Fernie, British Columbia is a former coal town in the Elk Valley, ringed by the jagged Three Sisters and the Lizard Range, where the brick storefronts of 2nd Avenue still recall the mining boom. Between the first snow and the new year, couples here can study a painter's life work at the museum, wander a free gallery inside the old train station, watch fireworks over Station Square and catch the first chairlift of the season. Every idea below was checked on the venues' own websites in late October 2026.
Paintings and Local Stories
Richard Crump Retrospective at the Fernie Museum: From November 19 to February 8, the upstairs gallery at the Fernie Museum shows the work of Rick Crump, a self taught landscape and figure painter who split his life between Calgary and Fernie. He worked in oil, watercolour, acrylic and pastel, and the show doubles as an online auction of his pieces. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, he spent his childhood travelling through Canada and Europe and later became a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Opening night on November 19 is free, with snacks provided. Choose the painting you would hang over your own couch and explain why.
Fernie Museum: The museum sits at 491 2nd Avenue in the historic downtown and opens every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except statutory holidays. Entry is by donation, which makes it an easy add on to any afternoon in town. The Fernie and District Historical Society runs it, and the staff know the valley's story well, so ask a question or two at the desk.
Art Inside the Old Station
The Arts Station gallery: Fernie's community arts centre fills the town's former train station, and its gallery is free to visit. Exhibitions change monthly and feature artists from around the Elk Valley. The current show, Braving the Cut Blocks by Jeremie Drainville, is a documentary photo series about the hard seasonal life of tree planters in western Canada. Doors are open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays until 3 p.m., so a weeknight visit after work is easy. Check the What's On listings for workshops, including pottery in the Earth Studio, if you would rather make something side by side.
Fireworks Over Station Square
Holiday Kick-Off: The Fernie Chamber of Commerce runs its Holiday Kick-Off from Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6, with the main celebration on Saturday, December 5. Carollers stroll 2nd Avenue from 5 p.m., Station Square has festive music and warming fires from 5:30, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus run from 5:30 to 8, live music plays from 7:15 and fireworks light up the sky at 8 p.m. Stand by a fire, share a hot drink and count down together. Local shops run specials all weekend, so it is also a good moment to pick up small gifts for each other.
First Chair of the Season
Fernie Alpine Resort opening day: If the snow cooperates, Fernie Alpine Resort plans to spin its lifts for the 2026 to 27 season on Friday, December 4. The resort says hours, terrain and lift details will be posted closer to the day, so watch the page that week. Ski a few early season runs in the morning, then head down to town for the Kick-Off events that weekend.
Laps at the Rink
Public skating at Fernie Memorial Arena: The City's arena runs its ice season from September to April, and public skates are drop in for all ages. The building itself is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. through the season, but skate times change week to week, so check the Recreation Online schedule linked from the City page before you go. Bring a thermos for afterward and see who can hold a glide the longest.
Sample Date Itineraries
1. Opening night art (Thursday, November 19): The Arts Station gallery after work → the Crump Retrospective opening upstairs at the Fernie Museum.
2. Snow and sparks (Saturday, December 5): Morning runs at Fernie Alpine Resort, if the season has opened → carollers on 2nd Avenue at 5 p.m. → fireworks over Station Square at 8 p.m.
3. Midwinter weekday: A public skate at the arena → the museum before 4 p.m. → a walk along 2nd Avenue at dusk with the peaks turning pink.
Pro Tips for Memorable Dates
The museum closes on statutory holidays, so plan around Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The lot on 1st Avenue across from The Arts Station closes for the Kick-Off on December 5, so park elsewhere and walk in.
Opening day depends on snow; check the resort page the night before.
Bring a few dollars for the museum donation box.
The Arts Station closes on Sundays, so save gallery time for another day.
Pack extra layers for the outdoor fireworks; Station Square gets cold once the sun drops behind the mountains.
Whether you spend it on skis, in a gallery or under fireworks, a winter date in Fernie comes with a mountain view at every turn.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Photo credits: Downtown Fernie by Holger Steinhaus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fernie from the Three Sisters by James Heilman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Fernie Alpine Resort by FJ48, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.