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The Cowboy Trail
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16 Helpful Map Pages DIY Weddings Horseback Pack Trips Rodeos & Pow Wows Select a Hike Suggested Tours
Reader Contests
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For full contest details and information on how to enter this photo contest go to ExperiencetheCowboyTrail.com/contest The contest will run from May 1 - Dec 15, 2015
Experience The Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country A Message from the Publisher This, our 3rd edition, is a guide to the unique blend of western and mountain cultures that co-exist in the foothills of Alberta. Extending 680 km, from Cardston to Mayerthorpe, the Cowboy Trail is home to a mix of friendly merchants and artisans eager to make you feel at home. So unplug and take a long refreshing drink of western hospitality. Kananaskis is a vast tract of protected land that consists of numerous provincial parks and recreation areas. The Flood of 2013 had a real impact but clean up has gone very well. Much of the area is open for your enjoyment and the golf course hopes to reopen in 2016. Full coverage, including updated maps starts on pg 59.
Bragg Creek, Black Diamond and High River suffered great damage by that same flood. Restoration has progressed nicely and folks in these communities would really appreciate your support now. Local businesses offer many unique and wonderful products & services. Please go, shop, and offer a few words of encouragement. You’ll find compelling stories that detail the rich history of the area. And of course we’ve included maps, and more maps: everyone loves maps! Be sure to enter our Photo Contest (pg 3) and vote for your favourite online. Please complete our Reader Survey (pg 47) for a chance to win a new set of cowboy boots. And check out our expanded Campground Directory (pg 58) & Calendar of Pow Wows and Rodeos (pg 21)! We sincerely hope you have a magical time. We know that Experience the Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country can help you enjoy your visit, so keep it handy. We are truly honoured to be of service.
Take the Mobile Issue of this guide with you on the trail. It’s at ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com/our-guides
Our Contributors
Andrew Penner is a
Emily Halfyard is the
Rob Lennard (aka The
Barry Taylor is the author
writer and photographer living in Calgary, Alberta. His work has been featured in Westerworld, up!, Golf Magazine, Going Places. Avenue, NBC.com, and many other leading golf and lifestyle publications in North America. When not travelling or on assignment, he enjoys reading, movies, and just chilling out in the backyard with his wife, Dawn, and their four boys.
owner of Final Touches Events, a wedding coordinating service. Raised in BC, she spent the last few years in Kelowna and worked as a bridal consultant and an in-house wedding planner at a local bridal salon. During this time she realized her passion and love for the wedding industry. In late 2013 Emily and her husband Tim, along with their two dogs, moved to beautiful Cochrane.
History Wrangler) is a Calgary based historian, singer, songwriter, performer and award winning author. Rob is the Historian at The Ranche and is responsible for its educational programming and outreach. Additionally, he is the Calgary Liaison for Canada`s History and the Regional Coordinator for the Calgary & Region History Fair, which is associated with the national Heritage School Fair program. (A Fist Full of Aboriginal Characters from The Cowboy Trail pg 56)
of a personal hiking blog at hikingwithbarry.com and is part of the team of experienced backcountry staff at the Norseman X-Country Ski, Hike and Climb Shop in Calgary norsemanski.com. The blog hikingwithbarry.com is a personal diary of adventures intended to preserve special memories and to encourage others to experience the outdoors. It is not a substitute for a hiking guide and map.
facebook.com/finaltouchesevents
(Home on the Range pg 12 Experience Pow Wows pg 20)
A Do-It-Yourself Western Wedding pg 22)
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(How to select a hike pg 62)
Experience The Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country Welcome to the 2015 - 2016 Edition of Experience The Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country Use it to plan your holiday and as your companion once you’ve arrived. CMI Publishing is a division of Complete Marketing Inc., a privately owned company with offices in Calgary, Ab. We specialize in the production of visitor guides and maps in print as well as digital formats. Printed copies are delivered in bulk to our network of distribution outlets throughout the region. Travellers are encouraged to pick up a FREE printed copy through these outlets or download a mobile-friendly digital copy of this, or any of our current or archived guides from our On-line Library at experiencethecowboytrail.com/our-guides Please support our advertisers and sponsors. If you get the chance, kindly mention where you saw their ad. Without their support this guide would not be possible. Publisher: Bob Harris, CMI Publishing Ph: (403) 259.8290 bob@CMIpublishing.ca
Circulation: Through our advertisers, AMA travel offices, numerous retail stores including Mountain Equipment Co-op, and most Visitor Information Centres located on or near The Cowboy Trail.
Designers: Christine Karchewski ckarchewski@extenddesign.ca Kris Nielson kris@krisdesign.ca
Special Thanks to: Kelly Schultz, Rob Lennard, Rob Storeshaw our advertisers, sponsors and distributors.
Editor: Kristine MacDougall kriskmacd@gmail.com Advertising Sales: Joseph Macdonald, Calgary Joseph@CMIpublishing.ca
Cover photo: Julie Leavens at the Outpost at Warden Rock Photo titled Heading up Stud Creek. Taken Sept 13, 2011 east of Hwy #40 near the Ya-Ha Tinda. Share Your Experience: Upload your experiential photos to ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com to be eligible to win one of many great prizes! Twitter: Follow us at twitter.com/BHarris_Calgary
Book Keeper: Helen Foulger
See page 47 and let us know your thoughts for a chance to WIN $300 at Alberta Boots!
Table of Contents Communities Black Diamond 34 Bragg Creek 2, 38-39, 75 Calgary & Area 40 Canmore 45 Cardston & Pincher Creek 24 Cochrane & Area 42 Crossfield 48 Kananaskis Country 59 Longview 28 Mayerthorpe 54 Northern Leg 50 Sundre & Area 49 Turner Valley 34 Waterton & Area 26
Specialty Pages Alberta Country Vacation Association 14 Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association 19 Alberta’s Heritage 18 Alberta’s Kananaskis 66 Alberta Outfitters Association 8 Campground Directory 58 Dames on the Range 16 Experience Horseback Pack Trips 12 Experience Pow Wows 20 Fistful of Aboriginal Characters 56 Historic Turner Valley Gas Plant 33 How to Select a Hike 62 Reader Contests 3, 47 Rodeo Schedule 21 Southern Alberta Circle Tour 30 Western Weddings 22
Map Pages Alberta Map 7 Bow Valley Provincial Park 71 Cowboy Trail 10 Elbow River Valley 72 Ghost Area & Don Getty Wildland 74 Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park 45 Highwood & Cataract Area 68 Kananaskis Country 60 Kananaskis Valley 64 Kananaskis Village 65 Peter Lougheed Provincial Park 69 Sheep River Valley 73 Sibbald Area 70
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Experience The Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country
Message from
The Honourable Kyle Fawcett As the Minister responsible for Parks, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Kananaskis country and the Cowboy Trail. The eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains have inspired generations of people to escape the stress of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. No matter your background, all travellers are welcome to experience this living landscape of Alberta’s Heritage. Kananaskis Country has been the cherished backyard of all Albertans since it was designated as a multi-use recreation area more than 35 years ago. Less than an hour from Calgary, Kananaskis Country offers more than 4,000 km2 of provincial parks, recreation areas, and public lands. Ranging from foothills to mountains, this year-round destination is criss-crossed by spectacular rivers and lakes, with abundant breathtaking vistas. Set along the broader Cowboy Trail, and nestled in habitat where grizzly bears and elk herds roam, Kananaskis Country is a treasure trove of experiences. This is where Alberta’s modern enthusiasm blends with our adventurous past, a place where you can discover rugged ranchlands and enjoy warm local hospitality. From hiking to snowshoeing, camping to painting, each provincial park is a gateway to a lifetime of experiences in Alberta’s outdoors. Our world-class recreation facilities, innovative education and inclusion programs, and dedicated public safety and conservation officers support your connections with nature and Kananaskis Country. Whether you are sightseeing for a day or exploring for weeks, Kananaskis Country and the Cowboy Trail will create memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
Kyle Fawcett Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
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Experience The Cowboy Trail & Kananaskis Country
Alberta Fast Facts Capital city: Edmonton Population: 4.0 million History: Entered Canadian confederation in 1905 Total Area: 661,848 km sq/255,541 mi sq Highest Point: Mount Columbia, 3,747 m/12,293 ft Lowest Point: Slave River, 152 m/499 ft above sea level Longest River: Peace River, 1,923 km/1,195 mi Provincial Flower: Wild rose Provincial Tree: Lodgepole pine Provincial Bird: Great Horned owl Provincial Gemstone: Ammolite Provincial Motto: “Strong and free�
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Alberta Outfitters Association ... treat people right and give them your best AlbertaOutfitters.com
Welcome to the Alberta Outfitters Association Discover the True Spirit of the West... Book your next vacation with a Canadian Cowboy Outfitter to experience Canada’s Rocky Mountains in Alberta by horseback, the way the West was originally explored. Whether you are visiting the parks of Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis, Waterton, or Willmore Wilderness or other locations in the Canadian Rockies, you will enjoy magnificent scenery. Get away from the crowds and travel to remote valleys and ridges accessible only by horseback.. Book a traditional trail ride and explore the magnificent mountainous country of Alberta, a wilderness experience you’ll never forget! Alberta’s Outfitters welcome you to share the breathtaking scenery and romance of the Old West on your next vacation of a lifetime! 1932: The Alberta Outfitters Association (AOA) was formed to represent the interests of trail men and set standards for their industry. The organization sought to collectively market their product and lobby the government on common issues. It’s been one hundred years since the first outfitter, Tom Wilson provided the first guided hunting excursion on Alberta soil. So much has changed, and yet so much remains the same. Tom would still appreciate the aroma of wood smoke, freshly baked bread and pure mountain air. He’d be mesmerized by the whistle of an elk, the smell of gunpowder on a frosty morning and the warmth of the sun in a quiet meadow. Tom would recognize a well-mannered horse, a hunter with scruples, and a guide with a sense of humour. The passion of the early pioneers continues to motivate Alberta’s modern outfitters. It’s no wonder that Alberta continues to remain a top destination for professionally guided experiences.
