Elkford, British Columbia, is a district municipality nestled in the southeast region of the Canadian province. Located in the majestic Rocky Mountain range, Elkford is a mere 32 km (20 mi) north of the junction at Sparwood, on provincial Highway 43. This charming town is a hub of outdoor recreational activities all year round, making it a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Elkford, British Columbia, is a paradise for outdoor lovers. The town and its surrounding area boast numerous kilometres of trails for horse riding, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The volunteer-run ski hill, Wapiti, is a popular spot during the winter months. The Elkford Aquatic Centre, with its competition-size pool, hot tub, and sauna, is another attraction for both locals and visitors.
Elkford was established in the early 1970s due to mining activity. Today, there are five open-pit coal mines within an hour's drive of the town: Fording River Operations (FRO), Greenhills Operations (GHO), Line Creek Operations (LCO), Elkview Operations (EVO), and Coal Mountain Operations (CMO). All these mines belong to Teck Resources. Many Elkford residents work for the mines or as contractors, while others work in service industries directly related to the mines. The FRO mine is located on the Continental Divide of the Americas, also known as the Great Divide. A unique feature in the area is a coal seam close to Aldridge Creek, north of Elkford, which has been burning for decades and is known to residents as "The Burning Coal Seam."
The Fording River weather station, located near Elkford, records a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc), making the town a winter wonderland for much of the year.
According to the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Elkford had a population of 2,749 living in 1,159 of its 1,602 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 10% from its 2016 population of 2,499. With a land area of 108.12 km2 (41.75 sq mi), Elkford had a population density of 25.4/km2 (65.9/sq mi) in 2021.
Elkford has also made its mark in popular culture. It is the setting of Braceface, an animated children's television series that aired in the early 2000s.
Elkford is home to two public schools, Rocky Mountain Elementary School and Elkford Secondary School, which had a combined student population of 400 in January 2006.
Elkford hosts an annual festival called Wildcat Days during the last weekend of June, adding to the town's vibrant community spirit.
Discover the charm and beauty of Elkford, British Columbia, a town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history.
