Many Saskatoon locals point their cars west for one reason: the mountains. Fernie has them in spades. At just 850 kilometres away, it’s arguably the most accessible Canadian mountain destination from Saskatoon. The trip takes roughly ten hours on a mix of open highway and winding mountain tarmac.
But a road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie is an experience in itself. Along the way, you’ll go through art-filled towns, scenic mountain passes, cultural hotspots, and stunning natural landscapes that make every kilometre worthwhile.
Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie in winter, here’s how to make the most of your journey.
How Long Does It Take to Drive from Saskatoon to Fernie?
A road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie usually takes around nine to ten hours if you drive straight through. But that’s just the drive time. Most travellers make a day (or even two) out of it by pausing for coffee, meals, and scenic photos. This approach lets you enjoy the journey rather than just racing from point A to point B.
Best Route from Saskatoon to Fernie: Choose Scenic Over Speed
There are two main routes for your road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie, and your choice depends on how you want to travel.
The Scenic Route
The recommended scenic route takes you from Saskatoon through Swift Current, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Crowsnest Pass before arriving in Fernie. It’s longer, but offers much more to see and do.
Additionally, a big benefit of this route is that most of the drive is on divided highways. The road quality and driver comfort more than make up for the extra kilometres.
The Faster Route
Drivers on a tight timetable often swing through Calgary and drop straight south to Fernie. The road is direct and well signed, cutting an hour or so off the trip. The trade-off is lengthier urban traffic around Calgary and far fewer memorable stops along the way. Choose this option only if you need to reach Fernie the same day with minimal breaks.
Travel Tip
One thing to remember, especially if you choose the scenic route to travel from Saskatoon to Fernie, is that cell service can be spotty in some areas, particularly through Crowsnest Pass. You won’t need to worry about getting off track since there’s only one road through but don’t count on having full bars the whole way.
Unmissable Stops Along the Way
The best road trips in Canada are stitched together by the places you pause. The drive from Saskatoon to Fernie is no different. Here are the towns and landmarks you won’t want to miss on the way.
Swift Current
Swift Current sits roughly two and a half hours southwest of Saskatoon and makes an ideal first stop. A small but lively prairie town, it’s a favourite with road trippers looking to stretch their legs and grab a bite.
Your first order of business should be to get a proper brew and delicious pastry at the Urban Ground Coffeehouse. Once you have caffeine in hand, you can stroll to Market Square or wander the walking path beside the Swift Current Creek. Or, visit the Mennonite Heritage Village to learn about the area’s early settlers.
Be sure to top up your fuel tank and grab snacks from one of the nearby supermarkets. Leaving town, you’ll feel refreshed, fed, and ready for the long straight run toward Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat
After another ninety minutes of open road, you’ll arrive at Medicine Hat, home to Saamis Teepee, the largest teepee in the world. You can stop for a few pictures here , and then follow signs to the historic downtown, a five-minute drive south.
Medicine Hat is also famous for its vibrant street art, so take some time to explore the downtown area. You’ll find colourful murals tucked away on side streets. Take a short walk to explore these artworks and grab lunch at one of the local eateries.
Lethbridge
Lethbridge breaks the prairie spell with rolling coulees and the dramatic iron lattice of the High Level Bridge. Stop by the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, a peaceful spot with koi ponds, manicured trees, and quiet paths. You can also visit the tea house for matcha and traditional sweets.
If you’re travelling with family or pets, the nearby Henderson Lake Park offers open spaces, playgrounds, and a lakeside walking trail. For lunch, head on over to Mocha Cabana for a delicious farm-to-table fare.
Frank Slide (Crowsnest Pass)
The historic site of Frank’s Slide tells the story of one of Canada’s deadliest rockslides, where an entire mountainside collapsed and buried the town of Frank in 1903.
Stop at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre to learn about the tragedy, explore the viewing area, and take in the raw, rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains. It’s a sobering but unforgettable stop that gives you a deeper appreciation for the terrain you’re driving through.
Sparwood
Just past the Alberta-BC border, you’ll find Sparwood, where the Titan 33-19, the world’s largest truck, is located. Standing three stories tall, this retired mining truck is a must-see place to visit on the way to Fernie.
Sparwood itself is a quiet town with friendly locals, as well as your last stop before Fernie.
