On the road again

There’s something about setting out on the open road: the city skyline disappearing in the rear-view mirror, giving way to the rolling foothills, where  cows and horses graze and iconic rocky mountains come into focus. There’s no better invitation to take a deep breath of fresh air and set forth for adventure.

For United Active Living residents, the great tradition of the Alberta summer road trip is a key part of summer programming. From scenic drives to the Big Rock in Okotoks and surrounding landmarks, to day trips to Kananaskis, residents leave no stone unturned in the quest for adventure.

You may spot the United bus fleet on highways, secondary roads, and roadside attractions that make the long Alberta summer days memorable. Stopping for lunch in neighbouring towns, at rustic destinations like the Aspen Outpost in Mossleigh, picnicking by the water’s edge at Allen Bill Pond, and taking in all the sights and sounds both familiar and nostalgic, new and notable along the way.

For many older adults, having someone else behind the wheel means they can simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Weekly adventures offer a comfortable, accessible way to explore beyond the city—along with all the fun of road-tripping with friends. “The bus outings are really popular,” says Karly Reavill, Resident Experience Manager at United’s Fish Creek community, “There’s so much variety, so residents can choose how adventurous they want to be. Scenic drives are a great way to enjoy a change of scenery and visit with friends, and day trips offer opportunities to spend time in nature. It’s really all about how you enjoy spending time.”

Chris, a resident at Fish Creek, enjoys the scenic drives, “I used to be the editor of the Bragg Creek newspaper, the High Country News, and spent a large part of my life driving around the countryside delivering the paper,” Chris continues, “On our recent drive, I was able to help navigate the bus driver so we could see some beautiful mountain views. I love being a guest on the bus, being high up so I can see everything, and reminiscing of fond memories in the area.”

And that’s just the beginning:

If a trip to the mountains isn’t your thing, how about a day on a working farm? Our friends at RiverCross Ranch offer residents a chance to have an up-close encounter with the resident mini-horses and donkeys, who are always looking for scritches and treats, while residents take in the scenery and a slice of ranch life, complete with a hearty rancher’s lunch and games on the patio.

For those who love all things growing and green, trips to Vales’ Greenhouse in Diamond Valley, Millarville’s Annual Flower Festival, and the Saskatoon Berry Farm are a feast for the senses, with an explosion of colourful annuals and perennials on display, sure to inspire community gardening club members to bring ideas back to their outdoor spaces.

Other popular destinations include Rosebud Theatre, where residents take in productions and local hospitality, courtesy of the students and staff at the Rosebud Theatre School of the Arts.

And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t share one of our favourite summer traditions: a hop, skip and jump on over to Cochrane for a scoop of MacKay’s ice cream – because a sweet treat to cap off a summer adventure just can’t be missed.

To see United’s summer road trip map, check out our programming calendars – and be sure to put a pin on our communities for your must-see list this summer!

‍