The new 2010-2011 Town of Okotoks Visitor Guide is now available – pick up your copy today! 20,000 copies of the guide have been printed and distributed to various locations throughout Okotoks, the Foothills, Calgary and surrounding area. The guide will also be available at most Town facilities. The Visitor Guide features information on amenities, services and activities in the Okotoks area.
North of Okotoks at Highway 2A and 306 Ave, lies a bit of local history. Known to some as simply “Hebson Arena,” the Okotoks Agricultural Society is the oldest ongoing agricultural society in Western Canada with a history dating back to 1892. We host groups such as Future Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Society, 4H, DeWinton Pony Club, and Foothills Therapeutic Riding Association. Events like the Red Rodeo trick riders, team roping, cattle penning, light horse shows, cutting horse events, reined cow horse events, goat shows, and dog agility trials are also held. We also have a full service restaurant “Cattlemen's Eatery” that is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends. Sundays are a great time to visit , enjoy brunch and watch the events in the arena. Visit our website: www.okotoksag.com.
Spend an afternoon picnicking at The Big Rock, which is the largest glacial erratic in North America. Located 7 km west of Okotoks, it's a very very big rock in a field - dropped here by a glacier more than 10000 years ago. The name Okotoks is actually Blackfoot for "rock". The Erratic Rock also has strong history as both a buffalo rubbing stone and an object revered in Native legend.
If hiking is your love, pack up and get ready to experience the unforgettable beauty of the regional trail system. From mild to wild, nature and wildlife is featured in their best habitat - naturally. For information visit http://www.travelalberta.com/.
Enjoy the meandering Sheep River! It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The river offers days of boating, swimming, picnicking and pleasure. There are many fishing spots near Okotoks as well. There are plenty of rainbow trout, brook trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish, just to mention a few. Check out the Sheep River, Elbow River, Bow River (the famous trout river that runs through Calgary) and Highwood River, plus lake fishing just a little further west. Or book a guided canoe tour to less-known fishing holes along more remote rivers and creeks such as the Crowsnest, Dogpound, Little Red and Stauffer. Contact the Okotoks Visitor Information Centre for more information at 403-938-3204.
Dig out your mountain bike and cycle the Smith-Dorrien Trail System, one of the best known trails in Kananaskis Country. There are also many others! Visit for more information.
The Predator Bay Water Ski Club (PBWSC) is a private, non-profit society made up of a group of dedicated water skiing enthusiasts. The club brings together a wide mix of individuals, all with a common passion for spending time on the water, with family, friends and guests at two of the best man made ski lakes in Canada. We host a variety of regional activities including provincial sponsored training weeks and nationally sanctioned slalom tournaments.
The Club is located on a private site 10 kms south of the Calgary city limits. Through a unique relationship with an area landowner, the club has exclusive access to an amazing 2 water ski lakes.
Is riding more your style? For a truly unforgettable experience, bus tours gather in Calgary and Okotoks and provide breathtaking scenery into the Kananaskis Mountain and Foothills Region. Visit http://www.travelalberta.com/ for more information.
Along the way, take time to discover the cozy bed and breakfasts scattered around the area. See the ones located in or close to Okotoks lin the accommodations described below. Visit http://www.bbalberta.com/ for more Bed & Breakfast listings. For a complete listing see below.
Okotoks Lions Sheep River Campgroundis open May 1-Oct 1 and is located at 99 Woodhaven Drive.There are 61 sites available at the picturesque river side campground.For more information call 403-938-4282 or visit http://www.okotokslionscampground.com/
Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie is Alberta's high ranching country, home to the historic Cowboy Trail. This 700 km trail winds its way north on Highways 5, 6 and 22 through the foothills from Cardston to Mayerthorpe. There's plenty to do along The Cowboy Trail. Stay at a guest ranch or working ranch. Experience a trail ride with an outfitter into some of Alberta's prettiest country. Take in a rodeo, cowboy festival or a pow-wow for a day. The western spirit comes alive in the small communities along the trail with special cowboy-flavoured events. Enjoy western hospitality up close and become part of the community while you enjoy a pancake breakfast, watch a small-town parade, shop for local crafts and western antiques, or cheer during a rodeo. Listen to poets celebrate the western way of life or watch native dancers move to the beat of a drum. Stay an extra night at a bed-and-breakfast and watch dawn break on the eastern slopes.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, located 13 km south of Longview on Highway 22, is a living history representing one of Canada's important industries - ranching. Recently designated a historic site, turn of the century buildings are being lovingly preserved and restored. Established in 1882, the Bar U Ranch has a colourful history - and a history that continues to be established because this prairie stop is still in operation. For more information phone toll free at 1-800-568-4996.
The Turner Valley Gas Plant National Historical Site in nearby Turner Valley is one of the unique representations of the area's oil and gas heritage. This restoration "work-in-progress" is the only surviving example of its kind in Canada and a pioneering component in one of the most important oil and gas fields in Alberta. The site is currently closed to the public. For more information visit the Alberta Government's Culture and Community Spirit page on the Turner Valley Gas Plant National Historical stie at: http://culture.alberta.ca/museums/historicsiteslisting/turnervalleygp/default.aspx
Check out the nearby Millarville Market, which is just a short drive west on Highway 22. It has a great Farmers' Market (the largest in the Calgary region) every Saturday morning during the summer which features local crafts and fresh produce.
