Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in Sparwood range from high-energy adventure to pleasant rambles in nature. The Elk River flows right through Sparwood and is one of the finest fishing rivers in the world. Our valley is also home to some of North America’s best hunting areas with an abundance of game. BC’s easternmost golf course is in Sparwood, designed by Fred Couples. Some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding is just a short drive away at Fernie Alpine Resort. Of course, Sparwood also offers opportunities for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing, sledding, camping, mountain biking and much more.

The Conservation Officer Service is responsible for administering the Access Management Compliance and Enforcement Program in the East Kootenays. Key initiatives within the program involve proactive education, public relations, and compliance and enforcement relating to access management. If you have any questions about the program or closure areas, contact the Detective Conservation Officer Burley at 250-423-2389or email patricia.burley@gov.bc.ca or to report violations, call the Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277). Click here to learn more about the program.

Hiking

Some say there’s only two directions you have to remember out here in the mountains: up and down!

A popular local hike is the Matevic Draw, and offers an incredible bird’s eye view of Sparwood and the surrounding area. This hike up to the alpine involves about two hours of steady climbing on a well-marked, forested trail. Viewpoints are scarce until out of the woods. The trailhead is accessed via the power line, off Sycamore Road in Sparwood Heights.

Drive out to Grave Lake, a popular weekend getaway for locals. Midway between Sparwood and Elkford, take the Line Creek Mine Road, and then take the first right after the bridge, onto a gravel road. After approximately 4km (2.5mi), turn left and immediately cross the railroad tracks. Follow for approximately 2km (1.25mi), and then turn left to the lake.

Learn More

Boating & Fishing

Splash around and enjoy the water activities on the Elk River or Michel Creek. There’s world class fishing on the Elk River or Michel Creek for cutthroat trout, whitefish and bull trout. Nearby Grave Lake has kokanee and rainbow trout. Fish at Summit Lake for Gerrard rainbow trout (the largest trout in the world).

Boating Safety

Canadians are required by law to have proof of competency when operating a motorized watercraft. The Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) is the most common proof of competency in Canada.

What is PCOC?

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (more commonly known as a boating license) proves that you have gained the knowledge to safely operate a motorized pleasure craft on Canada’s waterways.

Who needs a boat license?

If you operate a motorized boat in Canada, you need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The federal law applies to all ages, all boat lengths and all engine sizes – even electric trolling motors and sailboats equipped with engines. If you’re stopped without a boating license, you’ll face a minimum $250 fine. Once obtained, your PCOC is good for life.

How do boaters obtain their card/boat license?

The easiest way for boaters to obtain their PCOC is by successfully passing a Transport Canada accredited, multiple choice exam at https://www.thecampfirecollective.com/courses/boatsmart/ca/

How old do you have to be to take the exam for boaters?

Boaters of any age can take the online boating course and exam for boaters, even boaters under 16 years of age.

Sparwood Disc Golf Course

Sparwood Disc Golf Course (named Parwood) is an 18 basket disc golf course in Sparwood Heights.

The Sparwood Disc Golf Course is located in Sparwood Heights at the end of Sparwood Heights Drive. Fairways range from 65 yards to 175 yards in length with challenging features throughout the course. Play the front nine in about an hour or the whole course in about 2 hours. There is no cost to play at Parwood. This is an inexpensive sport for all ages and abilities. For those interested in giving this sport a try, discs are available for rent at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.

It provides a challenge for every player as it is rugged and is built on the side of a mountain with elevation changes and mature trees. Score your game the same way you would score regular golf by keeping track of the number of shots you take. Maps, discs (available only at the Leisure Centre), brochures and instructions are all available at the Leisure Centre or here: https://sparwood.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/61467/

Looking to try disc golf?  The Leisure Centre has discs for rent.  Stop by the Leisure Centre office to rent a set of discs.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Mountain Biking

Mountain bike down the valley between Sparwood and Fernie. Start on the Mountain Shadows loop, accessed from the Mountain Shadows Campground, and pick up on the Trans Canada Trail. Click here for more information on this route. Other biking options include the Michel Creek Loop and the Upper and Lower Elk Valley Road loops. Be sure to check out more information about trails in Sparwood here.

Check out the Sparwood Trails Alliance Facebook Page for additional trails Sparwood has to offer.

