Elk Lakes Provincial Park is located in southeastern British Columbia, about 104 kilometres north of Sparwood. Elk Lakes offers a variety of hiking experiences including some maintained trails that are appropriate for all family members with some experience in back-country hiking.
Follow Highway 43 from Sparwood to the community of Elkford (approx 35km). A gravel road from Elkford leads for about 47 km to the Kananaskis Power Line Road. From this junction it is 25 km to Elk Lakes Provincial Park. (It is 5.8 kilometres from the crossing to the Cadorna Creek trailhead; the Elk Lakes trailhead is a further 16.1 kilometres). Driving time from Sparwood to the park is approximately two hours. Access to the park is also possible from Alberta’s adjoining Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
The 17,245 hectares Elk Lakes Provincial Park is situated in the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The area is filled with magnificent mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and forests of alpine fir, Englemann spruce and lodgepole pine and shrubs such as juniper, twinberry and white rhododendron. The alpine meadows are blanketed with yellow and blue violets, Indian paintbrush, giant ragwort and fireweed. Animal and birdlife is abundant and includes species such as beavers, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, spruce grouse and bluejays.
Fishing & Boating - The glacial lakes of the park are home to species such as Dolly Varden, Rocky Mountain whitefish and cutthroat trout.
Hiking & Trails - Extensive trails lead to the parks scenic attractions. The area attracts experienced mountaineers and climers. Mountain bikes are not permitted within the park.
