History Lovers

A Two-day Journey Steeped in Mountain History

Kootenay mountain culture stems from a deep history of the land and how people have come to call this place home.

DAY ONE – FERNIE & ST EUGENE

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 curse lifting ceremony of 1968 and the great fire of 1908 that led to the iconic and charming 2^nd Avenue architecture. 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. New 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 quck round on the St Eugene golf course.

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DAY TWO - CRANBROOK

After a hearty breakfast head into Cranbrook, just 10 minutes from St Eugene, for a day filled with heritage attractions. Pick up an Explore Historic Cranbrook map from the Visitor Centre and tour 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, home to the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel.

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.

For a historic night stay enjoy the Baker Hill Heritage B&B and book a seat for dinner at The Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse.

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For more information about Cranbrook visit www.cranbrooktourism.ca