Bernier played two seasons in the major-junior Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) as a defender for the Val-d’Or Foreurs in front of Roberto Luongo. In his first season in 1996-97, the Foreurs took part in the QMJHL playoffs. They made it through to the second round before being eliminated in the division final by the Hull Olympics. He began the following season in Val-d’Or, transferring to the Sherbrooke Castors 40 games later. After the 1997-98 season, Bernier decided to end his hockey career. In 143 games, he amassed 17 goals and 73 points.