Top Ten Reasons why Fernie is the coolest town in North America

A small mountain town known for its mining heritage, nestled between majestic Rocky Mountain peaks? Yes. Epic skiing and snowboarding all winter long? Yes. A dozen lakes and rivers to swim, boat, raft, fish, and float on in the summer? Yes. Dozens of trails to hike and bike from dawn ’til dusk? Yes. Nightlife that rivals the best night out in any Canadian city? Yes.

Welcome to Fernie.

I’m not from around these parts, not by a long shot. Coming from Vancouver and having lived in international cities, I was skeptical of the list I just mentioned. But having spent a year in Fernie I can attest to having experienced it all. Let’s make it a top ten list — that way you can live a day, a week, or a season in my shoes when you come to the town that Rolling Stone magazine deservedly dubbed ‘the coolest town in North America’:

1. Making fresh tracks in the Lizard Bowl or fresher tracks on the Polar Peak, and hitting up the Lost Boys Caf