Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fall 2021 | Page 26

HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

A DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR OF FERNIE

As if alighting from an arriving train , begin a walking tour of Fernie at the former CPR Station , 501 1st Avenue , now The Arts Station . This tour visits 12 of Fernie ’ s most iconic Historic Downtown buildings and features a variety of architectural styles and photo opportunities . Beautiful deep gold and rose-tinted brick and sandstone buildings line 2nd Avenue and are unique to Fernie . Look for evidence of the 1908 fire in the form of soot and smoke residue on the brickwork .
Accessible , paved sidewalks | Approx . 45 minutes – 1.5 hours
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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FERNIE
4th Street
5th Street
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6th Street
3rd Avenue
7th Street
8th Street
9th Street
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2nd Avenue 11 12
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1 1st Avenue
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1 CPR STATION 601 1st Avenue | Now in use as The Arts Station
As use of the automobile grew , rail travel declined and so did use of this Second-Class station that had once been the centre of activity in Fernie . Although passenger services were discontinued in 1964 , the train tracks are still in daily use carrying the freight trains that regularly pass through the Elk Valley . Since 1987 , the Fernie &
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District Arts Council has used this facility as a performing and fine arts venue . Dine trackside at the Blue Toque Café and imagine yourself arriving on the platform for the first time 100 years ago !