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Experience The Cowboy Trail
Message from
The President Neil MacLaine Welcome to the Cowboy Trail! Highway 22, also known as The Cowboy Trail, is a scenic and historic connection for the towns, villages, and ranching communities of southern Alberta’s foothills. Western hospitality, adventure, antique shopping, National Historic Sites, whitewater rafting, and pristine wilderness can all be found on the Cowboy Trail. Take in a rodeo, a cowboy poetry gathering, a pow wow, or a farmer’s market. Explore the trail’s 700 kilometre length and visit the setting of many celebrated movies and television series. You can spend a few hours, a few days, or perhaps a lifetime exploring the trail’s hidden gems - there are no end of unique experiences to be had. The Cowboy Trail is the ultimate “scenic route,” offering a unique and unforgettable north-south alternative to Highway 2. For travellers looking to take a day trip or weekend getaway to explore Alberta, the Cowboy Trail is well connected to the cities of Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton, as well as a network of engaging rural communities. Visit thecowboytrail.com to plan your own exploration of the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!
Sincerely,
Neil MacLaine President Cowboy Trail Tourism Association TheCowboyTrail.com
Box 285 Bragg Creek, Alberta T0L 0K0 | 403-949-3329
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Experience The Cowboy Trail The western spirit comes alive in the small communities along the trail with special cowboy-flavoured events. Listen to poets celebrate the western way of life or watch native dancers move to the beat of a drum at a pow wow. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, watch a small town parade, shop for western antiques and local crafts, or cheer during a rodeo. Experience a horseback trail ride or pack trip with an outfitter into some of Alberta’s prettiest country. Here you’ll find guest ranches, farm and ranch vacations, interactive historic sites and western-themed attractions.
A variety of accommodations are available along the trail, from campgrounds and RV parks to B&Bs, hotels and lodges. There’s something for every budget. Now’s the time to saddle up for an authentic western adventure for a few hours, or a few days! Use the many communities on Highway #2 as a gateway for your own personalized loop tour. There is something very special about watching dawn break on the eastern slopes of the majestic Canadian Rockies. Come experience The Cowboy Trail!
For more information, check out ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com
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Photo Courtesy of Andrew Penner
Halfway down the ridge our entertaining guide, Dewy, smirked, tipped his weather-beaten cowboy hat, and rambled into his legendary cougar story. “It was winter,” he drawled. “Nice evening for a sleigh ride. (Spit.) Had four or five city slickers on the wagon. All was well. But then we rounded a corner and suddenly there was a lot of commotion. (Spit.) Horses were spooked. Lots of noise. (Spit.) Thought it might be a cougar and, sure enough, I looked behind me and there she was. We were eye to eye for at least five seconds, or so. Could tell she was ready for a fight. (Spit.) So I just poured her another drink and she sat back down.” Horseback rides at the Anchor D ranch, especially with Dewy at the helm, are guaranteed to get a little colorful. It’s all part of the experience. And, for that matter, so are the stunning mountain views, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to let your hair down, leave the city behind, and just breathe some pure, pine-scented Rocky Mountain air. Located 15 kilometers west of Turner Valley on Hwy 546, Anchor D offers the quintessential Alberta “home on the range” experience. The ranch, blessed with an idyllic setting in Kananaskis Country, has a wide variety of horseback riding options. From over-before-you-know-it 2 hour trips to sevenday pack adventures along ridgelines and pristine valleys deep in Kananaskis Country, there is something for everyone. Not surprisingly, given the spectacular country and the quality of the experiences at Anchor D, people come from all over the world to hit the trail with Dewy and the gang.
After the scenic 45-minute drive from Calgary, my boys and I rolled into the ranch and got our bearings. It took me all of three minutes to realize we were in for something special on our day ride. Truth be told, with his classic cowboy drawl, Dewy had me at “howdy.” Weeks earlier I had been tempted to sign up for the legendary Lost Trail Ride, one of many multi-day rides from the ranch. However, I wasn’t sure our riding skills were good enough. The Lost Trail Ride, like many of the memorable trips from Anchor D, incorporates challenging river crossings, steep, mountainous terrain, and plenty of high-in-the-alpine drama. And, unquestionably, it’s these extended, week-long pack trips that are the real deal, the bucket-list adventure that typically leaves riders with powerful, life-long memories. “It’s always amazing to see people change as the trip goes on,” says Dewy. “The camaraderie, the friendships, the trust that is built is quite remarkable. The connection you gain with your horse and the natural beauty puts you into a different state of mind. People almost always leave changed. And, if my stories haven’t rattled them too much, usually for the better,” he says with his trademark wry smirk. For our more relaxing day ride, however, I wasn’t expecting to have too many “Man from Snowy River” moments. With my two 10-year old boys in our posse and a few other greenhorns visiting from Utah, I wasn’t really expecting to get a whole lot further than the corral gate.
Our trip surpassed all expectations in so many ways. Your staff needs to be commended for their kindness, professionalism, and patience. Kelly’s cooking was delicious and plentiful. As for Charles, Riley, Pablo and ‘the Belgian’ Justin … no words can express how awesome they were. We truly enjoyed their company every day. It was heartwarming to watch them care for your wonderful horses. Their genuine love for the horses was very apparent. -Bob & Carol
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Home on the Range
Photos Courtesy of Anchor D
However, as Dewy so eloquently stated, “What’s the use of having all them hills if yur not gonna get up ‘em every now and then for a little look see?” So look see we did.
High on the exposed ridge on the homestretch, with the warm, amber light glancing off the aspens, I offered my own tidbit of wisdom. “Horses just fit perfect in this type of landscape.”
After climbing some 300 metres above the ranch on a twisty trail, we traversed a rocky spine and the stunning, non-stop views of the saw-tooth peaks of Kananaskis commanded our attention. That is, until the next story.
Dewy was quick to respond. “Yup, ain’t that the truth. (Spit.) A few more seconds passed and he continued. “Reminds me of this saying I kinda like,” he said. “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.”
Although the cougar joke went right over their heads - as well as quite a few other yarns - other unscripted moments made lasting impressions on the youngsters. The most timid of the cowpokes, one of my inquisitive twins, was quite alarmed when his young steed, Rocky, abruptly decided to water a few weeds. The healthy flow was a real eye-opener for the young feller. “You don’t get out of the city much, do you, boy?” quipped Dewy after the little guy nearly went into hysterics.
And everything else that’s ever roamed these hills, I reckoned. Including, of course, the cougars. By: Andrew Penner
Urinating spectacles aside, the young lads held their own during the trip. Even a fairly steep descent down the last ridge went smoothly. However, they did get a little squirmy. when Dewy dismounted to investigate a fresh bear track - “Grizzly, came through a day ago,” was the confident verdict.
For more information about Anchor D visit anchord.com Other reputable outfitters to try include: - Boundary Ranch (boundaryranch.com). - Brewster Adventures (brewsteradventures.com) - Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures (packtrips.ca) - Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations (sierrawestcabins.com) - Skyline Ranching & Outfitting (skylineranching.com) - Timberline Tours Ltd (timberlinetours.ca) - Wild Deuce Retreats & Outfitting (wilddeuce.com)
Not surprisingly, the love of these mountains runs deep in Dewy’s blood. It’s no act. There are no pretenses with the man. He’s free here and he tells it like it is. “Most people don’t properly appreciate these mountains. They’re caught in the rat race.” So true, I thought.
Alberta is home to many ranches and horseback riding outfitters. Many offer a variety of riding options. Nearly all outfitters offer beginner rides as well as day-long and multi-day rides into the backcountry. For more information visit the Alberta Outfitter Association at albertaoutfitters.com
Julian and I consider our stay and trip into the mountains with you as the best vacation we have ever done! Great team, great food, and a fantastic location! Thank you again! See you at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Toronto in February! - Marc & Julian Dufour
The weekend riding was AWESOME!!!! Everything I imagined it would be. I rode Tyke and of course fell in love with him!!! All the staff were great as usual, so welcoming, and Dewy was very entertaining! - Mary
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Experience The Cowboy Way You can find it all, from the prairies to the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Alberta Country Vacation Association (ACVA) can help you find the ranch, country vacation or backcountry adventure to match your dreams albertacountryvacation.com
Imagine yourself taking the best vacation of your life at a ranch, in the backcountry or a country vacation venue. The cool, fresh mountain air, the open spaces, the feel of a steady horse beneath you as you top the next rise…relaxing in the warmth of the setting sun as you wait for the dinner bell call…shared time with family and friends. Some guests say it’s an awesome experience to be surrounded only by wilderness without a street light or freeway within sight or earshot. Others are amazed at the peaceful silence.
