|
| |
| |
|
ELKFORD |
| |
The remainder of Hwy 3 in British Columbia is despoiled by mining;
the road crests the Continental Divide 19km east of Sparwood at
Crowsnest Pass . Far more scenic is the drive north from Sparwood on Hwy
43, which heads upstream beside the Elk River for 35km to ELKFORD .
Nestled against a wall of mountains to the east and more gentle hills to
the west, the village claims to be the "wilderness capital of British
Columbia" - a high-pitched punt, but close to the mark if you're
prepared to carry on up either of two rough gravel roads to the north.
The more easterly road follows the Elk a further 80km to Elk Lakes
Provincial Park close to the Continental Divide, one of the wildest road-accessible
spots in the province (reservations possible ). The slightly better
route to the west heads 55km into the heart of unbeatable scenery below
2792-metre Mount Armstrong . Both areas offer excellent chances of
spotting wildlife like cougars, deer, moose, elk or members of North
America's largest population of bighorn sheep.
Before entering either area, however, it's essential to pick up maps and
information at the Elkford infocentre (year-round Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; tel
1-877/355-9453), located at the junction of Hwy 43 and Michel Road. It
can also give directions to nearby Josephine Falls , a few minutes' walk
from the parking area on Fording Mine Road. Whether you're staying here
or pushing on north, a tent is helpful: the only accommodation options
are the Elkford Motor Inn , 808 Michel Rd, next to the shopping centre (tel
865-2211 or 1-800/203-7723; $40-60) or the more expensive Hi Rock Inn ,
2 Chauncey St (tel 865-2226; $60-80. Camping can be had at Elkford's
municipal campsite (tel 865-2650; $12; May-Oct), and at the wilderness
campsites around Elk Lakes ($
|
|
