Best Restaurants in Fernie – A Local’s Guide Where to Eat
Even though it might be a small town, Fernie has no shortage of amazing places to eat. Having lived here for nearly 3 years now, I’ve tried all the best restaurants in Fernie and compiled them all into this comprehensive list.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch, cute cafe, hearty lunch or unbelievable dinner, I’ve got you covered! You’ll find my suggestions for where to eat for each occasion and more below.
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Contents
Quick Summary
This article is separated into sections, categorized by type. You can use the menu above to jump straight to the area you’re interested in or scroll through everything for an amazing overview of the food scene in Fernie. Additionally, I’ve given you some of my recommendations of what to try at each place.
Some of the restaurants are only open seasonally, so make sure to pay attention to the hours given under each name.
TOP TIP: In summer, most of the bars and restaurants on 2nd Avenue (the main downtown area), build outdoor patios with incredible mountain views. These patios are usually open from May to early September.
For those of you with specific dietary requirements or allergies, the best place to try is Nevados as they have an entirely separate menu for allergies and take it very seriously. Freshies also does a gluten-free bake sale every Tuesday.
For vegans/vegetarians, Bay Leaf Indian Fusion and Himalayan Spice Bistro are incredible! Plus, you can grab some delicious vegan pasties from the House of Gato (I seriously can’t taste the difference between her vegan and non-vegan pastry).
| 🥐Best Breakfast: | Big Bang Bagels |
| 🍳Best Brunch: | The Loaf |
| 🍽️Best Restaurant: | Nevados |
| ☕Best Cafe: | Mug Shots |
| 👨👩👧For Families: | Bridge Bistro |
| 📷Best View: | Bear Bistro |
NOTE: A handful of restaurants have been featured in multiple categories below (EG: when they do a great brunch and dinner). I’ve labelled these restaurants with a * if I have already talked about them in a previous section.
1. Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go or a filling feast, there are plenty of places to cure your cravings for a good breakfast, brunch or lunch in Fernie.
As brunch is a little more specific, I’ve put the best brunch spots in Fernie into their own subsection here.
Big Bang Bagels – Best Grab & Go Option in Fernie
There’s a reason that Big Bang Bagels often has lines out the door on the weekends! Our very own bagel shop offers a range of different bagels from plain cream cheese to decadent bagel sandwiches.
Get in early if you want your pick of bagel flavours (Jalapeno cheese is my favourite) as they do sell out of certain options throughout the day. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Their menu features a full range of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, all of which are delicious but a crowd favourite is always the Avolauncher.
TOP TIP: There can be long lines on summer weekends, so order online ahead of time to skip the line and pick up in-store.
There are a few tables inside but during the summer, try and snag a seat on their outdoor patio that sits directly on Fernie’s main street with an incredible mountain view.
Mug Shots – For a Good Breakfast
Cuisine: All Day Breakfast
Open: 7 am-3 pm Weekdays / 8 am-2 pm Weekends
Must Try: Goodness Bowl
Mug Shots is my favourite cafe in town (more on that later) but they also do an amazing breakfast! With classics from full egg breakfasts and avocado toast to breakfast burritos and soup, there’s something for everyone at Mug Shots.
But aside from the food, what I love about Mug Shots is the cozy atmosphere. This quirky cafe has comfy couches, games and a beautiful patio in the summer months. There’s even a vintage clothing pop-up inside if you feel like doing some shopping.
Lunch Box – For a Healthy Lunch
For a quick and healthy lunch, unsurprisingly, Lunch Box is your spot! This place mostly sells wraps, soups, salads and chilli but there are so many unique combinations to choose from, that their food is anything but boring.
Everything is also made to order, so if you have any dietary preferences, they are usually pretty happy to customize your order. There are sit-down tables inside (and outside in the summer), or take your lunch to go if you want to enjoy it elsewhere.
While you’re here, make sure to try one of their delicious smoothies! They’re sure to cure your hangover or at least, make you feel super healthy.
Bear Bistro at Island Lake Lodge – Best View in Fernie
Located at the incredible Island Lake Lodge, Bear Bisto is only open to the public during the summer months. While it is also quite the trek to get up here (7km up a dirt road in the wilderness), it is absolutely worth the effort. The patio at the Bear Bistro is the best restaurant with a view in Fernie, hands down.
Island Lake Lodge is a backcountry paradise and the location of my favourite hike in Fernie. After a tough hike, there’s no better reward than a cold drink and a delicious meal with a mountain view. And although it’s a little pricey, the homemade ice cream sandwich here is unbelievably good and big enough to be shared, I highly recommend it!
