Fernie has a funny way of making you overconfident.
You roll into town thinking it’s going to be “a quick mountain stop” — a cute little main street, a couple heritage buildings, maybe a short trail, then you’re back on the road. And then Fernie does what Fernie always does: it casually drops epic scenery, big history, and “wait… how is this place real?” energy on your plans.
For us, Fernie was the kickoff to our British Columbia road trip — and also a bit of a homecoming. We’re currently based in southern Alberta, so being back in BC felt like breathing with both lungs again. It’s the mountains, the forests, the lakes, the “everyone’s wearing hiking shoes even at the café” vibe… and the sense that adventure is the default setting.
Which is why Big Bang Bagels fits Fernie perfectly.
It’s not just a bagel shop. It’s a pre-hike ritual. A local institution. A place with the kind of morning buzz that makes you feel like you’re already winning the day before you’ve even tightened your backpack straps.
And yes — we got banged. (As the locals would say.)
We went in for hiking fuel and walked out with two bagelwiches that could power a small expedition: the Avolauncher (Samuel) and the Switchback Salmon (Audrey). If you’re headed out to Fairy Creek Falls, Maiden Lake, Island Lake Lodge, or basically anywhere that involves uphill effort, this is the kind of breakfast that shows up and does its job.
Let’s get into exactly what to order, how to time your visit, what it’s like inside, and why this bagel shop deserves its legendary reputation.
Big Bang Bagels — Quick-Glance Matrix (from their official homepage)
| Category | Details | Handy notes |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 502 2nd Avenue, Fernie, British Columbia | Downtown, walkable stop |
| Phone | +1 250-423-7778 | Canada |
| bigbangbagels@gmail.com | Best for inquiries | |
| Days open | Open 7 days per week | No “closed Mondays” surprise |
| Hours | Mon–Sun: 8am–4pm | Check socials if visiting on a holiday |
| Online ordering | Online ordering available | They recommend choosing a backup bagel flavor because they can run out |
| What you can order online | Breakfast bagels, bagelwiches, coffees, cold drinks | Built for “grab fuel, hit trail” mornings |
| Dough options | Bagels come in White or Wholewheat | You can match any bagelwich with any bagel |
| Gluten-free | Available, but not baked in-store | Ask about handling if you’re sensitive |
| Sustainability | Rent-A-Mug system + bring your own travel mug | They also rent mason jars for cold drinks to go |
Source: Big Bang Bagels official homepage
The Big Bang Bagels vibe in one sentence
Big Bang Bagels is what happens when a small mountain town decides breakfast should be fast, filling, and weirdly iconic.
It’s the kind of place where:
- locals roll through for coffee and a to-go bagel like it’s a daily commute
- visitors get wide-eyed at the menu and immediately panic-order something enormous
- everyone looks like they’re on their way to a hike, a ski day, or both
- the line feels less like an inconvenience and more like a Fernie social scene
And the best part? It genuinely earns the hype. This isn’t a “cute but forgettable” stop. It’s a “you’ll remember this bagel in a different province” stop.
Our Big Bang Bagels stop: how it fit into our Fernie trip
Fernie was already winning us over hard. Day one was all about getting oriented:
- we visited the Fernie Museum (a must for understanding this town’s resilience and reinvention)
- we wandered the City Hall gardens with flowers in bloom
- we grabbed the Heritage Walk brochure (16 historic buildings scattered around town)
- and we kept having the same thought: this place is ridiculously charming and walkable — and shockingly family-friendly
Baby Aurelia absolutely crushed it. Stroller, baby-back carrier, butterflies in the gardens… she was living her best Fernie life.
Day two, we flipped the switch into nature mode.
We wanted waterfalls. Fresh air. That “we earned this meal” feeling later.
So we started where a lot of Fernie mornings start: Big Bang Bagels.
What to order at Big Bang Bagels for hiking fuel
Here’s the truth: if you’re hiking after, you want something that’s going to hold you down for a few hours — not a “cute breakfast” that leaves you hungry 45 minutes into the trail.
Big Bang Bagels is made for this.
