Discover Olds: Trails, culture and community traditions

Olds combines trails through parks and natural areas with sculptures, regional history and community traditions. There are also opportunities for exercise and swimming. This mix makes the Alberta town appealing to families who don’t want to limit their trip to a single theme. When choosing a vacation rental in Olds, consider which experiences you want to make the focus of your stay.

Trails, Sculptures and Exercise

Olds has more than 20 kilometres of trails and walking paths. The network runs through parks and natural areas, making it easy to explore the surroundings on foot. For those who like to pair exercise with a specific activity, Hartman Green has a disc golf course: it is 843 metres long, with nine holes and a par of 27. The first tee is at 5401 53 Street. The stated course length and nine holes give you an idea of what the course involves, but don’t indicate how long it takes to walk.

Public art is another of Olds’ distinctive features. The Olds Rocks! collection comprises ten sculptures on display. The Highway 27 Sculpture Pathway, known as “Olds Rocks!”, is a cultural attraction in Olds. It offers a different way to see the town than its trails and sporting activities: the sculptures add a cultural dimension to exploring Olds.

History and Community Traditions

The Kiwanis Historical Prairie Village is located in Centennial Park. Informational signs provide details, while winter murals add a seasonal touch to the site. For families interested in history and regional culture, it’s an opportunity to explore these subjects in Olds.

The Mountain View Museum & Archives is located in downtown Olds, in the historic AGT building. It is dedicated to the ongoing history of small-town and rural life in Central Alberta. Its offerings include exhibits, interactive displays and events. The museum has a different focus from the trails and sculptures: the region’s history and everyday life take centre stage here.

Community traditions are also reflected in Oldstoberfest. Held in Olds, Alberta, Canada, the festival brings together Bavarian culture and the heritage of the western prairie. Olds Fashioned Christmas has been a community tradition in Olds since 1993. From November to December, it features events, craft fairs and family activities. If you’re interested in cultural events and community customs, these two traditions offer different ways to get involved.

Activities for Different Travel Interests

Public swimming at the Olds Aquatic Centre includes access to a slide, a diving board, a basketball hoop and a hot tub. Along with the disc golf course and trails, swimming expands the options for a stay where not every day has to be the same. Which of these activities suits your family depends on your interests.

Olds is a suitable destination for a mix of exercise, cultural discoveries and community traditions. If walking excursions are important to you, you can make the trail network a priority; for regional history, the museum and Prairie Village are key attractions. You can choose a vacation rental in Olds as a base for a stay with an itinerary tailored to your travel group’s interests.

More Destinations to Help Plan Your Trip

If you’d like to include other destinations in your plans: Chestermere, De Winton, Cochrane, Airdrie, Okotoks, Water Valley, Black Diamond and Redwood Meadows.

Back to the main travel overview: Division No. 6.