This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Fernie. To help you make friends with Fernie before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
The East Kootenay region of British Columbia is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Canada – and the city of Fernie, completely surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains. This historic city is encircled by ancient cottonwoods and enormous Western red cedars, and encourages visitors to both explore and relax.
The city’s roots as a coal mining town is celebrated to this day, and Fernie’s thriving arts community draws visitors from all around the world. But it’s the abundant opportunities for year round outdoor recreation that bring tourists in droves to this exciting mountain destination.
Fernie Alpine Resort boasts more than 9m of snow in an average winter, letting guests take advantage of a wide variety of winter sports – including snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and skating. As summer approaches and the snow melts away, the town blooms with possibilities for even more adventures like hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, and fishing.
Hostels and hotels are fairly easy to come by in Fernie, which caters to the numbers of tourists that flock to the city throughout the year. If you’re looking for something other than a usual hotel or a busy hostel, there are bed and breakfasts and rental cabins to get a little deeper into the mountains that surround this beautiful city.
There are tons of opportunities for shopping and dining in Fernie, especially within the historic downtown core. Just outside of the door of your local hostel or hotel, you’ll find tree-lined boulevards packed with shops, cafés, boutiques, and retailers specializing in outdoor gear, as well as many restaurants to suit any taste.
The nearest airport is only an hour away, Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Shuttles are available to get travelers to the city of Fernie, but car rentals are probably a better bet for visitors who hope to venture deeper into the Rocky Mountains.
Written by local enthusiast for Fernie hostels
Jakob Lombardi