The meals are scrumptious and the accommodations range from rustic cabins, cozy teepees to pampered retreats.
“Where the Pavement Ends & the West Begins”
Skyline Ranching & Outfitting Experience a working cattle ranch adjacent to thousands of acres of forestry, with a lifestyle we are proud to educate & share with our friends from around the world. We offer working ranch vacations, trail rides, cattle drives, mountain pack trips, ranch activities & rustic cabin rentals. Photography, fishing, & a home cooked meal, then spend your evening around a campfire with friends at the –M7 saloon. Facilities available to bring your own horse. We accommodate all ages & levels of experience. RV’s welcome. Open year round, located in the heart of the Porcupine Hills at the base of the Rocky Mountains. 34 km W of Claresholm on hwy 520, or 12 km E of hwy 22. Phone: 403-625-2398 Toll Free: 1-888-6212398 E-mail: skylineoutfitters@hotmail.com www.skylineranching.com
Working Cattle Ranch, Selfcatering Log Cabins, Horse Accommodations, Cowtown, Trail Rides & “Authentic” Western Hospitality! Sierra West Frontier Cattle Drive Lundbreck, Alberta June 27 & 28, July 18 & 19 and August 8 & 9th, 2015
EXPERIENCE THE OLD WEST LIFESTYLE FIRST CLASS
WE OFFER • Trail Rides • Pack Trips • Ladies Retreat • Mountain Horse Training • Horsemanship Clinics • Working Mountain Horse Competition & Select Sale Each Fall
Amazing Experiences that are second to none!
Phone: 403-628-2431 www.sierrawestcabins.com 14 | Please complete our Survey
Contact us at
Experience The Cowboy Way Let’s not forget the possibility to master the “art of relaxation”. When you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty, slow down, breathe deeply and appreciate it. All ACVA member properties are located in the most pristine wilderness areas or country sides in Alberta. Watch a sunset, wait for the cattle to come to water, go bird watching, take a walk through wildflowers, nap in a hammock, listen to the livestock, read a good book or just sit quietly and let your mind wander. Don’t hesitate to call or email the ranches that you are interested in, and ask them to help you. If they don’t offer everything you’re looking for, they will recommend a ranch that does. Or contact us directly by email info@albertacountryvacation.com or by phone 1-866-217-2282.
horsepower to move your spirit
Range be your connection to country get-aways, relaxation, outdoor adventures and learning packages along the eastern slopes of
Visit our website to plan your country experience AlbertaCountryVacation.com
Moose Mountain HORSEBACK Adventures
Let the Dames on the
Alberta’s Rocky Mountains Visit the Dames on Facebook
VAC AT I O NS DAY R I D ES L E SSONS S L E I G H RIDES G U E ST L O DGE
403.949.3329 www.packtrips.ca open year round we offer customized adventures for small groups and all skill levels only 30 minutes southwest of Calgary
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Experience The Cowboy Way There are lots of activities to enjoy on a ranch or country venue: - Riding horses, backcountry riding, trail riding and ranch riding - Cattle ranching - Country dancing, western culture, crafts, music & history
Alberta Country Vacation Association (ACVA) can help you find the
- Camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, birding, canoeing - Spotting wild horses & other Alberta wildlife - Sampling fantastic western cuisine - Winter - cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides
ranch, country vacation or backcountry adventure to match your dreams albertacountryvacation.com
Back Country Vacations: Explore the western trails of the foothills and Rocky Mountains as you ride horses and hike from tent camps or cabins. Experience the real west just as the early explorers and trappers did. WillowCreekGathering_AD2_WC Gathering 17/03/15 4:55 PM Page 1
Writings of Hank Pallister
COWBOY TRAIL HISTORY NOW AVAILABLE AT: High River - Museum of the Higwood; Pixie Hollow Books; Walkers Western Wear Black Diamond - Blue Rock Gallery Longview - Bar U Ranch Gift Shop Okotoks - Shoppers Drug Mart; Boot Hill Gallery
TICKETS/ INFO:
403-549-2453 eggerclaud@gmail.com
www.wccowboygathering.com
Claresholm - Frontier Western Wear Rosebud - Centre of the Arts Gift Shop Crossfield - Irvine Tack & Western Wear Cochrane - Home Quarter Mercantile; Grande Ave Pharmacy Big Valley - Granny’s Fudge Factory OR Check on the HERITAGE BOOKS book rack in your community
OR CALL TO ORDER: Joyce Pallister-Bronsch 403-652-5643 or joyce.pallister@gmail.com 16 | Enter our Photo Contest
Gary Fjellgaard Raised on the farm on the Canadian prairies this Juno award winning singer/songwriter is a champion of vanishing values and the frontier spirit. In 2005 Gary was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and still tours extensively.
Experience The Cowboy Way We have a bounty of businesses operating in the country promoting the cowboy lifestyle, our western heritage and celebrating these vast landscapes. Many choose the direction their passions take by investing in a particular aspect of these attributes and welcome visitors to share in a wide array of experiences. They are known as the ‘Dames on the Range’! This group of women all own or manage their own businesses - offering folks a product or service from their place in the rural community while raising a family, supporting their community and encouraging other ‘Dames’ in their ventures. We network to promote each other; guide and offer assistance when needed. We host an authentic visit because our goal is to share the real story about living in the country! Regardless of your interests, our Dames are sure to show you more about you while you learn more about us! They are our ‘neigh’bours and the jewels of our community!
Visit AlbertaCountryVacation.com to plan your country experience Canadian Rockies Cowboy Festival 10th Annual May 22nd - 24th Willow Creek Cowboy Gathering 15th Annual July 10th - 12th
For the full list of ACVA Member & the Dames see page 18
Vilna Cowboy Fest 5th Annual July 17th to 19th Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry Festival 23rd Annual August 21st - 23rd Maple Creek 26th Cowboy Poetry Gathering - September 18th to 20th Trail’s End Gathering October 2nd - 4th albertacowboypoetry.com/cowboy-gatherings.html
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Whether we help outfit you for a country excursion, heal your soul, tuck you into fine accommodation, challenge you physically outdoors or take you riding, you’ll meet some remarkable ladies.
Experience Alberta’s Heritage Pat Burns
Alberta Country Vacation Association Members
In 2008, voted as Alberta’s Greatest Citizen, Burns was a Canadian rancher, senator, and philanthropist. Born in 1856, he built one of the world’s largest meatpacking empires, becoming one of the wealthiest Canadians of his time. He is honoured as one of the Big
Pat Burns. Courtesy of Glenbow Archive; NB-16-150
Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting
Rangeview Ranch Vacations
Brewster Mountain Pack Trains
Four western cattle kings who
Brown Creek Ranch Bed & Breakfast
started the Calgary Stampede
Holiday on Horseback
in Alberta in 1912.
Kokopelli Country Cabins Lucasia Ranch Vacations Myown River Ranch
Introducing the Dames on the Range
Outpost at Warden Rock
Red Lodge Guest Ranch Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations Skyline Ranching & Outfitting Timberline Tours TL Bar Ranch Wild Deuce Retreats & Outfitting
For full coverage see pg 14
(For full coverage see pg 14) “Laugh Lines” Joyce Pallister-Bronsch-Author and Entertainer, Grande Dame Joyce Alberta Parks, Dame Heidi Anchor K Creations, Handcrafted Jewelry, Dame Kerry Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Dame Marion Brown Creek Ranch Bed & Breakfast/Brown Creek Wild Rags, Dame Shaunere Centre Peak High Country Adventures, Dame Kate Chimney Rock Bed and Breakfast, Dame Debbie Chimney Rock Ranch Wellness Retreat, Dame Sheila Classic Rodeo Boutique, Dame Audi Connie McKenzie, RMT Dame Connie Cowboy Country Western Store, Dame Shawna Custom Horsehair and Wool Creations, Dame Donna Dakatama, Dame Ann Full Circle Adventures, Dame Julie Herbal Healing Inc, Dame Elizabeth and Dame Jo-Anne Janet Sippola, Western Artist, Dame Janet Jardi Welsch-Photographer, Dame Jardi Judy Dahl, Western Artist and Photographer, Dame Judy Kayben Farms, Dame Judy LCARF (Little Creeks and Rough Fescue Appreciation Society), Dame Sarah Lucasia Ranch Vacations, Dame Judy McRae Silversmith, Dame Kelly Om on the Range, Dame Tammi Rae Oxley Ranch Tours and Cattle Co, Dame Jennifer Red Horse Aromatics and Massage, Dame Holly Reesor Ranch Guest Ranch/Bed and Breakfast, Dame Theresa Serious Backcountry, Dame Pam Sierra West Cabins & Ranch Vacations, Dame Ginny Taste of Country Cookhouse, Dame Praba Terri Fisher, Equine Experiential Life Coach, Dame Terri The Lost American Art Gallery, Dame Happy Trail’s End Beef, Dame Rachel Western ELement Photography, Dame El Western Horse Review, Dame Jenn Wild About Flowers, Dame Arden Willow Valley Soapworks, Dame Wendy Winning Strides, Dame Laurie
Red Deer River Ranches
The Historic Ranche at Fish Creek Provincial Park
The Home of The History Wrangler
- Historian, Director of Education & Outreach, The Ranche - Regional CoordinatorThe Calgary & Region History Fair - Canada’s History Liaison, Calgary region - Award Winning Historical Fiction Writer - Song Writer, specializing in Alberta historical themed songs - Musician/Performer - FNMI Programing
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Rob Lennard/The History Wrangler historywrangler@gmail.com | 403-607-5299 www.historywrangler.ca
The Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association Presents... The 11th Annual
Trail's End Gathering 2015
October 2 - 4, 2015 | High River Full Gospel Church, HighRiver, AB A Gathering of Cowboy Poets, Musicians, Artists and Enthusiasts Honouring the History and Tradition of the West with over 30 Acts. Weekend Tickets - $25.00 – to order call 403-946-5482 or 403-649-2701. Event Details: www.albertacowboypoetry.com
The Gathering There are poets and pickers and singers
With a near mythical figure - The Cowboy,
The songs are pure and authentic,
There are fans who are living the past
A man of legend and grace
Traditionally true to the West,
There are young sprouts who want to be cowboys,
Who slides easily into his saddle,
They’re written and sung from the heart
And cowboys who want it to last.
