This slogan accurately represents the availability of wilderness adventure, but visitors to the Upper Elk Valley should bring their own equipment for activities like mountain biking, fishing, skiing or rock climbing. Coal mining tours are the other big highlight.
Mountain bike up through the forest along Boivin Creek. The ride is mostly in the trees, but there are occasional viewpoints along the 8km/5mi trail.
ATV-ing
Bring an ATV and explore the large network of bush roads that surround Elkford. With the appropriate license, it's possible to ride directly from the hotel or campground. Check with the Visitor Centre for more details.
Golf
Enjoy a round of high-altitude golf at the Mountain Meadows Golf Course, right next to the highway just south of the 4-way stop. A herd of 60 elk makes its home here during the winter.
Fishing & Hot Springs
The valley offers legendary angling, with world famous fly-fishing on the upper Elk River.
Dip in the warm Elkford Sulphur Springs. Drive 15km/9mi south of Elkford and turn right on Line Creek Road. After the bridge, turn left and drive north for 10km/6mi to Lower Sulphur Springs Road. No admission fees, just a picnic table and diving board.
Elkford Aquatic Centre
For a swim or a family diversion, visit the Elkford Aquatic Centre. Facilities include a salt-water pool, waterslide, whirlpool and sauna. The pool and hot tub are both wheelchair accessible.
Provincial Parks
Visit nearby provincial parks for a range of activities that includes hiking, horseback riding, climbing and wildlife viewing. Elk Lakes Provincial Park is north of Elkford – about an hour's drive on a gravel road that is passable in a high clearance, 2WD vehicle.
Boating & Swimming
Locals love to go boating and swimming at Grave Lake, about halfway between Sparwood and Elkford. Access is via the Line Creek Mine Road. Take the first right after the bridge onto a gravel road. After approximately 4km/2.5mi, turn left and immediately cross the railroad tracks. Follow for approximately 2km/1.25mi, and then turn left to the lake.
Coal Mining Tours
Learn about modern coal mining methods with a guided tour of Teck Corporation's Greenhills and Fording River operations. Mine tours, which start at the Visitor Centre, are offered only on Saturdays.
Winter Activities
Strap on skis or a board at the Wapiti Ski Hill, located at the edge of Elkford on the west side of the valley. The facility offers seven runs with 305m/1,000ft of vertical.
Go cross-country skiing on the groomed trail that follows Boivin Creek. The access is on the way up to the downhill ski area, just west of town. Be prepared for a climb – the elevation gain over the almost 8km/5mi trail is 300m/1,000ft.
An active Snowmobiling Club means that there are miles of backcountry trails in the area and, in Elkford, machines can be fired up right outside a hotel – if a license is purchased.
Festivals & Events
Wildcat Days, the last weekend in June or the first in July, feature family activities, a ball tournament and fireworks. Locals report that the absence of light pollution in the area makes the fireworks particularly spectacular.
The third weekend in January brings the annual Dog-Sled Derby to Elkford. This exciting event features races of up to 40km/25mi in length. A cash prize of $12,000 draws up to 100 (human) entrants from all over North America. The dogs race for kibble!
Driving Routes
Access all-season outdoor wilderness adventures and provincial parks along the Rockies & Ranchlands Circle Route to Elkford. Learn more about driving routes through the community here: Driving Routes.
For more information on things to do, contact the Elkford Visitor Centre.
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