History

Fernie is a community that is rich in heritage and history. With its roots planted in the coal mining industry, Fernie came into being in 1898 when the railroad came through this region. Formal incorporation took place in 1904, but this wasn’t the only significant event to happen that year as a fire raged through the city nearly wiping it out.  Four years later, a second and more devastating fire ripped through Fernie leaving only 32 buildings standing.  Out of the ashes arose a new approach to the City and buildings of brick and stone became the landscape of the downtown core. Many of these buildings still exist today, giving Fernie a unique heritage component.