Okotoks sits on the Sheep River about 38 km south of downtown Calgary, reached by Highway 2 and Highway 2A. Its population was 30,405 in the 2021 federal census, and the Government of Alberta estimates about 33,500 for 2025.
The town grew around a sawmill founded in 1891, and its historic downtown along Elizabeth and McRae streets sits just south of the river. The name comes from the Blackfoot word for “rock” — likely a reference to Big Rock, the 16,500-tonne glacial erratic west of town. Newer master-planned neighbourhoods such as D’Arcy on the north edge add duplexes, laned homes, bungalows and estate homes.
Okotoks right now: 118 homes for sale, asking $127,000 to $22,000,000. See the listings ↓
What stands out
- Okotoks Recreation Centre: leisure pool, 25 m lap pool, two NHL-sized rinks, a gym and curling
- About 100 km of connected pathways, many along the Sheep River
- A walkable historic downtown with Ethel Tucker Centennial Park and the Laurie Boyd pedestrian bridge
- Crystal Shores, a lake neighbourhood with a residents’ association, beach house and posted lake hours
- The Foothills–Okotoks Regional Water Project, drawing from the Bow River, began interim seasonal deliveries in 2026 — water supply has long shaped how fast the town can grow
Getting to Calgary
Highway 2 runs north to Calgary; near De Winton, Highway 2A becomes Macleod Trail into south Calgary while Highway 2 continues as Deerfoot Trail, and both meet Stoney Trail. The On-It commuter bus to downtown Calgary ended in spring 2026, and Okotoks Transit serves the town itself — check for any new regional service.
Schools & health care
Foothills School Division runs the public schools and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools the Catholic schools; FrancoSud’s École Beausoleil offers francophone K–12. Designations vary by address and program.
The Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre has an Alberta Health Services urgent care centre (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily) and lab services.
Neighbourhoods
From the Town's neighbourhood map — older areas near downtown and the river, newer ones to the north and west: