the
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Elkford guide 2012
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5 re a t re a so n s
lo v e s E lk fo rd
backyard Elkford
Golf Elkford Maps Lakes and Rivers History
Your guide to everything Elkford
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Walk out our back door into a world untamed. From Xtreme sportsman to simple nature lover... adventurers are living life to its fullest in our mountain playground. Why aren’t you...? Explore the wild life... Visit Elkford, British Columbia. www.elkford.ca
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What’s inside the guide! 4...........................Elkford at a glance 5..................What’s in your backyard 6............................Where the water is 8...5 Great reasonsJenna loves Elkford 10..........................Discovering Elkford 12.......................................Golf Elkford 13...................Camping out in Elkford 15.....Calendar of Events-Map-Index THE FREE PRESS
The Elkford Guide is published once a year by: A Division of Black Press The Free Press, 342 2nd Ave, Box 2350, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-4666 Fax: 250-423-3110 All content is Copyright 2011/12 and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
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Elkford -at a glance Population: 2,500 Elevation: 1,140m Incorporated: 1966 Schools: Rocky Mountain Elementary School (K-7) and Elkford Secondary School (8-12) Claim To Fame: Wilderness Capital of BC Behind The Name: Elk are many in the town of Elkford and the coal mine known as Fording was influential in the creation of the town.
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What’s your
Elkford
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For the water lover, Elkford offers many pristine lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Whether you enjoy a quiet dip in the warm Sulfur Spring or seek the thrill of your next big catch you will be sure to find it in Elkford. •
The Elk Lakes
The Elk Lakes Provincial Park is located 69km north of Elkford. Surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of sky high mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs sit the Elk Lakes. The Elk Lakes present not only an abundance of summer fishing opportunities, but
Because of the quick hike and the beauty Josephine Falls is one of Elkford’s most popular attractions. Photo courtesy of the Elkford Visitor Information Center
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during the winter, ice fishing becomes a treasured hobby of locals and visitors alike. Many campsites and trails are available for those that enjoy sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. •
Josephine Falls
A brief hike off of the road leading to Fording is Josephine Falls. The falls are spectacular, dropping 25m down a rugged canyon carved out by the Fording River, •
Sulphur Springs
Tricky to find, but well worth the effort. Sulphur Springs is a naturally, warm spring hidden in surround-
Whether you want to fish, or relax with a breathtaking view, the Elk Lakes can be enjoyed by everyone. Photo courtesy of the Elkford Visitor Information Center
ing forests and wildlife. Sulphur Springs is known for its smell as much as the healing properties some believe the water has. Take the Line Creek Road and turn left after the bridge. Approximately 10km after the bridge is the turn down the rugged road leading to Sulphur Springs. •
The Elk & Fording River.
A fly-fisher’s delight are the Elk and Fording River both located north of Elkford. With as many spots known, there are more unknown. Fishers can wade or walk down the edges of the river to get lost in a day of some of Canada’s best fishing.
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Lost Lake & Lily Lake.
After the trail from Josephine Falls, you will find Lily Lake and Lost Lake. The trails to these lakes are recommended for the more experienced hikers/riders but with their raw beauty and remote locations wetland birds, big game and untouched nature are sure to be seen. Please remember: Wildlife is abundant, so be aware and use precautions. Always tell someone where you are going and a map & GPS are recommended. Wherever your travels in Elkford bring you, leave nothing behind but your footprints.
The Elk Lakes are a popular destination for both sightseers and adventure seekers. Photo courtesy of the Elkford Visitor Information Center
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Je n na loves Elkford
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WAPITI SKI HILL Wapiti Ski Hill is highly treasured with the residents and visitors of Elkford, and for good reason. It lays claim to seven runs for beginners or expert skiers with over one thousand feet of vertical drop. New to the hill is a Terrain Park with an angled step down, a twenty foot step up, kinked rail and straight rail. Remember, helmets are always mandatory in the Terrain Park. Wapiti also offers, lessons, rentals and night skiing at a fraction of the
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cost of large commercial ski resorts. At an elevation of 1300m and an annual snowfall of over 350cm, skiers can be sure to find more fresh powder than people. The ski hill and ski hill concession are ran and maintained by a volunteer ski society. For more information on the Wapiti Ski Hill visit their website at www. wapitiskiclub.com.
THE WILDLIFE Elkford is known around the world as being the Wilderness Capital of B.C. Around every corner and turn this can be observed with the vast amount of wildlife walking around the community easily coexisting with the human residents. Most recently, Elkford has shared it’s home with the legendary “Spirit Bear”, a mother bear with triplet cubs, two of whom are the rare white in colour, herds of elk, many deer
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and cougars as well as hundreds of species of birds. Visitors who travel to Elkford are astounded at the splendor and magnificence of the wildlife and the sprawling rocky mountains from any road or trail in the community. As beautiful as the wildlife is, the District would like to remind all visitors and residents that feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited. When visiting Elkford, have your camera in hand and you will be guaranteed to have incredible photos and memories of Elkford, B.C.
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WILDERNESS CLASSIC SLED DOG DERBY A sight for the whole family to see. The Wilderness Classic Sled Dog Derby is an annual event held in Elkford drawing in sled dog teams and spectators from around the world. Along with the races Elkford also holds many other community events during the Derby such as a snow sculpture competition, snowshoe biathlon, two dollar swimming, a toboggan party and other winter activities the whole family will be sure to enjoy. Top dog sled teams head to Elkford to participate in the races and
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THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT The Recreation Department is always full of activity in Elkford. With 4 lanes for swimming and a “beach front” access for young children, two diving boards, a slide, whirlpool hot tub and a sauna the Recreation Department is a favourite place to spend time enjoying the water indoors. Next to the pool is Elkford’s arena and curling complex which is also used to house many commu-
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win the prestigious awards handed out as the competition closes. The community of Elkford unites in a combined effort of hundreds of volunteer hours to make the Sled Dog Derby a very well recognized event.
nity events and activities in Elkford. The District of Elkford is now currently in the process of building a new state of the art community center which will soon be a central location to house most of Elkford’s events and ceremonies as well as the daycare, a playground and community information center. Many activities and programs are ran through the Recreation Department so residents and visitors can take part in pursuits of all kinds.
WILDCAT DAYS
Wildcat Days is Elkford’s annual community festival drawing in crowds of people. Wildcat cat Days is named after “Wildcat Charlie” Weigert, Weigert, one of Elkford’s first pioneers. Wildcat Days is filled with many events for children and adults of all ages. A parade, kid’s carnival, prizes, live music, contests and competitions run through the weekend and the nightlife in Elkford’s most popular watering holes is always a hit with popular live bands rocking the adult scene. For those who like to shop, local area vendors
set up displays of homemade and commercial goods during Wildcat Days. No matter what excites you, you will be sure to find it during Elkford’s Wildcat Days. Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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A COAL BOOM CREATES ELKFORD
Elkford recently celebrated its 40th birthday. A young community in comparison to many, but nonetheless Elkford is rich in history and was created by the hands of hundreds of volunteers. With the backing of the coal mine called Fording, Elkford was established to house Fording employees and eventually grew to become an established community of thousands. Many residents have lived in Elkford since the beginning and recall the early days of taking a dusty dirt road to get there. Development in Elkford was rapid and it was dubbed as “B.C.’s fastest growing community.” Today Elkford is thriving and many projects and developments are always underway.
THE SPIRIT BEAR
The Spirit Bear is a legend of Elkford. Until lately, the white bear has been rarely seen and mysterious. These bears are known for their blonde or white coat, they are uncommon and illegal to hunt, but a treasured sight to see. It is unknown whether these black bears are in a lighter color phase or if they may share some genetic relationship with the Kermode bears who live on the Central and North Coast of B.C. These bears are currently being studied by scientists and with testing, it may soon be revealed what makes these black bears white.
LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABILITY
State of the art construction underway on the new community center, National Resources Canada recognition of Elkford’s climate change plans, greenhouse gas reduction plans, water conservation, and many more strategies have been defined as a priority of Elkford. In the official community plan Elkford outlines several policies to direct growth and development while protecting and enhancing residents’ current quality of life. A local volunteer committee guided the steps in the process and also resulted in significant public input. To read Elkford’s official community plan you can visit the District of Elkford’s website at www.elkford.ca.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
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Elkford hosts a variety of annual community events that showcase the style of Elkford such as the adult and kid triathlon, winter festival, Canada Day, Miss Elkford Pageant and Trans Rockies, just to name a few. Celebrations occur in all seasons, and draw crowds from the entire Elk Valley. Come check out any one, or all of Elkford’s celebrations!
