Elk Lakes Provincial Park is a wilderness area situated within the western ranges of the Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. This park is characterized by its sub-alpine landscapes, rugged peaks, and pristine lakes, offering a diverse environment for outdoor pursuits. The terrain features massive cliff faces, craggy summits, and remnant glaciers, alongside lower elevation forests of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. These varied natural features provide opportunities for several sports like hiking.
9
Routes
4.8
(38)
Average rating
503
People visited

4.9
(16)
140
hikers
15.7km
04:14
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
hikers
17.9km
05:03
370m
370m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(8)
212
hikers
10.7km
03:59
640m
640m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
61
hikers
9.74km
03:25
200m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Elk Lakes Provincial Park primarily offers opportunities for hiking. The park's diverse landscape, featuring mountains, lakes, and forests, provides varied terrain suitable for different activity levels. Backcountry tenting is also available in designated areas.
Popular hiking trails include the View Point Trail, which offers views overlooking Lower Elk Lake, and the Upper Elk Lake Trail, a mild climb to Upper Elk Lake. The Petain Falls Trail leads to the glacial-fed Petain Falls, and the West Elk Pass / Fox Lake Trail provides views of the Elk Valley.
Yes, Elk Lakes Provincial Park offers hiking experiences suitable for families with some backcountry hiking experience. The park's varied terrain includes mild climbs and shorter trails. For specific recommendations, refer to the guide Family-friendly hikes in Elk Lakes Provincial Park.
The park is known for its sub-alpine landscapes, rugged peaks, and pristine lakes. Notable features include Upper and Lower Elk Lake, Petain Falls, and several mountains such as Mount Fox and Mount Aosta. Remnant glaciers like Pétain Glacier also contribute to the alpine scenery.
The park features a mix of terrain, including massive cliff faces, craggy summits, and lower elevation forests of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. Much of the park is above the treeline, with alpine meadows that bloom after the spring thaw.
Elk Lakes Provincial Park is a well-regarded destination on komoot, with more than 1,500 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the park have an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars based on over 100 ratings.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help plan adventures in the park. These include Hiking in Elk Lakes Provincial Park and Family-friendly hikes in Elk Lakes Provincial Park.
The park is home to several lakes, including Upper Elk Lake, Lower Elk Lake, Frozen Lake, Fox Lake, Cadorna Lake, and Abruzzi Lake. Upper Elk Lake serves as the headwaters of the Elk River.
Prominent mountains within Elk Lakes Provincial Park include Mount Fox, Mount Aosta, Mount McCuaig, and Mount Elkan. These peaks contribute to the park's rugged alpine landscape.
The park provides designated areas for backcountry tenting. Additionally, the Alpine Club of Canada manages a cabin for use, which requires reservations.
Official information for Elk Lakes Provincial Park can be found on the BC Parks website at bcparks.ca/elk-lakes-park. For inquiries, the park can be reached toll-free from Canada or the US at 1-800-689-9025, or internationally at 1-519-858-6161.

