Alberta’s farming and ranch history are over a century old, and there are working ranches all over the province.
Old Entrance B n’ B Cabins
Did you know there are several ranches in Alberta that offer unique vacations, equestrian attractions, or the chance to live out an authentic day on the ranch? Take a unique but truly Albertan getaway with these ranches and lodges and take in the western fun of scenic trail rides, homecooked meals beside an open fire, overnight pack trips with horses, or simple and short hikes.
When you book any of these ranch vacations, you will find comfy and cozy accommodations, meal options, a variety of views, and several nearby natural attractions to explore: the Rocky Mountains, rolling plains, badlands, or foothills!
Old Entrance B n’ B Cabins
For a weekend or week around Jasper, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay after hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and all the outdoor fun. The Old Entrance B n’ B Cabins are conveniently close to the Park, as well as the Athabasca River and William A. Switzer Provincial Park. All of these incredible views can be enjoyed on horseback with their trail rides, or from your cabin/campsite. You can also add on homestyle ranch meals like a buffet breakfast. Details
When: year-round
Where: Old Entrance Road, Hinton
How much: $135-$200 per night
Ride the Wind Ranch
Crimson Lake’s Ride the Wind Ranch offers a classic ranch getaway experience within the gorgeous surrounding foothills scenery. During your stay, you can visit with the horses, bunnies, and the longhorns who are all social with the guests. The cozy log cabins include private fire areas from where you can see the Rockies in the distance and the bright stars above. Details
When: May-September
Where: Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Range Road 8-3
How much: $120-$580
Y-Knott Ranch near Drayton Valley
The Y-Knott Ranch also offers you a few choices for accommodations on your trip: choose from bunkhouse rooms, teepees, glamping tents, tiny cabins, or stargazing yurts! The scenic green hills around the ranch can also be easily explored with the help of their guided trail rides. You’ll get to meet all the ranch horses before embarking on a 1-hour trail ride, or 20-minute pony ride. Details
When: June-September
Where: 8012 TWP 505, North of Drayton Valley
How much: $50-$100 per night
The Y-Knott Ranch
Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures
Explore some of the most beautiful spots in Alberta with the help of the Moose Mountain horses and guides. The M&M Ranch offers several types of vacations including lodge stays, trail rides, and full-on horseback expeditions through the foothills and Rockies between Calgary and Banff in Kananaskis. Details
When: year-round
Where: Kananaskis Country
How much: $300-$2789
North Shore Homestead
While many ranch vacations center around horses and trail rides, the North Shore Homestead on Slave Lake takes your vacation in another direction with their bison ranch! The docile but large and mighty bison can be seen roaming the pasture next to your accommodations which are also on a private beach. You can spend your week or weekend relaxing under the stars, in a remote natural setting, and next to a perfect sunrise/sunset spot. Details
When: year-round
Where: North Shore, Slave Lake
How much: $125-$225 per night
Rocking R Guest Ranch
Welcome to where luxury meets nature! Just east of Calgary, in Alberta’s ranching heartland, you can stay with Rocking R and choose from several vacation packages which provide romance, recreation, equestrian adventures, and spa services. Visit Rocking R to truly relax on the ranch. Details
When: year-round
Where: 234051 243 Range Road, Wheatland County
How much: $329-$355 per night
Rocking R Guest Ranch
Crooked Creek Ranch
The luxurious Crooked Creek in southwestern Alberta offers several ways to enjoy a quiet ranch stay or a bit of adventure. Relax with either a mountain sunset, or a prairie sunrise or add adventure with a boat ride, guided hike, or self-guided coulee exploration. The property is in a scenic location at the doorstep of the Rockies with several more options for hikes, lake visits, and recreation. Details
When: year-round
Where: Range Rd 260A, Aetna
How much: $200/night
Bar Diamond Guest Ranch
The Bar Diamond Guest Ranch offers you a full ranch experience complete with local touring by foot, and horseback adventures. Your tours take you through Acadia and Empress, two small towns, and an extensive network of southeastern Alberta equestrian trails. You’ll get to stay in an authentic ranch homestead, or an authentic tipi. Details
When: year-round
Where: Range Rd 41, Buffalo
How much: rates provided upon booking
Home on the Range
Ever wonder what it would be like to work these amazing and beautiful ranches for a day? Home on the Range can help you experience authentic ranch life with Working Vacations or Pack Trips. The accommodations range between a few different sizes, but all offer a cozy log cabin experience, or the option of a Bed & Breakfast package, and Full Board. Details
When: Spring-fall
Where: 26 – 235 Berwick Drive NW, Calgary
How much: $175-$2399
Banff Trail Riders
Banff by horseback is the optimal way to explore, as it is easier on you, and you can take the paths less travelled. The Banff Trail Riders offer both daily trips, and overnight ranch vacations with the trail ride included. You’ll get to stay in one of their two lodges, where you can take part in an authentic cowboy cookout! And while you’re here, you have the option of several hiking trails for more great views. Details
When: May-October
Where: Sundance Lodge, Banff National Park
How much: $729-2399
Centre Peak High Country Adventures
Adventure your way through the Crowsnest Pass in southwestern Alberta with experienced cowboys and cowgirls. Centre Peak offers a unique Ranch Hand Getaway, or Pioneer Getaway, along with guided trail rides if you want to stop by for the day. The serene cabin you get to stay in is nestled right between the Rockies and foothills. Details
When: May-Thanksgiving weekend (weather permitting)
Where: 1 km north off of Highway #3 west, on the North Burmis Road just west of the truck weigh scale at Burmis
How much: $175 per night, minimum two-night-stay
Wildhorse Mountain Ranch
The Wildhorse Ranch experiences are perfect for couples and families, with adventures, romance, and relaxation to offer. They also offer feature packages throughout the year. This quiet Ranch is in beautiful Rocky Mountain House at the dividing line between the foothills and the Rockies and offers a variety of camps and retreats as well. Details
When: year-round
Where: Site 9 R.R., #3 Rocky Mountain House
How much: Contact for prices and packages