Situated
in the Rocky Mountains of South-eastern British Columbia
lush, forested slopes, spectacular alpine-meadows, glacier fed
lakes and streams surround our picturesque community of Elkford.
In such a setting, it is no wonder a myriad of outdoor and sports
lovers have visited this area for over a hundred years. The
same wildlife that attracts hunters has also begun to attract
tourists with cameras, binoculars and sketchpads to view animals
in their natural habitat.
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City
Information
Population:
2,589 (2001 census)
Elevation:
At 1,300 m (4,265 ft)
Climate:
Elkford has a moderate climate with warm summers and relatively
mild winters. The proximity of the town in the High Rock Mountain
Range greatly influences the weather patterns. The high elevation
of the community generally results in a reduction in the severity
of winter cold periods while keeping summer heat from reaching
extreme temperatures.
Access:
Elkford is served by a paved two-lane, provincial highway
which is regularly maintained and snow cleared. Highway 43 intersects
Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Pass) at Sparwood, linking Elkford
with Alberta, Cranbrook and beyond. Aircraft can land at the
Elk Valley Airport 20 km south of Elkford. This modern aircraft
landing strip, operated by Elk Valley Air Services, has a 4,000
ft paved runway. Small planes and helicopter charter services
are available. Greyhound Bus Lines operate out of Sparwood providing
passenger and freight services. Leyden Bus Lines, Dickens Bus
Lines and Koltran Coach all provide charter bus service in the
Elk Valley.
Recreation
Facilities & Activities: heli-skiing, ice-climbing,
hang gliding, mountaineering, horseback riding, river rafting,
kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, biking, hiking,
golf course, ski area, wetland tours, and snowmobiling.
Summer
Sports Spectacular: With
over 40 km of maintained hiking and biking trails in and around
town, Elkford is fast becoming a major destination for wilderness
enthusiasts. There are several
easy to moderate trails suitable for outings of half a day or
less.
Elkford
offers the perfect location for all fisherman. Whether you are
a professional fly fisherman or a novice spin caster, or somewhere
in between, Elkford is the place for you. There are many fishing
areas with easy access, as well as secluded locations that will
require some hiking.
A
must see while in the area for any outdoor enthusiasts is the
magnificent Elk
Lakes Provincial Park, Josephine Falls and the Greenhills
Viewpoint.
Many
old logging and exploration roads now serve as mountain bike
and ATV trails. Contact the Elkford Chamber of Commerce for
a map of the area.
Great
Golfing: Mountain
Meadows Golf Course is a well-manicured 9-hole golf course situated
off Highway 43, it hosts many water hazards to challenge even
the experienced golfer.
Winter
Sports Galore: The Rocky Mountains are well
known for ample snowfall, downhill and cross-country skiers
benefit. Elkford's local Wapiti Ski Hill offers weekly night
skiing and day skiing on weekends. Rates can't be beat and lines
are usually very short.
During
the winter months many of the old logging and exploration roads
are used for cross country skiing or snowmobiling. Contact the
Elkford Chamber of Commerce for a map of the area.
Snowmobiler's
Paradise: Elkford
is a "snowmobiler's paradise" and offers spectacular sledding
opportunities that range from family outings to breathtaking
mountain challenges. Many of the trails travel through large
mountain basins, high mountain passes and beautiful valleys
- all providing spectacular riding opportunities. Contact the
Elkford Chamber of Commerce for a map of the area.
Elkford's
Leisure Opportunities: If the great outdoors is not quite
your style Elkford offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
The Recreation Center houses a 3-sheet curling club and lounge,
a full size hockey arena and concession, a banquet hall with
full kitchen facilities, meeting rooms and a playschool.
There
are 6 ball diamonds, numerous playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe
pits and a running track at the secondary school.
The
Elkford Aquatic Complex is a fully equipped handicapped facility
that boasts 4 swimming lanes, a kiddy wading pool, a whirlpool
hot tub and a sauna.
The
Elkford Public Library contains over 20,000 titles for children
and adults besides many magazines and reference books and promotes
the Project Literacy Program.
Elkford's
Amenities: After
a full day of swimming, skiing or hiking try one of Elkford's
restaurants or pubs that offer a variety of settings and cuisine's.
Shopping
varies from a retail mall to a wide variety of home-based businesses.
Elkford has numerous accommodations to keep you warm at night,
1 motel, 1 hotel, a Municipal Campground and several Bed and
Breakfasts.
Elkford
offers many youth and adult organizations -- something for everyone
from Girl Guides/Scouting to a 50+ Club. Other service Clubs
such as the Lions have chapters active in Elkford.
For
your spiritual needs, Elkford has Catholic, Alliance, Congregational,
Pentecostal,
Lutheran and Baptist churches.
For
Information:
Elkford
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information
P.O. Box 220, Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0
Phone: (250) 865-4614
Toll Free: (877) ELK-WILD (877) 355-9453
Fax: (250) 865-2442
E-mail:info@tourismelkford.ca