Note that the Bear Bistro is only open for lunch, so make sure you allow enough time after your hike to enjoy it.
TOP TIP: The Bear Bistro has a special called “Take a hike” where they choose a featured Island Lake Lodge hike each week. If you take a picture at the iconic photo spot and post it to Instagram, you’ll receive a beer and burger of your choice for just $27.
Best Brunch in Fernie
As an Australian from Melbourne, I take brunch very seriously. While my absolute favourite brunch spot in Fernie closed down last summer, thankfully there are plenty of other options around town to fill the hole.
Note that all of these brunch spots are also featured in the dinner restaurants section below.
The Loaf – The Best Brunch in Fernie
Out of all the brunch that I’ve tried in Fernie, the Loaf is my winner for best brunch in Fernie. This Italian restaurant offers most of the classic options you’d expect to find on a brunch menu with a bit of an Italian twist.
I love the eggs benedict here (well vegetarian version for me) and it’s served on a thick focaccia instead of the usual muffin. Another great menu option is the “The Loaf Toast” which comes with one slice of avocado toast and a second slice with whipped ricotta and berries. For all you indecisive people like me, it’s the best of both worlds if you can’t decide between sweet or savoury.
Bridge Bistro – Best Breakfast Cocktail Options
One of the OG brunches in Fernie, the Bridge Bistro has a great breakfast menu with all the egg options you could ever dream of… But what’s even better is their drinks menu that’s available all day long. They have all your classic cocktails & mimosas, plus some unique creations using local Fernie Distiller spirits.
For breakfast, my go-to at the Bridge Bistro is the Vegetarian skillet and “Quitting Thyme” cocktail on the outdoor patio. This is the best patio in town as it’s located right next to the river and covered in colourful flowers throughout the summer.
TOP TIP: If going for brunch, try to get there before lunch service starts at 11 am as the kitchen can get a bit chaotic when they’re serving so many different foods.
Cirque – Brunch on the Ski Hill
If you want to start your ski day off right, why not eat a delicious brunch right at the base of the slopes? Located in Lizard Creek Lodge at the base of the Elk Chair, Cirque is a high-end restaurant that serves a delicious brunch throughout the winter season.
This magical restaurant is sure to set the mood as you enjoy its rustic charm while looking out directly at the slopes. Their menu is small but everything is crafted with high-end ingredients and a lot of skill.
Chilango – For a Mexican Twist on Brunch
For something a little different, Chilango does a Mexican Brunch that’s hard to beat. If you’re ever been to Mexico, you may have experienced “Chilaquiles” before, but for those who haven’t, these are essentially breakfast nachos with either a green or red chilli sauce – sounds delicious right!?
Don’t worry if Chilaquiles doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, they offer a range of Western and Mexican takes on brunch classics such as egg dishes, toast & pancakes (try the tres leches pancakes).
The Pub Bar & Grill – Best Hangover Cure Brunch
Last but not least, the Pub Bar & Grill offers a classic North American brunch menu that is sure to fulfill your hangover cravings.
Whether you’re looking for a fried egg sandwich, greasy breakfast poutine or bowl of hash, you’ll find all that and more, accompanied by a full drinks menu should you want to enjoy a hair of the dog.
2. Dinner Restaurants
Dinner restaurants are where we really shine when it comes to where to eat in Fernie. There are so many amazing options that I can’t include them all, but here are the top restaurants in Fernie.
*Cirque Restaurant & Bar – Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Fernie
If you want a fancy meal out, there’s no better place than Cirque. Located up at the Fernie Alpine Resort, this fine dining restaurant has a rustic ski resort interior with a roaring fireplace, a tall wooden beamed ceiling and huge glass windows looking out over the mountain.
The decor isn’t the only reason to come here though. Cirque has the most elegant meals and high-class service with a fully stocked bar at the ready. They’re open every night for dinner but also often host special dinners for holidays like Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day.
TOP TIP: You may want to ensure you have a way to get back to town at the end of your meal (if you’re not staying at the ski hill) as we don’t have a regular taxi service here.
Bramasole – Gorgeous Wine Bar with a Garden Patio
Bramasole is perfect if you want to enjoy good wine paired with some small bites, especially in the summertime. While the food and wine are of course great year round, I think summer is where Bramasole really shines thanks to its amazing garden.
When the sun shines, you can’t beat listening to live music surrounded by flowers while sipping a crisp cool wine. The menu itself is mostly Italian inspired with plenty of small plates that can be shared tapas style, think bruschetta, charcuterie and antipasto. If you’re here for a full meal, their interesting range of pasta is sure to fill you up.
