The Elk River Inn Hotel is located on the south side of the Crowsnest Highway (#3) but when built could be found in downtown Hosmer. So a few blocks north and closer to the Elk River. There are no signs of old downtown Hosmer today and it is all residential now.

Back when built the hotel was known as the Pacific, and one of four such businesses in town at the time.

To locals it is the Hoz or jokingly the Hosmer Hilton, when not using its official name, but in no uncertain terms was it to be referred to as the Elk Valley Inn. Unless one wished a stern lecture from owner Len Vaness and this happened to one of the Beer Parlour Team when they mistakenly let it slip.

Hosmer was founded around 1908 and the Pacific Hotel first mentioned in newspaper accounts two years later. This suggests it was constructed around that time. Hosmer sprang to life with the opening of the coal mine but suffered the loss of most of its population when it closed in 1914 after only a few short years. Hosmer boasted a peak population of around 1200 back when the mine operated but presently it stands at just over 200.

It is not said when the hotel was moved but photographs from the 1940s show it (still as the Pacific Hotel) in the current location beside the highway. That road has used this alignment since the 1920s, so about this time seems likely. Reports mentioned it was cut into pieces for the move, and this was confirmed by the owner.

We are speaking of Les Vaness and he had owned the establishment since around 1992. Sadly he passed away in late 2023, so a year after our visit and the hotel closed ever since. He was well known in town and often played Santa Claus for local Christmas events. While of gruff demeanour, he supported many local groups, charities and events, so he had a soft side.

Len’s dry wit and quirky sense of humour were legendary. Ask anyone who has stopped by Hoz! When arranging this visit, it was asked where he lived and his response was close by. He added: “If the silver truck (with the Drool plate) is out front, I’m here.” Unknown to us at the time, he resided upstairs and was always there.

The Inn last offered rooms in the 1970s and Len and his wife, it appears, had lived up there from the time they took over.

Hosmer, British Columbia: in the Regional District of East Kootenay between Sparwood and Fernie. Back when coal was king, its population stood at twelve hundred, but today has shrunk to about a tenth of that.