Summer and Winter Activities in Fernie, BC

Fernie Alpine Resort Lift Tickets

Ski The Slopes Of Fernie Alpine

Photo Credit: Henry Georgi

While the town of Fernie has much to do in regard to shopping, restaurants, and events, Fernie's main visitor draw lies in its opportunities for outdoor recreation. Outdoor activities in the town's surrounding mountains are plentiful year-round. If you want to make your next vacation primarily outdoors, Fernie, BC, will provide all the activity you could want! Keep in mind that many of these mountain activities are accessible with Fernie Alpine Resort Lift Tickets.

Summer Activities

• Mountain Biking — Fernie has some of the best biking terrain in the West with exciting downhill rides and countless miles of cross-country trails. You can take a variety of trails around Fernie for bikers of all levels, plus the scenery of this area is unforgettable! For family bike riding, the Coal Creek Heritage Trail is a great place to ride and even learn a little Fernie history.
• Hiking — Hiking trails are available for hikers of all ages. Fernie has trails that range from easy forest trails for leisure hikes and trails at mountaintop ridges for more thrilling hikes. In and around Fernie, you'll find trails that are well-cultivated and preserved for fantastic vegetation and wildlife viewing.
• Fishing — You'll find plenty of fishing opportunities at the Elk River, which flows through Fernie. People come to Fernie for all kinds of fishing, including walk-and-wade river fishing, fly fishing, and stillwater lake fishing. Species that reside in the Elk River include Bass, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and more.
• Boating — Fernie's Elk River and surrounding lakes provide both motorized and non-motorized boating.
• Golf — Fernie Golf & Country Club offers varied terrain, well-kept greens, silica sand bunkers, and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
• Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking — Fernie has networks of river systems that range from thrilling whitewater adventures to a leisurely ride downriver.
• Wildlife Viewing — Fernie is home to a plethora of wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, elk, deer, moose, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, wolves, coyotes, lynx, and bobcats.
• Swimming and Hot Tubbing - Fernie's Aquatic Centre offers many family friendly indoor water activities with two pools, hot tubs, a steam room, and a water slide.   

Winter Activities

• Skiing and Snowboarding — People travel from around North America to experience Fernie's famous powder. Due to the massive amounts of snow (an average 29 feet per year) and the nearby mountains, Fernie is best known for its choice ski slopes, cross-country trails, five open alpine bowls, gorgeous glades, and impressive steeps. You'll be able to find great skiing and snowboarding opportunities at various resorts in the area, including Fernie Alpine Resort.
• Snowmobiling — With vast terrain, countless trails, steeps, and peaks, you'll find ample places to take your snowmobile in Fernie.
• Snowshoeing — In the winter, the mountain bike trails make for perfect snowshoeing! You'll be able to explore Fernie's awesome outdoors covered in the area's famous powder.
• Backcountry Travel — You can ski, snowboard, or snowmobile through Fernie's scenic backcountry to experience steep chutes and vertical runs 3,000 feet or more.
• Ice Fishing — This activity is a Canadian classic. Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, you'll have some time to relax with ice fishing. Guides are available to help you prepare a site and make sure that you have the right equipment.
• Wildlife Viewing — Some of Fernie's animals and vegetation can be seen amidst all the powder. Area wildlife that can be seen in the winter including elk, deer, moose, Bighorn Rocky Mountain Sheep, wolves, coyotes, and lynx.
• Hockey and Ice Skating - At the Fernie Memorial Arena, you can watch a minor hockey game or figure skating or do some skating yourself.