Okotoks Erratic

Mountain Largest glacial erratic in Alberta, notable boulder

A massive glacial erratic near Okotoks, Alberta-one of the largest of its kind in Canada. The site has short trails, interpretive signs and picnic spots.

Main image
Okotoks Erratic
Located near the south bank of the Sheep River, just outside Okotoks, Alberta
50.7070, -114.0839
Open 24 hours
Free

How to Get to Okotoks Erratic #

Drive south from Calgary along Highway 2 to the town of Okotoks (about 30-40 minutes). From Okotoks town centre follow local signage to the Big Rock site near the Sheep River on the town’s western edge; limited parking is available.

Tips for Visiting Okotoks Erratic #

  • Go at first light-Big Rock is quiet then and the low sun brings out its textures
  • Respect the site: do not climb the boulder; erosion and fissures make it unstable in places
  • Read the interpretive panel on-site to learn about the glacial journey that brought the stone south

Best Time to Visit Okotoks Erratic #

Accessible year-round; spring and autumn offer the best light and fewer people.

Spring
April-June · 0-15°C
Snowmelt and wildflowers in the prairie; river levels can be high
Summer
July-August · 15-25°C
Warm days and clear skies; busiest time for visitors
Autumn
September-October · 5-15°C
Cooler air and dramatic prairie light-often the best photographs

Weather & Climate near Okotoks Erratic #

Climate

Okotoks Erratic's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 15 mm.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-16° -4°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-13° -1°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 11°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 13°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 15 mm.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-15° -2°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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