Fernie Distillers

Fernie Distillers brings a creative spirit to downtown Fernie, with a small-batch lineup that nods to the town's heritage of prospecting, mining and bootlegging. The range centres on inventive gins, including the flagship Prospector, a Forager spruce-tip expression, a blood orange and rosemary gin, and the colour-shifting Indigo Inversion, alongside No. 9 Mine Vodka and a clutch of liqueurs led by the much-loved Fernie Fog. Every bottle is filled and corked by hand, with labels applied with pride, a fitting reflection of the distillery's small-batch philosophy.

The big draw for visitors is the cocktail bar, where the team builds creative drinks and thoughtful mocktails from their own spirits, served up by staff known for being friendly and knowledgeable. There is a dog-friendly patio for sunny days, and the room keeps welcoming evening hours, making it a genuine gathering spot rather than just a tasting counter. Whether you want a flight-style introduction to the gins or a properly mixed cocktail to cap a day outdoors, this is a comfortable place to settle in.

Fernie sits in the Elk Valley of BC's Kootenay Rockies, a mountain town beloved for its skiing, biking and surrounding peaks, and the distillery's central First Avenue location makes it an easy walk from town. After a day on the slopes or the trails, the lounge is a natural place to unwind with a locally made drink. With its strong local character, hands-on production and welcoming bar, Fernie Distillers is one of the most enjoyable stops in the region for anyone who appreciates craft spirits with a real sense of place. Check current hours before visiting, then come thirsty and stay a while.