Fernie B.C.

posted October 8th, 2010 by Peter

All About Fernie, B.C.

What’s your pleasure winter or summer?

If you’re thinking of moving to beautiful Fernie, B.C. in the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, you’ll find that Fernie is one of the best spots in the world to work, live, and play. This mountain city gives you a unique paradise at your doorstep with world class outdoor activities, a rich history, and a lively arts and cultural community.

The Fernie lifestyle offers a mountain escape that transforms with the seasons.

Coming to Fernie

The city is nestled in the Elk Valley in the East Kootenay region of southern British Columbia and is located within driving distance of Cranbrook B.C. (1 hour) and Lethbridge, Alberta (2 hours) both on Highway 3 – the Crowsnest Highway which winds its way through the scenic Crowsnest Pass.

With the new arrival of Delta Airlines service to the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, coupled with existing Air Canada service to Cranbrook and Lethbridge, Fernie is within easy reach of major airports in Calgary, Vancouver, Salt Lake, and others.

The Fernie Lifestyle – the Great Outdoors

The city’s natural beauty invites outdoor exploration, with plenty of activities for the outdoors enthusiasts. In the summertime Fernie offers fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, rafting, and kayaking. In the winter, the city becomes a snow-capped playground for skiers and snowboarders who descend from around the world to the top-class Alpine Resort.

Meander through forest and meadow along trails leading to spectacular falls. Explore the high alpine trails at the Alpine Resort, with great views overlooking Elk Valley. For a high-energy challenge, try the strenuous hike up Mount Hosmer.

Fernie is one of Canada’s premier mountain biking destinations with area back country trails range from easy countryside pedals and intermediate rides through historic town sites, to challenging steeps on the expert-rated Ich Bin Sofa Trail. Wildlife enthusiasts will have the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat, from elk to grizzlies and black bears to eagles and many more.

Round out your visit at the 18-hole Fernie Golf & Country Club, noted for panoramic mountain views and mature, tree-lined fairways. Ride the range on a horseback adventure through the back country. Or set up camp at Mount Fernie Provincial Park, Alpine Resort or Kikomun Creek Provincial Park. For those with their own equipment, paragliding and hang-gliding at Microwave Tower is truly spectacular. Flightseeing tours of the area are also available.

The Fernie Lifestyle – Arts and Culture

As a mountain resort community, Fernie offers what you would expect in a blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and small-town friendliness.

The Arts Station, housed in a fully restored railway station offers live theatre and a music concert series year-round. Nightclubs such as the Phat City Lounge cater to the club and dance scene, while the Royal Hotel, the Brickhouse, and the Grand Central all feature live acts. In the summertime, the artisans at the Mountain Market display their creations from painting to baking.

The Ghostriders Hockey Team gives fans live hockey on the ice at the Memorial Arena. As part of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team, they regularly play against teams from the local area, including Kimberley. Castlegar, Princeton and others.

The Museum offers displays of local and coal mining history, and the Arts Station includes a gallery for local artists and photographers to showcase their artwork.

Fernie History and the Legend of the Ghostrider

Originally founded as a coal-mining town in 1898, the city owes much of its contemporary character and architecture to the legend surrounding its establishment and growth. The Ghostrider legend tells how a miner courted the daughter of a local First Nations chief to discover the source of the black stones she wore on her necklace. Upon finding the sought-after coal seam, he abandoned the Indian princess, and for revenge a curse was placed on the valley. The curse was lifted in a First Nations ceremony more than 40 years ago, though the legend of the Ghostrider remains. When shadows fall across the face of Mount Hosmer in summer, you can see two ghostly figures, one riding on horseback, said to be the chief and his daughter.

The city suffered two devastating fires that leveled the town in 1904 and 1908, which led to the buildings being constructed from stone and brick, giving the city its beautiful Victorian-style architecture in its downtown core. Many of these historic buildings can be seen on the Heritage Walking Tour, where they house a growing number of local businesses.

Fernie Real Estate – Making the Move

Fernie is growing and being recognized as a world-class vacation destination because of the Alpine Resort, with the population swelling each winter with winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

The Fernie real estate market also offers investment opportunities with several property developments offering various properties from condos to luxury chalets to dream homes. Ranging from the Canyon Peaks alpine homes and chalets, to the 901 Fernie apartment and townhouse living around the 1908 Schoolhouse in the historic downtown, to the Blackstone Golf development right next to a championship 18 hole golf course, Fernie real estate has it all. Check out our Developments Page for more information on the current property developments.

If you are interested in exploring Fernie real estate opportunities for vacation, resort, recreation or investment, contact Peter Sterling at 250-423-1989.