Categories: Travel

One of North America’s ‘coolest towns’ is in B.C. and it’s about to transform into a winter wonderland

Photo via @tourismfernie / Instagram

Winter sports lovers already have Fernie on their maps this ski season, but B.C.’s quaint mountain town also has a ton of holiday festivities to check out this year.

Preserved historic downtown

Situated in Elk Valley surrounded by the Rockies, Fernie is widely known as one of “North America’s coolest towns,” revered for its world-class skiing and historic downtown. Running from 2nd Avenue from 3rd to 9th Street, the perfectly preserved downtown consists of a myriad of 20th-century buildings, including Heritage Library, a 1911 Courthouse, City Hall (1905), and the Arts Station— a hub for arts and culture that was once a railway station for the CP Rail Line.

Movie buffs might even recognize downtown Fernie from its time on the silver screen, including in films such as the 2018 Liam Neeson film Cold Pursuit and the 2010 blockbuster Hot Tub Time Machine.

Visitors can take advantage of free downtown parking and explore the town’s vibrant shops, art galleries, dining options, and heritage buildings.

Pond skating, ski season, and more

During the colder months, the nearby Maiden Lake transforms from a paddling hotspot into a beautiful, serene place to enjoy pond skating. And according to Tourism Fernie, the lake freezes over by early December every year!

Fernie Alpine Resort officially opens for its upcoming ski season on Dec. 5, 2025, weather and snow conditions permitting. Lift tickets are available online starting at $185 per adult for one day, with a multitude of passes available for the avid skier or snowboarder.

With 145 ski runs, an average of 30 feet of snow per season, and extensive terrain fit for all skill levels, it’s no wonder that Fernie is such a sought-after destination every winter. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s ski-in, ski-out lodging and breathtaking Rocky Mountain views everywhere you look.

Holiday festivities

The holiday season officially kicks off in Fernie from Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, with several nights of festive lights, community, live music, art, and shopping local.

Visitors can roam the decorated downtown and explore its eclectic boutiques for one-of-a-kind gifts. On Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, the main festivities will begin, consisting of carolling, a craft fair, live entertainment, and a night of fireworks lighting up downtown.

Looking for other holiday events to add to your itinerary? Here are a few to bookmark:

It’s a bit of a trek as far as road trips in B.C. go, but Fernie is always well worth the trip.