Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area is an Alberta Parks recreation area in Kananaskis, about 50 kilometres west of Bragg Creek along Highway 66. Alberta Parks lists two day-use areas and two campgrounds.
The official page says a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park a vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.
Little Elbow is a scenic Elbow Valley basecamp for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, anglers, paddlers, and campers. Alberta Parks says Highway 66 is closed annually from December 1 to May 15, so seasonal road access should be checked before any trip.
The two campgrounds include spacious treed sites, walk-in tenting, and an equestrian camping area. Nearby trails include the popular Little Elbow Trail, and the official page also lists Little Elbow Interpretive Trail.
Activities include camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, front-country hiking, equestrian use, mountain biking and cycling, geocaching, electric bicycles, and interpretive hiking. Alberta Parks notes that visitors can fish in the Little Elbow River and picnic at popular Forgetmenot Pond.
Canoeing information is specific: the route runs east to west from the recreation area to Quirk Creek access road and is grade II for novice open canoeists. Horseback riding uses developed and informal equestrian trails in the vicinity.
Plan around camping, walk-in tenting, equestrian camping, Little Elbow Trail, Forgetmenot Pond picnics, Little Elbow River fishing, paddling, biking, hiking, geocaching, and interpretive trails.
Confirm Conservation Pass requirements, Highway 66 seasonal access, campground status, trail reports, paddling conditions, fishing rules, maps, weather, and Alberta Parks updates.
