Travel Directions:
From Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy), take Exit 161A “Bragg
Creek Rd / Hwy 22.” Go south on Hwy 22 approximately
17.4 km to the 4-way stop in Bragg Creek. (Do not follow
the “Bragg Creek West” sign.) Turn left at the
4-way stop (continue on Hwy 22) and go 3.4 km to the
“T” intersection of Hwy 22 and Hwy 66. Turn
right (west) onto Hwy 66 and go approximately 18.4 km to
the Elbow Falls Day Use Area in Bragg Creek Provincial
Park. As you enter, the site is to the immediate right in
the most upstream portion of the Area. Take the paved
path on the right just after the guard rail, pass the
gate, and turn right onto the narrower path. Stay to the
right and walk to the river past the small picnic areas.
The site is on the gravel bar in the middle of the river,
just upstream from the location where the “Sweet
Life” scene was filmed. For pictures taken during a
hike to this location, see “Hike to ‘Sweet
Life’ Riverside” in Albums. See also:
http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/elbowriver.htm
Remarks:
This uppermost (western) end of the Elbow Creek Day Use
Area has been subject to violent, disfiguring flooding,
making it a particularly suitable place for Ennis to
reveal a bit of his paranoia.
Despite the fact that 14 years have
passed since their Brokeback summer, neither man
has learned to communicate honestly, intimately with the
other. Though, as Alma had figured, they
“didn’t go up there to fish,” they do
sound much more like fishin’ buddies than lovers.
The movie was filmed here in late June.
Bear in mind that the Elbow is a dynamically changing
river, one that is constantly re-sculpting its gravel
shoals and banks throughout the year. The visibility of
specific features (rocks, gravel bars, etc.) may depend
greatly on the time of year that you are here. Trees and
rock ledges may be your best indicators of the specific
movie locations in this area.
Important:
Consult with wardens and take suitable precautions in
Off-Highway Vehicle areas. Depending upon river
conditions it may not be possible to safely reach the
gravel bar. If you wish to try, go upstream toward the
bend in the river and look for a safe, shallow place to
cross over. Always consult with wardens before attempting
to cross the river. Wear protective footgear and use
walking sticks.
Quotation:
“Well, maybe you oughta get out of there, you know?
Find yourself someplace different. Maybe Texas.”
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