Olds Alberta is located south of Red Deer and 90 km from Calgary. Serving as a "Gateway to the Rockies", Olds offers more than 100 acres of parks, playgrounds, picnic areas and golf courses. Adventure seekers will find canoeing, hiking, camping, white water rafting and hunting are all readily accessible. Fun events such as the Olds Fair & Rodeo, Olds College Open House, Canada Day Festival, month-long Olds Fashioned Christmas festivities and the Kiwanis Music Festival are just a few of the year-round activities any visitor can choose to attend..
Things to do in Olds
Bluehill Snowmobile Trail System (Bearberry, Alberta)
This is a 90 km trail (not groomed) consisting of 3 loops. Some areas are inaccessible due to logging activities. Drive west from Sundre, then follow Highway 584 west and north of Sundre approximately 22 km to Bearberry, proceed approximately 5 km straight west to staging area. Contact Olds Snowmobile Club. Call 403-556-2253 for more information.
Custom Woolen Mills (Carstairs, AB)
If working museums are your thing, check out the Custom Woolen Mills located in Carstairs, AB. This company has been producing woolen and exotic fibre products on unique industrial revolution machinery for over 25 years. Products include: carded wools, rovings, spinning rolls, batts, wool yarns, knitting kits, socks, comforters, mattress pads and hand-woven blankets. Take a tour of the mill and browse through the showroom. Open 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday. Call 403-337-2221 for more information.
East of Carstairs on Hwy 581., Olds, AB
Gopher Hole Museum (Torrington)
For an interesting look at gophers away from their natural habitat, check out the Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington. The Torrington Gopher Hole Museum displays stuffed Richardson's Ground Squirrels ("gophers") posed to resemble the townspeople. Exhibits include gophers dressed as a priest, bank robber, RCMP officer, duck hunter, firefighter, and beautician, and more. Each has an elaborate costume and is framed by elaborately painted backdrops. Call 403-631-2133 for more information.
Mountain View Museum
Visitors to this museum will enjoy viewing artefacts, homestead materials, furniture, toys, clothing, and old photos. There is also an archive section. Open year-round: Sept 1 - June 30 - 1 - 5 pm Tues - Thurs; July & August - 9 am to 5 pm Mon - Fri. Cost: By donation. Call 403-556-8464 for more information.
Olds College Botanic Gardens
The Olds College Botanic Gardens provides visitors with the opportunity to take walking tours around some beautiful gardens, including the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Perennial Border, Iris Dell, Natural Area, Water Garden, Alpine Garden, Apple Orchard, Asiatic Lilies, Dwarf Conifer and Heritage Grove. Restrooms and a snack shop are on site. Call 800-661-6537 for more information.
Olds Fair & Rodeo
Known as the "Biggest Little Fair in the West", the Olds Fair & Rodeo (formerly known as the Mountain View County Fair & Rodeo) is attended annually by over 18,000 people. Shows and activities include the CPRA Rodeo, Chuckwagon and Chariot Races, Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Heavy Horse Shows, Trade Show, Horticulture and Creative Arts exhibits, midway, petting zoo, grandstand shows, parade, pancake breakfasts, and more. There is a cafeteria on site. Call 403-556-3770 for more information.