Elbow is named after the bend it's near in the South Saskatchewan River that is shaped like a human arm. Home to around 300 people, Elbow is between Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker which was created by the Gardiner Dam.

Lake Diefenbaker, over 255 km (158.5 mi.) long, offers secluded beaches, boating and windsurfing activities. Fishing is also popular on the lake, and a world's record sized Rainbow trout was caught from the Lake's shores in June, 2007. Several campgrounds line the lakeshore, and Elbow has a nearby marina. Near the marina, the Mistaseni Cairn commemorates the 400-ton glacial erratic that played a role in traditional native religion but was destroyed in the 1960's when the valley was flooded by the dam. In town, the Elbow Museum displays settler and First Nations artifacts, and a furnished, replica sod house. The Elbow Heritage Church, built in 1912, and a schoolhouse are next door to the Museum. The Church is home to music concerts each year starting in Spring. At the SE end of Lake Diefenbaker, visitors can enjoy hiking and swimming, sandy beaches, inland sand dunes, and campgrounds.