Elkwater, Alberta

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Elkwater, Alberta, Canada
Motto:  
Elkwater, Alberta, Canada.
Elkwater, Alberta, Canada.

Census division No. 1
County Cypress
Area:   km²
Founded  
Incorporated  
Population

Hamlet Population


67 (2001)
Population density  /km²
Time zone Mountain: UTC -7
Postal code span  
Latitude

Longitude

49°39′43.6″N, 110°16′51.7″W
Elevation 1234 m MSL
Highways Highway 41
Waterways Elkwater Lake
Mayor  
Governing body  

 

1(sc) According to the Canada 2001 Census. Template:Canadian City/Extra references=Geographical references
Flag of Canada

Elkwater is a community at the western edge of the Cypress Hills in sotheastern Alberta, Canada.

Elkwater is located on the Buffalo Trail, on the southern shore of Elkwater Lake, 65 km southeast of Medicine Hat.

Contents

[edit] Island in the prairies

During the last ice age the Cypress Hills was not covered with ice because it was high enough to rise above the surrounding flatlands. As a result it gives a pre-ice-age look at geology.

[edit] Flora and fauna

The Cypress Hills is much like the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is similar in elevation. As a result thick pine forests cover the hills.

[edit] Wildlife

Animals found there include White-tailed deer, coyotes, elk, wild turkeys, and moose. Moose are not native to the Cypress Hills but were introduced by man. Footprints that resemble that of a Cougar have also been seen.

[edit] Townsite

The community is mostly a collection of cabins. Shopping is not on a commercial scale of Banff's downtown. Shopping is restricted to a convenience store, gas station and restaurant.

Recent development (Fall 2005) has brought the [Elkwater Lodge] to town featuring some very comfortable rooms, cabins and excellent dinning. [1] Elkwater town site is in a Provincial Park and as a result residents can never own the land under their houses. Leases are negotiated with the Provincial Government.

[edit] Camping

Camping in Elkwater is excellent. There are 5 large campgrounds near the townsite itself. They are:

  • Elkwater Main
  • Beaver Creek
  • Ferguson Hill
  • Lodgepole
  • Firerock

As well, Nicole Springs is nearby but is accessible only by a short hike.

Near Elkwater, excellent camping can be found at Spruce Coulee and Reesor Lake. Closer to the Saskatchewan border, Graybern Coulee campground is found.

Finally, a number of group camp sites can be rented.