In the summer, remember to pile on the sunscreen and bring along a kayak or canoe to leave your wake in the pure blue lakes nestled between some very stunning backdrops.
There are on going activities for the family year round, often set in conjunction with the season, markets, and parades. Often the summer events include children's art circles and camps among the festivities.
Population: 4,100
Highlights:
Outdoor Sporting Activities
Wilson Creek Mountain Vista
Titan - The world's largest tandem-axle dump truck, a monument to the former mining days
Elk River & Numerous Lakes
Elk Valley Family Leisure Centre
Fernie Ski Area
History:
Previous to the 1960's, three rather unsafe mining towns were considered an inappropriate welcome to visitors and a move of all three to begin a paradise gateway into the eastern boarder of the province was built - Sparwood. The coal export is still thriving in the this "secret spot" of the Rockies, but the adventure and comforts are all grown up into a lively tourism industry catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
Climate:
Summer average 26 degrees Celsius
Winter average -10 degrees Celsius
(Temperature varies by elevation and often unpredictable winds.)