Snowmobiling

With the Rocky Mountains on either side, Sparwood is a natural choice for snowmobilers looking for the ultimate backcountry riding experience. Come out and enjoy our endless terrains and dependable snow conditions which are sure to provide hours of enjoyment for everyone.

One of the most popular snowmobiling areas in the Elk Valley is Coal Creek (located about 30 minutes south of Sparwood). Here, sledders will find a spacious parking lot, which is maintained by members of the Fernie Snowmobile Association, and a family-friendly trail.

The Elkford Snowmobile Club maintains trails around the Elkford area. They have a variety of terrain including groomed and ungroomed family trails, alpine areas, and high-marking bowls. The heart of our trail system is the Round Prairie staging area located 4.5 km north of Elkford.

Trail maps are available at the Visitor Information Centre, gas stations and other town outlets.

Skiing & Winter Sports

Our location in the Rocky Mountains has its advantages!

Cross-Country Skiing

Sparwood is home to a great network of trails, within the community and in the immediate surrounding areas. Get outside for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing, on the cross-country trails located in Sparwood Heights! The Sunset Ridge Ski Society (Facebook Group) has more information on Sparwood’s maintained cross-crountry trails.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of North America’s fastest-growing winter sports, and Sparwood provides the requisite trails, powder and pristine winter scenery. Sparwood’s trail map is available here.

Sunset Ridge Ski Society

The Sunset Ridge Ski Society (Facebook group) maintains over 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in Sparwood. Although the trails tend to favour the intermediate to advanced skier, there has been some recent trail development that serve beginner skiers.

Alpine Skiing

Fernie Alpine Resort is located just 30 minutes west of Sparwood in the British Columbia Rockies, and boasts some of the best skiing conditions in North America. It’s renowned for its incredible snowfall and exceptional terrain. Check out Fernie Alpine Resort.

Pass Powderkeg Ski Resort located 30 minutes East in Crowsnest Pass Alberta the ski area boasts challenging terrain, affordable rates, an excellent ski and snowboard school, equipment rentals, terrain park, night skiing, snowmaking and friendly service. Check out Pass Powderkeg ski resort.

Wapiti Ski Hill located 20 minutes north in Elkford, British Columbia provides a very affordable, family oriented ski experience. Seven ski runs over a 1,000 foot vertical drop include terrain for skiers of all types. Check out Wapiti Ski Hill.

Castle Mountain Resort, located just an hour away across the BC-Alberta boarder, is home to some of the longest, continuous fall line runs in North America and second largest resort in Alberta.  Visit them at https://www.skicastle.ca/

Learn More

Hunting

Both hunters and the District are interested in the long-term sustainability of the ecological values and the recreational activities in Sparwood.

To do this, we need to work together to manage the potential impacts on resources and on other users. Most hunters are safety conscious, ethical and environmentally aware. However, hunting in areas close to restricted zones requires a higher degree of awareness.

We ask for your support and cooperation in helping us by following these basic goals when you are hunting in the backcountry:

  • Hunt only in permitted areas as outlined in Schedule A of Firearm Regulation Bylaw No. 540.
  • Leave live trees; please scrounge for firewood or tent poles from dead and downed trees.
  • Take down all wall tent frames and meat hanging poles and scatter them into the bush. Leave the camp like you were never there.
  • Take down any flagging tape that you may have used as you leave.
  • Once you are sure your fire is completely out, remove the rocks and bury the ashes.
  • When you meet hikers or other hunters on the trails, let them know you are safety conscious and where you will be hunting.
  • Do not leave gut piles near trails or recreational sites.
  • Think bear safety at all times and manage your camp, food and meat accordingly. Observe, Record and Report illegal activities (Call 1-877-952-7277).

Hunters have a long tradition of supporting wildlife conservation. We need to continue to display that leadership in showing others how to enjoy the wilderness while leaving nothing behind but our boot prints.

Hunting Restrictions

The Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis prepared by the Province is a summary of the B.C. hunting and trapping regulations made under the Wildlife Act, prepared for the convenience of hunters and trappers.

The Regulations Synopsis:

  • Sets out general hunting information
  • Summarizes important hunting regulations
  • Defines open seasons with maps indicating closed areas

The 2022-2024 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis The 2022-2024 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis is effective from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. 

