Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Drive on past the coal mining operations that flank the upper Elk Valley, and discover the true meaning of wilderness.
Elk Lakes Provincial Park, one of British Columbia's wildest mountain parks, can be accessed by road, while a second major wilderness park beyond Elk Lakes can be accessed via hiking trails.
Elk Lakes Provincial Park
This large (17,245ha/42,613ac) park rises to the spine of the Canadian Rockies, with hiking trails connecting with Alberta's Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The majority of the park is above the treeline, with alpine meadows coming alive with colour in late summer.
At lower elevations, the forest is comprised primarily of alpine fir, Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. A stand of old-growth forest surrounds the Elk Lakes themselves.
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Wildlife Viewing
Recreational opportunities include hiking, climbing, horseback riding, fishing and wildlife viewing. Large mammals such as elk, while-tailed deer and moose can often be spotted in the meadows, while mountain goats and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, along with black and grizzly bears, make occasional, but discreet appearances.
Getting to the park involves travelling the 70km/43mi gravel road that starts out from Elkford on the west side of the Elk River. The road is not suitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Alpine Club of Canada Lodge
A lodge operated by the Alpine Club of Canada is just a few steps from the parking area. This log cabin sleeps 10, with cooking equipment and utensils provided. Reservations are required. Wilderness walk-in camping is also available.
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park is three times larger than Elk Lakes Provincial Park, with which it shares a boundary. Along the Continental Divide, it also shares a boundary with Alberta's Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Getting There
There are two ways of accessing the park through Elk Lakes Provincial Park. The first is by taking the Cadorna Creek trail, 16km/10mi south of the Elk Lakes Trailhead. After approximately 8km/5mi, take the Abruzzi Creek Trail to the Pass in the Clouds. The second, which accesses the northern portion of the park, includes the Elk Pass Trail and trails through the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
For more information on provincial parks around Elkford, contact the Visitor Centre on Front Street.
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