Cradled by a bowl of jagged Rocky Mountains and gathered on the banks of the rapid, ice-clear Elk River, Fernie‘s setting can compete with that of any Canadian mountain town.

This makes first impressions of the town – a line of bland motels, chain stores and garages along Hwy-3 – a bit of a let-down, yet only block beyond, lie pleasant tree-lined streets, small wooden houses and lively little downtown shopping street.

Open-pit coal mining may form the town’s economic backbone, but Fernie’s outdoorsy appeal – particularly the world-class skiing and mountain biking – has brought in a more liberal demographic that’s reflected in the presence of
ski shops, art galleries, health food shops and delicatessen.

Meanwhile, the popularity as a resort has stimulated a series of gift shops and lackluster condo building, most of which lie en route to its ski resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, 5km away.

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