Spring and Fall “Shoulder Seasons” are tricky in Fernie. This is a town that heavily relies on sun or snow for its outdoor activities. However, if you are creative, you can come up with some fun things to do in Fernie when the weather is less predictable, and you can probably do it for a smaller price tag as well.

You will notice it is also very quiet, known as “locals season,” which means you won’t have long waits at popular restaurants or traffic jams. Just be sure to check opening hours as they can be limited during the quieter times of year.

Getting There

From Calgary: A 3-hour drive. Head south on Hwy 22 and then west on Hwy 3.

From Vancouver/Western BC: Head East on Highway 3 until you hit Fernie! It is about an 11-hour drive from Vancouver.

From Montana/Idaho/Washington: Fernie is only a 2-hour drive north from Whitefish, MT (head North on Hwy 93) and a 4-hour drive Northeast of Spokane, WA (head north on Hwy 95).

Flying: You can fly into Calgary (3-hour drive) or Cranbrook (1-hour drive) airports. There is a shuttle service offered by Tunnel49 for both airports, but it is expensive, so it may be worthwhile to rent a car.

Where to Stay

In/Near Town:

There are several basic hotels in the town of Fernie, within walking distance of most activities, such as the Red Tree Lodge, Park Place Lodge, Best Western, and even a hostel (Raging Elk Adventure Lodge)

Outside of Town:

• The Stanford: on the river and had a large indoor waterslide.
• Lizard Creek Lodge: located at Fernie Alpine Resort. Condo style and one of the more upscale hotels in town, though usually decently discounted in fall and spring.

Camping:

Depending on when in the fall or spring you are here, you may be able to set up camp at Fernie Provincial Park or the Fernie RV Park.

Getting Around

• Driving: In the spring and fall, I would recommend a car. There isn’t a public shuttle this time of year, and the weather is unpredictable.
• Walking: If you stay in town, you can walk to downtown, to the river, to the grocery stores, to hiking trails, and more. Be sure to bring layers.
• Biking: Around town, biking is still usually an option throughout spring and fall, but be sure to wear layers.

Where to Eat and Drink

Coffee: Rooftop Coffee Roasters is always my go-to.

Breakfast: For a full sit down, eggs benedict and all, check out The Bridge Bistro. For a quicker bite, check out Big Bang Bagels.

Lunch: Big Bang Bagels is a good choice for lunch as well. Lunchbox does healthy wraps and smoothies. Check to see if Chopstick Truck is open for some delicious Vietnamese Fusion.

Dinner: Nevados (Latin) is hands down my favorite restaurant in town (get Tacos and margaritas). Yamagoya (Japanese) is also very popular. The Brickhouse does more elevated pub food. If you want a very nice upscale dinner, check out Cirque at Fernie Alpine Resort (they have limited hours in the spring and fall, so check before you go).

Drinks: The Fernie Taphouse is my favorite pub in town for drinks or dinner. The Fernie Brewing Company is worth the visit. Bramasole has an excellent backyard (rather than a back patio) if the weather cooperates, and they also have great happy hour specials for wine and cocktails. If you want something super tasty, check out the Fernie Distillery; they have excellent cocktails.

Things to Do

1. Go for a Hike/Walk/Bike

Usually, snow stays in the alpine until the end of June, and it gets its first sprinkling of snow in October. This leaves a very limited hiking season. However, there are a number of hikes/walks that you can do that are lower elevation, which means a longer hiking window.

Fairy Creek Falls, Castle Rock, Montane Hut, Gorby & the midway point on Mount Fernie are all good options with views. On a rainy day, I love to go for a walk through the provincial park on Sherwoody Loop. The Valley Trail that runs along the river and around Maiden Lake makes for an excellent walk year-round.

If you come in the fall there is fall foliage galore, especially on the Montane trails. The larches turn golden here later than most places, so if you missed them in Banff, you will still be able to catch them in Fernie in October.

Find my favorite Fernie hikes here.

2. Play Disc Golf

In James White Park, there is a full disc golf course. It is forested and serene. You can rent a set of discs from GearHub, but you can also buy one from Edge of the World, Canadian Tire, or almost any sports shop in town. “Lizard Range Disc Golf Course” in Google Maps will get you to Hole 1.

3. Wander the Shops

I personally love going to Polar Peak Books, the Art Co-op, Local, Coal Town, Edge of the World, and Ghostrider Trading Company. Downtown is only three blocks long, so you might as well pop into every shop that piques your interest. I also love to go into the library and read in the cozy chairs upstairs. The building and the views are lovely.

4. Visit the Brewery & Distillery

The brewery is located in the more industrial part of Fernie, Hit the Deck Hazy IPA is a personal and local favorite.

The Distillery is located downtown, but it also offers locally crafted alcoholic beverages. The cocktails are incredible.

5. Do Yoga or Take a Spin Class

If the weather turns cold, try moving your body indoors. Take a yoga class at Mantra Spirit Studio or take a spin class at Soar Studios. Both located downtown.

6. Go to the Spa (and enjoy the outdoor hot tub)

Check out Spa901 or Neve for the full deluxe spa experience. Both have an outdoor hot tub that you can use (though you need to book it in advance for spa 901).

7. Attend a Class at the Art Station

The Art Station frequently puts on events like intro to pottery, paint and sip, crocheting, portraiture, and more. Usually, all levels are welcome, and the event will specify if it is not. Check out their website here for offerings.

8. See a Film at a Small Town Movie Theatre

The Vogue Theatre is a tiny small town cinema with two screens. Movie Screens are limited, usually only once or twice a day, but they still have all of the blockbuster hits. A great option for a rainy day. Find their showings here.

9. Check for Special Events

Have a look at the Fernie Calendar of Events because the shoulder season offerings may surprise you. You might be able to catch an early-season Ghostriders hockey match, go for a ghost walk or pumpkin hunt around Halloween, find a fall Craft Market, or maybe even make it for the annual Boxing Night.