This week, our journey took us on a short drive west on Highway 14, leading to the charming town of Tofield, Alberta. While I’ve been eager to capture the beauty of Tofield from the sky, the town presents a unique challenge with two airspace restrictions covering its entirety – one for the airport and another for the heliport at the hospital.
Unfortunately, my plans for extensive aerial footage faced a hurdle as I realized I had left my aviation radio at home. Rather than turning back, I had to make do with the limited airspace clearance, restricting my flight to a few hundred meters while still capturing glimpses of the town.
Tofield, situated approximately 68 kilometres east of Edmonton, has a captivating history rooted in the service of Doctor James H. Tofield, an Oxford-educated army doctor during the Riel Rebellion. The town’s first post office opened its doors in 1898, standing proudly on the south shore of Beaverhill Lake. Over the years, Tofield underwent two relocations, first in the early 1900s and then in 1908 to its current location. Achieving village status in 1907, it officially became a town in 1909.
Despite the airspace limitations, Tofield is a town brimming with amenities. From its well-equipped arena and curling rink to four shale ball diamonds, a nine-hole golf course, and a thrilling BMX pump track, there’s something for everyone. The town also offers a variety of dining options, gas stations, and the ever-popular Tim Horton’s.
Exploring Tofield becomes a delicate balance between respecting airspace restrictions and capturing the essence of this historic town. It’s a testament to the town’s allure that even within these constraints, there’s a wealth of charm and activity to discover.
