trail, watching the reflections shift as clouds moved across the peaks. Island Lake is also the base for longer hikes into the Lizard Range (trails like Spineback and Tamarack), and more than 100 km of routes crisscross the surrounding terrain.

We both instantly agreed: next time, we’re coming back to stay a few nights—ideally in a snowstorm so we can get “stuck” here on purpose.

• Why it’s worth it:
  It feels like a high-end Banff/Lake Louise experience, but tucked away and much less crowded. Food, scenery, and trails are all superb.
• Who it suits:
  Couples, foodies, hikers, photographers, and families looking for a splurge day or overnight escape.
• Best time of day:
  Late morning to late afternoon; lunch plus a short hike is a perfect combo. Golden hour on the lake is stunning.
• How long to budget:
  At least a half-day; a full day or overnight stay is even better.
• Cost feel:
  Splurge compared to in-town options; worth it if you treat it as a highlight or celebration meal.
• Need to know:
  • Summer: Road access, restaurant hours, and guided hikes follow a seasonal operations calendar.
  • Winter: Vehicle access may be restricted; Island Lake operates as a backcountry cat-skiing lodge with specific access rules.

More Amazing Things to Do in Fernie (We Didn’t Cover in the Video)

Now let’s talk about the stuff we didn’t manage to squeeze into our two days, but absolutely would add on a longer Fernie trip. I’ll keep these shorter, since your core “must-do” loop is everything above.

Ski or Ride Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie Alpine Resort is legendary for its five big alpine bowls, deep snow, and long thigh-burning runs. In winter you’re riding lifts into proper Powder Highway terrain; in summer you get scenic chairlift rides, alpine hiking, and a full-on bike park with dozens of trails from beginner to expert. a

• Good for: Skiers and riders in winter; hikers, bikers, and families seeking lift-accessed viewpoints in summer.
• Time needed: Half-day to full day.
• Cost feel: Mid-to-high

Ride the Fernie Mountain Bike Network

Fernie quietly punches way above its weight in mountain biking. A mix of cross-country trails, technical descents, and bike-park laps at the alpine resort gives you endless options. Names like Stove Trail, Project 9, and Dem Bones show up frequently on local trail maps.

• Good for: Everyone from beginner riders (with guidance) to experts.
• Time needed: Anywhere from a quick 1-hour spin to a full day.
• Cost feel: Free if you own a bike; mid-range if renting or joining shuttles/lessons

Explore More of Mount Fernie Provincial Park

We sampled the Fairy Creek side of things, but Mount Fernie Provincial Park has a web of forested trails, creeks, and viewpoints only minutes from town. It’s ideal for hikers, trail runners, and anyone wanting that “deep forest” feeling.

• Good for: Intermediate hikers, nature lovers, trail runners.
• Time needed: 2–6 hours depending on route.
• Cost feel: Low or free day use

Paddle, Float or Raft the Elk River

The Elk River is the backbone of the valley. In summer, local operators run whitewater rafting trips, scenic family floats, and sometimes guided SUP outings on sections of the Elk and nearby Bull River.

• Good for: Adventure lovers (whitewater) and families/photographers (gentler sections).
• Time needed: Half-day or full day.
• Cost feel: Mid-range for guided river activities

Cross-Country, Snowshoe & Winter Extras

If your Fernie visit is a winter one, don’t just stop at downhill skiing. You’ve also got cross-country trails at places like the Fernie Nordic Centre, fat biking routes, snowshoe loops, and winter events that make evenings feel festive.

• Good for: Mixed-interest groups where not everyone skis or boards.
• Time needed: 2–4 hours per activity.
• Cost feel: Mostly mid-range; gear rentals and passes add up, but some loops are free if you already have equipment.

Neighbourhood & Area Clusters: How to Group Your Days

Fernie is small, but thinking in “clusters” helps you plan efficiently and avoid zig-zagging back and forth.

1. Historic Downtown Fernie

What’s here (and nearby):

• Fernie Museum and Visitor Information
• Heritage walking route & City Hall gardens
• Cafés, bakeries, Big Bang Bagels
• Independent shops, outdoor gear stores, galleries
• Evening hotspots like Nevados (for tapas and tequila)

Best for:
Your first half-day in town, bad-weather windows, and low-key exploring days.

2. Highway 3 Corridor: Visitor Centre, Fairy Creek & Maiden Lake

What’s here:

• Fernie Visitor Information Centre (trail maps, exhibits, washrooms)
• Fairy Creek Falls hike
• Maiden Lake & McDougall Wetlands
• Access to parts of the Fernie Valley Pathway

Best for:
An easy “active” day with kids or a leg-stretch break during a road trip.

3. Mount Fernie Provincial Park & Fernie Alpine Resort

What’s here:

• Winter: ski/board terrain with five alpine bowls and deep Powder Highway snow
• Summer: alpine hiking, scenic lifts, bike park trails
• Nearby provincial park trails and campgrounds

Best for:
Full adventure days that revolve around one big area rather than bouncing all over town.

4. Island Lake Lodge & Upper Valley

What’s here:

• Island Lake Lodge (Bear Bistro, lodge dining, spa)
• Island Lake Loop Trail and connecting hikes
• Old-growth forest, scenic drive, and serious photo potential

Best for:
Special-occasion days, romantic getaways, or when you want to spoil yourself.