Nevados Tapas & Tequilla – Upscale Mexican Restaurant
Nevados is one of my top two favourite restaurants in Fernie and many other locals would agree. I like to describe it as upscale Mexican as the restaurant itself is quite nice with a modern, elegant entirely, but the Mexican menu is what makes it truly special. You won’t just find tacos and burritos here but an interesting mix of classic Mexican dishes and plenty of tapas items to share.
The Hongos tacos are a hit with everyone (even my friend who doesn’t like mushrooms liked these tacos), but some of my other must-tries here are the papitas, winter squash salad and arepa.
If you can, try and get a seat on the patio in summer. Its beautiful vine-covered beams will make you feel like you’re on a Mediterranean vacation (while eating Mexican food).
TOP TIP: Nevados doesn’t take reservations and during peak tourist season, there’s often a line waiting outside before they’ve even opened. If you want a seat on the patio, it’s best to arrive around 4:30 pm or wait for a late dinner.
Bay Leaf Indian Fusion – Best Indian Restaurant in Fernie
Many people ask me which is the best Indian restaurant in Fernie (we have 3) and I think the answer to that question is without a doubt, Bay Leaf Indian Fusion. The owner of Bay Leaf actually started the other two Indian restaurants in town (Himalayan Spice Bistro and Tandoor). So while all of them are great, having traveled to both India and Nepal I find Bayleaf to be the most authentic.
Located at the Fernie Golf Course, the menu is separated into Indian, Nepalese and Western cuisine which means there’s truly something to suit all tastes, making it a good option for families. Seriously all of their food is good, but if you’ve never tried Nepalese food before, make sure to get the Momos (Nepalese dumplings).
TOP TIP: Bay Leaf has an awesome happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm every day with $6 pints and highballs, $2 ribs, 66c ribs and 77c Momos.
Curry Bowl – Most Interesting Asian Food in Fernie
While at first thought you may think that Curry Bowl is an Indian restaurant, it’s actually named after the Currie Bowl (ski area) at the Fernie Alpine Resort. So while they do offer curries on the menu, that’s not all they have.
In fact, Curry Bowl has quite an interesting spread of options with some of the best meals from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnamese all in one place. There are plenty of vegetarian options and easy substitutions as most menu items give you the option to choose your protein.
I love the vegetarian donburi at Curry Bowl and if you’re looking for a filling starter to share, make sure to pick the lentil dip. I don’t know what they put in it but it’s amazing, even if you’re not that into lentils.
Himalayan Spice Bistro – Best Restaurant for Vegetarians in Fernie
I’ve already named Bay Leaf as the best Indian restaurant in Fernie, but Himalayan Spice Bistro is just as good in its own special way.
Here you have to try the Tandoori Kebabs which are cooked in a unique clay oven. You can choose chicken, prawn or paneer, all of which come marinated in some delicious spiced and cooked to perfection.
Aside from the Tandoor, the menu here has all the Indian classics you could ever ask for with both meat and vegetarian options. I think they actually have the most vegetarian options of any restaurant in Fernie!
Fernie Cattle Co. – Best Steak House in Fernie
As a Vegetarian, I have to admit I have never eaten here but if you’re a meat eater in search of a good steak, I have it on good authority that the Fernie Cattle Co. won’t disappoint.
Each steak is made to order including cut, size and doneness which means everyone should be happy with their order. This is also the place to go for seafood in Fernie. Prawns, crab, escargot, you name it, they have it.
Yamagoya – Amazing Japanese Restaurant
I mentioned before that Nevados is one of my top two favourite restaurants in town, well Yamagoya is the other! Co-owned by a Japanese lady, here you can expect an authentic Japanese menu with plenty of interesting takes on the cuisine to keep it fresh.
I also think that Yamagoya has one of the best atmospheres when it comes to restaurants in Fernie. It’s always full and the friendly vibe only adds to the incredible food for a great experience.
TOP TIP: Yamagoya doesn’t take reservations and is usually fully booked in peak season. Arrive at opening time to snag a spot or head over for a late dinner.
My favourite dishes here are the vegetarian ramen and agedashi Tofu (if you’ve never tried tofu before, this is the perfect way to start). This is another great option for vegans and vegetarians as they certainly haven’t left us out. They even have vegan Nigiri.
While all my favourite dishes here are vegetarian, their most popular roll is actually the steak and cheese sushi. While it may seem a bit weird, everyone I know always orders this when they go and it’s my partner’s favourite thing on the menu.
The Brickhouse Bar & Grill – Best North American Restaurant in Fernie
For classic comfort food or nibbles after a long day in the mountains, the cozy atmosphere of the Brickhouse’s historic building is waiting to welcome you with open arms.
