Trail profile: Elk Valley Trail
Spanning nearly 200 kilometres from Elko, British Columbia, to the Alberta border, the Elk Valley Trail links the communities of Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and Elko. It’s an excellent hiking, running and biking trail in the warmer months, and cross-country skiing and fat biking are popular options in the snowy season. The Elk Valley Trail is located on unceded Ktunaxa land.
What we love about this Trail section
• It links great communities via a whole lot of forested trail.
• It passes through an incredible natural environment and includes beautiful views of the Elk Valley.
• It takes you through downtown Fernie, complete with restaurants, cafés and a wonderful vibe.
Photo credit: Fernie Trails Alliance
Mountainside routes and community hiking and biking trails
The Elk Valley Trail starts just south of Elko, where it links up with the Wardner to Elko Connector. It continues through Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford before linking up with the High Rockies Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail provides a great way to explore the Rockies, the Elk River and the Elk Valley, on a combination of single-track route, forest road and community trails.
Explore Fernie’s attractions
South of Fernie, the trail section begins in Elko and runs for 35 kilometres on gravel forestry road to Morrissey, and an additional 18 kilometres from Morrissey to the Fernie Aquatic Centre. Once in Fernie, be sure to stop and check out the historic downtown, including shops, restaurants, a museum and City Hall, which was once home to the Crows Nest Pass Coal company and a survivor of the 1908 inferno that destroyed most of downtown. Tourism Fernie offers a self-guided walking tour, which hits several points of interest in town.
Also in Fernie, take a detour off the Elk Valley Trail to check out the City of Fernie Trail, which provides a great walking and biking route. In ski season, Fernie Alpine Resort offers an excellent mountain experience.
North to Hosmer, Sparwood and Elkford
North of Fernie, the Elk Valley Trail continues – you may spot signs for Old Stumpy and Coal Discovery trails, both local names for parts of this trail section. The trail crosses several junctions and connects to other walking, hiking and biking trails as it continues to Hosmer, Elkford and the Elk Valley. Make sure to stop and take in the incredible mountain and valley views!
In Sparwood, stop at the farmers market for fresh local products in the summer months. Elkford is known for its nearly endless options for outdoor adventure, year-round, so be sure to stop at the visitor center for info.
Photo credit: Fernie Trails Alliance
A century-old coal mining history in Hosmer
The community of Hosmer, midway along the Elk Valley Trail, is home to a longtime mining history. The Hosmer Mine began operations in 1908, with the town’s population once reaching 1,200 people at its peak. In 1914, the mine ceased production, but you can still spot ruins of the mine in town – including the former powerhouse and coke ovens.
Improved trail conditions after a washout
In 2023, Fernie Trails Alliance, with funding from Trans Canada Trail, undertook a climate mitigation project after several sections of the Elk Valley Trail were washed out. Some trail sections were re-routed to make the trail more adaptive and family-friendly, and the trail was cleared of debris.
Photo credit: Fernie Trails Alliance
Thank you to our dedicated trail partners
Our sincere thanks go out to the Fernie Trails Alliance, Coal Creek Heritage Society, District of Elkford, District of Sparwood, Sparwood Trails Alliance, the Regional District of East Kootenay, Dr. Robert Champagne, City of Fernie and BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure – East Kootenay District for their dedication to maintaining and promoting the Elk Valley Trail across hundreds of kilometres.
Explore the Elk Valley Trail and more BC trails on Trans Canada Trail’s interactive map!
Photo credit: Fernie Trails Alliance
