Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Issue 3 Winter 2016 | Page 19

1 CPR STATION
601 1st Avenue | Now in use as The Arts Station
In its early years, the Canadian Pacific Railway station was the centre of activity in
Fernie whenever a train stopped to unload passengers, mail, and other goods. As
use of the automobile grew, rail travel declined and so did use of this Second-Class
station. Passenger services were finally discontinued in 1964. The train tracks are
still in daily use however, carrying the freight trains that regularly pass through the
Elk Valley. The beautiful Rocky Mountaineer can also occasionally be spotted on
a charter trip. Since 1987, the Fernie & 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! See p24
for more.

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