The bronc about to lose face.
By the cowboy living his quest.
They all meet at Trail’s End in High River;
You’ll hear poets rhyming true stories
Please remember Trail’s End in High River
Each fall there’s a Gathering there
About the ranching and cowboy lifestyle
A Gathering of cowboys, ranchers and fans;
Striving to capture the essence
That will bring tears to your eyes, or deep laughter,
You’ll experience true Western Tradition,
Of the West and its Romantic Affair
Depending on your view of the pile!
And we invite you to come if you can!
~Wendy Vaughan
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Experience Pow Wows The energy in the Tsuu T’ina Beaver Dome is intense. Hundreds of people, from First Nations all across North America, have gathered for the annual event. The smells - the campfire smoke, the amazing food, the animals from the nearby rodeo - linger in the air. But now the Grand Entry is about to begin. Soon the rhythmic drumming starts and the elders and dancers enter the arena. Singing, some of the most powerful I have ever heard, begins in earnest. My heart is pounding with the music’s beat. The incredible sights and sounds are truly mesmerizing. The Pow Wow is in full swing. After the stunning grand entry, various dancing competitions go on for hours, with many drum circles and tribes participating. The dancers are young and old, male and female, and their regalia, or ceremonial dress, is stunning. The authentic outfits are often hand-made, adorned with decorative objects that have special significance to the participants. Certainly - and definitely so for the photographers in the crowd! - this is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Pow Wow. The stories, the songs, the dancing, the food, the celebration, this is what the Pow Wow is all about. All are welcome to attend. And all will be treated to an amazing cultural experience. The 4 fundamental values shared by all Pow Wows are: honour, respect, tradition, and generosity. And, guaranteed, if you attend a Pow Wow - such as the popular Tsuu T’ina Pow Wow near Bragg Creek, which is held each year near the end of July - these
All Photos Courtesy of Travel Alberta
values will be on full display. Similarly, there is zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol on the site. It is a dry event and free to attend. Held in conjunction with the Pow Wow, the Tsuu T’ina Nation Rodeo is an awesome example of how exciting and engaging small town rodeos can be. Held at the Redwood Fair Grounds, with a purse of a $100,000, this is Canada’s richest First Nations rodeo. Not to take anything away from larger rodeos - the world-renowned Calgary Stampede immediately comes to mind - but being able to get right up close to the action takes the rodeo experience to a whole new level of excitement. Hearing hooves pounding the dirt, bulls snorting, and cowboys grunting, adds another dimension that you just cannot realize from thirty rows up and fifty meters away. And, in terms of photography, attending a smaller rodeo will afford incredible image-making opportunities. Passionate photographers will tell you that shooting small town rodeos is one of the most fun and engaging opportunities they know! Given Alberta’s vibrant First Nations heritage and western culture, it’s no wonder that our province is home to many Pow Wows and small town rodeos. If you have never experienced either of these outdoor spectacles, you owe it to yourself to seek one out this summer and go. Both are exciting cultural events that will provide you with many lasting memories. And don’t forget your camera! By: Andrew Penner
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2015 Pow Wows Be brave and turn off the highway into a First Nation gathering/celebration. Sit by a First Nation person in the bleachers and be encouraged to ask questions. Go try out an Indian Taco or Bannock burger. Arlee Pow Wow | July 1 - 5, 2015 Arlee, Montana, USA | arleepowwow.com
Piikani Nation Pow Wow & Rodeo | July 31 - August 2 Brocket, Ab | ahki.ca/piikani-nation-pow-wow.php
North American Indian Days | July 8 -12, 2015 Browning, Montana, USA | blackfeetcountry.com
Siksika Nation Annual Pow Wow | August 7 - 9, 2015 Siksika Nation, Ab | ahki.ca/siksika-nation-annual-pow-wow.php
Kainai Indian Days Pow Wow & Rodeo | July 17-19, 2015 Standoff, Ab | bloodtribe.org
Heart Butte Celebration | August 14 - 16, 2015 Heart Butte, Montana | blackfeetcountry.com/hbcelebration.html
Tsuu T’ina Annual Rodeo & Pow Wow | July 23 - 26, 2015 Tsuu T’ina Nation, Ab | tsuutinarodeo.com
International Peace Pow-Wow | February 28 - March 1, 2015 Lethbridge, Ab | enmaxcentre.ca
2015 Rodeos Caroline Big Horn Stampede | May 15-17 Caronline, Ab | carolinebighornstampede.webs.com (pg 50)
Calgary Stampede | July 3-12 Calgary, Alberta | calgarystampede.com (pg 76)
Little Britches Rodeo Monday | May 18 High River, Alberta | hragsociety.ca
Buck Lake Stampede | July 10-12 Buck Lake, Alberta | fcarodeo.com
Alder Flats Rodeo | May 22-23 Alder Flats, Alberta | alderflats.ca (pg 52)
The Dogpound Rodeo | July 15 RR# 2 Crossfield, Alberta | fcarodeo.com (pg 48)
Mayerthorpe Indoor Rodeo | May 22-24 Mayerthorpe, Alberta | mayerthorpe.ca/events (pg 54)
Longview Rodeo | July 17-18 Longview, Alberta | longviewrodeo.com (pg 28)
Rocky Pro Rodeo | June 3-7 Rocky Mountain House, Alberta | rockyrodeo.com (pg 51)
Millarville Rodeo | July 24-26 Millarville, Alberta | millarvilleracetrack.com
Water Valley Stampede | June 6-7 Water Valley, Alberta | ilovewatervalley.com
Bar U Ranch - Old Time Ranch Rodeo | August 9 Bar U Ranch, Alberta | friendsofthebaru.com (pg 28)
Sundre Pro Rodeo | June 19-21 Sundre, Alberta | sundrerodeo.com (pg 49)
Miniature Horse Chuckwagon Championships | August 14-15 Cardston, Alberta | cardston.ca (pg 24)
Pro chucks and the Guy Weadick Rodeo | June 17-21 High River, Alberta | wpca.com
Pincher Creek Rodeo | August 14-16 Pincher Creek, Alberta | pinchercreekagsociety.com (pg 25)
Raymond Stampede | June 30 - July 1 Raymond, Alberta
Cochrane Rodeo | September 4-7 Cochrane, Alberta | cochranelionsclub.ca (pg 42)
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A Do-It-Yourself Western Wedding:
Courtesy of Dani & Chad Thompson
Courtesy of Boundary Ranch
Courtesy of Dani & Chad Thompson
Getting engaged and planning a wedding can be a very magical time for a couple. Between attending wedding expos, meeting vendors, spending hours on Pinterest, and reading the stack of bridal magazines that are overtaking your night stand, planning a wedding can be exciting. Especially if you’re planning a western themed wedding! Envision a ceremony in an open pasture with horses in the background and your guests seated on hay bales; think of dancing the night away to “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill under twinkling lights in a rustic barn; picture mason jars filled with baby’s breath and daisies, and the textured accents of lace and burlap everywhere. The options for a western wedding are endless. On the other hand, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, not to mention costly.
planning that (with some dedication) the couple can do on their own, and other aspects that should be handled by professionals. Not everything is as easy as it looks on Pinterest!
A trend that has become common in recent years is the “Do It Yourself” wedding. A DIY western wedding offers great options to thoroughly personalize the day while keeping costs manageable, but that doesn’t mean everything should be done by the couple and their friends and family. There are some aspects of wedding
What if some of your guests are allergic to hay or farm animals?
Some things to consider when planning a western wedding are: If your ceremony is in an open pasture, are you and your guests going to be stepping in manure as you walk down the aisle? How will livestock react to the loud music playing until the wee hours of the night? Will you have to worry about guests that have had one too many drinks, who think they’ll “cowboy up” and jump on a bull?