We often order some flatbread and nachos to share over a couple of drinks for an afternoon treat, but if you’re looking for dinner there are plenty of options to suit everyone. Burgers, steak, salads, chicken, you name it and Brickhouse does it and does it well.
*The Loaf – Best Italian Restaurant in Fernie
I’ve already talked about the Loaf on my brunch list but they are actually primarily an Italian restaurant. The new owners have really upped their game this year to make the Loaf one of the best restaurants in Fernie, especially for Italian food.
Expect Neapolitan-style pizza, pasta, wine, fish & seafood from this authentic menu. There are even gluten-free pasta options for all varieties and a fully stocked salad bar so it’s another good option for those with food intolerances. I recommend the arancini and burrata pizza.
TOP TIP: Visit during happy hour from 3-5 pm for $15 pizza and pasta.
*Chilango – Most Authentic Mexican Restaurant
If you want to close your eyes and imagine you’re at a local restaurant on a beach in Mexico, Chilangos is for you. While the interior is quite modern and trendy, the menu speaks for itself and is pretty similar to a menu you would find in Mexico.
Tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, fajitas and of course, margaritas are all great choices here.
*Bridge Bistro – Family Friendly Restaurant in Fernie
If you’re looking for the best restaurant for families in Fernie, the Bridge Bistro is my top choice. They’ve got a comprehensive menu with plenty of options for fussy eaters as well as some interesting choices for the parents.
Inside there’s a cosy interior with plenty of booth seating which gives you a little privacy and the ability to block in wriggly kids if needed. During the summer, they open the huge glass doors to the patio, bringing the outside in.
Duck wings are a popular choice here but I also can rave all day long about the Tofu Bowl and steak cut fries (I LOVE fries and these are the best in Fernie). The portion sizes are great and I usually have enough to take home for lunch the next day.
TOP TIP: Grab a seat on the patio if visiting in summer. It’s right next to the river and covered in colourful flowers.
Tamarack Dining Room at Island Lake Lodge – For Special Events
Located up at Island Lake Lodge which is only open to the public in summer, the Tamarack Dining Room is absolutely the place to go if you’re celebrating a special occasion. You must make a reservation ahead of time if you want to eat here but the high-class menu and magical location are well worth the effort.
Throughout the summer they also put on special dinners around a theme using locally sourced ingredients which are always something to look out for. Last summer they did a series of foraged meals which each featured a different ingredient found naturally around Fernie.
TOP TIP: Every Monday during the summer you can book in for a romantic date night. For $138 per couple, you receive 2 glasses of bubbles, one appetizer, two mains and a dessert.
Elk Valley Catering – Best Private Chef in Fernie
This family-run catering business is the perfect option if you’re planning a special event or group getaway in Fernie. Victor and Karlea are good friends of mine and I can 100% vouch for their unbelievable food and top-notch service.
Victor is a Red Seal chef with over 20 years of professional experience from around the world which means his ability to whip up decadent and creative menus is unmatched. Happy to cater to a range of dietary requirements, Elk Valley Catering is a great choice if you would like to include an unforgettable private dinner in your Fernie itinerary.
TOP TIP: If you’re visiting Fernie for a bachelor party, ask about their server options.
3. Cafes & Coffee Shops
Fernie has no shortage of cozy cafes and great coffee! If you’re looking to take home some unique Fernie coffee, the Fernie Roasting Company sells locally roasted beans in many locations around town (the Local store, Fernie Visitor Information Center and Independent Grocery Store). Alternatively, here are the best cafes and coffee shops in Fernie to enjoy a cup.
*Mug Shots – Best Cafe Atmosphere
Mug Shots is my favourite cafe in Fernie, mainly due to the cozy atmosphere they’ve managed to create. Mixed-matched furniture, tonnes of local art, plenty of plants, couches, games and an outdoor patio make it the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon. There’s even a pop-up vintage store if you feel so inclined.
But of course, a cafe isn’t just about the atmosphere. The food and drinks here are everything you could want with an all-day breakfast, plenty of sweat treats and beverages of all types to choose from. The ice chai is the perfect refresher on a hot summer day!
Freshies – Best Cafe for Digital Nomads in Fernie
If you’re looking for somewhere you can sit and work for hours while being filled with good coffee, pastries, and small bites, Freshies is your new office! You’re guaranteed friendly service here and the booth seating provides plenty of privacy to get your work done.
