The Arts Station

photo by www.rockiesimages.com

The magnificent scenery of Fernie invites travellers to pause a while and admire the Rocky Mountains surrounding this charming town. Rich in history and heritage, the once sleepy coal mining town is quickly becoming an outdoor enthusiast playground.

When the skis and snowboards, golf clubs and fly fishing rods are packed away for the day, visitors can stroll through Fernie’s historic downtown to discover its carefully-preserved heritage buildings which carry a wealth of local history.

One outstanding heritage building is the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, dating back to 1908, after Fernie’s second fire. When railways ruled the world of transportation and communication, it was the centre of intense activity. One can imagine passengers in transit stepping out and strolling along the platform to breathe deeply of the mountain air while contemplating the awesome ring of peaks.

Today the station is still a busy place. Moved a few metres from its original site, renovated, repainted and refurbished, it is now The Arts Station, home of the Fernie & District Arts Council. The original lobby is a gallery for the display of works by local artists; the ticket office is a restaurant; the baggage room is a 100-seat theatre used by visiting and local performers. Quilters, painters, stitchers and weavers use the upper floor while photographers and pottery enthusiasts practice their crafts in the basement studios.

It is still possible for visitors to stroll along the platform, admire the peaks and sense the pulse of the new activities. A visit to The Arts Station is a rewarding experience - welcome.