Fernie Museum The Fernie District Historical Society was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Fernie by collecting and displaying photographs, artifacts and documents relating to Fernie’s development.
The Heritage Walking Tour Booklet
The Heritage Walking Tour provides an excellent glimpse into Fernie's historic past, showcasing the beautiful historic buildings that give Fernie its unique character and charm.
History of Fernie
Just over a century ago, populated seasonally by First Nations peoples, Fernie was a pristine wilderness.
Charm of the Town
For at least a hundred years, visitors and residents have admired the beauty of Fernie. They have come in search of a simpler life...
Historic Downtown Fernie
It was one dramatic defining moment that brought about the architectural vista that one is presented with in downtown Fernie these days.
Days of the Rumrunners
There was a time in Western Canada when vanilla extract could only be obtained from a specially licensed druggist.
The Kootenay Railway Wars
The reason why two railways served the Elk Valley from 1904 to 1936 is intimately intertwined with the history of Canada, Canadian/American relations, Federal/Provincial politics, and corporate competition.
Joseph Frederick Spalding
From 1904 to 1958, the year of his death, Joseph Frederick Spalding was a prolific commercial photographer, active around British Columbia and beyond.
The Fernie Fire of 1904
Fernie owes its existence to the start-up of the local coal mines in 1897 and the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1898.
Skiing in Fernie
In the early days, snow shoeing, tobogganing and skating were the winter sports most enjoyed by Fernie residents.
The Fernie Courthouse
The first Court House was simply a shack that used for less than one year. Then in April, 1899, the courts moved to a "grander" building which measured 28 feet square.
Year of the Coal Miner
Imagine beginning your work day, every day, in pitch blackness. The only sounds you hear are those of your fellow workers...
Fernie Derrick
Akamina #1 was the first oil well drilled in BC. This was done in 1907 by the Royal Canadian Oil Company.
