The Fernie Canada Day celebration drew an estimated 3,000 residents and visitors downtown on July 1 for live music, family activities, food, crafts and community events marking Canada’s 159th anniversary.
The free celebration was organized and delivered by local volunteers from the Fernie Lions and Rotary clubs, with support from the City of Fernie, other local service clubs and several local sponsors.
The day opened on the steps of City Hall with a land acknowledgement from Nasukin Heidi Gravelle, remarks from Mayor Nic Milligan and the raising of the Canadian flag. Ladyfolk and event volunteers then led the singing of O Canada.
Activities took place throughout downtown Fernie, with Elk Valley Resources serving as the 2026 Spirit of the Valley Title Sponsor.
The 3300 Club started the day with a pancake breakfast, followed by activities that included:
• The Legacy Ford Kidz Zone
• The Lions Club 360° Photo Booth
• The Fernie Windows & Doors Block Party on Second Avenue
• The Best Western Fernie Big Dunk
• Free swimming at the Fernie Aquatic Centre
The Second Avenue block party featured the Elk Valley Classic Cruisers, fire trucks, the EMS team and an RCMP tactical armoured vehicle. SNCKS DJs provided music throughout the block party.
Mayor Nic Milligan took the first plunge in the Best Western Fernie Big Dunk.
The EVR Hydration Station kept water bottles filled, while the Canadian Ski Patrol provided first aid. Eldho’s Independent served cupcakes, Save-On-Foods provided fruit and freezies, and Spruce Legal painted more than 300 faces.
The Fernie Mountain Market featured 30 local craft vendors, farmers and food trucks. Dawn Deydey curated and managed the market.
The Wapiti Main Stage featured performances by the Youth Singers, Ladyfolk, Jack’s Attic and Blues Steel.
DJ Steel Orca provided music between performances, while MC Roxanne Belzile kept the program moving throughout the day.
More than 70 volunteers helped deliver the Fernie Canada Day celebration.
Organizers credited the event’s success to the volunteers, sponsors and local businesses that contributed time, funding, services and in-kind support.
Mountain High Travel and Elk Run Ranch helped keep the Kidz Zone bouncy castles operating throughout the day. Local photographer Vince Mo documented the celebration from the ground and the air.
“This event happens because our community shows up for each other,” said Corinne Hoetmer, co-chair of the Canada Day Planning Committee and a Fernie Lions Club member. “We’re grateful to every volunteer, sponsor, supporter, resident and visitor who made this year’s celebration such a success.”
Canada Day Fernie 2026 was organized and delivered by local volunteers from the Fernie Lions and Rotary clubs, with support from other local service clubs.
The free community event was supported financially by the City of Fernie and several local businesses.
