Outdoor Activities

Coal Mine Tour

Tour one of Canada’s largest open pit mines. Pre-register at the Visitor Centre by the giant dump truck.
Explore the history of underground coal mining with the aid of the Sparwood Mining History Walking Tour, also starting at the Visitor Centre. Antique mining machinery is displayed all over town, while larger-than-life murals portray the human side of the story.

Golf

Play a round at the 9-hole Sparwood Golf Club. Sparwood Golf Club offers mountainous scenery that is spectacular. The course is finely manicured and a pleasure for all levels of golfers to play. Whiskey Jack Resort is developing an 18-hole golf course designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. Spread over 675 acres, when completed each hole will offer amazing views and water features that include natural, spring and creek beds.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bike down the valley between Sparwood and Fernie. Start on the Mountain Shadows loop, accessed from the campsite, and pick up the Coal Discovery Trail. Other biking options include the Michel Creek Loop and the Upper and Lower Elk Valley Road loops.

Water Activities

Paddlers! Try canoeing and kayaking in Michel Creek and the Elk River.
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 Summit Lake for Gerrard rainbow trout (the largest trout in the world).

Float down the river in a tube on a hot day.

Spend a couple of hours in the pool at the Henry Volkmann Memorial Leisure Centre.

Hiking

Hike up the Matevic Draw, and get a bird’s eye view of Sparwood. 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. Hikers can tackle the difficult 8 km Sparwood Ridge Trail, the leisurely Big Ranch grasslands trip, or the Mt. Hosmer Trail to the Ghostrider Peak.

Disc Golf

This is an inexpensive sport for all ages and abilities. It mirrors golf in the way in which it is scored. The 18-hole course is currently under construction in Sparwood Heights with plans for completion in the spring. For more information contact James Woodall at 250-425-6572.

Snowmobiling

For those who enjoy winter sports there’s great endless terrain and dependable snow conditions provide hours of enjoyment for snowmobiling. Trail maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce, gas stations and other town outlets.

Skiing

Go downhill skiing or snowboarding in nearby Fernie. Fernie Alpine Resort is less than half an hour down the highway. Accommodation in Sparwood could be an attractive low-budget option. Get a workout with cross-country skiing, classic or skate, on the trails above Sparwood Heights.

Wildlife Viewing

The region is one of the most beautiful wildlife habitats in North America, and it is unusual to pass through here and not see an elk, bear, deer or bighorn sheep.