The Little Elbow River flows through Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area, located approximately 30 kilometres west of Bragg Creek along Highway 66. The highway is closed annually from December 1 to May 15, which effectively defines the accessible paddling season for this stretch of river.

The recommended paddling route runs east to west, from the recreation area downstream to the Quirk Creek access road. This section is rated Grade II and is considered suitable for novice open canoeists. The directional designation of east to west is worth noting when planning put-in and take-out logistics.

The recreation area offers two campgrounds with spacious, treed sites, walk-in tenting options, and an equestrian camping area, providing a practical base for paddlers planning multi-day visits. Fishing is also permitted in the river, so paddlers should be aware of anglers along the banks, particularly near the campground areas.

The river passes through a scenic park setting that also attracts hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, so the surrounding area sees varied recreational use. Forgetmenot Pond is a nearby feature within the park that draws picnickers and visitors.