History Lovers - Kootenays 2-Day Road Trip

Explore Historic Downtown Fernie and soak up the arts and culture as the city comes to life with festivals, heritage walking tours, patios and Sunday farmer’s markets. Visit the Fernie Museum to learn about the great fire of 1908 that led to the iconic and charming 2^nd Avenue architecture and other historically significant events. Be sure to stroll the streets beyond 2^nd Avenue to view other grand heritage buildings such as the Fernie Court House and City Hall, our enjoy the full Heritage Walking Tour – guided or self-guided.

Having now established a need for lunch head over to The Brickhouse for some gourmet pub food and local Fernie Brewing Co beer. The Brickhouse was once home to the Imperial Bank built in 1909.

Visit St Eugene Resort and Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre on the outskirts of Cranbrook. Originally a First Nations residential school the Ktunaxa Nation transformed the heritage building into a beautiful resort with a golf course and casino. The Resort also provides an opportunity to educate visitors and locals about Ktunaxa First Nations history and culture. Added for 2018 is the Speaking Earth First Nations Experience. Spending the day and evening learning and exploring, then enjoy a great night’s sleep after dinner at the 19^th Hole Bar & Grill. If you’re up to it, wake up at the crack of dawn for a quick round on the St Eugene golf course.

After a hearty breakfast head into Cranbrook, just 10 minutes from St Eugene, for a day filled with heritage attractions. Stop in at the Visitor Centre for suggestions before touring Downtown Cranbrook and some of the 98 storied landmarks throughout the city.

Then let history captivate you and tease your senses with hints of parlour car cigar smoke from a bygone era still lurking in the vintage trains at Cranbrook’s History Centre.

At lunch unwind with a fresh, creative meal at Allegra Restaurant, then visit Fort Steele Heritage Town with over 60 restored and reconstructed buildings that represent the town as it was in its heyday. Enjoy live performances, horse-drawn wagon rides, shopping at the old general store and have afternoon tea.

Alternatively, visit Fisherville to explore the remains of a once bustling gold rush town. Follow an interpretive trail that tells the story of early settlers and miners, and experience the rise and fall of a community that thrived on the promise of gold.

For a historic night stay enjoy the Baker Hotel and book a seat for dinner at the Firehall Kitchen & Tap, which is located within Cranbook's old firehall, built in 1929.

For more information about Cranbrook visit www.cranbrooktourism.ca