Fernie got its start as a coal mining town giving it a different feel compared to other great Canadian Rocky Mountain towns. Mining is still one of Fernie's major industries along with outdoor adventure tourism. I love the downtown Fernie's character. The brick buildings are quite different when compared to Alberta's Rocky Mountain destinations which frequently use wood for construction. The character of the brick buildings makes Fernie a fun place to wander around and explore. Fernie Alpine Resort can be seen in the distance.