Fernie,
British Columbia...
...with it's spectacular mountain views, proximity to the Elk River, and plentiful forests and wooded areas is considered one of the most photographic locations in the Province, if not the Country.
Fernie is known internationally for its excellent wildlife and big game habitat. Deer, moose and elk; bears, Rocky Mountain Sheep, cougars and coyotes; and smaller animals such as porcupines and beaver are all residents of the neighbouring areas. Many birds are local to the area as well, including the loon, grebes, wood ducks, eagles (both bald and golden), rosy finches and callipe humming birds.
The mountains are also a featured location for miles of bicylce trails which are always being created or expanded on. Local shops will provide maps and trail guides if necessary.
The Elk River offers many recreational opportunities such as flyfishing, canoeing, kayaking and river rafting. Outfitters in the area provide trail rides, river rafting trips as well as guided biking and hiking treks.
In recent years snowmobiling has become very popular in the Valley. Each community has route maps, and local residents can always tell you about the most popular spots. New cross country ski trails are appearing every year. Fernie Snow Valley has some of the best downhill skiing with enough powder to take your breath away!
Snowmobiling is becoming more and more popular in the valley and each community has route maps and the locals can tell you the most popular areas. Cross-country ski trails are developing and expanding each year. The Lizard Range offers Cat-skiing at Island Lake and downhill at Fernie Snow Valley, which are the best anywhere with enough powder to take your breath away!
"They pretty much roll up the sidewalks around here after dark. Fernie has a rather quiet lifestyle so if you're looking for night clubs we don't have any. Other than a few bars and one movie theater we don't have a night life to speak of. The bars have entertainment, are friendly and might even provide you with a bowl of chili for next to nothing. These are the gathering places for those not wanting to go to bed before 10:00 p.m.
On the other hand the payoff for this lack of night life is that you can see the stars at night, it's peaceful, you don't have to worry about walking the street alone, and to hear a siren of any kind, day or night, is a rarity. The only thing you really have to watch out for is getting run over by a coal train. "
-Local Fernie resident.
Population: approximately 5,000