During the summer, Freshis has a huge outdoor space (the biggest in Fernie) full of tables and chairs covered with individual umbrellas. It’s also in the sun nearly all day long which makes it a popular spot to enjoy some rays with a delicious beverage. Unfortunately, they don’t clear the whole patio in the winter time but usually, there are two tables that are usable if you’re looking to enjoy the winter outdoors.
Another great perk for gluten-free people, every Tuesday they have a gluten-free bake sale with everything from cupcakes to pies, cakes and more.
Thursdays are pie days at Freshies with a great selection of both sweet and savory pies available.
TOP TIP: During the summer months, Freshies has a vibrant open mic & BBQ night every Wednesday in the courtyard.
Miners Mud – Best Muffins in Fernie
This cafe food truck is located just off Hwy 3 in West Fernie making it the perfect place to stop for a coffee on your way to the ski hill.
Not only do they have good coffee, breakfast sandwiches and Novia Scotian Oat Cakes, Minders Mud has the best muffins in Fernie! The type of muffin changes daily but the Morning Glory muffin is definitely a stand out.
I love grabbing one of their homemade energy bites or trail cookies to stash in a pocket for a mid-mountain snack.
Rooftop Coffee Roasters – Best Coffee in Town
I’ve already talked about the Fernie Roasting Company but if you’re looking for some locally roasted coffee that you can enjoy in a sit-down cafe, head to Rooftop Coffee Roasters.
We are lucky enough to have two local coffee roasters in Fernie, both of which are equally as delicious. This cafe is quite small with just a few seats as the majority of the property is taken up by the roasting equipment (which means it always smells amazing). Because of the limited space, it isn’t usually my first choice if I want to spend a long time, but it sure does have a cozy atmosphere for a quick cup.
While their “thing” is definitely coffee, I actually really like their alternative lattes as a non-caffeinated option like the Lavendar Late and Golden Latte.
Note that Rooftop only has a small selection of pastries each day that are often sold out, so if you’re looking for food it’s best to head to one of the other cafes on this list.
House of Gato – For Amazing Pastries (Incl. Vegan Options)
The only bakery in town! But honestly, even if it wasn’t the only bakery in town, I’d still rave about how good the pastries are at House of Gato.
Cat is a talented pastry chef from Quebec who’s blessed our little town with her love of baking. The bakery is small but mighty, with just 300 square feet of space, service is via a window with no indoor seating, but don’t worry there’s a park just around the corner.
Make sure to try a pistachio puff as well as the mushroom turnover (if you’re lucky enough to get one before she sells out). Aside from her regular pastries, cakes, bread and sandwiches, House of Gato also makes a range of vegan pastries. The vegan pastries are so good I can’t even tell the difference from regular pastries.
As it’s mostly a one-woman show, the open hours of House of Gato change frequently. Generally, they’re open Wednesday to Friday from 10 am until they sell out. Check her Instagram for up-to-date opening times.
Bean Pod – Traditionally Made Cholocate
While Bean Pod is predominately a chocolate shop, they also serve incredible mocha coffee and hot chocolate so I thought they more than deserved a place on this list.
In fact, Beanpod is one of the first bean-to-bar companies in Canada and to this day they continue to make chocolate with traditional methods onsite daily. After sourcing organic beans directly from ecologically friendly farms, they transform it into good-for-you chocolate without preservatives or additives.
So of course with such great chocolate, you can make amazing chocolate-based drinks! They also serve regular coffees such as americanos and lattes plus some of the best gelato in Fernie.
4. Apres, Pubs & Bars
If you’ve spent a full day on the mountain and are ready to party, there are plenty of Apres bars to choose from! While we may not have European-level apres ski, Fernie sure does know how to have a good time.
Griz Bar – Best Apres in Fernie
The Griz Bar is without a doubt the best apres bar in Fernie. Located above the day lodge in the base area of the Fernie Alpine Resort, this place is pumping every weekend. In fact, it’s often full before the lifts even close during the holiday period.
So get in early if you’re looking for the true apres-ski experience, ski boots and all. There’s indoor and outdoor seating with friendly bar staff, live music and dancing. What more could you want?
Well nachos, that’s something else that the Griz Bar is famous for. Grab some friends and indulge in a decadent mountain of cheesy goodness over a pitcher of beer for a good time.
The Northern Bar & Stage – Where to Party in Fernie
Most nights of the week, the Northern is a regular pub/bar with a lively atmosphere, good food and lots of friendly faces. But on certain nights, it turns into a full-on club with visiting DJs and live music performances.
Pre-sale tickets for these events usually sell out well in advance but there are always a few saved to be sold at the door, so make sure to line up early if you want to get into the best show in town.