5. East Fernie & Elk River

What’s here:

• Fernie Brewing Co.
• Access to the Elk River for floats and fishing (with proper licensing and operators)

Best for:
A chill afternoon: hike or float first, brewery second.

Fernie Experiences Comparison Table

(All operations, prices, and trail conditions are subject to change)

Fernie Mini-Itineraries

1 Day in Fernie: “Quick Hit” Fernie Travel Guide

Perfect if you’re passing through on a BC or Alberta road trip.

Morning

• Arrive in town and grab breakfast or early lunch—Big Bang Bagels if it’s morning, Luchadora if you’re rolling in around midday.
• Visit Fernie Museum to get your head around the mining history, the fires, and the Home Bank drama.
• Do a short heritage loop via City Hall gardens and a few key buildings on 2nd Avenue.

Afternoon

• Drive to the Visitor Information Centre and hike Fairy Creek Falls.
• If you have time and energy, add a spin around Maiden Lake on your way back.

Evening

• Reward yourself at Fernie Brewing Co. with a Ridgewalk Red or a tasting flight.
• Head back to downtown for dinner (taproom, pizza, tapas, or classic pub vibes) and a last stroll under the mountains.

2 Days in Fernie: Food, History & Nature

Day 1 – Downtown & Origins

• Breakfast: Big Bang Bagels or a local café.
• Late Morning: Fernie Museum (take your time with the exhibits).
• Lunch: Luchadora burritos or another downtown option.
• Afternoon: Full Heritage Walking Tour loop, including City Hall gardens and some of the side streets.
• Evening: Drinks and dinner in downtown—Nevados for tapas or a cozy pub; then wander 2nd Avenue with an ice cream or hot chocolate depending on the season.

Day 2 – Lakes, Waterfalls & Beer

• Morning: Head to the Visitor Centre and hike Fairy Creek Falls while temps are cool.
• Midday: Picnic or snack stop at Maiden Lake; let the kids play or just soak up the views.
• Afternoon: Downtime back at your accommodation (naps, reading, hot tub if you’re lucky).
• Late Afternoon: Fernie Brewing Co. for après.
• Evening: Easy dinner in town and, if you have energy left, a short walk along the Elk River or back through downtown.

3 Days in Fernie: Fernie Travel Guide “Deep Dive”

Day 1 – Orientation & Downtown Vibes

• Arrive, check in, and wander downtown to get your bearings.
• Spend a relaxed afternoon at the museum, City Hall gardens, and a partial heritage walk.
• Treat yourself to a nice dinner—this is your “we made it to Fernie” night.

Day 2 – Waterfalls, Lakes & Beer

• Bagel breakfast at Big Bang Bagels.
• Fairy Creek Falls hike from the Visitor Centre.
• Maiden Lake loop and possible detour onto the Fernie Valley Pathway if you have time.
• Long nap / kids’ playground time / café break.
• Fernie Brewing Co. for sunset-ish drinks, followed by dinner downtown.

Day 3 – Big Mountain or Alpine Lodge Day

Pick your flavor:

• Option A – Fernie Alpine Resort (Winter or Summer):
  • Ski/board all day in winter; in summer, ride the lifts for hiking or biking.
  • Après at the base area, then head “home” for a cozy night.
• Option B – Island Lake Lodge (Summer/Shoulder):
  • Drive up to Island Lake Lodge, have a long lunch at the Bear Bistro, and walk the lakeside loop or a slightly longer hike if you’re up for it.
  • Leave time to just sit on the dock and stare at the peaks.

Either way, finish your third night with an easy dinner and that bittersweet feeling of, “We’re definitely coming back.”

Plan Your Trip to Fernie: Checklist Recap

• ✅ Choose your season:
  Deep powder and ski culture in winter; hiking, biking, and lakes in summer; shoulder seasons for fewer people and lower prices.
• ✅ Book key pieces in advance:
  Island Lake Lodge dining and stays, ski lift tickets, bike rentals, rafting trips, and spa appointments.
• ✅ Plan days by cluster:
  Downtown, Highway 3/Visitor Centre + Fairy Creek, Mount Fernie + resort, Island Lake Lodge, and East Fernie/Elk River.
• ✅ Pack for mountain mood swings:
  Layers, waterproofs, warm midlayers, and sun protection—even in summer.
• ✅ Think family logistics:
  Stroller for downtown and Maiden Lake; hiking backpack or carrier for Fairy Creek Falls and any longer trails.
• ✅ Check current conditions:
  Trail reports, avalanche bulletins, river levels, and road conditions—especially for winter driving and higher-elevation routes.
• ✅ Respect the wildlife:
  Carry bear spray where recommended, make noise on forested trails, keep a clean campsite or rental, and give animals plenty of space.
• ✅ Support local:
  Choose independent cafés, restaurants, and shops; visit the museum; and consider local guides or lessons.
• ✅ Leave breathing room:
  Fernie shines when you have time for an extra coffee, an unplanned walk, or one more slow lap around downtown with the mountains glowing in the background.

If you love smaller, character-filled places with big scenery and even bigger stories, Fernie is one of those towns that quietly burrows its way into your “we need to go back” list. We kicked off our BC road trip here, but honestly? It could easily have been the whole trip. Heck, we’re even thinking of moving here someday. How’s that for a first impression?