For the horse enthusiasts, Spruce Meadows and world class show jumping is just 15 minutes north of Okotoks on Highway 22x. Also near Okotoks are many stables that board horses and provide trail rides for those who prefer a "hands on" approach. There are over 800 kms of equestrian-use trails throughout Kananaskis Country. Pick up guide books at your nearest Kananaskis Information Centre or the "Riding High" brochure at the Kananaskis Country Office in Calgary.
Just a little further south, on Highway 2, High River offers access to superb antique shops. High River also features one of the best preserved heritage downtown cores in Alberta. Seventeen professional building murals highlight local and regional history.
16 kms west of Okotoks on Highway 7, Black Diamond, with a majestic rural setting, offers a variety of unique outdoor attractions including the Friendship Trail, which links the community to its sister town, Turner Valley. Black Diamond is also the gateway to the ranchlands on the Cowboy Trail.
3 kms west of Black Diamond, Turner Valleyis nestled in the Foothills, surrounded by the Rockies and is considered a "Gateway to Kananaskis." Within its magnificent surroundings, Turner Valley boasts a rich history and is well-known as the birthplace of Alberta's oil and gas industry.
The village of Longview, 39 kms southwest of Okotoks on the Cowboy Trail, was once know as "Little New York." Longview is famous for its breathtaking view west toward the first range of the Rocky Mountains, its cattle ranching heritage and its natural resources. Longview is another splendid gateway to Kananaskis country.
There are a number of nearby rivers offering excellent whitewater paddling on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The Sheep, Highwood, Elbow and Kananaskis Rivers all have outstanding runs for a variety of skill levels. The Sheep River west of Okotoks is arguably the best advanced whitewater kayaking run in Canada.
For downhill ski enthusiasts,Wintergreen is only one hour away at Bragg Creek, and a little further west is Fortress Mountain, Mount Norquay, Nakiska, Sunshine and Lake Louise. Cross-country skiers can take advantage of the easy access to Fish Creek Park in South Calgary, Sandy McNabb in East Kananaskis, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Smith-Dorrien Trail System, Ribbon Creek and the Canmore Nordic Centre.
The D'Arcy Ranch Golf Course is located right in Okotoks, is an 18 hole championship course that is open to the public. The Crystalridge Golf Club, also located right in Okotoks, is a 9 hole, 3125-yard, par 35 course. It features water and rockwork on every hole, with lots of mature trees, berms, sand traps and large undulating greens. Also visit the River's Edge Golf Club, which features 18 holes on the bank of the Sheep River and, for a spectacular view of the Rockies, the Kananaskis Country Golf Course which is 1 hr west of Okotoks. There are other nearby courses in High River, Turner Valley, Heritage Point.
WJ Homestead Disc Golf - Come Experience a ...'fun throwback in time!'
Aim your disc at a little bit of Alberta’s homestead history.Enjoy 18 holes of disc golf on this historic piece of land homesteaded in 1896 by William Jackson. Recreational tourists, youth and adult groups, as well as avid and novice disc golfers are welcome.Call ahead for a tee time.Check in at the Bunkhouse for disc rental and a course orientation.
Harmony House Bed & Breakfast (15 Westridge Cres) (*Note: Approved Accommodations by the Alberta Bed & Breakfast Association) is a 2 ½ story Victorian with a wrap aroundveranda conveniently located on a corner lot in a quiet neighbourhood on the South West side of Okotoks. Harmony House offers warm small town hospitalityin a family friendly environment.http://www.bbalberta.com/harmonyhouse
Heritage Lace Bed & Breakfast (2 Elma St) is open year-round. An alteration and drapery service as well as an antiques shop is located at the same location. For more information call 403-938-4735.
Riverview Bed & Breakfast (*Note: Approved Accommodations by the Alberta Bed & Breakfast Association) is located 10 minutes East of Okotoks off of the #2 Highway and is located on 80 Acres overlooking the Sheep River.This home has full amenities, includes hiking trails and stair access to the Sheep River. For more information call 403-938-5862 or visit http://www.riverviewbnb.ca/
Lakeview Inn & Suites (*Note: Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association Approved Accommodations) (22 Southridge Drive) Lakeview has 40 guestrooms and 24 suites available. 15 minutes South of Calgary. For more information call 403-938-7400 or visit: http://www.lakeviewhotels.com/hotels.php?entry_id=3145
Okotoks Country Inn (*Note: Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association Approved Accommodations) (59 Riverside Gate) islocated at the heart of Okotoks.Experience the charm of a small town while still in 15 minutes driving distance of Calgary. Many shops and restaurants are located nearby. This hotel offers the chance to explore the safe and friendly streets or take a stroll along the river pathways, all within walking distance.For more information call 403-938-1999. http://www.okotokscountryinn.com
Okotoks Inn (2 Elizabeth St)is located in downtown Okotoks and has 15 rooms, The Willy pub & bar is located on the main floor, restaurant, entertainment nearby and is located in downtown Okotoks. For more information call 403-938-4101.
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