Innisfail, from “Isle of Destiny” in the Irish Gaelic of the early settlers, lies amid broad, wide prairies and an expansive sky, with small lakes due east and west. Its original name, Poplar Grove, refers to the dominant tree among the small stands of trees that dot the fields.

The peaceful Town of Innisfail brings a charm all its own, with all the shops and services required for a modern lifestyle, some set amid historic storefronts of the old downtown. Surrounded by farmland, there are two farmer’s markets to shop and enjoy locally-grown seasonal produce, baked goods, and artisanal creations.

Innisfail residents like to keep active and social, and make good use of the recreational facilities throughout town. There’s always activities at the hockey arena and curling rink, ball diamonds, tennis courts, sports fields, and skate park, with community sport and recreation leagues for all ages, from kids through seniors. You can also catch a hockey game and cheer on the Innisfail Eagles! The aquatic centre offers swimming lesson and recreational swimming. The spray park is located immediately behind the aquatic centre and free to use for summertime fun. There are regular activities throughout the year held at the library, seniors’ centre, and other venues, with a full calendar of community events – don’t miss the annual Innisfail Pro Rodeo!

Discover 15 parks, playgrounds, and green spaces, the largest of which is Centennial Park’s playground, gazebo and picnic area, bordering the off-leash area. The town boast a 20 kilometre network of paved multi-use trails, welcoming walkers, joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and cross-country skiers in the winter. In addition, Napoleon Lake Trail is an unpaved 2.5 kilometre trail that makes a loop around the lake. Other nearby lakes include Dodds Lake, and Hazelwood Lake, which is overlooked by the local golf course and ski hill.

Golfers love having the 27-hole Innsfail golf club locally, with nine-hole courses at Bowden and Glennifer Lake, 15 minutes and a half hour drive away respectively. There are six campgrounds, either locally or nearby. Families love to visit the Discovery Wildlife Park and animal sanctuary, as well as the Discovery Institute of Nature, Origins, and Science (DINOS) Centre for fun and interactive learning, and seven museums in or near Innisfail capture the rural and pioneering history of the area.

Innisfail offers a slower pace of life than urban centres and a terrific lifestyle.

To learn more about this community, visit the Town of Innisfail website or Facebook page.