Esso Sparwood — Highway 3 Coal Town Fuel Stop

Sparwood sits at the mouth of the Elk Valley and is the last real fuel stop before you head up the Potato Creek FSR, Elk Pass FSR, or any of the backcountry runs toward the BC-Alberta border. The Esso here is straightforward — diesel, gas, basic convenience store supplies, and enough room to maneuver a truck-and-trailer. Town has a few restaurants and a grocery store if you need a proper resupply before heading into the Kootenays backcountry.

Sparwood is also famous for the massive Titan mining truck parked at the visitor center — world’s largest truck and worth a 5-minute stop if you’ve got kids in the rig or just appreciate machines that eat mountains. Fuel up here without question if you’re running any Elk Valley route — the next reliable pump is either Fernie or further into Alberta.

Last diesel before the Elk Valley eats you.