Major city · Canada
OldsOlds, Alberta
Give Olds half a day, not a night: the botanic gardens and Uptowne are a 2–3 h stop on the Highway 2 run between Calgary and Red Deer.
Olds is a town of about 9,200 people on Highway 2, 90 km north of Calgary and 61 km south of Red Deer. It is an agricultural college town: the campus botanic gardens and constructed wetlands are free and open April to October, and Uptowne is a short strip of independent shops. There is no rail and no scheduled air service, so you arrive by car or bus, and most travellers see it in a few hours rather than sleeping over.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (gardens at their best); Dec for the Uptowne light-up
- avoid Nov–Mar for the gardens (closed); Jan–Feb for cold snaps
- Airports
- YYC · YQF
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Olds911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Alberta Health Services health advice (Health Link)811
- RCMP non-emergency (Olds detachment)403-556-3323
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Olds, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyOlds is a low-crime small town and safe to walk in daylight.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Alberta Health Services health advice (Health Link) · 403-556-3323 RCMP non-emergency (Olds detachment)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYC Calgary International (About 1 h 30 min by car; the nearest international gateway.).
- Getting aroundOlds is a driving town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- BeerDraught beer in a barcheckC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–40 (≈ US$11–30)
- Museum or sight ticketBotanic gardens entryOpen dawn to dusk in the gardening season, roughly April to October.Free
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$80 (≈ US$60)
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$110 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$110 (≈ US$80) · Mid C$180 (≈ US$140) · High C$300 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYC Calgary International (About 1 h 30 min by car; the nearest international gateway.) · YQF Red Deer Regional (About 40 min south; limited scheduled service, check before relying on it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Care
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Dec. Avoid: Jan–Mar, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Olds: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
6 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
6 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Olds is a driving town. Uptowne is walkable end to end in about 10 minutes, but the college, Cornerstone and both golf courses need a car. Taxi and limousine services operate locally; there is no public transit network worth planning around.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Red Deer
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Highway 2 north, about 61 km (38 mi)Drive Highway 2 north, about 38 mi (61 km)
Bigger town with a river valley trail system and a proper museum; pair it with Olds on the same run.
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive Highway 2 north, about 35 km (22 mi)Drive Highway 2 north, about 22 mi (35 km)
Small historic downtown and a discovery wildlife park nearby.
Didsbury and Carstairs
goDoor to door: 20–30 min
Drive Highway 2 south, 20–30 km (12–19 mi)Drive Highway 2 south, 12–19 mi (20–30 km)
Two small towns with heritage main streets; easy half-day add-on.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive Highway 2 south, about 90 km (56 mi)Drive Highway 2 south, about 56 mi (90 km)
The practical airport and big-city base for this stretch of the corridor.
Sylvan Lake
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Drive Highway 2 north then west via Highway 11, about 65 km (40 mi)Drive Highway 2 north then west via Highway 11, about 40 mi (65 km)
Summer lake day with a beach and boardwalk; busy on July weekends.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Drive Highway 27 east then Highway 56, about 130 km (81 mi)Drive Highway 27 east then Highway 56, about 81 mi (130 km)
Badlands and dinosaur museum; too far for a comfortable return day from Olds.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Highway 2A / Olds College side
Pomeroy Inn & Suites and Best Western sit near the campus and Highway 27 junction; easiest for a car-based night.
Cornerstone (west end, Hwy 27 & 68 Ave)
Big-box strip with the Ramada and The Pit BBQ; drive-to-everything, free parking.
Uptowne / 46 St motels
Circle 5 and Siesta motels are walkable to 50 Ave shops and the museum; simple rooms, lowest rates.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$180 | C$360 |
| Car, fuel and running costs, per day1 × C$60 · check | C$60 |
| Restaurant dinner with a main and a drink2 × C$35 | C$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$69 |
| Trip total≈ C$380 per person per day, bed included | C$759≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout and flights are excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Restaurant main (burger, pizza, pasta) | C$13–23 (≈ US$10–17) |
| BBQ plate (brisket, pulled pork, ribs)check | C$14–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Draught beer in a barcheck | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Golf, 18 holes at the local clubGreen fees vary by day and season; call ahead. | check |
| Botanic gardens entryOpen dawn to dusk in the gardening season, roughly April to October. | Free |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–40 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No passenger rail and no scheduled airline: a car or an intercity bus is the only practical way in.
- Winter driving on Highway 2: black ice and blowing snow, and long gaps between services.
- Many Uptowne shops and the museum keep short or seasonal hours; check before you build a day around them.
- The botanic gardens are free but open only in the gardening season, roughly April to October, dawn to dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Alberta Health Services health advice (Health Link)
- 811
- RCMP non-emergency (Olds detachment)
- 403-556-3323
Pocket card
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OldsOlds, Alberta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice (Health Link)811
- RCMP non-emergency403-556-3323
Embassy
No embassies in Olds. The US consulate-general is in Calgary; most other countries keep missions in Ottawa, with consulates in Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Calgary airport → Olds by car: about 1 h 30 min, 100 km (62 mi) (check)about 1 h 30 min, 62 mi (100 km) (check)
- Olds → Red Deer by car: about 45 min, 61 km (38 mi)about 45 min, 38 mi (61 km)
- Olds → Calgary by car: about 1 h, 90 km (56 mi)about 1 h, 56 mi (90 km)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the washroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Could I get the bill, please? — The bill, please
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is that? — How much is it?
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Olds. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (gardens at their best); Dec for the Uptowne light-up · avoid Nov–Mar for the gardens (closed); Jan–Feb for cold snaps · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Bus and shuttle contract for the Calgary–Red Deer corridor: operator, stop location in Olds, last departure, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Uptowne and the museum, Olds College gardens, Cornerstone, both golf courses.
- Place pages with verified seasonal hours (botanic gardens, Mountain View Museum, college brewery) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures for Highway 2 so the drive rungs can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Olds
- officialOlds College Botanic Gardens & Constructed Wetlands
- officialMountain View Museum
- officialMountain View County airports
- secondaryWikivoyage: Olds, revision 5238810 (CC BY-SA 4.0)