While technically a city, Fernie is definitely one of those places in B.C. that has retained its small-town feel over the years. This is due in large part to the preservation of its historic downtown, which contains heritage buildings dating back well over a century.

Stretching from 3rd to 9th Street and 2nd Avenue, the historic area has seen many filming projects come and go, including blockbusters like Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) and Liam Neeson’s Cold Pursuit (2018). Today, it’s considered one of the ‘coolest’ towns in North America according to Rolling Stone Magazine, captivating travellers near and far.

In terms of its filming history, there are 17 titles listed on IMDb that have scenes filmed in Fernie.

From holiday movies to outdoor adventure series, here’s what’s filmed in the area:

  • Hot Tub Time Machine
  • Cold Pursuit
  • Love in Glacier National: A National Park Romance
  • Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups
  • The Movie Out Here
  • Double Booked 
  • Drop In (Episode titled “Fernie”)
  • Freeriders
  • Steeper & Deeper
  • Ride
  • Rocky Times
  • C.A.R.C.A.
  • Soapbox
  • The Camps
  • Holiday Train
  • Triggered

Winter adventures

Given its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and its history, Fernie has plenty to offer mountain lovers year-round. In the warmer months, visitors can embark on hikes through ancient forests, mountain passes, waterfalls, caves, and scenic cliff walls, or check out one of Fernie’s exciting mountain bike trails. In the wintertime, its mountain trails are open for snowshoeing,

According to Tourism Fernie, The Fernie Alpine Resort has 145 runs and 3,550 vertical feet to ski or snowboard, and Fernie Wilderness Adventures offers visitors the chance to snowcat ski – AKA the more social and affordable alternative to heliskiing.

Finally, there are four cross-country ski areas with over 42 kilometres of groomed trails to explore.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Lizard Creek Lodge at the resort! You can warm up with a vodka tasting at the ice bar, or lounge in the hot tubs.

Ready to check it out for yourself? Parking is free downtown, with plenty of opportunities to explore Fernie’s vibrant shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants – if being on the slopes isn’t your thing.

The city is located three hours away from Calgary, 11 hours away from Vancouver, and two hours away from Montana, U.S.

Happy road-tripping!

Fernie

How to get there: Drive 11 hours and 30 minutes from Vancouver to Fernie via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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