To avoid stressing out over what should be the happiest day of your life, keep these helpful hints in mind when drawing the line between DIY and the pros:
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When to Bring in the Pros Do It Yourself Flowers: Preparing flower arrangements such as bridesmaids’ bouquets, centrepieces, and accent flowers will allow you to show off your creative side while saving you a good chunk of change. Pick up large bundles of flowers at your local grocery store or wholesaler and let your creativity reign. To be sure they look their best, leave the actual constructing for the day prior to the wedding but make sure you plan your ideas well ahead of time, and find somewhere cool to store the arrangements the night before the wedding. When it comes to the bride’s bouquet and the men’s boutonnieres, however, I do suggest using a qualified floral designer. They will be able to create masterpieces that will look stunning in photos while lasting long into the night.
Desserts and Favours: One of my favourite parts of a reception is the food - especially the desserts! A great trend right now sees couples forgoing the traditional caterer’s spread and opting instead for constructing their own dessert bars with all of their favourites! Rather then going through caterers and bakeries, couples are donning aprons and baking up a storm with family and friends. These specially made desserts also double up as unique wedding favours. Just keep in mind any restrictions your venue may have before bringing in any outside food.
Professional Services Planner/Day-of Coordinator: This is one of the most important days of your life, but it is also a big day for your friends and family. They have traveled from far and wide to share this day with you, so why ask them to work hard on a day they should be enjoying? Hiring a professional wedding coordinator takes the stress off you and your loved ones, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities you worked so hard to plan. A coordinator is there to make sure all your vendors show up on time, that everything runs on time, to manage any decor set up and tear down, and to handle any other issues that will inevitably arise. They will pay attention to all the details and final touches. Photography: Years after the first kiss, the first dance, and the tossing of the bouquet, the only tangible item that you will have to look back on your wedding day is your wedding album. Too many couples decide to save money by asking friends and family to take on the role of wedding photographer, thinking they will get perfectly unique pictures. More often than not, key moments are missed or poorly captured because guests get distracted, are not in the proper position, or have issues with their cameras. A professional wedding photographer has an eye for these moments and knows
exactly what shots to take and when to take them. They also understand how to get the perfect lighting and positioning. In the end, and after hours of fine editing, a wedding photographer will produce high quality images you will love for a lifetime. While your guests might take a handful of satisfactory photos, years down the road you’ll be kicking yourself for not hiring a professional wedding photographer to flawlessly capture your day. Remember: you get what you pay for. Music and Entertainment: As tempting and cost effective as it might be to fill your iPod with your favourite songs to dance the night away, you might want to reconsider. Not everyone has the same taste in music. If you’re going to play only your favourite music, your dance floor may be rather bare and guests will be leaving your reception pretty early. Hiring a reputable DJ/entertainer is a more sensible choice if you want to have a rocking reception that everyone will still be talking about years later. These professionals know how to read a crowd and get guests on the dance floor while still incorporating your style. With the perfect DJ, you will be kicking your guests off the dance floor at the end of the night.
Of course, these are just suggestions. If you choose to plan your own wedding, be sure to think carefully on which areas you can save money on, and which areas need some professional care. Happy planning! By: Emily Halfyart | finaltouchesevents.wix.com/final-touches-events
Courtesy of Love and be Loved Photo
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Experience Cardston
Photo courtesy Town of Cardston/Remington Getting hands-on at the Remington Museum’s repair shop
Photo courtesy Town of Cardston/Remington The mini-chuckwagons race hard!
Photo courtesy Town of Cardston/Remington Family fun at the Remington Museum
Cardston, just ten minutes north of the Montana border, is a small town that is full of hidden gems. While there are great family activities throughout the summer, finding out the when and where can take a little digging. What other small town community, for example, offers up a kids-only “marathon,” or has a local theatre whose productions are described as “better than the London version,” or “as good as any amateur theatre in Vancouver?” Not many! Productions take place in the beautifully refurbished art deco-ish Carriage House Theatre, which is situated on main street just a few doors over from an original “little house on the prairie” - the Card home. The first house built in Cardston by the early Mormon settlers who’d arrived by wagon train, the Card home is open all summer for a glimpse of early prairie living. Since alcohol is not served in Cardston and there are no bars, residents find lots of other things to do. There’s mud pit car racing, a rancher’s rodeo, fun ball tournaments, and fireworks during Heritage Week in August. The town also celebrates its horse-drawn transport of the past with the largest collection of
carriages in North America. In fact, one of the jockeys who rode the famous racehorse Seabiscuit, started his career working in Cardston’s huge horse barns. Those barns served the wagon trains used to supply Alberta from Montana in the late 1800s. Although the barns burned down, a beautiful bronze statue of Seabiscuit and his jockey were erected outside the Remington Carriage Museum. No one leaves disappointed! The displays are fascinating, featuring everything from stagecoaches to the fancy carriages of New York high society. There are also Mormon history themed wagon tours through town in the summer. All this in a little town sitting in the midst of great fishing and bird watching options, and on some of the prettiest highways in the province. Whether you head southwest 30 min to Waterton Park, or on to Twin Butte for some great Mexican food, or go north of town and over to Magrath to explore the Mormon Trail, this is truly Sunday drive country! Cardston.ca | thecarriagehousetheatre.com TheMormonTrail.ca | history.alberta.ca/remington
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By: Allen R. Gibson
Experience Pincher Creek At the southern end of the Cowboy Trail sits the town of Pincher Creek. Founded in the early days of European settlement in the west, Pincher is a town proud of its cowboy past and present. It features a rancher’s rodeo where local cowhands get to show off their skills, as well as a professional rodeo that can help competitors get to the big shows like the Calgary Stampede or the National Finals Rodeo.
“It’s special because everybody’s there,” adds Dustin, “my first mentor, my chiropractor, my trainer - people who’ve had a lot of influence on my career.”
Small town rodeos are crucial for cowboys like bronc rider Dustin Flundra, who, along with his trick-riding, horse-whispering wife Niki, is among today’s professional rodeo elite. The prize money from every sanctioned rodeo adds up to become your ticket to the bigs, explains Dustin. “It was that last $600 I won at the rodeo in Hanna, Alberta, that gave me the score I needed to qualify for the national finals.” And if you don’t qualify, you can’t win.
All in all, the pro rodeo sounds like one of the more amazing things to see this year in Pincher, but it’s not the only one.
Travelling from his ranch south of “Pincher” for over 12 years to compete, Dustin finally won the famous $100,000 cheque from the Calgary Stampede in 2014. And Niki has performed as a trick rider at national events all over the US and Canada. Like most rural folks, though, they never lose touch with their roots. Which is why at 2015’s Pincher rodeo, over the August 14th to 16th weekend, Niki will be the headline entertainer, showing off her amazing relationship with horses. “In the Liberty Horse Show the horses perform with nothing but my body language and vocal commands,” she explains. “No saddles, whips, or gear of any kind!” It is, she says, a huge display of trust and of the horse and human relationship which audiences love. “Pincher has a small town, friendly vibe that’s so welcoming,” enthuses Niki, “and it’s a beautiful setting for the rodeo, with the hill and the river right there.”
It’s not hard to imagine that a chiropractor could be an influential person for a guy whose job consists of flying through the air with a horse. Sometimes on it, sometimes not!
There are a number of good family diversions in the area, from the famous Head- Smashed-In Buffalo Jump to the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in the heart of Pincher. The village has rave reviews on TripAdvisor, mostly because you can get up close and personal with the displays, and there’s lots of room to roam for the whole family in the recreated historical town site. It even features Kootenai Brown’s original cabin. And if you don’t know who Kootenai Brown is, it’s a piece of history worth a look. How many people, after all, were almost killed in a gunfight, and by Sitting Bull, and then went on to help establish Waterton Lakes National Park and be a champion of nature conservation. Kootenai Brown is a great example of the old wild west. The Flundras are living examples of today’s slightly more civilized cowboy life. And horses are the constant that connects them all. Pincher Creek Rodeo: pinchercreekagsociety.com Kootenai Brown Historical Village: kootenaibrown.ca Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin By Allen R. Gibson
Niki Flundra and her supporting cast Photo Courtesy of Rod Sinclair
This Cowboy at Pincher Rodeo could be praying for a good ride. Photo Couresy of Rod Sinclair
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Experience Waterton & Pincher Creek
Courtesy of Travel Alberta
Courtesy of Travel Alberta
Pincher Creek (Pincher) is located at the southern end of the Cowboy Trail, at the junction of the Crowsnest Hwy #3. Pincher is the heart of SW Alberta. Proud of its cowboy roots and nestled in stunning natural beauty. Stay here to explore the southern leg of the Cowboy Trail, and check out venues for your western or your mountain wedding. Castle Mountain Resort is 50 minutes southwest of Pincher Creek. Known as one of Alberta’s best cat skiing destinations, this resort is also available for weddings during the summer. The drive to Castle is relaxing. Take Hwy #507 and on your way stop at the September Springs Ranch Museum & Gardens, just 3 km west of Pincher. The Ranch is home to Unique Art Antique & Unique Art Boutique featuring hundreds of one-ofa-kind old treasures as well as quality antiques and collectibles. Browse through fine designer fashions, accessories and eclectic jewellery including Vintage, Designer, Silver, Gemstone, New Age Crystal & Ethnic treasures as well as quality Porcelain, China, Majolica, Pewter, Silver & Silver Plate, Glassware, and Crystal. Fully licensed, Memories Tea Room serves a variety of fine wines, desserts and High Tea (Gluten free available). Open from Victoria weekend to Labour Day, this mountain setting is ideal for weddings, reunions, and retreats. uniqueartantique.com Beaver Mines General Store is located at the junction of Hwys #507 and #774. Open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, stop for the latest trail conditions at Castle and pick up a bear bell, bug spray, or anything else you may have forgotten.
