Calgary 
So many places and destinations around Okotoks are busy during the summer, but certainly worth the visit. This includes the city of Calgary, the foothills and the Rockies, or the badlands of eastern Alberta. But at the heart of all those bustling tourist destinations lies the quiet town of Okotoks, with several reasons of its own for making a stop.
Credit: Town of Okotoks
As a riverside destination, Okotoks offers plenty of recreational opportunities that are set not only along the riverbanks but often with views of the distant Rockies and foothills in the background. From the west to the east side of the Sheep River in Okotoks is a large looping trail which can connect hotels to shops or restaurants, anyone to the downtown core, or make it easier to navigate the town during busy festivals.
Sheep River Valley Trails & More
The Sheep River makes its way through the centre of Okotoks, and along with it are several access points to a large looping trail around the valley. The Sheep River Valley trail is a 7.7km loop that begins at the Lions Campground in the west and loops around Seaman Stadium in the east.
- On the west side of the trail, additional access pathways continue west along the river toward Sheep River Cove, another 2km of looping trail around a bend in the river.
- Laudan Park, on the north side of the Okotoks Sheep River Valley, has a scenic, quiet, and simple 2.5km loop around a series of wetlands.
- The Okotoks Erratic, on the west edge of the city, is a massive set of rocks which do not belong here! The boulders were moved here by glacial movement from ages ago and remain as an interesting piece of quartzite to hike to and see up close.
Credit: Graham/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Fun on the Sheep River
The Sheep River is known for some excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Alberta Rockies and Foothills. But fortunately, the river is much calmer by the time it reaches Okotoks. There may still be some small rapids over rocks and logs, and the paddle route will still require attentive paddling! The Sheep River flow rates usually decrease from early summer to fall.
- Begin at the Okotoks Lions Campground, and take out at the Highway 2 Bridge, or near the confluence with the Highwood River.
- Later in the summer, and when water levels are calmer or flow rates are slower, that paddle route may also be used as a float trip route!
- Portions of the Sheep River are also open to anglers from June 16th to October 31st. Find a quieter area upstream from Okotoks for greater chances at rainbow trout!
The Arts, Culture, & History of Okotoks
Take in the local arts and culture scene, or learn about Okotoks’ history and heritage, with the local attractions along with those annual festivals.
- The Okotoks Museum and Archives, located in a gorgeously restored home, offers info on industrial, civil, natural, and Indigenous history, as well as a few summer events. Sign up for one of the Museum’s Wednesday Walkabout tours (July and August), or catch temporary summer exhibits.
- Find the Okotoks Art Gallery in a restored historic town building as well! Visit the Gallery in the CPR Station from 1929 to uncover local art for free. This summer, the Gallery will also host a Member Show & Sale (July-September), the interactive Colour Your World exhibit (July-September), and the Nooks & Crannies Festival (July-August).
- Take a self-guided art and history tour around Okotoks and uncover murals, preserved buildings, heritage sites, sculptures, and even a public piano, which is a piece of art in itself.
Where to Dine this Summer in Okotoks
The streets of Okotoks are filled with several dining options and tons of variety when it comes to cuisine, prices, and atmospheres.
- For the best patio space in Okotoks, get a table and meal with Heartland Cafe & Restaurant, the Big Sky BBQ Pit, or The George Traditional House.
- Plan a summer picnic around the river valley, or find something quick with the best takeout or pizza around Okotoks. These include eateries like Mama’s Restaurant, Pizzaberg Cafe, Uncle K, and J&A Chinese Restaurant.
- Dine with the best family restaurants around Okotoks like The Social Kabob, Happy Valley Restaurant, and Almira’s Mediterranean Grill.
- The local Amedeo’s, French 50 Bakery, and Plaka Greek Taverna all make for excellent date night restaurants.
- Get those cold and sweet treats for a hot summer’s day from Big Dipper, The Brew & Scoop Co., or Covet Sips & Sweets.
- The nearby Saskatoon Farm offers a little bit of everything for food, with a bakery, restaurant, farm market, events, and u-pick.
Summer Events in Okotoks
Much of the summer fun to discover in Okotoks centres around the town events. Join in on kicking off the season with the local Spring into Summer Festival in late June, and then the next weekend or two with the Canada Day festivities. Plus, there are plenty more events and celebrations in store for anyone in Okotoks for July and August.
- One of the best ways to try out the most local dining in town is with the annual Taste of Okotoks. The event takes place downtown where there will be live music, an artisan market, Art Gallery events, and kids’ activities.
- Also in downtown Okotoks, but later in the season, is the Summer Roundup and Chili Cookoff . The event will have similar features as the Tasting event, but will centre around the best chili in Okotoks.
- While the Alberta Culture Days fun in Okotoks takes place in September, the events begin in August with Alberta Day Movies in the Park.
- Catch an Okotoks Dawgs game at Seaman Stadium for exciting baseball action and a fun summer outing with great views.
Okotoks Accommodations
This small southern town has a large list of ways to stay overnight, as well as options in the heart of Okotoks, or out in the foothills. And among these various options will be a range of price options, too.
- Book a cozy campsite right in the river valley at the Okotoks Lions Campground, on the city’s edge with Riverbend Campground, or closer to the Bow River to the north at the Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground.
- Feel right at home with these gorgeous locally-owned options like the Riverview Bed & Breakfast, Harmony House Bed & Breakfast, or The Ridge.
- Okotoks is also home to a handful of hotel chains that offer modern amenities and a few extras along with the stay, like pool access or a continental breakfast.
- The private rentals around the city include a wide variety of accommodation types like single room rentals, tiny homes, campsites, cabins, full homes, and more. Check with sites like Hipcamp, Airbnb, or VRBO.
