Elkwater, Alberta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elkwater
Unincorporated community
Boat harbour in Elkwater
Elkwater, Alberta Location in Alberta
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Region	Southern Alberta
Census division	1
Municipal district	Cypress County
Area  (2021)
• Land	0.68 km2 (0.26 sq mi)
Elevation	1,234 m (4,049 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Total	83
• Density	122.2/km2 (316/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−7 (MST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−6 (MDT)
Highway	Highway 41
Waterway	Elkwater Lake

Elkwater is a small community in southeastern Alberta, Canada. It's located at the edge of the beautiful Cypress Hills. You can find it about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Medicine Hat. The main way to get there is by Alberta Highway 41 (Buffalo Trail). This highway goes south from the main Trans-Canada Highway (Alberta Highway 1).

Elkwater is part of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. It sits right on the southern shore of Elkwater Lake. The community is mostly made up of cozy cabins. Its name comes from Ponokiokwe, which is the Blackfoot name for the lake. It means "elk water."

Plants and Animals of Elkwater

The Elkwater area is about 1,225 meters (4,025 feet) above sea level. It's on the northwest side of the Cypress Hills. These hills are quite high, reaching 1,466 meters (4,810 feet). This makes them the tallest point between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador in Canada!

Because it's so high up, Elkwater gets more rain and snow than the flat lands around it. This extra moisture helps forests grow. You'll see trees like lodgepole pine, white spruce, and aspen on the hillsides above the town.

Wildlife You Might See

Many large animals live in this area. Keep an eye out for mule deer and white-tailed deer. You might also spot a coyote, elk, cougar, or even a moose. Lots of different kinds of birds also call Elkwater home.

Some animals, like moose and wild turkeys, were brought to this area by people. They didn't originally live here.

Fishing in Elkwater Lake

Elkwater Lake is a great place for fishing. It has fish like northern pike and yellow perch. Other nearby lakes, such as Reesor Lake, also offer good fishing. If you want to fish, you'll need a sport fishing license. You can get one online or at the Elkwater Visitor Centre.

Who Lives in Elkwater?

In 2021, a count showed that 83 people lived in Elkwater. These people lived in 48 homes. This was a small change from 2016, when 84 people lived there. Elkwater covers a small area of about 0.68 square kilometers (0.26 square miles). This means there were about 122 people per square kilometer in 2021.

Back in 2016, 84 people lived in Elkwater. They lived in 40 homes. This was a big jump from 2011, when only 50 people lived there!

How Elkwater is Managed

Since Elkwater is inside a provincial park, the provincial government manages it. This means that people who have cottages or homes there don't actually own the land. Instead, they lease it from the government. They have to agree to terms with the provincial government to use the land.

Places to Stay in Elkwater

Elkwater has a few options if you want to stay overnight.

Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort

There's one hotel called the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort. It offers different types of rooms, including condos, cabins, and suites.

Campgrounds

If you love camping, you're in luck! There are 7 campgrounds close to Elkwater. They have about 450 campsites in total. These campgrounds include:

• Elkwater (Main)
• Lakeview
• Old Baldy
• Beaver Creek
• Ferguson Hill
• Lodgepole
• Firerock

You can also find more camping spots east of Elkwater at Spruce Coulee and Reesor Lake. Closer to the Saskatchewan border, there's Battle Creek campground. If you're planning a trip with a big group, there are also four special group campsites you can rent.

Other Accommodations

You can also find bed-and-breakfasts and other places to stay. For example, the Bar-Zee Bed & Breakfast is located north of the park.

Services and Fun Things to Do

Elkwater offers many services and fun activities for visitors. You'll find a convenience store where you can grab snacks and supplies. There's also a gas station, a cafe, and a restaurant for meals.

The visitor centre is a great place to learn more about the park. If you like winter sports, there's a ski hill. In warmer weather, you can enjoy the 9-hole golf course. There's also a marina on the lake for boats. The main offices for the Alberta part of the park are also located here.

Elkwater's Weather

Elkwater has a climate that's usually cold and snowy in winter, and short and warm in summer. It gets a fair amount of rain and snow throughout the year, about 529 millimeters (20.8 inches) on average.