In addition they offer cozy lodgings for rent by the evening, weekend, week or month. Time for a snack? Check out their homemade lunches. Kids of all ages will appreciate an ice cream cone or slushy, especially on a hot summer day. The quaint townsite of Waterton is located 57 km from Pincher Creek on Hwy #6. It may be the smallest of our Rocky Mountain parks, but many consider the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, to be the hidden jewel in the crown. Home to more than half of all the wildflower species found in Alberta and an abundance of wildlife, here you’re likely to see more bighorn sheep then people. Waterton Lakes National Park is the picture of romance. With majestic Rocky Mountains, sparkling glacial lakes and so much natural beauty it simply takes your breath away. There may be no more beautiful place in the world to celebrate the beginning of your marriage. Did you know that there are 200 kms of trails in Waterton Lakes National Park? While you’re here, get your cowboy fix. Why not stop at Alpine Stables for a gentle one hour rolling ride, or a half day steep climb to breath-taking mountain tops!
Visit mywaterton.ca or pincher-creek.com/node/13 for more information.
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Experience Waterton & Pincher Creek Alpine Stables
Calendar of Events Waterton Wildflower Festival June 19 - June 27 Come discover why Waterton is the Wildflower Capital of Canada! watertonwildflowers.com
by far the west! Local Jerky/Meats, Pickles/Pies/ Gifts
Canada Day - July 1 Celebrate Canada’s birthday in Waterton!
Ice Cream/Shakes
Parks Day Weekend July 17 & July 18 Explore all things astronomy with volunteers from Calgary RASC and Montana Star Watch. Free admission!
Groceries/Deli Liquor/Cold Beer Gas/Diesel/Propane
Horseback riding IN the park.
Waterton-Glacier Science and History Day July 28, from 9:30am - 3:30pm, in Glacier National Park (USA) Free of charge. Blackfoot Arts and Heritage Festival August 11 - August 13 Participate in traditional and contemporary aboriginal dancing, music, art, and cuisine. Waterton Wildlife Weekend September 18 - September 20 watertonwildlife.com
See wildlife habitat and wildflowers galore as you meander through wooded trails of the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Our guided rides are the ultimate western adventure for the whole family. Select hourly, half-day, full day or overnight trips. Across from the golf course.
Open May through Sept, 9am - 5pm
403-859-2462 alpinestables.com
September Springs Ranch Museum & Gardens Unique Art Antique • Unique Art Gallery • Unique Art Boutique Memories Cafe & Tea Room • 1940’s Log Ski Lodge
We Invite You to visit our Unique Store, Tea Room, Gallery, Alpine & Iris Gardens. We Feature 1000’s of Unique & Rare Items, Some Ancient & Very Collectible. Discover Hidden Surprises, Hunt for the Perfect Purchase. Take a Nature Walk, Enjoy a Drink or High Tea or the Majestic View of the Great Canadian Rockies
Bordering Pincher Creek - 3 km west on Hwy 507 Towards Beaver Mines - 403-627-2706
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Fishing Licenses Cabin Rental too! Open 7 am - 7 pm, 7 Days A Week. On Highway 507. Between Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass. Free slushy if you mention this ad!
www.beaverminesstore.ca • 403 627-4878
Experience Longview & The Bar U Ranch The views as you drive into town are absolutely breathtaking and change with the seasons. If you are searching for serenity and authentic western hospitality, you’ve come to the right place. Longview is located on The Cowboy Trail just 17 km south of Black Diamond and 32 km west of High River. With the discovery of oil and gas in the area in 1914, Longview’s population surged and the community became known as Little New York, a name that is still celebrated each year in July with “Little New York Daze”.
Other services in Longview include an info centre, post office, hotel, gas bars, campground, and a playground in Centennial Park suitable for the whole family and great for a picnic. The Bar U Ranch was one of the first and most enduring of the large corporate ranches established in the 1880’s. It was chosen by Parks Canada to commemorate the history of the ranching industry in Canada. Now known as the Bar U National Historic Site of Canada, and located on The Cowboy Trail, 13 km south of Longview, at the intersection of Hwy 540.
A fine example of country charm is found at the Little New York Bistro. Just look for the log building on Main Street. Expect to be greeted by Jamal, the owner, with the warmth of a cherished friend. Start your day with a hearty brunch or end your day by reliving your adventures over fine Mediterranean-style cuisine. Known for their exceptional service and big city standards, come see why John Gilchrist gives the Little New York Bistro 8/10!
The Bar U is open to the public from May 17th - Sept. 30th.
Lost American Art Gallery specializes in turquoise jewellery, Navajo rugs, bronze sculptures, landscape and western art, Edward S. Curtis photographs, and Pendleton blankets. In their museum we find rare Southwest pottery, historically significant baskets from many tribes, and artifacts relating to the North American lifestyle of days gone by. Also on display are antique saddles, bridles and other cowboy gear.
The Bar U Cafe offers a family-friendly menu, and authentic ranch house meals. Their Gift Shop stocks quality western gifts, jewellery, woodwork, handmade soap, candles and Friends of the Bar U promotional items.
Follow the story of the Bar U through seven decades of change. Learn about the people who made the Bar U famous, fortunes made and lost, cattle-killing winters and massive roundups. Experience authentic ranching history, ride the wagon pulled by the Bar U Percherons, and try your hand at roping.
To enter Kananaskis Country (pg 56), drive west along Hwy #541. Watch for sheep, bears, wolves and other wildlife.
For more information visit village.longview.ab.ca
Little New York Bistro
The Bar U Ranch
Photo by: Andrew Penner
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Experience Longview & The Bar U Ranch Events at the Bar U Ranch May 17 : Opening Day Gates swing open at 9am!
The Lost American Art Gallery & Museum
June 7 : Bar U Chuckwagon Cook-Off Sample the stew ‘n biscuits & vote for your favourite cook. July 1 : Canada Day Free admission! July 18: Parks Day Celebrate Canada’s cultural treasures July 30: 20th Anniversary of Opening Day Serving up cake, festivities & family fun. August 1: Friends of the Bar U Trail Ride Annual day ride into original Bar U Ranch grazing lands. Call 403-395-3330 or 403-395-3879 for more info. August 9: Old Time Ranch Rodeo Cheer on your favourite ranch as teams of working cowboys compete for silver Bar U buckles - and bragging rights! September 6: Chore Horse Competition Most Special Events begin at 1:00pm.
Experience the Handcrafted Turquoise Jewelry
Little New York Bistro
Large selection of Native American jewelry from Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artists for sale in the Gallery.
108 Morrison Road Longview, AB littlenewyorkbistro@yahoo.ca
Where the Southwest meets the North on the Cowboy Trail
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Phone: (403) 558.0000
403-558-3693 Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 11 am - 5 pm 122 Morrison Road, Longview, AB
thelostamericanartgallery.com
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Longview is truly the gateway to Kananaskis, rich
Friends of the Bar U Historic Ranch Association
in history with breathtaking scenery and amenities: Gourmet Dining and Coffee Shops | Art and Craft Galleries and Gift Shops Tourist Information Centre | LEGACY Memorial Garden, Centennial Park Bert Smith-Lorne Fuller Playground and Exercise Park | Skate Park Hotel, Motel and Campground | Laundromat | Gas Stations and Conveniences Stores
Join us for our 2015 annual celebrations... Little New York Daze July 18-19 Longview Rodeo July 18-19 8th Annual Longstock Music and Arts Festival August 15-16
Old Time Ranch Rodeo Sunday, August 9, 2015 Join us for an exciting afternoon of Broke Horse Racing, Team Sorting, Branding and Doctoring, and Wild Cow Milking, as teams of working cowboys from Alberta ranches compete for silver Bar U belt buckles, and bragging rights!
friendsofthebaru.ca
www.village.longview.ab.ca
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Experience Southern Alberta
Millions of Secrets. What will you dig up? Canadian Badlands Circle Tour
Secrets in the Badlands Day 1
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
Day 2
Dinosaur Provincial Park-UNESCO Heritage Site • Hike in the Badlands and Tour Interpretive Centre Brooks Aqueduct Centre-National Historic Site
Day 3
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Walk through the deep sculptured river valleys of the Canadian Badlands where dinosaurs once roamed. Journey through time and meet them face to face in nine dynamically displayed ever-evolving galleries. Unearth fossils in a realistic quarry or make your own fossil replicas. Experience the iconic pottery and beehive kilns, set against the dramatic clay cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River. Visit our historic sites and hear true tales of mines and men. Relive ghost stories about an industrial site gone bad! This is the Badlands, come hear our story and while you’re at it, create your own.
