To view photos and learn about the venues in this area, select a name from the list below.
83. Fernie Forge @ Eye of the Needle
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83. Fernie Forge @ Eye of the Needle
Metalwork; fibre art; glass; demonstrations



The dedicated yarn room and wet felting area of Eye of the Needle studio continues to welcome visitors inside the 1908 former Salvation Army Church, but the gallery downstairs has recently been refurbished. Selling Canadian-made metalwork, fibre art and glass, more locally produced items have been added, such as cotton rope bowls, copper jewellery, wool pellets, jams, jellies and pickles by other artisans.
This year the owner/operator of Fernie Forge, blacksmith and feltmaker Sandra Barrett, will be demonstrating the craft of peg-loom rug-making at her heritage building Eye of the Needle in downtown Fernie, using either Corriedale wool from Fernie sheep or alpaca fibre from her acreage in Hosmer.
She looks forward to sharing her finished rugs and fibre wall art with you, happily answering any questions you may have about different breeds of sheep or the technique and process of working with wool. Some of Sandra’s metal, felt and glass sculptures will also be on display.
Address:
260 5 St., Fernie
Directions:
From 2 Ave., turn on 5 St. at Fernie Museum.
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Socials/Contact:
Website: www.fernieforge.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eyeoftheneedlestudio
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-423-2671
84. Fernie Arts Co-op
Paintings; ceramics; fabric arts; multimedia works



Our artist-run shop features 40+ local artists and makers who offer painting, photography, pottery, woodwork, jewellery, leather-work, textile art, handmade soaps and home products, letterpress art and multimedia works, which are on display seven days a week!
As an artist-run space, members volunteer as store attendants, giving our customers an opportunity to meet the maker, providing insight on creative processes and local knowledge about the landscapes featured. The gallery has grown professionally over the years to be locally renowned as the premiere outlet for Fernie art.
Address:
572 2 Ave., Fernie
Directions:
Mainstreet in Fernie.
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Socials/Contact:
Website: www.fernieartsco-op.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fernieartscoop
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fernieartscoop
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-423-7044
85. Sparwood Museum
Museum; guided historical tours


The Michel Natal Sparwood Heritage Society is delighted to invite you to our Sparwood Museum during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour! The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing histories of Sparwood, Corbin, Michel, Middletown and Natal.
Experience our Jurassic Exhibit about when, 140 million years ago, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs walked along the shores of an ancient lake in what is now the southeast region of British Columbia. Our guided tour will include the story of how these tracks were discovered and preserved for future generations. Dinosaur T-shirts, books, jewellery and replica fossils are available for purchase. We are also the only place in the world where you can purchase Dino Chocolates by renowned chocolatier Marina Wolff!
Our story of coal mining in Sparwood spans over a century, from the first underground mines at nearby Michel in 1899 to some of the most productive open-pit mines in the world. In the 1960s, the original townsites of Michel and Natal were dismantled. Learn the history of these vibrant communities and dedicated residents, all of whom have left lasting legacies.
Enjoy your guided tour while learning interesting historical facts and personal stories of our communities and coal mines! Our knowledgeable guides will educate and amaze you! We look forward to seeing you!
Address:
141 Aspen Dr., Sparwood
Directions:
Across from Sparwood visitor centre.
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Socials/Contact:
Website: www.sparwoodmuseum.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SparwoodMuseum
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sparwoodmuseum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-425-0560