Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters
Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters operates in the upper Elk River Valley of British Columbia, just west of the continental divide between Banff, Alberta and Glacier Park, Montana. The territory spans alpine lakes, rugged mountains, forests, and meadows protected by Elk Lakes and Height of The Rockies Pr...
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Business Details
Full description and what we offer
Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters operates in the upper Elk River Valley of British Columbia, just west of the continental divide between Banff, Alberta and Glacier Park, Montana. The territory spans alpine lakes, rugged mountains, forests, and meadows protected by Elk Lakes and Height of The Rockies Provincial Parks.
The Operation
Sam Medcalf purchased the business in 2016 from Anna Fontana, who inherited it after founder Robert Fontana's death in 2004. Medcalf grew up hunting in the Elk Valley and now works with partner Ryan Damstrom. As an active conservationist and current President of Southern Guide Outfitters, Medcalf sits on both the Guide Outfitters Association Board and the Regional Wildlife Advisory Council. His wife Jenna supports the year-round operation and joins summer pack trips.
"In 1983 and 1984 Robert Fontana purchased two adjoining territories and established a large functional basecamp with running water, backcountry camps with cabins, and miles of horse trails."
What's Available to Hunt
- •Mountain goats (one of BC's highest densities)
- •Bighorn sheep
- •Elk (migratory herds use the valley as summer range)
- •Moose
- •Cougar
- •Grizzly bear (the valley is a breeding hub)
- •Westslope Cutthroat trout
Camps and Accommodations
Three main camps provide rustic but comfortable lodging:
| Camp | Access | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Base Camp | Vehicle via forestry road | Main cabin with kitchen, dining, hot water, showers, multiple guest cabins, diesel generator |
| Westfork Camp | ~2 hours by horse from Base | Main cabin for cooking/dining, three guest cabins, generator power |
| Aldridge Creek | Backcountry | Main cabin, guest cabin, tack shed, corral, generator power |
All cabins are heated with wood stoves.
Horse Operation
The outfitter runs a large string of dependable mountain horses for hunting and resupply. Non-motorized access means horses are essential for reaching remote terrain. Non-horse options are available.
The Elk Valley's protected wilderness status and decades of trail development mean established access to terrain most outfitters can't reach.
Summer Adventures
Beyond hunting, Elk Valley Bighorn offers horse pack trips, day rides, fishing, and wildlife viewing through their Westfork Adventures division.