The Fernie Tap House – Best Selection of Tap Beers in Fernie
If you’re just looking for a good beer and some sports on the big screen, the Fernie Tap House will be right up your alley. With a large selection of rotating beers on tap, this sports bar is sure to make any beer lover happy.
But even if you’re not thrilled about beer like me, the Tap House has plenty to offer with everything from ciders to cocktails and other mixed drinks on offer. Plus, a full pub menu with all the classics. And don’t let the sports bar element put you off (usually not my cup of tea either), as long as there isn’t a big game on, it’s not too overwhelming. Here you can come to enjoy a chill game of pool any night of the week.
TOP TIP: The Fernie runs the best trivia night in town on Wednesdays during the winter! It’s a super fun night out.
*The Pub Bar & Grill – A Classic Ski Town Pub
Another option for a good night out, the Pub Bar & Grill is a classic ski town pub complete with pool tournaments, trivia, delicious burgers and flowing drinks. With skis mounted to the rafters and a dark, slightly dingy interior, this is where you come if you want to feel the ski town vibe.
Plus, many people agree that the Pub has the best vegetarian burger in town!
Fernie Distillers – For Delicious Local Cocktails
Type: Cocktail Bar
Open: Sun + Mon 2pm-8pm, Wed & Thur 4pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 3pm-10pm
Happy Hour: 8 pm-10 pm
For something a little more sophisticated, head to Fernie Distillers. Tucked away on 1st Avenue, many people miss out on this special gem but it’s got some of the best cocktails in Fernie!
Fernie Distillers makes different gin, vodka and special liqueurs onsite which they craft into unique cocktails. With a rotating menu, the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and can suggest a cocktail to suit your preferences or whip you up something one-of-a-kind upon request.
In the summer, they also have a beautiful patio which is one of my favourite places to spend a sunny afternoon.
TOP TIP: Fernie Distillers offers tours every weekend for $25 per person which teach you all about the distilling process and what makes Fernie Distillers so special.
Fernie Brewing Company – Best Local Beer
If you’ve travelled to any other ski towns in B.C., you’ve probably seen that Fernie Brewing Company is quite a big deal. Well, here you can go straight to the source and enjoy a cold beer on their sunny patio. It even has a designated “dog parking” area with shade, water and astroturf for your furry companions.
Located on the outskirts of town, it can be a bit of a hike to get there but the location gets sun all afternoon long which is actually one of my favorite parts about the brewery. The best way to get here is to embrace the Fernie lifestyle and ride your bike! There’s plenty of bike parking just outside the door and you’ll be happy not to drive when you see the strength of their beers!
TOP TIP: If you’re an experienced mountain biker, check out the “Trail to Ale”. If you ride 3 specific trails within 24 hours, you’re eligible for a free beer!
Kodiak Lounge – For the Ghostrider’s Hockey Game After Party
The Kodiak Lounge is the local hostel bar which automatically means it’s pumping nearly every night. It’s definitely a younger crowd here with plenty of ski bums as permanent fixtures each winter, but what’s not to like about that?
While they have plenty of fun events like karaoke and jam nights, the most popular night here is hockey night. The Kodiak Lounge is the unofficial after-party for all the Ghostrider hockey games and the place gets packed. In fact, many people leave the game a little early to make sure they get in.
TOP TIP: If heading to the hockey in Fernie, drop by the Kodiak for a pre-game beer. You can get a beer and hockey ticket for just $14.
5. Where to Eat on the Ski Hill at Fernie Alpine Resort
While most of the best places to eat in Fernie are located in town, I know many of you will spend the majority of your time here at the ski hill. So to help you out, I decided to lay out all the places to eat at Fernie Alpine Resort so you can easily pick your spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*Cirque Restaurant & Bar
I’ve already talked about Cirque a couple of times throughout the article so I won’t go into too many more details here. However, Cirque is a fine dining restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner inside of Lizzard Creek Lodge.
With a beautiful interior and huge glass windows looking out over the slopes, you should experience a meal here at least once during your stay. In addition to their unbeatable food and high-class service, there’s a fully stocked bar onsite.
IceBar
Also located inside Lizzard Creek Lodge, just below Cirque Restaurant is the IceBar. As you can imagine, everything is made of ice here and the room is kept at a chilly temperature. Don’t worry, there are warm jackets for you to borrow for your time in the IceBar!
The icebar only serves shots of vodka so you won’t be in here for very long but it’s well worth the experience. Drinking vodka in freezing temperatures is supposed to enhance the flavour and make the liquor much more smooth. When I say everything is made from ice, I mean it. Even the shot glasses themselves are ice so you get to smash your glass once you’re done!
