Sparwood was incorporated in 1966 to replace the blackened coal towns of Michel and Natal. Those communities were bulldozed because of environmental concerns and the residents moved to Sparwood.

Beyond this alpine community exists a treasure of high country adventure. Fly fishing in pristine mountain lakes and streams exceeds every angler's expectation. Whitewater rafting exhilarates even the most experienced. Hiking or biking old forestry trails earn glimpses of deer, elk or bighorn sheep and promise rare photo opportunities.

Beautiful community parks are favourites for picnics and evening strolls. Sparwood's mining history is depicted in murals painted on the buildings in the downtown core.

Population: 4,211 Main Industries: mining, forestry

Elevation: 1140 m. (3740 ft.)

Access: Sparwood is serviced by a commercial bus line. Highway 3 runs through the community - southeast to the Alberta border (40 miles) and southwest to Fernie (40 miles). Highway 43 heads north from Sparwood to Elkford. The Elk Valley Regional Airport has charter flights.

Recreation Facilities & Activities: picnics, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting, swimming pool, curling and skating rinks, racquetball, horseback riding, golfing and skiing.

Local Attractions: Heritage Murals, Henry Volkman Memorial Leisure Centre, Open pit coal mine tours, World's Largest Dump Truck

Accommodations: There are municipal and commercial campgrounds along with a hotel within Sparwood. Also there is a lodge east of town.

For More Information:
Sparwood & District Info Centre
Hwy. 3 & Aspen Dr., Box 1448, Sparwood, BC V1B 2G0
Telephone: (250) 425-2423 • Fax: (250) 425-7130