It is located on Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail), approximately 133 kilometres (83 mi) southwest of Edmonton.

[6] Prior to the 1953 oil boom, the community of Drayton Valley was sparsely populated.

[9] Oil and gas is the primary driver of Drayton Valley's economy.

[10] Drayton Valley's Omniplex is a community sports centre that hosts ice hockey, ringette, curling, soccer, baseball and rodeo.

The town also has a public swimming pool, a ski hill, a bowling alley, and the Drayton Valley Golf and Country Club.