The Regulations Synopsis is a guide to hunting and trapping in B.C. for the 2022-2024 seasons.

Click here to learn more about the hunting and trapping regulations, management units, and which areas are generally open.

Licences

There are three types of hunting licences available to B.C. residents:

  • Hunting Licence
  • Initiation Hunting Licence
  • Youth Hunting Licence

A hunting licence, in combination with the appropriate species licence (if required), provides a hunter with a personal bag limit. Click here for more information on hunting licences and fees

Permits

Under the District of Sparwood Firearm Regulation Bylaw 540, the Clerk or Corporate Officer is authorized to issue a permit to:

  1. A Bonafide Farmer permitting the discharge of a firearm for the sole purpose of protecting crops and livestock on his Farmland;
  2. A Bonafide Instructor in Archery or firearm education who is properly licensed and who has given acceptable assurances that the instructional courses will be conducted within appropriate facilities;
  3. The owner(s) or operator(s) of a recreational field permitting the discharge of a firearm for the sole purpose of eradication of gophers/ground squirrels where such holes could pose a safety hazard. 

For more information, check out Sparwood Fish and Wildlife Association

Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)

The Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline should be used to report wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk. The RAPP program is a toll free tip line and online service that also allows you to report known or suspected violations of fisheries, wildlife, or environmental protection laws anonymously and without risk of confronting the offender.

Available 24/7, RAPP is simple, safe and effective. It is based on the principle that someone other than the criminal has information that can solve the crime. Just like the police use Crimestoppers, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service needs your help in catching poachers and polluters.

The RAPP hotline should also be used to report human-wildlife conflicts where public safety may be at risk.

How Can I Help?

Remember, never confront or attempt to apprehend a suspect. Environmental violations to report include:

  • Illegal waste disposal (household or business waste, e.g. dumped on Crown Land)
  • Unlawful open burning (e.g. dense smoke); excludes backyard burning
  • The discharge of chemicals or sewage to lakes or rivers
  • Damage to fish or wildlife habitat
  • Exceeding the daily bag or catch limit
  • Use of illegal hunting or fishing gear
  • Fishing or hunting out of season or in closed areas
  • Unauthorized collection or sale of fish and wildlife or their parts

What to Record

Your observations should be recorded in note form as soon as possible. Where possible include:

  • Description of suspect(s), including, number of people, name, sex, race, age, height/weight, eye colour, hair, hair colour and style, facial hair, physical attributes such as tattoos or scars, clothing, accent and mannerisms.
  • Details of violation, including, date, time, location, type of violation, suspects actions and comments, type of hunting or fishing gear and other equipment used.
  • Transport involved, including vehicle or vessel number, province or state, make, model, year, colour and distinctive features such as damage, stripes or customizing.
  • Witnesses, including name, address and phone number for each.

How to Report

Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network. If the situation is not an emergency, report the incident online or contact the nearest Conservation Officer Service district office.

For fisheries violations related to salmon, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336. You can also contact your local RCMP detachment or municipal police.

Your Report Can Make a Difference

With accurate reporting, the province’s Emergency Call Centre staff will quickly relay your information to the nearest available Conservation Officer. Accurate and timely violation reports reduce conservation officer response time and increase the likelihood of apprehension and successful prosecution.

In addition to minimizing any damage caused by poachers and polluters, you can help prevent violations before they even occur. The watchful eyes of responsible and informed resource users are a powerful deterrent to potential violators.

Penalities

As one example of the types of penalties violators are subject to, provisions in the Wildlife Act allow for a poachers hunting licence to be cancelled for up to 30 years, following conviction.

A poacher may also be subject to a fine and/or imprisonment, which could be:

  • Up to $25,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for the majority of offences under the Wildlife Act
  • Up to $50,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for offences that could harm the wildlife resource or that reflect serious unethical practices related to illegal hunting or trapping
  • $1,000 to $100,000 and/or 1 year imprisonment for offences related to the illegal trade in live wildlife or killing endangered species

Rewards

The BC Wildlife Federation pays rewards up to $2000 for information leading to the conviction of persons who have violated laws related to the protection of fish, wildlife, or the environment, or damaged the property of companies or individuals who provide access to hunters and anglers.