Side Quest Spots
In case you have some extra time or feel like adding a few detours to your journey, here are some unique spots on the Saskatoon to Fernie road trip map.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
One of the highest points in Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills is filled with hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and picnic areas. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, red-tailed hawks, or, if you’re lucky, a moose. For families travelling with children, the park’s lake area has a sandy beach where they can play and burn off energy.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating look into Indigenous history. It’s located just 18 kilometres west of Fort Macleod.
For over 6,000 years, the Plains Peoples used this natural cliff to drive bison to their deaths for food, clothing, and tools. The on-site interpretive centre offers a deep dive into this ancient practice, with exhibits, films, and guided tours.
You can also walk to the cliff’s edge and look out over the sweeping prairies. Plan for at least an hour to explore the exhibits, watch the short documentary, and enjoy the panoramic views of the plains.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park sits over an hour south of Lethbridge, 20 minutes south of Pincher Creek. Quieter and smaller than Banff or Jasper, Waterton still provides spectacular alpine views, abundant wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Take a drive along Red Rock Canyon Parkway, go for a short hike to Bear’s Hump, or simply stroll the streets of Waterton Village. Even if you’re just stopping briefly, the scenery alone makes this detour worthwhile.
The Burmis Tree
Right before you reach Crowsnest Pass, you’ll see the famous Burmis Tree. Locals say it marks the eastern border of the Rockies.
Though dead since the 1970s, the tree remains upright thanks to careful cabling. You can pull into the small turnout, step over the wooden stile, and walk a few metres to the fence that protects its fragile roots.
EV Charging Stops & Breaks on Your Way to Fernie
The road trip between Saskatoon and Fernie is well-equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, making it easy to recharge your car, and yourself, along the way.
Be sure to take these into account when planning a road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie.
Swift Current
As your first major stop after about two and a half hours on the road, Swift Current offers both Level 2 and fast-charging options, including FLO and ChargePoint stations near the Trans-Canada. Plug in your vehicle here, and treat yourself to a coffee while you’re at it.
Medicine Hat
About two hours further, Medicine Hat has fast charging stations in Towne Square. The downtown area also has clean, accessible washrooms. Consider stocking up on snacks or taking a short walk to refresh yourself before continuing your drive.
Lethbridge
Lethbridge is the last city before you start climbing into the Rockies. It has Electrify Canada fast chargers and several Level 2 stations scattered across town. You’ll also find grocery stores where you can restock on snacks, water, and any other essentials.
Sparwood
Sparwood is just 30 minutes from Fernie and has a BC Hydro fast-charging station in Centennial Square. Since the drive from here to Fernie is short, you can use this stop to get ready for the final stretch.
Driving a fuel-powered vehicle? You’ll find plenty of convenient gas stations along both Highway 1 and Highway 3. To avoid paying more than you need to, use an app like GasBuddy to check prices before you leave Saskatoon.
Keep a small cooler with water, fruit, and energy bars within arm’s reach. Also, even if you don’t feel like you need a break, take advantage of the clean restrooms in Swift Current, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge. They’re better than risking it in more remote areas.
Road Trip Like a Pro: When to Go & What to Pack
To truly enjoy the road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie, it’s important to know what to expect in each season and how best to prepare.
Summer (May to September)
Summer is by far the best season if you’re looking to maximise outdoor adventures along your route. Long, sunny days mean you can comfortably stop for hikes, scenic photo ops, and leisurely meals outdoors.
Be sure to pack bug spray the mosquitoes can be relentless) and plenty of sunscreen, especially since the mountain sun can be stronger than you may expect. Bring a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and a charged camera or phone: the skyline over Crowsnest Pass deserves more than one photo stop.
Winter (November to March)
If you’re taking a road trip from Saskatoon to Fernie in winter, you’ll bear witness to spectacular mountain scenery. However, winter driving requires extra preparation and caution. British Columbia law requires winter-rated tires from October 1 to April 30, so make sure your vehicle is properly equipped.
Pack a shovel and tire chains in case of snow or ice, and bring extra fuel. Dress in warm layers, including gloves, hats, and winter boots, in case you need to stop or leave your car unexpectedly.
Universal Must-Haves for Every Road Trip
Regardless of season, certain essentials will always make your journey smoother. Keep a stash of snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit handy to stave off hunger between stops. Bring along a power bank or car charger to keep your phone and other devices fully charged and ready for navigation and photos.
