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The ranch, 31 miles SW of
Calgary, is a year round working & guest ranch in Alberta's high
cattle country. It is at an elevation of 1500m (4900'), in the Foothills
of the Rocky Mountains. The ranch was homesteaded in 1912. Photographs
and artifacts of the original owners are still displayed, and many log
buildings from that period are currently in use.
In 1995, the ranch began a second operation, known as South Ranch, located
in Willow Creek's Indian Graves area. This was previously a forest
ranger station, and is close to the Continental Divide, about 95 Km (60
miles) south of the main ranch. It is in Kananaskis Country (an Alberta
Provincial Park) at 2000m (6000') elevation, and offers a more rugged
and remote experience.
At the main ranch you will stay in our lodge, which accommodates 12-14
guests in comfortable private rooms with their own bathroom and shower.
At the south ranch we have 3-person frame cabins with built in bunks and
stoves, and a central area for dining and clean up. At both locations,
all meals are served family style with guests and staff eating together,
so you get to know everyone. Coffee is always available. The day starts
with a hearty breakfast, then we saddle up for your choice of a half or
full days ride. A stop along the trail for "Cowboy Cappuccino", boiled
in a can over a wood fire, and lunch, may be a new experience for you.
Dinner/supper is back at the ranch, with a steak barbecue at least once
a week.
Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous
streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. This type terrain
allows you the chance to periodically trot or canter if desired. We have
over 45 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider. A horse is
assigned to you when you arrive. Our wranglers will spend time showing
you how to become comfortable and work with your mount. If you wish you
can come out in the morning to help feed and groom.
 GRAB01
2008 Rates include lodging, all meals and snacks, 5 riding
days, all activities
7 days/6 nights $ 1,395
Based on Can $1,395
Single room: + 20%
Tax: 2.5% GST (5% for Canadians)
Gratuity: 10%
Open: Beginning the week of 07/26-08/01 through the week of
10/18-10/24. See below for other date options.
Meeting: Priddis
Airport: Calgary
Transfer: $135 return (Can$ 150) with a
minimum of 2 riders
Tack:
Western
Horses:
Quarter Mix
Pace: Moderate, trots and canters
Level: B to C
Max Riders: 14
Calgary Stampede Days
Includes accommodation at the ranch, all meals, riding, one
day's admission to the exhibition grounds and transportation to Calgary.
7 Days/ 6 Nights $ 1,525
06/28-07/04 07/05-07/11
07/12-07/18
Spruce Meadows Horse Show
Specials
Spruce Meadows is a World-Class show. See the world's top jumping horses,
ride the ranch's finest stock and polo horses; all meals,
accommodations, riding, 2 day tickets to Spruce Meadows and local
transportation included.
7 days/6 nights $ 1,425
Based on CAD $1,425
2008
Special Events packages: (Saturday to
Friday)
Spring Run-Off 05/10-05/16
National 05/31-06/06 06/07-06/13
Continental 06/14-06/20
Canada One 06/21-06/27 06/28-07/04 North American
07/05-07/11
Masters 08/30-09/05 09/06-09/12
Harvest Classic 10/11-10/17
First Nations Rodeo & Dances 07/21-07/27
Riding Lessons
Personal instruction, meals, accommodation,
well-trained horses and video review of your instruction.
7 days/6 nights $1,125
Based on CAD $1,125
2008 Dates:
Beginning the week of 04/05-04/11 through the week of 05/24-05/30
(Saturday to Friday).
Sample Ranch Itinerary
Though you may choose to spend more time at the ranch itself, a
typical week might go like this:
Day 1 - Arrive at the ranch (we'll pick you up at the
International Airport or other Calgary locations). If you arrive by 9:30
a.m. you can join in on the ride for the day. Take part in such
activities as fencing, checking cows or horses, feeding and grooming,
relaxing or grab your fishing rod for a walk along the creek. Enjoy
supper topped off with home-baked bread and pastry. (If you have special
dietary preferences, please advise us in advance.)
Day 2 - Have a hearty ranch breakfast of biscuits, bacon, eggs, pancakes
and coffee. We don't have a tight schedule so learn to saddle up your
own horse or tie the Diamond Hitch. Head toward the high country a
12 mile ride over easy terrain including a trail lunch. When you return
relax in a Jacuzzi and a game of horseshoes before an outdoor steak BBQ.
Day 3 - If you're staying the week you might want to spend time at camp.
This can be prearranged or you can take circle rides each day from the
Ranch. Trips by car, to Banff, Calgary, Spruce Meadows or Head Smashed
in Buffalo Jump can be easily done, using the Ranch as your home base.
Day 4 - You might like to ride for the A.M. and take in an afternoon polo
game or shopping in Calgary, or enjoy the whole day riding with lunch on
the trail around the campfire with cowboy coffee.
Day 5 - 7 - Continue with more trail riding from the lodge or camp, or
depending on the season, enjoy the following:
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Care and grooming of horses plus daily ranch work
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Riding Lessons
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Rodeo and Polo games to attend
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A dip in our outdoor Jacuzzi
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Sleep overnight in our teepee site at the Ranch or camp.
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Visits to Calgary, Banff and other local areas
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Community dances, dinners and parties
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Golf at nearby Winter Green Country Club (7 miles)
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Cross-country and downhill skiing in area
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