Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Issue 8 - Spring/Summer 2018 | Page 22

HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE A DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR OF FERNIE As if alighting from an arriving train, begin a walking tour of Fernie at the former CPR Station, 501 1st Avenue, now the Fernie Arts Station. This tour visits 12 of Fernie’s most iconic Historic Downtown buildings and features a variety of architectural styles and photo opportunities. Beautiful deep gold and rose-tinted brick and sandstone buildings line 2nd Avenue and are unique to Fernie. Look for evidence of the 1908 fire in the form of soot and smoke residue on the brickwork. Accessible, paved sidewalks | Approx. 45 minutes–1.5 hours 5 6 3 7 8 4 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FERNIE 3rd Avenue 9 10 2nd Avenue 2 1 1st Avenue 11 12 N   CPR STATION 601 1st Avenue | Now in use as The Arts Station As use of the automobile grew, rail travel declined and so did use of this Second-Class station that had once been the centre of activity in Fernie. Although passenger services were discontinued in 1964, the train tracks are still in daily use carrying the freight trains that regularly pass through the Elk Valley. Since 1987, the Fernie & 22 fernieculture.ca District Arts Council has used this facility as a performing and fine arts venue. Dine trackside at the Blue Toque Café and imagine yourself arriving on the platform for the first time 100 years ago! See P28 for more.