See the world from horseback and get a taste of life on the range at an Alberta ranch. If you’re more into cowboy nightlife than work life, check out the many bars and clubs where the boot scootin’ boogie and making new friends are the big attractions.
History buffs will find many chances to learn about the early days of ranching in Alberta and can take in eye-opening cultural experiences that are perfect for family adventures.
Leave your place in the city and find a home on the range. An Alberta ranch is the best place to experience the West’s wide-open spaces and big skies.
Even cowboys need to unwind. When the sun goes down, it’s time to whoop it up. Head for the saloon and learn to two-step. Or take in country music’s big names at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose. It’s just one of many music festivals with twang that pop up in Alberta.
We’ve also got plenty of rodeos where you can take in ropin’ and ridin’ from the comfort of a shady grandstand. You might even find a cowboy poet whose wry take on life will put a smile on your face.
The Calgary Stampede is a world-famous, 10-day hoedown that has been an annual event for more than 100 years. It’s a celebration of our western heritage and community spirit. It’s also one big city-wide party.
There’s nothing like a bucking bronco or rank bull to get the blood pumping. But it’s best to leave the riding to the experts. The Ponoka Stampede and rodeos in Alberta’s rural communities let you get close to the action while relaxing in a shady grandstand.
These boots were made for buying. Head down to the Alberta Boot Company in Calgary to find handmade quality that never goes out of style. Wei’s Western Wear in Red Deer has been outfitting cowboys and rodeo fans for more than 60 years. They have everything from hats to boots to bandanas and bolo ties.
With prairies that stretch out to the horizon and lush, green foothills, it’s no surprise that Alberta has a proud farming and ranching tradition. Attractions across the province let you see what life was like in the early days of the province
The Bar U Ranch traces its roots back to 1882. Today, it’s Canada’s only National Historic Site that celebrates ranching. Located just an hour’s drive from Calgary, the Bar U offers horse-drawn wagon rides and the country’s largest collection of historic ranch buildings. You can even learn to rope a (replica) steer.
Ancient traditions and cultures are given new life at Indigenous ranches across the province. There’s no better way to learn about people who have been living here since time immemorial.
