After a long day of travel, most people just want to find a quiet place to rest without thinking twice about how they’ll be treated. However, for many LGBTQ+ travellers, this simple peace of mind isn’t guaranteed.
What should be a simple stay can easily become another situation where you brace for misunderstanding.
Will your partner’s name raise eyebrows? Will the staff use the right pronouns? Will you need to explain, yet again, that the room with one bed was intentional?
In 2025, visible commitments to inclusion matter deeply in the hospitality industry, precisely because they establish trust and let guests know they’ll be treated with respect, no questions asked.
When the Fernie Fox Hotel became officially Rainbow Registered, we took a deliberate step towards making travel open and comfortable for everyone. Our team joined a growing national movement dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression.
In this post, we’ll explore what being Rainbow Registered means, how it connects with Canada’s inclusive tourism standards, and why Fernie Fox Hotel is proud to be one of the most trusted hotels for LGBTQ+ travellers in Fernie.
What Is the Rainbow Registered Certification and Why Is It Important?
The Rainbow Registered certification is a national accreditation program developed by the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) in partnership with Tourism HR Canada. It recognizes businesses that meet a defined set of standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion, safety, and respect.
To qualify, businesses must meet clear criteria around:
- Clear non-discrimination policies that protect sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
- Ongoing staff education around inclusive service, language, and guest interactions
- Representation of LGBTQ+ people in marketing and communication materials
- Safe, responsive systems for handling feedback or complaints
Essentially, the Rainbow Registered status shows that a business has moved beyond performative allyship and has integrated inclusion into its day-to-day operations.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, the certification tells guests that the business has taken measurable steps to create an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves without fear of bias or discrimination.
Fernie Fox Hotel’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
At Fernie Fox Hotel, we’ve always believed that genuine hospitality means respecting every guest: not just in policy, but in spirit. Becoming a Rainbow Registered accommodation allowed us to formalise this belief and hold ourselves accountable to it.
We’re proud to be recognised among Canada’s most LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and to represent inclusive hospitality in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Inclusive Practices and Policies
Our non-discrimination policies and inclusive practices are designed to make every guest feel comfortable being themselves.
Here’s how it looks in action at our LGBTQ+ inclusive hotel:
- Regular LGBTQ+ awareness training for staff, focusing on respectful language, pronoun use, and creating safe interactions.
- Clear anti-discrimination policies that protect both guests and employees based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
- Authentic, inclusive representation across our website and social media, showcasing real diversity in the community we serve.
- Confidential feedback systems that allow guests to share their experiences directly.
These practices are part of our everyday culture. We revisit and update them regularly to keep pace with best practices in inclusive hospitality.
Why This Is Important for Guests
One of the unseen challenges of travel for many queer people is the quiet self-censorship, where you’re constantly assessing how open you can be and how much of yourself feels safe to share.
Walking into a Rainbow Registered hotel like ours removes a chunk of that mental burden right away.
Our approach makes sure you can enjoy your stay and focus on what brought you here: Fernie’s stunning mountain views, the community, and the calm of a place that truly welcomes everyone.
Why LGBTQ+ Travellers Choose Fernie Fox Hotel
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming countless LGBTQ+ guests through our doors, and the feedback we hear most often is that they feel at peace here. They feel no need to filter who they are or second-guess how they’ll be received.
We have worked hard to create this sense of ease. Our commitment to inclusive hotel services runs through everything we do. Fernie Fox Hotel has always been, and will always be, a place where everyone can relax, connect, and feel completely at home.
Inclusivity in Every Detail
True inclusivity is in the details. We’ve refined our systems, communication practices, and policies to reflect that. You’ll always be greeted by your chosen name, your pronouns will be used correctly, and your identity will be recognised without question.
Our connection with the Fernie Pride Society has been central to this journey. Over the past four years, we’ve proudly partnered with them as an accommodation sponsor for the Elk Valley Pride Festival, hosting performers, presenters, and festival guests who’ve consistently shared positive feedback about their stay.
We’re also continuing to build on our DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) efforts, including staff training and open dialogue around improvement. You’ll also see our year-round support reflected visibly, from the Pride flag flying outside our hotel to our ongoing involvement in community events that celebrate inclusion.
Our team never stops learning. We listen to guest feedback and adapt where we need to. In the end, our goal is to make every part of your stay as respectful and seamless as possible.
Support Beyond the Hotel Walls
The open culture at our LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation also helps create safer interactions beyond its walls.
Our staff are locals who love this town and know it well. We’ll happily point you toward restaurants, cafés, and outdoor spots that embrace the same values we do. Whether you’re here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, we’ll help you explore without worrying about where you’ll feel accepted.
You’ll also find a local LGBTQ+ event and activity guide available both in our lobby and through our digital guest resources. We work closely with the Fernie Pride Society to keep these resources current, so you’ll always know what’s happening in town.
Allyship Through Hospitality
Hospitality means more to us than simply providing a place to stay. We see it as a form of allyship.
When the LGBTQ+ community evolves, we evolve with it. We stay engaged with ongoing training, update our internal policies regularly, and build partnerships with local and national organisations that promote equality.
Every guest teaches us something new, and that’s how it should be. We’ll always keep improving: not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Fernie: A Naturally Welcoming Destination for LGBTQ+ Tourism
Fernie has steadily earned a reputation as one of British Columbia’s friendliest destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers, thanks to its open-minded residents and strong sense of community.
Local organisations such as the Fernie Pride Society play a significant role in building that spirit. Through initiatives like Rainbow Connections Events, they create safe spaces for queer travellers and allies to meet, socialise, and celebrate diversity.
These gatherings might take the form of coffee catch-ups, live music nights, or outdoor group activities, all set against Fernie’s spectacular mountain backdrop.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Nightlife and Activities
When the sun dips behind the Lizard Range, Fernie comes alive in its own way. The town’s nightlife might be small compared to a big city’s, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in warmth and inclusivity.
The Griz Bar at Fernie Alpine Resort, a local favourite, is as genuine as it gets. It’s long been known as a gathering place where everyone, regardless of background or identity, can swap stories over a few good drinks.
Outside of après-ski hours, Fernie has plenty to offer travellers looking for more than nightlife. The town’s growing wellness scene includes inclusive yoga studios and mindfulness workshops that prioritise body positivity and mental well-being. You’ll also find community art markets, live music nights, and seasonal festivals celebrating local creativity and self-expression in all forms.
If you prefer something quieter, Fernie’s natural beauty offers countless ways to unwind. Take a sunset walk by the Elk River or enjoy a cosy evening at a local café. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll feel welcomed as part of the community.
How to Book Your Stay at Fernie Fox Hotel
Booking with our Rainbow Registered hotel in Fernie is as inclusive and seamless as the experience itself. You can easily reserve your room directly through our official booking page.
And because plans can change, we keep things flexible with easy modification options and a straightforward cancellation policy.
As we’ve become Rainbow Registered is a commitment to every LGBTQ+ traveller who chooses us. Even in a country that protects equality by law, it’s still rare to find hospitality that actively celebrates it. We’re proud to be part of that change and stand openly as an inclusive accommodation.