Slopeside Cafe
For a quick bite or basic lunch, Slopeside Cafe offers both sit-down service and options to-go. The lunch menu may be small but it has some good quality sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and bowls alongside their typical breakfast menu of bagels and cakes.
IMPORTANT: Don’t get Slopeside Cafe and Slopeside Hotel confused, they are located in completely different places (not even the same building). Slopeside Cafe is located next to Legends Restaurant, below Cornerstone Lodge
Griz Day Lodge – Cheapest Food on the Mountain
If you’re on a budget, the Day Lodge should be your first stop. In typical ski resort fashion, there is a huge hall of tables and chairs with cafeteria-style food for sale.
The breakfast menu is actually a favourite among staff, particularly the “Sasquash”, but for lunch, you can expect to see sandwiches, burgers, poutine, sausages, fries and wings.
Legends Restaurant
Type: Family Restaurant / Pub
Open: 11 am – 8 pm, Sun – Thu / 11 am – 9 pm Fri – Sat
Location: Base Area / Cornerstone Lodge
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Legends Restaurant is a good shout. Located in the base area below Cornerstone Lodge, Legends is what you would expect from a typical ski resort bar.
Think lots of wooden decor, skis, plaid, booths and a central circle-shaped bar. I love it in here, it makes me really feel like I’m in Canada (even though I’ve lived here for nearly 5 years at this point).
You can drop in for a drink or a whole meal, they have all the classic pub foods you would expect to find on their menu.
*Griz Bar
Type: Apres Bar
Open: 11 am – 6 pm, Sun- Thu / 11 am – Midnight, Friday-Saturday
Location: Base Area
Griz Bar is Fernie’s famous apres bar located above the day lodge. It’s super popular on weekends and is often packed full before the lifts have even stopped spinning, but you’re practically guaranteed a good time here any day of the week.
You can come just for drinks in this historic bar or grab something off their bar menu. I recommend the mountain of Nachos that you can customize and share with your friends.
Lost Boys Cafe
This is the only proper cafe located on the slopes themselves so get ready to be treated to an amazing view from the top of the Timber chairlift. That being said, the cafe doesn’t even have running water so their menu is a little limited. Think soups, sandwiches and mac, but don’t worry you can still get a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up here.
TOP TIP: During the summer, Lost Boy’s is open on certain Saturdays with live music on the patio.
Bear’s Den
While Lost Boys Cafe services “new side” of Fernie Alpine Resort, Bear’s Den is where to eat on the “old side”.
Located at the top of the Elk chair lift, this small snack shack offers packaged products such as soft drinks and chips as well as some basic hot dogs, nachos and sandwiches. There are a couple of picnic benches outside where you can enjoy your lunch in the sun overlooking the bear run. In summer you even get the choice of laying in a hammock here!
6. Fast Food & Food Trucks
For our last category, we can’t forget the fast food of Fernie! While we have plenty of big chains like A&W or Domino, I’m not going to include those here (they’re all on Google Maps). This is a list of our local fast-food restaurants and food trucks unique to Fernie.
NOTE: Most of the food trucks only operate in summer and don’t have a set schedule. You can check their social media accounts for up-to-date appearances, or head to the weekly farmers market in Fernie. Most of the food trucks are there!
Iggy’s
Iggy’s became an instant hit in Fernie when it opened in 2023. Serving up delicious Shawarma and Falafel wraps using local ingredients, Iggy never disappoints.
You can find his colourful truck at most local festivals and occasionally, he collaborates with other local businesses for something special. Last year Iggy took over the Mug Shot’s kitchen every Thursday to whip up a delicious meal for all who stopped by.
Chilangos Truck
I’ve already talked about the Mexican restaurant in Fernie called Chilangos, well lucky for you they also have a food truck! While they don’t offer the full menu, the food truck is often seen around town on the weekends to help you get your taco fix.
*Miners Mud
Permanently located in West Fernie, just off Highway 3, Minders Mud offers great coffee, tasty treats and the best muffins in town. It’s right on your way up to the ski hill which makes it easy to stop on the way up for your morning fuel.
Chopstick Truck
During the summer, the Chopstick Truck is parked up in the same location as Miner’s Mud and is a great place to grab lunch or dinner on a sunny summer evening. Outside the truck there is a beautiful garden area with chairs, fairy lights an a great vibe, perfect for enjoying some delicious Vietnamese food.
Luchadora
Lunchadora is a little more sporadic with their opening hours but check their Instagram to keep up to date. When it’s open, you’ll find it behind the patio at Nevado’s restaurant surviving up some epic burritos. They have the classics, meat and vegetarian, but each week they also throw in something a little special so keep your eye out for that. Last summer they opened Thursday to Saturday during the peak summer season only.
