Package Pickup and Dropoff in Fernie, BC
The Fernie Chamber of Commerce at the Visitor Information Center acts as a pick-up and drop-off location for both Purolator and FedEx. If you missed a delivery from either of these couriers, it’s probably waiting for you with us!
You can collect and drop off packages anytime the Visitor Information Center is open by speaking to anyone at the front desk. Our address is 102 Commerce Road, Fernie.
For those of you wanting to send out parcels, please read the information below to ensure a smooth experience.
Purolator Deliveries in Fernie, BC
There are a few reasons your package may end up being held here at the Chamber of Commerce. For example, if your parcel requires a signature upon arrival and no one is home to sign, if your address is outside of their serviceable area, or, if the driver is unable to reach your location due to excessive snow or other unfavorable conditions.
Undeliverable parcels are dropped off at the Fernie Visitor Information Center each day from Monday – Friday between approximately 3 pm – 4:30 pm. Please check the tracking here to ensure your parcel has been marked as “available for pickup”.
Shipping Packages with Purolator
You can also send packages with Purolator from the Fernie Visitor Information Center. If you would like to save time, you can complete the label creation process and pay online through the Purolator website. If you print and attach the label at home, you won’t have to wait in line to drop it off.
Alternatively, bring your package to the front desk and we can help you create a label and take payment for your shipment.
The price will vary depending on where you are shipping to, as well as the size and weight of your item. We recommend getting an estimated price online here before visiting us so you can have an idea of how much the shipment will cost. Note that in our experience, the “real” price is a little more than the estimate given online by Purolator.
Purolator packaging that is available at no extra charge:
- A4 Express Envelopes – up to 450g
- Express Pack – Flexible A4 sized bag
- Express Box – 18” x 12” x 3.5” / Max weight 15 kg
- International label pouches
If your items don’t fit in any of the above package sizes, please bring your own box. We have tape if you need it.
You can drop off Purolator packages any time during Visitor Center open hours, however, please note that packages are only collected by Purolator Monday – Friday.
Amazon Returns with Purolator
If you are returning an Amazon item with Purolator, you will need to provide your own box/packaging for the items.
When going through the return process, you may be provided with the Purolator label itself, or a QR code that we can use to generate the label here at the Visitor Information Center. If given a shipping label, please ensure it is a Purolator-specific label that shows the Purolator logo and a scannable barcode.
We cannot process any general courier return labels or those created for UPS.
FedEx Deliveries in Fernie, BC
Similarly to Purolator, if your parcel requires a signature upon arrival and no one is home to sign, if your address is outside of FedEx’s serviceable area, or if the driver is unable to reach your location due to excessive snow or other unfavorable conditions, it may end up here at the Fernie Visitor Information Center.
FedEx packages generally arrive at the Visitor Center by 4 pm. You can check the tracking for your FedEx package here to make sure it has arrived before coming out to collect it. If the tracking says “Ready for Pickup”, we should have it here, ready and waiting for you.
In addition to holding FedEx packages, you can also drop off prelabeled packages for delivery. Please note that we can only accept pre-labeled packages as we don’t have the ability to create a shipping label for you.
If you would like to send a package with FedEx, you must process the shipment ahead of time on the FedEx website here. If you don’t have a printer at home, don’t worry, we can print it for you.
FedEx packaging that is available at no charge:
- A4 Envelopes
- L1 Boxes – 31.43 x 7.62 x 44.45 cm
- Tubes – 15.24 x 15.24 x 96.52 cm
- International label pouches
If your items don’t fit in any of the above package sizes, please bring your own box. We have tape if you need it.
Things to Know
Please read the following FAQs to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.
Pickup & drop-off times
You can drop off and pick up parcels anytime the Fernie Visitor Information Center is open. Current opening hours can be found here.
When will my parcel be available for pickup?
Generally, drivers deliver their excess parcels to the Visitor Center between 3 pm and 4:30 pm on the same day of attempted delivery. That being said, delays can occur. The best way to ensure your package is ready for you is to check the tracking on either the Purolator or FedEx websites.
The tracking should say “available for pickup” or “Ready for Pickup” respectively.
What to bring to collect your package
There are a few methods of identification we may use to ensure packages are being collected by the correct people. Please be prepared with the following:
- The address on the package
- Phone number associated with the package
- Tracking number
- Identification
Can someone else pick up my package for me?
Yes, you can have a friend or family member collect your package for you as long as they can provide the information above. Please also give them a photo of your identification.
How long do you hold packages?
We are only required to hold packages for 5 business days however we will always do our best to ensure all packages are delivered. If you need your package to be held for longer, please give us a call on 250 423 6868.
What happens when I drop off a package to be sent out?
If you have a pre-labeled package for Purolator or FedEx, you do not have to wait in line to drop it off. Feel free to leave it on the desk if the staff are busy helping others.
Make sure to take a picture of your shipping label as this contains the tracking number. Purolator labels show it as a “pin” under the barcode. FedEx parcels have the tracking number labeled.
If you do not have a Purolator or FedEx label, please speak to a staff member who will help you create a shipment with Purolator (see information above).
How do I track my package?
All packages sent with Purolator and FedEx come with a tracking number. This number can be typed into their respective websites (Purolator or FedEx) to see the package’s current location.
Package notifications
The best way to get notified of incoming packages is to make sure your phone number is attached. Both Purolator and FedEx use an automated system to send you a text or voice message to alert you when your package is available for pickup.
Note that some phones may have spam filters which may block automated messages so it’s a good idea to keep checking your tracking directly.
For packages that have been waiting for collection for over a week, we may try and contact you by phone or Facebook should there be no contact address associated with the package.
What if I’m not sure what courier my package is being shipped with?
If you have a tracking number but are not sure which company is delivering your package, you can use a universal tracking website such as Parcelsapp.
These universal tracking sites should be able to tell you what courier your package is being shipped with. Once you have this information, it’s a good idea to go directly to that courier’s website to check for additional information associated with your tracking number.
Receiving international shipments
Often, when packages have come from abroad, they will be handed off to a different courier once arriving in Canada. If you have not received a new tracking number via email, use a universal tracking website such as Parcelsapp to find out who is bringing your package.
Once you have this information you can go directly to the local courier’s website to track your package to its destination.
Other Courier Companies
Purolator and FedEx are the only companies that do pick-ups and drop-offs at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce.
Here is some helpful information regarding other common couriers that service Fernie:
UPS
UPS does not have a drop-off location in Fernie. If you need to send a package via UPS, please call 1-800 742 5877 to organize a collection time from your house. Alternatively, the closest drop-off location for UPS is the Dollar Store in Cranbrook.
Alopex Couriers
Alopex can collect parcels from your house in Fernie however, pickup times must be arranged ahead of time by calling 778 517 8990
BNI – BNICA
BNI packages mainly come from Amazon and can be identified by the tracking number. If your tracking number begins with BNI, it is likely being delivered by BNI – BNICA.
Their pickup/drop off location is at the Fernie Stationers located at 1501 9th Avenue, Fernie BC. Please phone 250-423-3610 for more information.
DHL
DHL does not deliver to Fernie. Often, these packages are handed off to a different courier once they arrive in Canada. If you’re tracking your package you should receive an email detailing this. If not, try checking a universal tracking website such as Parcelsapp to find out who is bringing your package, then continue to that courier’s website to track it to its destination.