Fernie

Travel Guide

A snow-covered street with buildings and a mountain in the background.
A snow-covered mountain range with a winding road through a forested valley.
A skier on a snowy slope with trees and mountains in the background.
A ski lift, snow-covered trees, and a mountain range in the background.
A wooden lodge with a glass facade, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a wooden signboard.

Dramatic Rocky Mountain vistas form the backdrop for a town filled with historic charm and exciting adventures.

Completely encircled by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Fernie invites you to discover an idyllic lifestyle of arts, culture and exciting outdoor pursuits. Enjoy the area’s world-renowned summer fly-fishing, winter skiing and year-round charm.

Experience the best of the warm seasons in the Rockies, from spring flowers in May to colorful falling leaves in October. Follow forest trails by mountain bike or on a family hike. Restaurant patios come alive every afternoon with clinking glasses and enthusiastic chatter.

The Elk River is a welcoming spot on a hot summer day, providing a refreshing, lazy float or a peaceful day of fly fishing on sparkling waters. Visit the lower Elk River Canyon for exhilarating whitewater rafting with thrilling rapids and spectacular scenery. Include a round of golf or pamper yourself at a spa.

In winter, Fernie features legendary powder for excellent skiing. The outstanding snowfall is only the beginning of the appeal of this winter playground. Diverse mountainous terrain provides winter activity choices from low exertion to big thrills. Discover world-class groomed and backcountry snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski on some of the highest vertical drops in the Canadian Rockies. Try cat skiing: Ride up the mountain in a heated snow cat and then ski or board on fresh lines down uncrowded backcountry slopes.

Learn about the area’s interesting past in Fernie’s Historic Downtown. Look for the stony profile of the Ghostrider on a nearby rock face and listen to the legend of the one-time curse on the valley.

Fernie is located in southeastern British Columbia. Reach the area with a 3-hour drive from Alberta’s Calgary International Airport or a 2-hour drive from Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, Montana.

World-renowned fly fishing, mountain biking, snow sports, golf, river adventures and hiking highlight Fernie’s natural beauty and provide outdoor thrills. Indoors, meet friendly people in a laid-back atmosphere and relax with soothing experiences for your mind, body and soul.

Where to stay in Fernie

Find the best Fernie areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Fernie
Learn more about Fernie

Historic Downtown Fernie

You'll enjoy the mountain views and coffeehouses in Historic Downtown Fernie. You might want to make time for a stop at Fernie Heritage Library or Fernie Museum.

Alpine Trails

When in Alpine Trails, you can plan a visit to Fernie Memorial Arena and Annex Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fernie Stanford Resort

Fernie Stanford Resort

3 out of 5
100 Riverside Way Fernie BC
$90 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$105 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,251 reviews)
"Sandy at check in was so friendly and helpful. Gave us upgraded accommodations and greeted us every time we saw him."

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

Fernie Stanford Resort
Park Place Lodge

Park Place Lodge

3 out of 5
742 Highway #3 Fernie BC
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,099 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Staff were nice and helpful and the room was clean and the pool and hot were nice"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

Park Place Lodge
EasyStay Inn & Suites Fernie

EasyStay Inn & Suites Fernie

2.5 out of 5
401 Crowsnest Hwy Fernie BC
$91 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$105 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Fernie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Fernie Court House are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (208 reviews)
"Parking was tight. Rooms were clean. Rooms were big"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2026

EasyStay Inn & Suites Fernie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co

Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co

3.5 out of 5
4559 Timberline Crescent Fernie BC
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Fernie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Mighty Moose Platter ...
Timberline Lodges by Fernie Lodging Co
Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co

Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co

3.5 out of 5
5389 Highline Drive Fernie BC
Book a stay at this ski condo in Fernie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Elk Quad Ski Lift are ...
Snow Creek Lodge by Fernie Lodging Co
Fully Renovated Penthouse Loft w/ Bike Storage and Central Air Conditioning

Fully Renovated Penthouse Loft w/ Bike Storage and Central Air Conditioning

Fernie BC
Stay at this condo in Fernie. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Fernie Alpine Resort and Mighty Moose Platter Ski ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Cozy, comfy and just home away from home! It was a really roomy and clean stay for 5 of us!"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2026

Fully Renovated Penthouse Loft w/ Bike Storage and Central Air Conditioning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Fernie attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Fernie worth visiting?
Fernie is worth visiting for its outdoor activities at Fernie Alpine Resort and exploring Historic Downtown Fernie. Travelers can also discover local history at the Fernie Museum, and enjoy diverse dining options, including Italian and Asian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Fernie?
The best time to visit Fernie is from June through September, when the climate is most favorable for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering cooler, snowy conditions that are ideal for winter sports.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Fernie?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Fernie depend on what you want to see:

  • Historic Downtown Fernie offers shopping at Freyja Lifestyle Fashion, the College of the Rockies Fernie Campus, and the Fernie Museum.

What is Fernie known for?
Fernie is known for its outdoor recreation, with the Fernie Alpine Resort and the Elk Quad Ski Lift offering activities for travelers. You can also explore local history at the Fernie Museum. This riverside city on the Elk River also provides a strong Italian food culture for visitors to enjoy.
What is a good itinerary length for Fernie?
A good itinerary length for Fernie is two to three days to explore the Fernie Alpine Resort, visit the Fernie Museum, and wander through Historic Downtown Fernie. For a more extended stay of four to five days, travelers can enjoy more time on the slopes or exploring the natural surroundings, including the Elk Quad Ski Lift.
What are the top things to do in and around Fernie?
Fernie offers outdoor adventures, cultural insights, and recreational activities for travelers to enjoy:


How do I plan a trip to Fernie?
To plan your trip to Fernie, book flights, hotels, and rental cars in advance. Explore Historic Downtown Fernie, then enjoy outdoor activities like Fernie Alpine Resort or a ride on the Elk Quad Ski Lift. Visit the Fernie Museum for indoor options. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Fernie?
In Fernie, travelers can find Japanese cuisine, with options like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Travelers can also enjoy Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza, North American favorites like burgers and steaks, and Latin American options including tacos.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Fernie?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Fernie by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Fernie with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Fernie trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Fernie?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Fernie can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Fernie trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Fernie trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Fernie trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Fernie trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Fernie?
If it's your first trip to Fernie, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Fernie hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Fernie hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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