Graffito Pizza – Best Pizza in Fernie
If you search for “pizza” in Fernie, you’ll see that we have way too many pizza shops for such a small town. Well if you’re looking for the best of the best, you can’t pass up Graffitto Pizza. Cooking traditional woodfired pizza out of a small caravan behind Earth’s Own Cannabis store, this place is super unassuming and easy to miss, but most people in Fernie rave about the quality.
Funky Goat Pizza – Best Delivery in Fernie
For those of you who want good food to come to you, Funky Goat Pizza is the next best pizza in town, and they deliver! There’s a flat delivery fee of $2-5 depending on how far you are from town but it’s well worth it for their high-quality food. There’s plenty of interesting flavours to choose from but my favourite is the Mushroom Head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best restaurants in Fernie downtown?
The best restaurants in downtown Fernie are Nevados and Yamagoya.
What is the best Italian restaurant in Fernie?
The best Italian restaurant in Fernie is The Loaf.
Which are the best family restaurants Fernie?
The best family restaurants in Fernie are the Bridge Bistro and the Brickhouse.
What are the best restaurants in Fernie with a view?
The best restaurants with a view in Fernie are the Bear Bistro at Island Lake Lodge and Bay Leaf Indian Fusion located at the Fernie Golf Course.
Which Fernie restaurants do delivery?
Funky Goat Pizza, Bridge Bistro, Himalayan Spice Bistro, Curry Bowl, The Loaf and Sushi Wood do delivery in Fernie.
Now, I’m hungry! I gave you so many options to choose from I hope you found exactly what you’re looking for. That being said, I know so many options can be a bit overwhelming so here are my personal favourites again:
- Nevados – upscale Mexican tapas
- Yamagoya – Japanese restaurant
If you have any more suggestions, questions or recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, check out all my other articles on Fernie here.
Enjoy eating,
Kate
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Helpful Resources
Hotels.com - Another great place to find a hotel with specific requirements for your trip.
Agoda - Best for booking hotels in Asia. Has options worldwide however in Asia it seems to have the most options of all the booking sites.
Hostelworld - Perfect for backpackers, Hostelworld is my go-to to find dorm rooms and cheap, social accommodation options.
Rental Cars - Another option to compare rental car companies and providers worldwide.
Sixt - Previously “Thrifty” car rentals.
Europcar - Offers car and van hire around the world.
AutoEurope - Best place to find RV’s to rent for your trip.
Paul Camper - Rent campervans directly from their owners at reduced prices.
Viator - Preferred by US providers so sometimes has a bigger range of activities in select locations.
Klook - Most popular in Asia, you will find a bigger range of attractions and tours in the region of Asia on Klook.
Civitatis - Specializing in European Cities. Although it provides tours worldwide, always check here for additional options if visiting Europe.
HeadOut - Best place to find discounted attraction tickets.
Tiqets - Offers a lot of combo tickets. Make sure to visit if you are planning on visiting a few iconic attractions within a city.
Tripaneer - Where to go if you want to book retreats of any kind (yoga, cycling, outdoors etc).
Guru Walks - Book your spot on a free walking tour.
G Adventure - Lets you compare multi day tours around the world to pick the right itinerary for you.
Cruise Critic - Check out the different cruise options for long or short trips world wide.
Cruise Direct - Another option for comparing and booking cruises for your trip.
Helly Hanson - Norwegian based clothing brand which produces durable outdoor clothing, particularly ski gear.
The North Face - High quality clothing for all your outdoor adventure needs.
Decathlon - Has a great range of cheap equipment and clothing for a huge range of sports and outdoor activities.
Sport Chek - Everything you need for general sports and outdoor adventures under one roof (or website).
Kiwi - Best platform for comparing different routes and dates.
Flixbus - Cheapest bus service mostly serving Europe but available in a few other destinations.
Greyhound - US long distance bus transport service.
Busbud - Compare and find all the bus times and providers for your chosen route.
Trainline - Find train times and tickets for long distance travel around the world.
Save a train - Another place to get train tickets and compare services for your destination.
Welcome Pickups - Pre book your airport transfer to your hotel.
Get Transfer - Another option to find airport transfers within your destination city.
Kiwi Taxi - Find and pre-book a taxi service in your location (including airport transfers).
SafetyWing - Best for digital nomads, offers ongoing monthly travel insurance plans.
Bonzah - Rental car insurance. Cheaper plans than those offered by the rental car companies themselves.
