Elkford, BC - District Municipality

Elkford calls itself “Wilderness Capital of British Columbia” and really lives up to the name.

Incorporation

1971, Elkford has a total land area of 101.59 square km (2006 Census).

Location

Elkford is located on Highway 43 in the BC Rocky Mountains with Sparwood being its closest BC neighbor at roughly 34 km to the south and Alberta/British Columbia border approximately 16 km to the east. At 1300 m, this community is recognized for being located at the highest elevation for a community in Canada.

Climate

Considering the town’s proximity in the Rocky Mountains, the high elevation actually results in Elkford’s climate being fairly moderate with warm summers and relatively mild winters.

Profile

Indoor Recreation

• Elkford Aquatic Center – Is home to a 4 lane competition style swimming pool, complete with a child friendly wading pool, diving board, slide, whirlpool hot tub and a sauna. Various classes are offered regularly including aqua fit classes and Red Cross swim lessons. A multipurpose meeting room can be utilized on a scheduled basis.
   
• Elkford Recreation Center – Houses a 3 sheet curling club and lounge, full size hockey arena and concession, banquet hall with full kitchen, meeting rooms and a playschool.
   
• The Elkford Public Library – Is located in the Aquatic Complex, has oodles of titles for your reading enjoyment, offers programs for children including story hour and are avid promoters of the Project Literacy Program.

Outdoor Recreation

There are 6 ball diamonds, numerous playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, sports fields and a running track at the secondary school.

Seasonal recreation is endless such as heli-skiing, ice-climbing, hang gliding, mountaineering, horseback riding, river rafting, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird-watching, biking, hiking, golfing, skiing, wetland tours, snowmobiling, sledding, cross country skiing.

Outdoor enthusiasts have to agree that with no wait golfing and lineup free skiing at Elkford’s very own Wapiti Ski Hill, this community can’t be compared.

Local Attractions

• A diverse wildlife population is a haven for photographers and varying artistic stylists interested in capturing animals in their natural habitat.
   
• Learn more about Elkford history - Guided tours of open-pit mines are free to the public, and are offered by the Elkford Chamber of Commerce and Elk Valley Coal
   
• Relax in the healing properties of Sulphur Springs hot springs located just south of Elkford.

Main Community Event

Wildcat Days – June
The event is an annual affair that celebrates one of the first pioneers in the Elkford area, “Wildcat Charlie” and incorporates a whole lot of family fun including a parade, games and a host of planned activities that fill an entire weekend.

Sled Dog Derby – January
This annual event also includes Kid & Mutt Races, Snowshoe challenges, a dance & auction, and many more scheduled events.

Shopping

Shopping varies from a retail mall to a wide variety of home-based businesses

Schools

Elkford Secondary School
Public School 7-12
250 865-4674

Rocky Mountain Elementary
Public School K-6
250 865-4625

Closest Hospital

Sparwood Health Centre
570 Pine Ave
Box 9
Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0
Ph: (250) 425-6212

Elk Valley Hospital
1501 - 5th Ave
Box 670
Fernie, BC V0B 1M0
Ph: (250) 423-4453

Closest Airport

Aircraft can land at the Elk Valley Airport 20 km south of Elkford. Owned by the Regional District of East Kootenay this modern aircraft landing strip, operated by Elk Valley Air Services, has a 4,000 ft paved runway.

Canadian Rockies International Airport
1-9370 Airport Access Road
Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E4
Phone: 250 426-7913

Helpful Links

BC Stats
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca

Regional District East Kootenay
http://www.rdek.bc.ca

Government of British Columbia
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca

Southeast Kootenay School District No 005
http://sd5.bc.ca

College of the Rockies
http://www.cotr.bc.ca

Municipality of Elkford
http://www.elkford.ca/