Doc Bonnell's on Riverbank

Fernie is filled with a rich history from its mining roots, including mining disasters and the famous Fernie curse of 1897. Laid on the town by the Indian chief who first led William Fernie to the vast coal deposits in the area. William Fernie went back on a promise he had made to the chief to marry his daughter in exchange for the location of vast coal deposits. Fire, famine and flood were called upon to avenge the spurned daughter and over the years, all came true.

In 1904, a major fire swept through the town destroying many businesses and residences. Four years later in 1908, after the Fernie had been rebuilt, another fire raged through town with a fury so strong that all but 3 of 100 city blocks had been razed leaving only 37 houses and businesses.

Floodwaters came in 1916 and during the peak of the Great Depression, near-famine conditions made the townspeople believe the curse might never end. But since that time, life in Fernie has just gotten better...perhaps the curse has run its course. Just to make sure, town leaders met with local native groups in the 1960's to share the peace pipe and forever lift teh curse.

As a reminder, the Ghost of Mount Hosmer can be seen from the front lawn of Doc Bonnell's on sunny summer evenings The 'ghost' is a spectacular shadow in the form of the Indian Chief on horseback with his jilted daugter walking next to him.

Fernie maintains a unique charm that has evolved from its coal mining and lumber past. The historic sites, residences and buildings are still abundant today and make for enjoyable walks from the Doctor’s House.

Buildings such as Fernie’s Court House, the Library and the historic downtown are only two blocks away. The courthouse was originally constructed entirely from wood and tragically completed only weeks before the devastating fire of 1908. Its replacement, shown here, went with the a more fire retardant approach…brick, cement and a slate roof.

To explore more of the history of Fernie, be sure to make a stop at the Fernie Museum, run by the Fernie Historical Society only two blocks from Doc Bonnell's

Read on for more information on the history of Fernie and the Fire's that this house was so lucky to have survived.