Okotoks - A Little Bit About The Town
Over the weeks and months ahead, we will begin to fulfill that promise and today, we start with some information about some of the recreational opportunities open to residents of the town
Natural Beauty: The Big Rock Story
On the road out of Okotoks towards Black Diamond is the Okotoks Erratic, one of the worlds lagest erratics, known as the Big Rock
The erratic is situated in a field and it is a beautiful spot for a stroll, especially in Summer. 
Sporting Facilities
Hockey: Hockey: Okotoks Oilers
If you are a Facebook user, you may want to join the Okotoks Oilers Facebook group...
Okotoks Oilers Fans on Facebook
The Oilers play at the impressive 1,500 seat Okotoks Centennial Arena, which also has a two-lane walking/running track for year 'round exercise opportunities.
Okotoks Centennial Arena
Baseball: The Dawgs
Regular readers of our blog will know how much we enjoy going to the Dawgs. We're looking forward to the season starting up again… A Night Out At The Dawgs Baseball
Football : The Falcons
Foothills Centennial Centre
This multi-cultural complex is made up of a seniors' centre, youth space, meeting rooms, covered outdoor patio, commercial kitchen, and a 10,000-square-foot hall that can be divided into four smaller halls.
Okotoks Recreation Centre
This was renovated and expanded to provide more opportunities for residents of Okotoks to stay active year round, as well as to meet the growing needs of organized sports groups. The original facility includes two ice rinks, the Curling Club and swimming pool. The expansion added a 25-metre, multi-lane swimming pool, a new gymnasium, a fitness centre, an aerobics area, a child care centre and new/upgraded dressing rooms for the pool area and arena. Renovations included upgrades to include a solar panel system providing renewable, non-polluting energy, very much in keeping with the green oriented attitude of the town council and the locals.
Golf
Crystal Ridge Golf Course: Crystal Ridge Golf Course
The 9 hole, 3125-yard, par 35 course features water and rockwork on every hole, with lots of mature trees, berms, sand traps and large undulating greens. It also offers a clubhouse with two restaurants.
D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club: D'Arcy Ranch Golf Course This is considered by some to be the among the most unique courses in Western Canada. The terrain has been left in the most natural state possible, providing both novices and experts alike with an exciting and challenging game. It offers fabulous mountain views.
River's Edge Golf Club: River's Edge Golf Course
Formerly a 9 hole course, it is now a full 18 hole facility, with grass tee driving range, Pro Shop carrying all brand name merchandise, a licensed clubhouse and a restaurant.
A lot of information on schools and leisure activities can be found at the Okotoks Website: Okotoks Town Website
There is an excellent town public library: Okotoks Public Library
Around the town can also be found an outdoor ice rink, 21 parks and playgrounds, seven ball diamonds, 12 Soccer fields, tennis courts, outdoor track and field amenities, campgrounds and hiking trails and some 40 km of interconnected hiking and biking trails... Okotoks Walking Paths
The Station Cultural Centre...(renamed the Okotoks Art Galllery (OAG) - At The Station - in February 2009) is hosted in the town's former railway station. It hosts art exhibitions, programs and live theatre. The OAG is also the home of the Okotoks' Visitor's Information Centre and Interpretive Display. The OAG and the nearby Heritage House museum (see Okotoks Heritage House Museum ) are "must sees" in Okotoks.
Bird Watching
While at the Okotoks Air Ranch, you can visit the Bird Sanctuary, where geese, ducks and other waterfowl make their home. The Okotoks Fish and Game Association has created a haven for these birds in a sanctuary located just off the road that leads into the Air Ranch. An elevated observation deck allows visitors to easily study the birds as they wade about the waters or set up nests along the shoreline.
Fishing
Via the Sheep River (which runs out of the mountains only 100 km west of Okotoks). It offers opportunities for fly fishing. There's Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Rocky Mountain Whitefish all waiting to take the fly and battle with the rod holder.
River Tubing
Further fun in the water is had in July and August where you will often see 100 or more tubers floating down the river. It's a half day adventure, drop off at the Big Rock 7 km west of Town and float to Town (3 hours)!
There are a myriad of classes and groups on offer throughout the town, around the year and many of these are summarised in the town community guide which is re-issued periodically.
Okotoks Community Guide
All in all, it's a place where there is always something to do.
J&E.
