Canadian Rockies Historical

While at first glance "Fernie" might not seem to be particularly significant as far as names go, it is actually another legacy of the past that continues to be a reminder of the historical roots of our city to this day. It tells the story of William Fernie, a man not only famous for the coal he discovered here over 100 years ago but also for the legend of how he is said to have found this valuable resource in the first place.

The Canadian Rockies have a vibrant past - full of discoveries. The late 1800s gold rush brought men looking for fortune, and many of the communities they settled remain today. The other major factor in the settlement of the area was the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway. There are numerous towns throughout that owe their existence to the railway, but this area proved to be one of the hardest for the railroad to develop. It was also during this time that many of the natural wonders that comprise the area's National Parks were found. The occurrences of the railroad settled the area, but the demographics were altered during the Second World War, when Japanese internment camps were set up here and some of those forced to move here chose to remain.