The opening of Stoney Trail in the mid-1990s made living in Calgary’s northwest more appealing, while also creating newer subdivisions like Royal Oak. The neighbourhood was founded in 1998 and has Stoney Trail as its southeastern boundary. The northeastern boundary is marked by Country Hills Boulevard and Rocky Ridge Road marks the west, where its neighbouring community of Rocky Ridge is located.
Lifestyle
Young families who love to get outdoors will enjoy life in Royal Oak. There are dozens of small storm water ponds that dot the neighbourhood. The rolling terrain provides breathtaking views of the Rockies and, being on the city’s western edge, a trip to Canmore or Banff is only minutes away. Major shopping and business services are nearby, so everything is close at hand for a family on the go.
Vibe
Enjoying peaceful living away from the city is what residents love about Royal Oak. Whether it’s taking the kids to soccer practice or the family dog on a walk through the many parks and ravines, Royal Oak offers tons of outdoor activities. The nearby restaurants and shopping cater to the young professionals and families that have moved into the area.
Meet the Neighbours
According to the 2014 civic census, a quarter of Royal Oak residents were under the age of 14. That’s a pretty big signal that young families dominate the neighbourhood. However, there are multi-unit buildings and smaller condos in the area that attract singles and seniors. Royal Oak is also an ethnically diverse neighbourhood.
In The Area
There are plenty of recreational options in and around Royal Oak, but that will increase even more with the projected opening of the Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility in 2017. Golfers enjoy the Bearspaw Country Club, and if you love shopping, the Royal Oak Shopping Centre and adjacent Royal Vista Business Park (including Royal Oak Park and Royal Oak Place) offer a host of restaurants, stores, professional services, and other amenities.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The convenience of the Stoney Trail ring road gives Royal Oak residents easy access to other areas of the city. Crowchild Trail is a main commuter road that will get you downtown or to the University of Calgary quickly. The expansion of the LRT system to the city’s northwest also enhances transit options, as the nearby Tuscany C-Train Station opened in 2014 and features bussing and park-and-ride services.