The mountains of Sparwood are a great place to play; offering mountain biking, hiking and skiing opportunities.
Fish in the River Elk or play a round of golf in town. No trip would be complete without taking the Sparwood Mining History Walking Tour.
Learn about the efficiency of 21st century coal mining with a tour of one of Canada's largest open pit mines. Pre-register at the Visitor Centre by the giant dump truck. Note that closed-toe shoes are required.
Explore the history of underground coal mining with the aid of the Sparwood Mining History Walking Tour, also starting at the Visitor Centre. Antique mining machinery is displayed all over town, while larger-than-life murals portray the human side of the story.
Water Activities
Try fishing on the Elk River, Michel Creek and nearby Grave Lake. Summit Lake, on the BC/Alberta border 18km/11mi southeast of the Sparwood, has excellent fly fishing for Gerard Rainbows. Check BC fishing regulations for more details.
Spend a couple of hours in the pool at the Henry Volkmann Memorial Leisure Centre.
Summer Activities
Float down the river in a tube, but do it late in the season on a hot day. Large used inner tubes can be purchased from Kal Tire. Play a round at the 9-hole Sparwood Golf Club.
Mountain bike down the valley between Sparwood and Fernie. Start out on the Mountain Shadows Loop, accessed from the campsite, and pick up the Coal Discovery Trail. Follow the signed single track for 5km and return on the old highway.
Hiking
Hike up the Matevic Draw, and get a bird's eye view of Sparwood. This hike up to the alpine involves about two hours of steady climbing on a well-marked, forested trail. Viewpoints are scarce until out of the woods. The trailhead is accessed via the power line, off Sycamore Road in Sparwood Heights.
Drive out to Grave Lake, a popular weekend getaway for locals. Midway between Sparwood and Elkford, take the Line Creek Mine Road, and then 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.
Winter Activities
Go downhill skiing or snowboarding in nearby Fernie. Fernie Alpine Resort is less than half an hour down the highway. Accommodation in Sparwood could be an attractive low-budget option.
Get a workout with cross-country skiing, classic or skate, on the trails above Sparwood Heights.
Bring a sled and go snowmobiling in the high country that surrounds the village. Pick up a Snowmobile Map from the Visitor Centre. Note that snowmobile rentals are available from Inn on the Border, 18km/11mi east of Sparwood.
Festivals & Events
Come to Sparwood on the third weekend in June for Coal Miner Days. Events include a parade, kid's festival, soap box derby, ball tournament and fireworks.
Arts and Culture Week is the 3rd week of April, while Mining Week is celebrated in the 2nd week of May.
For more information on festivals and things to do in Sparwood, contact the Visitor Centre.
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