Reusable water bottles can help you cut down on plastic waste and save you money at convenience stores.
Download Google Maps for offline use before you roll out; cell service fades in parts of Prairies, and through Crowsnest Pass. Finally, queue a playlist and a couple of podcasts long enough to fill ten hours of driving. Nothing beats good stories when the next fuel stop is an hour ahead.
Welcome to Fernie: The Rockies’ Best-Kept Secret
After hours of winding highways, prairie horizons, and mountain passes, you’ll finally arrive in Fernie.
Tucked within the stunning Elk Valley, with the Lizard Range as the western boundary, Fernie has become one of British Columbia’s favourite destinations. Yet, it still feels like a hidden gem.
There are plenty of things to do in Fernie, BC. In winter, the Fernie Alpine Resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding terrain in Canada, with legendary powder and trails suitable for all skill levels. Summer months transform those same slopes into an outdoor playground filled with world-class mountain biking and scenic hiking trails.
But Fernie isn’t just about the outdoors. Downtown, you’ll find streets lined with historic buildings, bustling cafés, independent shops, and local breweries serving up craft beers you won’t find anywhere else. With friendly locals who embody small-town warmth, the atmosphere here invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
Call it laid-back or simply genuine, Fernie moves at a pace that lets you breathe. Make it your base camp for a few nights, and you’ll see why many visitors decide to stay just a little longer.
Where to Stay in Fernie: Fernie Fox Hotel
When you arrive in Fernie, you’ll want to rest somewhere comfortable and just right for your needs. That’s exactly what you get at the Fernie Fox Hotel.
Conveniently located right off Highway 3, our hotel is your gateway to Fernie’s trails, downtown attractions, and world-class ski slopes. Our rooms are modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed for a comfortable stay.
Each of our spacious rooms comes with:
- Double queen beds
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- A microwave
- A mini-fridge
- Independent heat and air conditioning
Because we believe in family-friendly travel, kids under 16 stay free with us.
We go beyond the basics, too. After a day on the slopes or exploring the trails, you can unwind in our outdoor hot tub or fire up the BBQ on our patio. If you prefer to cook your meals, feel free to use our guest kitchen to whip up a spread.
We’re also proud to be an eco-conscious choice for all kinds of travellers. Our hotel is pet-friendly, so you never have to leave your furry friend behind. For those driving electric vehicles, we offer complimentary EV charging stations right at the front. And if you’d rather explore without using your car, our free e-bike rentals make it easy to see the town while saving on fuel.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family looking for a comfortable stay, or a couple seeking a cozy mountain getaway, we’ve got you covered. Fernie Fox Hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your launchpad for all the experiences Fernie has to offer.
Stay at Fernie Fox Hotel, and you’ll be minutes away from everything you came here to see.
Take the Scenic Way & Make It Count
Slow travel turns kilometres into memories. When you pick the scenic route, you discover that the drive matters just as much as the destination. Fernie rewards anyone who gives the journey time to unfold. Treat it as the headline, not the footnote.
The road to Fernie is more than a highway; it’s a highlight reel. And when you get there, let Fernie Fox Hotel be your home base. Contact us to book your room today.
Road Trip FAQs
How long is the drive from Saskatoon to Fernie?
The drive from Saskatoon to Fernie is approximately 850 kilometres and takes around eight to ten hours without long stops. Some travellers take one and a half to two days to complete the trip.
What is the best route from Saskatoon to Fernie?
The scenic route via Swift Current, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Crowsnest Pass is best. It offers beautiful views, interesting towns, and fewer boring highway stretches.
Is the drive from Saskatoon to Fernie safe in winter?
The drive is generally safe in winter if your vehicle has winter-rated tires, and you carry chains, warm clothing, and emergency supplies. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
Is Fernie worth visiting in summer?
Fernie is an excellent summer destination, offering world-class mountain biking, hiking trails, clear rivers, lively patios, frequent cultural events, and warm weather that highlights the region’s natural beauty.
Are there gas stations between Lethbridge and Fernie?
Yes, several reliable gas stations are located between Lethbridge and Fernie, notably in Crowsnest Pass towns like Blairmore and Coleman, and in Sparwood, just 30 minutes before arriving in Fernie.
