The Back Roads to Spruce Meadows: A Journey for the Soul

There’s something undeniably magical about taking the back roads from Okotoks, Alberta, to Spruce Meadows in Calgary. The image of that long, winding road stretching toward the horizon, flanked by golden fields and bare trees, with the snow-capped Rockies looming in the distance, captures a feeling that’s hard to put into words. It’s a quiet escape, a chance to leave behind the hustle of the major highways and embrace a slower, more soulful way to travel. For those of us who’ve been making this commute for years, these back roads aren’t just a route—they’re a ritual, a way to reconnect with the land and ourselves.

The Appeal of the Back Roads

The journey begins just outside Okotoks, where the pavement narrows and the landscape opens up. The road in the photo stretches straight ahead, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through rolling fields that glow amber in the late-season light. On either side, clusters of leafless trees stand like silent sentinels, their branches reaching for a sky so blue it feels like a promise. In the distance, the Rockies rise, their peaks dusted with snow, a reminder of nature’s quiet majesty. This is the kind of view that makes you want to roll down the window, breathe in the crisp air, and let the stillness wash over you.

For years, my family and I have chosen this route over the busy Deerfoot Trail or Highway 2, especially when the weather is good. There’s no traffic to contend with, no rush of semi-trucks barreling past—just the hum of the tires on the pavement and the occasional glimpse of a farmhouse or a utility pole breaking the horizon. But as time has passed, I’ve noticed these back roads getting busier. More cars dot the stretch, a sign of Alberta’s growth, as more people discover the charm of this quieter path. Still, it remains a sanctuary, a place where you can drive with the windows down and feel the world slow down.

Stopping to Savor the View

One of the joys of this route is the opportunity to stop and take it all in. There are a few spots along the way—unmarked pullouts or wide shoulders—where you can park, step out, and let the landscape feed your soul. The photo captures one such moment, where the road seems to invite you to pause, to pull over and snap a picture of the mountains framed by the endless sky. Why not? In a world that’s always rushing, these moments of stillness are a gift. Standing there, with the wind rustling through the dry grass and the faint scent of pine in the air, you can feel the weight of the day lift. It’s a chance to savor the beauty of Alberta’s foothills, to let the view remind you of what truly matters.

I often find myself lingering at these spots, camera in hand, capturing the way the light dances on the distant peaks or the shadows stretch across the fields. Sometimes I’ll just sit on the hood of the car, sipping coffee from a thermos, watching the clouds drift lazily overhead. It’s not just about the destination—Spruce Meadows, with its sprawling grounds and equestrian charm, will still be there. This journey is about the in-between, the quiet moments that recharge you for the road ahead.

A Changing Landscape, An Unchanging Ritual

As the years go by, the back roads may continue to get busier. New houses might spring up along the route, and the fields might give way to development. But for now, this stretch remains a haven, a reminder of why we choose the scenic route in the first place. It’s not just about avoiding traffic—it’s about choosing a path that feels more human, more connected to the land we call home. As long as the weather holds, these back roads will always be my preferred way to commute, a way to honor the journey as much as the destination.

So, the next time you’re heading from Okotoks to Spruce Meadows, consider taking the back roads. Leave a little early, pack a camera or a sketchbook, and let yourself stop along the way. Pull over, take a picture, and let the view fill your soul. In a world that’s always moving, these moments of stillness are what keep us grounded, reminding us to slow down, breathe, and simply be.