Day 4
Photo: Canadian Badlands
Fort Calgary National Historic Site Lougheed House National Historic Site Free attraction passes when you book with Canalta Hotels.
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Experience Southern Alberta
Create your own story...
Discover our other self guided tours! TourSouthernAlberta.com eum
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Experience Southern Alberta
Secrets of the Crown
Day 1
Head-Smashed-in UNESCO Heritage Site Fort Museum of Northwest Mounted Police and First Nation Interpretive Centre
It’s raw, It’s magical. It’s the real west.
Day 2
Waterton Lakes National Park UNESCO Heritage Site • Boat Cruise • Hike in the Rockies • Horseback riding
Day 3
Remington Carriage Museum Galt Museum and Archives Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Day 4
Crown of the Continent Circle Tour
Hear the stories of early settlement, where horse-drawn vehicles and steam engines carried people and cargo across the prairies. Learn how the ancient plains people hunted buffalo for their survival. Visit historic sites where North West Mounted Police confronted whiskey traders and brought law and order to the west. Let your jaw drop while drinking in the magical beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Join in authentic, raw experiences that will leave you breathless. This is real western living. Come uncover our roots and you may just find a piece of yourself that’s always been missing.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Bar U Ranch National Historic Site Heritage Park Historic Village
Photo: Waterton Lakes National Park
Free attraction passes when you book with Canalta Hotels.
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Experience the History of Oil & Gas
The Historic Turner Valley Gas Plant Historic Turner Valley Gas Plant is now in its beginning stages of development as a Provincial Historic Site. Alberta Culture and Tourism has been touring interested visitors through the old industrial workings off and on since 1995, but in summer 2015 the site will open its new administrative centre in the rehabilitated plant office/laboratory. Phase 1 of five ultimate phases, the site’s administrative office will house permanent and seasonal staff, and until Phases 2 and 3 are complete it will offer visitor amenities such as modern washrooms and a small temporary interpretive exhibit. While a full interpretative program will not be offered this season, it may be possible for groups to book special tours through donation by contacting the site supervisor, Rick Green, at 403-297-4049 (or through rick.green@gov.ab.ca). The interpretive development of the historic gas plant has been quite slow primarily because the province has devoted most of the human and fiscal resources dedicated to the plant site to the environmental clean-up of the buildings and grounds, thereby making them safe for staff and visitors alike. Alberta Culture and Tourism was allowed to perform site reclamation on a risk management basis, which permitted the preservation of the buildings, vessels, equipment, and machinery, much of which dates back to the early 1930s. Meanwhile, successive flood events has made it imperative to protect the Sheep River from any migrating contaminants in the ground water. The construction of an impermeable barrier within a high berm that keeps the Sheep River from flooding the gas plant was the solution, at the same time keeping the
gas plant from contaminating the river. An ongoing monitoring program ensures site safety throughout the complex, including the two original wells in the Turner Valley Oil Field, the discovery well, Dingman No. 1, and its successor, Dingman No. 2. One of the original buildings built in 1921 during the Royalite Oil Company era still stands. It will become the site’s principal interpretive centre in Phase 3 development. Ultimately, the site development will also include the rehabilitation of the site’s garage, light plant, machine shop, and welding shop to serve as the gateway and visitor services building, a small conference and education centre, and the site conservation shop. A high ramp with numerous interpretive nodes will take the visitor to a 360 degree viewing platform atop one of the site’s tall towers. This part of the historic site will be a self-guided area, while the rest of the plant will be fenced and available only through scheduled guided tours. The Turner Valley Gas Plant is one of Alberta’s most significant historic places. It signalled the beginning of the province as a petroleum-based energy power, and made Calgary the head office city it is today. As a Provincial Historic Site it will welcome visitors from all over Canada, the United States, and overseas. It will become a centre of educational exploration about the new developments in industrial reclamation, history of southern Alberta, and the petroleum industry. It will be a place in which Albertans can take considerable pride. By: Ian Clarke, Director (retired) Turner Valley Gas Plant Provincial Historic Site
Proud of our past. Looking towards our future. The oil and gas industry has a long and proud history in Alberta. Since 1955 over 420,000 wells have been drilled, and over $228 billion contributed towards provincial royalties and land purchases. Find out more at capp.ca
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Experience Diamond Valley The town of Black Diamond is strategically located 15 min north of Longview and just 35 min southwest of Calgary, at the junction of Hwys #7 & #22. The town of Turner Valley is only 5 min west of Black Diamond. They are so close to one another that the local Chamber of Commerce represents both towns and has adopted the name Diamond Valley!
incorporated in 1929, residents decided to use this as their town name. Although coal is no longer mined here, “the world’s largest black diamond” is displayed in front of our municipal office on Centre Avenue. Stop and rub it for luck. The friendly local business owners here cater to travellers on the Cowboy Trail and Calgarians heading into Kananaskis.
Here, the pace is much calmer than that in the big city. The scenic 3km Friendship Trail is a paved path linking these two neighbouring communities. A stroll on it offers scenic vistas of the river and the beautiful mountainous backdrop. Along the way, benches invite you to stop, rest and take it all in.
Time stands still at Marv’s Soda Shop, an authentic soda fountain and 50s diner. The ambience will stir the heart of any senior and everyone enjoys home-cut fries, and a handmade hamburger. You may not find a better milkshake!
At the turn of the 20th century, settlers moved here because of the high grade coal discovered in the area. Coal was quite valuable at that time, so that, combined with the “sparkle” ALBERTA coal gives off, led to the nickname “black diamond”. When
On your way out, be sure to swing into the Black Diamond Bakery, right next door, for some Cowboy Trail sourdough bread. It goes great with George’s award winning chili. 567a pastry with afternoon tea. International travellers will enjoy
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In only his second year, Chef Nelson has carved out a niche for Soft Rock Bistro. Locals and travellers alike enjoy his many Quebec-inspired dishes such as Tarte au Sucre. The small poutine is large enough for most, while the salads and sandwiches offer very good value. But there’s more than exceptional food in town; check out the local artwork, hand-crafted decor, specialty clothing, gifts and jewellery. You can park and walk the downtown with ease and you will be pleasantly surprised at the selection of treasures found behind each storefront.
The Bluerock Gallery specializes in high quality handmade art and crafts created by Alberta artists. Browse the jewellery, cards, books, and monthly exhibits to your heart’s content. A popular destination for travellers and Alberta residents alike, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of paintings, works in fibre, metal, clay, glass, and wood. Recently, Bluerock Gallery has partnered with the Firebrand Glass Studios, the Lost American (Longview), Leighton Art Centre (Millarville area), and the Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat (Turner Valley) to establish The Most Beautiful Art
Black Diamond Bakery and Coffee Shop We serve: Hearty breakfasts including French Toast (on Saturdays only), a large selection of fresh sandwiches, 2 soups daily and our award winning chili.The bakery specializes in Danish baking and offers 4 kinds of Danish rye bread, as well as Trail of the Cowboy Sourdough bread. Breakfast served from 8:00am - 1:30pm. Open 8:00am - 5:30pm 119 Centre Ave W, Black Diamond Phone: (403) 933-4503 Fax: (403) 933-4501 Email: blackdiamondbakery@telus.net www.blackdiamondbakery.ca
Authentic soda fountain and 50s diner. Over 50 flavours of soda pop. Summer Hours: Monday and Tuesday 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday to Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM
Eat In & Take Out Specialties: Smoked Meat Sandwiches, Salad, Pies and Poutine Hours June - September Mon to Sat 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 114 Centre Ave West, Black Diamond Phone: 403.933.3320 35 | View our Mobile Issue
Located at 121 Centre Ave in Black Diamond. Ph: 403-933-7001 www.marvsclassics.ca
Experience Diamond Valley
Tour in Alberta. These five outstanding art venues are all located in the southern foothills, and combined, make for a lovely day trip. themostbeautifularttourinalberta.com The Chuckwagon Cafe and Coyote Moon are located in Turner Valley and feature hearty breakfasts. Coyote Moon’s menu features wild Coho smoked salmon eggs Benedict and monkey French toast. It is a great stop for break-fast or lunch. Good coffee and lots of western antiques. On a nice day, be sure to ask for a table on the patio. The Chuckwagon Cafe is the winner of Calgary’s best burger and also features their flat iron eggs Benedict. This cafe is a very popular spot for breakfast, especially on summer weekends, but don’t hesitate to stop for pie! Terry and his staff consistently get great reviews. Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat is an enchanting country get-away, situated on eleven acres of rolling Alberta foothills. Located 5 kms west of the 4-way stop in Turner Valley, the facility offers private and public retreats in which individuals are encouraged to participate. At Diamond Willow, all the fine details are handled: wholesome meals, luxury accommodations and comfortable space for your activities. Bed and breakfast options available.
