Olds, Alberta, a charming town nestled within Mountain View County in central Alberta, Canada, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Situated within the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor, Olds is approximately 61 km south of Red Deer and 90 km north of Calgary. The town's strategic location at the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 2A, 5 km west of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, makes it easily accessible. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City's main Edmonton-Calgary line runs through the town, adding to its connectivity.
Olds, Alberta, is located within the Grasslands Natural Region of Alberta. The town's downtown area stands at an elevation of about 1,041 m above sea level. As of 2011, the town covered a land area of 14.87 km2.
Olds, Alberta, experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) and falls into the Natural Resources Canada (NRC) Plant Hardiness Zone 3b. The average temperature ranges from around 11.5 °C in late July to −10.1 °C in mid-January. Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to or below −30 °C. However, the dry Chinook winds from the mountains help break up the cold. Summers, on the other hand, can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 °C.
Olds, Alberta, is home to a variety of species, including poplar trees and various wild grasses. As an agriculture-based town, a large portion of the flora grown are crops of canola and barley. The fauna primarily consists of livestock like cattle and poultry, with many surrounding farms also keeping horses and/or donkeys.
Olds, Alberta, is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods featuring various styles of housing. The town also hosts several mobile home parks.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Olds, Alberta, had a population of 9,209 living in 3,810 of its 4,096 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 0.3% from its 2016 population of 9,184. With a land area of 14.92 km2, it had a population density of 617.2/km2 in 2021.
Olds, Alberta, is a hub of sports and recreational activities. The town is home to the Olds Grizzlys Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), located at the Olds Sports Complex, and the Olds College Broncos, part of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference. The Olds Rapids Swim Club is located at the Olds Aquatic Centre. The town also hosts the Hay City Slam Skate Comp every summer at the Olds Skate Park.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two golf courses: the Olds Central Highlands 23-hole course and the 9-hole Trail Creek Golf course. The Olds Gymnastics Club, previously housed in the Elementary School, has moved to a new building along 25th Avenue. The town also houses the 185 Olds Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron, with the building also rented out by many local dance and church programs.
