A GUIDE TO ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE
IN FERNIE & THE ELK VALLEY
Patrick Markle – Featured Artist
Featured Winter Events
Fernie Craft Fairs
The Arts Station
Art Gallery Listings
Winter Events Calendar
Sadie Rosgen – Featured Performer
Cultural Attractions Listings
The Fernie Museum
The Airport – A Heritage Feature
MF&M Railway – A Heritage Feature
The Fernie Heritage Library
Film in Fernie & the REEL Canadian Film Festival
Ktunaxa Nation
Culinary Notes
Fernie’s Heritage Walking Tour
Coming Events – Spring & Summer 2020
In the heart of the majestic Canadian
Rocky Mountains, the Elk Valley is a
hidden oasis of verdant landscapes,
charming towns and abundant
recreation. For over 100 years,
pioneers have travelled to the region,
first in search of valuable minerals, and
now seeking a sanctuary focused on
family, community and the beautiful
outdoors. Mining still forms the base
of a thriving economy that has now
diversified and welcomes a variety of
artisans, small businesses, and an active
year-round recreational and cultural
tourism industry.
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FERNIE is the largest and oldest of
the 3 main communities in the Elk
Valley. A town rich in heritage, award-
winning architecture, and spectacular
scenery, Fernie charms and delights
all ages. Whether strolling century-
old Historic Downtown, exploring
the unique geography, visiting artists
and artisans or revelling in the packed
cultural calendar, there’s something for
everyone to enjoy.
View the Cultural Guide content and past issues online
at ElkValleyCulture.com
While in Fernie be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Fernie FIX Magazine
for more details on what’s happening in Fernie and local stories.
Cover image: Elk Valley Inversion by Patrick Markle. See P5
tourismfernie.com #ferniestoke
Pop: 5,249 | Founded 1898
Incorporated 1904
The Communities
of the Elk Valley
SPARWOOD lies in the middle of
the valley and is the first community
reached on entering from Alberta. The
town’s name is derived from the local
trees that were used for manufacturing
spars for ocean vessels. The town
was founded as a new home for the
residents of the temporary communities
of Michel and Natal. Several art murals
can be seen here, depicting the strong
connection to coal mining, with some
by Michelle Loughery who was born
in the area and went on to become a
world-renowned muralist.
Pop: 3,784 | Founded 1966
At the head of the valley is ELKFORD,
a small town with a passionate arts
community. Writing, painting,
photography, and pottery are among
the popular endeavours, and well-
known glass artist Katherine Russell
has a working studio here. Elkford is
the gateway to the Elk Lakes Provincial
Park, a remote protected area bordering
Alberta’s Kananaskis Country.
Pop: 1,752 | Founded 1971
Credits: Writing by Rebecca Hall. Writing, editing and layout by Jikke Gyorki. Design by Claris
Media. Images by Vince Mo, Raven Eye Photography, Sparwood Chamber, Sparwood Museum,
Fernie Museum, Matt Kuhn, Kyle Hamilton, District of Elkford, Fernie Alpine Resort, Nancy
Stevenson, Patrick Markle, Kerstin Maier, Glenn Donald, Nick Nault, Terry Hughes, Destination BC,
Eugene Vicknair, Jonas Chernik.