Elk Valley (British Columbia) facts for kids
The Elk Valley is a beautiful valley located in the southeastern part of British Columbia, Canada. It follows the path of the Elk River, stretching from the border of Alberta near Kananaskis all the way to the Rocky Mountain Trench. This valley is nestled right in the heart of the amazing Canadian Rockies.
The Elk Valley is about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from both the Alberta and Montana borders. It's home to several communities, including Elkford, Sparwood, Hosmer, Fernie, Morrissey, and Elko.
A Look at Elk Valley's Past and Present
The Elk Valley has a long and important history, especially when it comes to coal mining. For over 100 years, this valley has been a major source of coal in British Columbia. The coal mined here is sent to steel mills all around the world. Today, all the active coal mines in the Elk Valley are owned by a company called Teck Resources.
Fun Things to Do in the Valley
Besides mining, the Elk Valley is becoming more and more popular for tourism. Many people visit the area to enjoy the outdoors. You'll find lots of weekend adventurers here, including people who love to:
- Ride snowmobiles
- Go skiing
- Enjoy hiking trails
- Go fishing
- Go hunting
The stunning natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies makes the Elk Valley a great place for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Towns and Communities in the Elk Valley
Here are some of the main towns and communities you'll find in the Elk Valley:
- Elko, British Columbia
- Fernie, British Columbia
- Sparwood, British Columbia (This includes the areas of Michel and Natal, which used to be separate towns.)
- Elkford, British Columbia
