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Elk Valley Pride Festival: Make the most of your time in the Canadian Rockies

Elk Valley Pride Festival takes places this year between September 18-22nd, 2024. Once again, this event will be jam packed with activity throughout an extended weekend.

Whether this is your first time or you’re a return visitor to our town, we’d love for you to get the absolute most out of your time here in the Rocky Mountains.

View of the Fernie valley and surrounding mountain ranges from the top of Heiko's trail, with a slight pink sunset along the horizon.

Where is Fernie?

The rural mountain city of Fernie, BC is tucked in the Canadian Rockies towards the south eastern corner of British Columbia. Bordering Alberta, we are a three-hour drive from Calgary via Highway 3. Our nearest regional airport is Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) in Cranbrook which operates scheduled flights to Vancouver and Calgary.

Classic Fernie 2nd Ave shot with fall colours in Lizard Bowl in the background.

Things to do in Fernie, BC

Fernie is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and is bisected by the pristine Elk River. Visitors and locals renown Fernie for its wealth of options and its accessibility to outdoor adventure.

3 hikers with their backs to the camera and victory arms, looking at Mt. Protor, standing in mid alpine rocks.

However, beyond the world class flyfishing, alpine hiking, biking, and rafting, you really don’t have to look far to also get immersed into its rich arts, culture, and heritage scene.

Mountain biker with bright green helmet and black clothing descending with a view of all of Fernie and fireweed in bloom in the foreground.

Old architechture flanks the streets as you walk around Fernie’s Historic Downtown 2nd Avenue. You’ll find quaint independently-run shops, restaurants to suit all tastes, museum and galleries, and street art casually scattered around this former coal mining town.

Fernie mural by Beanpod, with flowers in the foreground.

Elk Valley Pride Festival takes place at the tail end of the summer leading into the stunning fall season. The quieter crowds in town, and milder temperatures make this time a perfect window to visit the Rockies.

Drone view of Fernie visitor's center with wooden derrick and fall coloured trees.

It’s always worthwhile to stop by the Fernie Visitor Info Centre when arriving to get a face-to-face lowdown on the new and best things to see and do during your time here. For some deeper insight in valley’s history and art scene, we also recommend you check out the latest seasonal issue of the Elk Valley & Fernie Culture Guide.

Where to Eat

Fernie has a diverse range of culinary options ranging from Korean, Himalayan, Sushi, European, Mexican, as well as traditional North American cuisine at places like the Pub at Park Place Lodge. You will find the majority of restaurants along Fernie’s Historic Downtown 2nd Avenue, as well as just off Highway 3.

Smiling people in Muskoka chairs, in front of The Chopstick Truck and Miner's Mud food trucks, with a fall starburst sun.

A full dining guide can be picked up at the Fernie Visitor Info Centre, and there is also a great listing on Tourism Fernie.

Where to stay

There are plenty of options to stay in Fernie both in and around towns for varying budgets. Accommodation choices range from hotels suites, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and private condos to even camping and RV spots.

Drone shot of the highway and the Fernie Fox hotel

Again, you’ll find there is a great listing of accommodation options on Tourism Fernie.com. Wherever you stay, you’ll no doubt have a great view of the mountains and be in close proximately to the festivities of the of the Elk Valley Pride Festival.

#ElkValleyPrideFestival

We always love to see how everyone spends their time here in Elk Valley as we fill Fernie with colour and joy. Please share your experience here at Elk Valley Pride Festival by tagging us with #ElkValleyPrideFestival.

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About Us

The Fernie Pride Society supports and connects the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley.  Incorporated in December 2016, the Society is a hub for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies, programming special events as well as providing resource referrals.

 

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102 Commerce Road
Fernie, BC
V0B 1M5

Fernie Pride acknowledges that we reside on land located within Qukin ʔamakʔis, the unceded traditional territory of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it.

We recognize that we live and work within their vast lands. ʔakanuxunik̓ are from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi‘it and are members of the Ktunaxa speaking peoples of British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana.

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