Elk Lakes Provincial Park
Park Alpine provincial park with mountain lakes and trails
Elk Lakes Provincial Park on the BC-Alberta divide contains glacier‑fed alpine lakes, meadows and backcountry routes; hikers and mountaineers use the park for multi‑day treks and lakefront campsites.
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Elk Lakes Provincial Park is a protected alpine park in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, preserving high-mountain lakes, peaks and subalpine landscapes near the provincial border with Alberta. The park is valued for hiking, alpine scenery and backcountry camping.
Trail access leads to two main alpine lakes, alpine meadows and surrounding peaks; routes are used for multi-day backpacking and technical climbs in season. The park is favored for its clear lakes and mountain scenery rather than developed facilities.
The area was designated as a provincial park to conserve alpine habitats and to provide managed backcountry recreation opportunities.
Located in southeastern British Columbia along the continental divide region, the park sits near the provincial boundary with Alberta and is accessed via forestry and mountain access roads from valley communities.
- Backcountry access: Protects alpine terrain along the Continental Divide and offers backcountry routes connecting to adjacent provincial and national parks.
What to See #
- Upper and Lower Elk Lakes: Upper Elk Lake and Lower Elk Lake form the park's primary water bodies and are focal points for hiking and backcountry camping.
How to Get to Elk Lakes Provincial Park #
Elk Lakes Provincial Park is reached from the Crowsnest Pass area; the main access is via Elkford and gravel forest service roads. From Fernie or Cranbrook drive east toward Sparwood/Elkford and follow local signage for park access; check current road conditions and BC Parks advisories before travel.
Tips for Visiting Elk Lakes Provincial Park #
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the alpine.
- Plan routes that keep daily mileage realistic-trail distances can be deceptive at altitude and on rough terrain.
- If staying overnight, use designated campsites and follow bear-safety procedures; the area is known for black bears and occasional grizzly sightings.
Best Time to Visit Elk Lakes Provincial Park #
High summer (July-early September) is the best window for hiking and alpine access when trails are most likely to be clear.
Weather & Climate near Elk Lakes Provincial Park #
Elk Lakes Provincial Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (728 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 100 mm of rain.
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July
July is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
