Okotoks (pop. ~33,500) is larger, closer to Calgary (~42-min drive), and offers more amenities. High River (pop. ~15,500) is smaller, about a 50-minute drive from Calgary, and known for its walkable downtown and tight-knit community feel.
I get this question a lot, usually from Calgary families who've decided to move south but haven't picked a town yet: "Should we look in Okotoks or High River?" It's a fair question — they're only about 18 kilometres apart, both sit in Foothills County, and both get lumped together as "the foothills." But they're not the same place, and which one fits you often comes down to a few specific things rather than a coin flip.
I've sold homes in both towns for years, so here's how I actually walk clients through the decision.
The size difference is bigger than people expect
Okotoks is the larger of the two, with an estimated population around 33,500 as of 2025 — up from just over 30,400 at the last federal census. That's an 8.55% increase over the last five years. High River is a good deal smaller, with an estimated population around 15,500 in 2025, up nearly 10% over the same five-year stretch. That's roughly double the population in Okotoks versus High River, and you feel that difference the moment you drive through downtown. Okotoks has grown into something closer to a small city, with the shopping and amenities to match. High River still feels like a town — in the best sense.
The commute math
Both towns are commutable to Calgary, but not equally. Okotoks sits closer, and the drive runs about 33 miles — roughly a 42-minute drive under normal traffic. High River is another 18 km further south, and that drive stretches to about 45 miles and roughly 50 minutes. It's not a dramatic difference, but if you're commuting five days a week, those extra minutes each way add up over a year. Worth noting too — there's a commuter bus option connecting Okotoks to downtown Calgary, which some of my clients who work downtown have used instead of driving.
What each town feels like day to day
Okotoks leans into its balance of small-town charm and big-city convenience — it's close enough to Calgary that you don't lose access to the shopping, services, and amenities you're used to, while still getting foothills and Rocky Mountain views right from the edge of town. It's a favourite for families who want established schools, extensive pathway networks, and neighbourhoods with their own distinct character.
High River has a different personality. It's smaller and quieter, with a genuinely walkable downtown, riverside pathways along the Highwood River, and a level of community involvement — think year-round events and a tight-knit, "neighbours actually know each other" feel — that's harder to find once a town grows past a certain size. If what's pulling you south is a slower pace and a strong sense of community, High River often wins that comparison outright.
If Calgary is where you're moving from, that transition is its own topic — I've written a separate guide on what to expect moving from Calgary to Okotoks that covers the lifestyle contrast in more depth.
So which one is right for you?
If proximity to Calgary and a wider range of amenities matter most, Okotoks is usually the better fit. If you're chasing a smaller, more tight-knit town with a genuine downtown and you don't mind a few extra minutes on the highway, High River tends to win people over. And honestly, some families end up looking at both and choosing based on the specific street, school, or acreage that becomes available — which is where having someone who knows both towns well makes the difference.
And if what's actually pulling you south is more land and less town altogether, it's worth widening the search past both of these — I've also written about what to know before buying an acreage in Foothills County, since some of my Okotoks-vs-High-River clients end up landing on an acreage between the two instead.
These aren't just markets to me — I grew up in this region and I've watched both towns change over the years. If you want a second opinion on which one actually fits your life (not just your budget), I'm happy to walk through it with you.
Ready to explore your options? Browse Okotoks listings or High River listings, or get in touch and let's talk through what fits.
This comparison reflects population and commute data as of 2025–2026; always confirm current school catchments and commute conditions directly.
