The Fernie Oil Derrick is the last standing wooden oil derrick in BC and towers over the Fernie Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre at the east entrance to Fernie. It has been preserved as a memorial to the area’s resource heritage and is a visible landmark for residents returning home.

The metal components used to construct the Fernie Derrick are from Akamina #1, the first oil well drilled in BC in 1907 by the Royal Canadian Oil Company. The components were also used for Akamina #2 in 1908 before being moved to Fernie and rebuilt on the present site in 1984.

There are still the remains of 23 drilling rigs and oil wells that were drilled SouthEast BC in the 1907 – 1930 era. No commercial quantities of oil were ever found.

Photo: ferniederrick.ca