Our exact order
- Avolauncher (Samuel): avocado, red onion, herb & garlic cream cheese, aged cheddar
- Switchback Salmon (Audrey): smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion
Both are “bagelwich” style — a proper sandwich build on a bagel, not a sad little smear situation. It’s hearty, salty, and hits that perfect pre-hike balance of comfort + fuel.
The quick decision matrix: what to order for your Fernie day
| Your day looks like… | Best pick | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfall hike / trail day | Avolauncher | Big, satisfying, high-energy, feels like “real food” |
| You want protein + salty goodness | Switchback Salmon | Smoked salmon + cream cheese is trail-day luxury fuel |
| You’re ravenous and want “classic breakfast” | Big Banger | Egg + cheddar + add-ons = reliable pre-adventure base |
| You want the most Fernie-coded order | Mr. Fernie | It’s literally named after the town and built like a local favorite |
| You’re doing a big hike and want maximum heft | The Griz | Sausage + hash brown = “I’m not getting hungry today” energy |
The Avolauncher: our verdict
The Avolauncher is one of those sandwiches where you take a bite and immediately go:
“Oh. This is why people talk about this place.”
It’s creamy, savory, and satisfying in that way that only avocado + cheese + herby cream cheese can pull off. It’s not trying to be delicate. It’s trying to be your hiking fuel.
If you’re heading out to Fairy Creek Falls or anything similar, it’s ideal because:
- it’s filling without feeling like a brick
- it tastes like a reward even though you haven’t “earned it” yet
- it won’t leave you craving snacks an hour later
This is a “we’re about to walk uphill with a baby in a backpack” kind of sandwich.
The Switchback Salmon: our verdict
The Switchback Salmon is the one you order when you want to feel slightly fancy at 9 AM.
Smoked salmon + cream cheese + red onion is a classic combo for a reason — salty, creamy, and just bright enough to keep you awake. It’s the kind of bagelwich that makes you feel like you’re on a ski trip even if you’re just about to go walk in the woods.
If you like smoked salmon in any form, it’s hard to miss with this one.
What it’s like inside Big Bang Bagels
We noticed two things immediately:
- There’s good indoor and outdoor seating.
- There are a lot of people ordering — some sitting down, many grabbing bagels and coffee to go.
It felt busy in the most Fernie way possible: not chaotic, not stressful, just… constantly in motion.
We sat inside to eat because we wanted to properly demolish these bagelwiches before heading out. But it’s also clearly built for that grab-and-go crowd — the people who want to be on a trail 15 minutes ago.
We also felt lucky to get a table. It’s one of those places where seats can disappear fast, especially in peak season.
The “Big Bang Bagels game plan” for avoiding disappointment
Big Bang Bagels is famous for selling out of certain bagel flavors and getting slammed at peak times. This is not a “roll in at 11:45 and expect calm” kind of spot.
Here’s the simple strategy that makes life better:
Timing cheat sheet
| Goal | Best move |
|---|---|
| You want the widest selection | Go earlier in the morning |
| You hate lines | Avoid the rush window (mid-morning on weekends is chaos) |
| You just want food ASAP | Order online / order ahead if available |
| You want to sit down | Go earlier, or be prepared to wait for a table |
| You want bagels for later | Buy extras and treat your future self kindly |
Bagelwiches 101: the short list you actually need
Big Bang Bagels has a lot going on, but if you’re a visitor trying to order quickly without holding up the line, this is the practical shortlist.
Bagelwich cheat sheet
| Bagelwich | What it’s about | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Avolauncher | avocado + herb & garlic cream cheese + cheddar + red onion | hiking fuel, “I want the fan favorite” |
| Switchback Salmon | smoked salmon + cream cheese + red onion | salmon lovers, lighter-but-still-filling |
| Mr. Fernie | egg + cheddar + avocado + tomato + fried onions | classic breakfast vibes, Fernie-coded order |
| Big Banger | egg + cheddar base with add-ons | dependable “no regrets” breakfast |
| The Griz | sausage + hash brown + egg + cheddar | maximum heft, big appetite days |
Bagels, flavors, and the “huge selection” factor
Even if you don’t go full bagelwich, this place still shines because the bagel selection is massive — and it’s part of the fun.
This is where Big Bang Bagels becomes more than just “breakfast.” You can:
- grab a bagel for now
- grab a few for later
- grab something you can’t easily find elsewhere
- and build a very smug road-trip snack stash
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes having food in the car “just in case,” Big Bang makes that extremely easy.
