During the last ice age the Cypress Hills were not covered with ice because they were high enough to rise above the surrounding flatlands. As a result it has rare soils found on the upper plateau area which is the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. The Elkwater townsite is elevated at, a similar altitude as Banff, resulting in much similar flora and fauna. Thick pine and spruce forests cover the hills. Animals found there include white-tailed deer, coyote, elk, wild turkey, cougar and moose. Moose and wild turkeys are not native to the Cypress Hills, but were introduced.
Demographics
As a designated place in the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Elkwater recorded a population of 84 living in 40 of its 260 total private dwellings, a change of from its 2011 population of 50. With a land area of, it had a population density of in 2016. Cypress County indicates that the population of Elkwater was 84 in the 2016 Census, a change of from its 2011 population of 60. As a designated place in the 2011 Census, Elkwater had a population of 50 living in 29 of its 262 total dwellings, a -53.3% change from its 2006 population of 107. With a land area of, it had a population density of in 2011.
Administration
Since the Elkwater townsite is in a provincial park, it is administered by the provincial government. Residents can never own the land on which their cottages or homes are built. Leases must be negotiated with the provincial government.
Accommodation
Elkwater has one hotel, the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort, which features condos, cabins, and suites. There are 7 campgrounds near the townsite with approximately 450 campsites. They are:
To the east of Elkwater, camping can be found at Spruce Coulee and Reesor Lake. Closer to the Saskatchewan border, you will find Battle Creek campground. Four group camp sites are also available to rent. Elkwater also has bed-and-breakfast and accommodation at the Bar-Zee Bed & Breakfast, located just north of the park.
Other services and facilities
Services and facilities include a convenience store, gas station, cafe, restaurant, visitor centre, ski hill, 9-hole golf course and a marina. Park administration offices for the Alberta section of the park are also located here.
Climate
Elkwater experiences a subarctic climate that falls just short of the boundary with the humid continental climate zone. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and warm. Precipitation is moderate, with an annual average of 529mm.
