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.