Dietary notes: vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy reality
If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, Big Bang Bagels is generally a friendly stop — but like any bakery-style space, it’s worth being practical:
- They do offer gluten-free, though it isn’t baked in-house.
- There are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.
- If you have a serious allergy, it’s the type of environment where you should ask questions — because bagels, spreads, and shared prep spaces can be complicated.
Fernie is outdoorsy, active, and full of travelers, so it makes sense that this spot caters to a wide range of eaters — just don’t assume “gluten-free” means “allergy-safe without asking.”
Why Big Bang Bagels is perfect for Fernie specifically
Fernie is a town built around movement.
People come here to:
- hike
- bike
- ski
- chase waterfalls
- wander downtown between adventures
- and generally behave like sitting still is optional
Big Bang Bagels matches that rhythm. It’s quick, filling, and designed for people who are about to go do something.
In our case, that “something” was Fairy Creek Falls — with baby Aurelia in the hiking backpack.
The “hiking fuel” test: did it actually do the job?
Yes. Absolutely.
We finished breakfast feeling:
- full
- happy
- ready to move
- and not remotely interested in carrying a bunch of extra snacks “just in case”
That’s the mark of good hiking fuel.
It’s not only about calories. It’s about how it sits with you. A good pre-hike meal should feel like:
- steady energy
- no immediate crash
- no regret halfway up the trail
The bagelwiches passed the test.
Pairing Big Bang Bagels with Fernie’s best morning adventures
If you’re visiting Fernie, Big Bang Bagels works best when you plan your morning like this:
The ideal Fernie morning flow
| Step | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Big Bang Bagels breakfast | big energy start, great “town ritual” moment |
| Quick stroll downtown or City Hall gardens | walk it off, stretch legs, enjoy the charm |
| Visitor Centre stop (if hiking) | bathrooms, maps, local info, easy start point |
| Fairy Creek Falls / Maiden Lake / local trail | you’re fueled, you’re ready, Fernie delivers |
That’s basically what we did, and it felt like the most natural rhythm imaginable.
The “Da Bomb” challenge: Fernie’s most chaotic breakfast side quest
Big Bang Bagels also has something that feels very on-brand for a mountain town with a sense of humor: a giant eating challenge.
If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys turning lunch into a personal mission, this exists for you. There’s a wall-of-fame element, a record to beat, and bragging rights baked into the whole thing.
Would we attempt it mid-road-trip with a baby?
No.
Would we watch someone else attempt it while sipping coffee?
Absolutely.
Sustainability: the quiet “good local business” flex
One thing we love about small-town institutions is when they’re not just iconic — they’re also trying to be responsible.
Big Bang Bagels highlights sustainability efforts like:
- reducing disposable cup use through a reusable approach
- composting and recycling
- generally leaning into the “mountain towns should protect what makes them beautiful” logic
It’s not preachy. It’s practical. And it fits Fernie.
Family-friendliness: what it felt like for us
Fernie, in general, felt incredibly family-friendly — walkable, calm, and easy to move through with a stroller or baby carrier.
Big Bang Bagels matched that vibe:
- it’s casual
- you can sit down inside or outside
- you’re not getting side-eyed for having a baby with you
- it’s the kind of place where families blend into the morning crowd naturally
Baby Aurelia did great — as she did all trip — and it made us appreciate Fernie even more. Some mountain towns are “adventure-first, families later.” Fernie felt like both.
Practical info for visitors
What to know before you go
- It’s a popular spot, and peak times get busy.
- If you’re picky about bagel flavors, go earlier.
- If you’re hiking after, order something hearty and enjoy the fact you won’t be hungry later.
- If you want to sit down, be flexible — tables can be competitive.
What we’d do differently next time
- Buy extra bagels for the road.
- Try another classic build (Mr. Fernie is calling our name).
- Consider timing it so we can sit outside on a sunny morning and pretend we live in Fernie.
Our honest verdict
Big Bang Bagels isn’t just “good.”