Discovering Elkford
BOUNDLESS BACKCOUNTRY Some call Elkford the end of the road, as there is no highway leading North of the community. Others call Elkford the beginning of the backcountry. In any case, Elkford is well known worldwide for the expansive backcountry surrounding the community and lending to some of the best fishing, hunting, hiking and ATV’ing around. Elkford has an abundance of trail systems, as well as hundreds of acres rarely ever walked upon by anything other than wildlife. Residents and visitors of Elkford engage in many outdoor activities and the lifestyle of outdoor leisure is readily apparent from anywhere in town. Elkford Guide - www.thefreepress.ca
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Golf Elkford
At Mountain Meadows Golf Course
Streams, snowcapped mountains, wildlife. This is what you will find at Elkford’s Mountain Meadows Golf Course. Well know for fabulous golf and the lowest rates in the region, Mountain Meadows will provide new and experienced golfers the game they have been waiting for. The nine hole course was constructed on an elk grazing meadow in 1976 and has been a popular place for residents and visitors to spend the day in the sunshine. Mountain Meadows Golf Course is home to two of the toughest par 3’s
in the Kootenays - the 184 yard 5th and the 195 yard 12th hole. Both holes demand accurate tees shots to heavily guarded greens. Water is found on six of the nine holes and the first nine play much different from the back nine, so there are a very different 18 holes to be played. At the Clubhouse is a family restaurant and lounge where people come to enjoy the atmosphere and amazing views. The Pro Shop offers all kinds of gear and gifts and there are always rentals available.
Mountain Meadows Golf Course Offers: • • • •
9 holes Clubhouse, restaruant and lounge Pro shop Practice facility and driving range
Elk Valley Photography www.elkvalleyphotography.com
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250-425-9044 “Making your moments last a lifetime.”
Specializing in quality, unique and affordable photography for special occasions or just because. Serving the Elk Valley & area
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Lessons Golf carts RV parking The lowest rates The best mountian views Golf for everyone to enjoy
t u O g n i Camp in Elkford Elkford Lions Municipal Campground is beautiful, tree filled and surrounded by 40 km of maintained hiking and biking trails. With over seventy-five sites, hot showers, a sani dump, free firewood for all registered guests, a giant family sized fire pit and cookhouse for group gatherings this campground is sure to satisfy every camper. For more information please call 250.865.4470.
THE FREE PRESS Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
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Mountain Meadows GC
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Elkford is a picturesque Rocky Mountain town. It remains a place where nature prevails – and humanity borrows a bit of space.
District of Elkford
Repairs for all of your personal automotive, commercial and industrial repair needs. From big to small we repair it all.
Mountain Mechanical
The Elk Valley’s Chartered Accountants specializing in income tax reduction strategies for business and individuals as well as other business accounting needs.
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Specializing in unique, on location photo shoots for singles, couples, families, and businesses. Serving the Elk Valley and area.
A weekly newspaper serving Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and The South Country since 1898. Published every Thursday and can be viewed online at www.thefreepress.ca.
The Free Press
September................Volunteer Appreciation Golf Tournament
July1-3..............................Canada Day & Wildcat Days
June.........................................Tee Off For Tots
May 25-26..... ....................Youth Ambassador Pageant
May 3......................Youth Ambassador Wine & Cheese Show
March 3 .............................Figureskating Ice Carnival
February 3-5 ..... ..................Wildcat Curling Bonspiel
February ..............................Elkford Winter Festival
January 20-22.......15th Annual Sled Dog Derby & Winter Festival
December 8......................Moonlight Madness Craft Sale-
Calendar of Events
Supplies equipment, parts and service to the construction, forestry, mining industries and utility product users.
Teck is the largest employer in the Elk Valley with over 3,300 employees and 5 mines including Coal Mountain, Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills and Line Creek
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