It’s exactly what you want in a mountain town:
- quick, satisfying food
- a fun local identity
- enough menu variety that you could come back multiple mornings
- and a vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of Fernie’s daily rhythm, even if you’re only in town for a weekend
If you’re visiting Fernie and you want one easy win — one guaranteed “this was the right choice” stop — this is it.
Get the bagelwich. Sip the coffee. Look around at everyone in hiking shoes. Then go earn the scenery.
Big Bang Bagels in Fernie: the detailed traveller FAQ for ordering, timing, and hiking fuel
Is Big Bang Bagels worth the hype?
Yes. It’s a Fernie institution for a reason: big selection, genuinely satisfying bagelwiches, and the perfect “start your adventure day” stop.
What should we order at Big Bang Bagels for hiking fuel?
Go with a bagelwich. For us, the Avolauncher and Switchback Salmon were ideal pre-hike choices because they’re hearty without being heavy.
What did we order specifically?
Avolauncher (Samuel) and Switchback Salmon (Audrey) — the two bagelwiches we’d happily repeat on any future Fernie morning.
Is there seating or is it mostly takeout?
Both. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, but there’s also a strong coffee-and-bagel-to-go flow, especially during busy mornings.
When’s the best time to go to avoid lines?
Early. If you show up mid-morning on a weekend or peak season day, expect a busier scene.
Do they sell out of bagel flavors?
It can happen, especially on popular flavors. If you’re attached to a specific bagel type, go earlier or have a backup in mind.
Can you order ahead?
Often, yes (depending on their current system). If order-ahead is available when you visit, it’s the easiest way to skip the line and lock in your choices.
What’s the difference between a regular bagel and a bagelwich?
A bagelwich is the fully-built sandwich version — toasted, stacked, and meant to be a real meal, not just “a bagel with something on it.”
Is the Avolauncher vegetarian?
Usually, yes (it’s built around avocado, cheese, and cream cheese). Still, if you have strict dietary needs, double-check ingredients at the counter.
Is the Switchback Salmon super “fishy”?
Nope. It’s more of a balanced smoked salmon + cream cheese + onion situation — savory and satisfying, not overpowering.
Do they have gluten-free options?
Yes, but the gluten-free bagels aren’t baked in-house. If you’re highly sensitive, ask about prep and cross-contact.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s casual, fast, and not fussy — the kind of place where families fit right in.
What’s the “Da Bomb” challenge?
It’s their giant eating challenge with bragging rights and a wall-of-fame element. Not necessary for a great visit, but fun to know it exists.
What’s the best hike to pair with a Big Bang Bagels breakfast?
Fairy Creek Falls is a great choice for a “classic Fernie” morning adventure, but honestly, almost any trail day works with this kind of fuel.
Can we grab bagels for later?
Yes, and you should. Future-you will be thrilled when you find an extra bagel in the car later that day.
Is Big Bang Bagels more of a tourist place or a local place?
Both. It’s popular with visitors, but it also has clear daily-local energy — lots of takeaway orders and regulars moving through quickly.
Further Reading, Sources & Resources
If Big Bang Bagels is your fuel stop, these are the official and locally trusted resources that help round out a Fernie visit — from planning hikes and heritage walks to understanding why this town punches so far above its weight.
Big Bang Bagels (Official)
- Big Bang Bagels — Official Website
https://bigbangbagels.com/
Menus, hours, online ordering, sustainability notes, and the café’s wonderfully unapologetic personality straight from the source. - Big Bang Bagels Menu
https://bigbangbagels.com/menu.html
Helpful for pre-deciding your order (especially if the line is moving fast or you’re ordering ahead). - Big Bang Bagels Team & Story
https://bigbangbagels.com/team.html
A good glimpse into why this place feels so embedded in Fernie’s daily rhythm.
Fernie Travel & Visitor Information
- Tourism Fernie (Official Destination Website)
https://tourismfernie.com/
The best starting point for things to do, seasonal planning, trail info, events, and accommodation ideas. - Fernie Visitor Information Centre
https://tourismfernie.com/maps-travel/visitor-resources
Maps, brochures, local insight, and practical advice — especially useful if you’re hiking or exploring with kids. - City of Fernie (Official Site)
https://www.fernie.ca/
Background on Fernie’s history, City Hall, parks, and municipal landmarks you’ll see while wandering downtown.