Soak up the sun at Millennium Park, a beautiful little park located in downtown Turner Valley. This is where many community events take place. There is a rich assortment of activities in the area: - Relax in front of the fire or soak in a hot tub - Hike trails in or near Kananaskis Country - Eco-adventures with naturalist & guide Julie Walker - Shop at the Millarville Market - Wander among the art at the historic Leighton Centre - Trail ride at Anchor D Outfitters - Tee off at the Turner Valley Golf Club - Spend the day with an ex-bull rider on a “Real” Agricultural Tour - World class fishing or fly fishing lessons - WJ Homestead Disc Golf - Enjoy some of the great local music - Browse the quaint galleries and shops - Star gaze at the U of C’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory - Attend the Beneath the Arch concert Go to visitblackdiamond.ca to learn more about local events or stop by the local Visitor Information Centre. Open during the summer months only, you’ll find it in Turner Valley between the Flare ‘N Derrick and Dr. Lander Memorial Swimming Pool. Here the staff would be happy to answer any questions, in person.
Visit theheartofthecowboytrail.com to find out more about Diamond Valley. 36 | Enter our Photo Contest
Experience Diamond Valley
Chuckwagon Cafe Here is one of those terrific hidden gems along the Cowboy Trail. Winner of “Calgary’s Best Burger” awarded by Avenue Magazine for 2 years in a row.
May 1 Town Campgrounds OPEN
Featured for their “Flat Iron Eggs Benedict” on the TV Show “You Gotta Eat Here” produced by the Food Network Canada.
May 30 Lions Family Spray Park- Grand Opening
Look for the little red barn at the 4-way stop in Turner Valley. Open at 8 AM daily. Ph: (403) 933.0003
June 6 Diamond Valley Parade
July 1 Canada Day Celebrations
July 26 Marv’s 8th Annual Rock & Roll Classic Show N Shine
Dec 5 Diamond Valley Christmas Market and Light-Up
Paintings • Furniture • Jewelry Pottery • Glass • Books Cards • Art Classes
See www.bluerockgallery.ca for current and upcoming events. A Gem at the Heart of the Cowboy Trail!
110 Centre Ave. West, Black Diamond
403-933-5047
COYOTE MOON RESTAURANT & CAFE Turner Valley
Owner is a chef with 25 years experience working in 5 Star Hotels. Best Breakfast and Lunch in the West with Great Coffee! Open Year Round Summer Hours: 7:30 am – 3:00 pm Phone (403) 933.3363
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Some of like our locals se o to get up cl l a and person
We offer stunning v iew that are th s e cat’s meow
Welcome to your senses Picture this, a hamlet ďŹ lled with personality and old-town charm. Pallette pleasing foods local to our hamlet and infused with tastes from all over the world. Stunning views where the only tune you hear is that of your own heartbeat syncing with nature. Shopkeeps and local artisans sharing hidden gems. There’s something for everyone here and for every one of your senses.
Brought to you by the Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce www.visitbraggcreek.com | 403.949.0004
We give ound horsing ar w a whole ne meaning
Proudly supported by
www.rockyview.ca
Exprience Calgary & Area Calgary’s western roots run deep. The Calgary Stampede is the most famous of our western-themed attractions. It is a 10-day celebration of cowboy culture. Billed as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, 2015 marks the 103rd anniversary of this world-class event. The annual festivities officially get underway with the Stampede Parade, held downtown the morning of the first Friday in July. However, locals and visitors alike are invited to attend any of the dozens of Stampede breakfasts hosted by companies and communities throughout the city leading up to that big day. Calgary has many western facilities and attractions, including Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, Lougheed House and the Bow Valley Ranche. To learn more about the latter, be sure to pick up a copy
of our sister publication, Experience Fish Creek Provincial Park & Calgary’s Greenway. experiencecalgarygreenway.com The Glenbow Museum tells the story of the “old west” through a permanent exhibition on the third floor. Located across from the Calgary Tower, the museum unveiled “Mavericks” in 2007, which traces the history of Southern Alberta through a series of 48 influential and colourful personalities. Kananaskis Country is often referred to as “Calgary’s playground”. Located less than an hour west of the city, several of the 1988 Olympic events were held in K-Country. While you are in Calgary, why not visit some of the other ‘88 venues such as the Olympic Plaza downtown, the speed skating Oval at the U of C, or Canada Olympic Park?
Heritage Park’s Yellow Otter Tipi Heritage Park Historical Village connects visitors to the settlement of Western Canada, from the fur traders of the 1860s to the suburban families of the 1950s. History is brought to life through the many exhibits, artifacts, hands-on activities, and costumed interpreters. For the past eight years, Heritage Park has been growing its Aboriginal programming, including the First Nations Encampment that shares the history and culture of the Blackfoot people. Each year, the park works to develop new programming, acquire additional artifacts, and hire knowledgeable and engaging interpreters, all to help paint a broader picture of the past. A painted tipi was on the park’s wish list for a number of years, and in fall 2014, that wish came true. In October 2014, the Park received a gift of a Yellow Otter tipi design, in transfer from Louis Soop, Piipiakihtsipiimi, a respected elder of the Kainai Nation, along with his wife, Abby Soop, Matoiyohkomiaakii. A tipi design must come from a dream, or be transferred from two people to a man and a woman, in a sacred, and spiritual ceremony. The Yellow Otter tipi is traditional in design and has been in Louis Soop’s family for generations. The design was painted onto a tipi, which was then presented during a transfer ceremony performed by Kainai elder Ray Black Plume. Heritage Park’s Public Programming Coordinator, Ellen Gasser, and Heritage Park Society Vice President, Joe Anderson, accepted the design, and responsibility for it. The Yellow Otter tipi is a colourful and welcome addition to the park, rich in tradition and history, with a new set of stories to share. The tipi will be open to visitors beginning May 16, 2015. By Barb Munro 40 | Please complete our Survey
Exprience Calgary & Area
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Wherever you go, whatever you do, they’re waiting for you. Those unforgettable moments. Complete your mountain experience with a taste of everything our city has to offer. You’ll be amazed at what you discover in just 48 hours right here in Calgary.
Vibrant city
This is a city alive with energy and filled with exciting experiences. From fine dining to urban adventure, there is something for every taste.
Can’t miss events
Check out the many exciting events in Calgary. Festivals, major sporting events, outdoor markets and world-renowned rodeo. It’s all Right Here in Calgary.
Find out more at visitcalgary.com #17 – New York Times Top 52 Places To Go In 2014 In The World.
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SUMMER 2015 Elevating experiences
Dive into history, escape into drama, or be carried away by music — whatever your flavour, our stellar arts and culture will expand your mind… and your heart.
Experience Cochrane & Area
Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane established the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. Nestled at the base of Big Hill in the Bow River valley the ranch was in a truly picturesque location. Four years later, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) created a townsite here and named it in honour of the man. Located 36 km west of downtown Calgary, 32 km north of Bragg Creek, and in the heart of Alberta cattle country, Cochrane is smack dab in the middle of the Cowboy Trail. It is home to the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site and Bert Sheppard Stockmen’s Foundation Library and Archives, which is a must see! Full of western memorabilia, ask the staff about the 101 Hats Collection as well as the numerous examples of barbed wire on display. Located just minutes north of Cochrane, Spring Hill RV Park has become a favourite first stop for travellers who rent their RV in north Calgary. You simply follow Hwy #567 west through Airdrie til you get to Hwy #22. The driving time is about half an hour, just long enough for you to get used to your rig. Bonnie & Sean will help you get settled so you can start your adventure fresh in the morning, just be sure to top up with gas. Heading south on Hwy #22, your first stop is only minutes away. It is the Cochrane Ranch Historic Site.
Cochrane has a reputation for western culture, which is obvious as we saunter down Main Street. The quaint authentic stores such as Home Quarter Mercantile and Tony’s Western Wear and the Rockyview Hotel anchor Historic Downtown Cochrane. Last year, Joan & Clarence Longeway made the decision to close their coffee & pie shop in order to allow for the expansion of their mercantile department. Be sure to stop at Home Quarter Mercantile for an excellent selection of affordable, authentic western wear. They carry men’s and women’s clothing lines, accessories, jewellery, handbags & wallets, as well as home decor and accent pieces, with new stock arriving regularly. If your sweet tooth is acting up, especially on a hot day, stroll down the street two doors to another landmark in Cochrane. MacKay’s Ice Cream has been serving perhaps the best ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet in western Canada for more than 65 years! Some of their more innovative flavours include Purple Yam, Avocado, Kulfi, and Halo Halo although their best seller is Chocolate. What’s your favourite? Olive ‘R Twist is a trendy bistro and martini bar, nestled in the heart of downtown Cochrane, just across the street from Home
Find out what’s happening in Cochrane at Cochrane.ca 42 | Enter our Photo Contest
Experience Cochrane & Area Located in the heart of Alberta cattle country and the Cowboy Trail, Cochrane is a recreation playground for families, adventure enthusiasts and those seeking rest and relaxation in a beautiful natural setting. Only 20 minutes from Calgary and less than an hour from Banff, with spectacular vistas of the rolling foothills and majestic Rocky Mountains, Cochrane combines a proud western heritage with all the modern conveniences required for a great vacation.
Events in Cochrane June 30 - July 1: SummerFest, Cochrane Ranche Historic Site July 9: Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity July 25: Cochrane Classic Bull Riding, Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds August 1-2: Cochrane Ranche Days Festival at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site August 15: Pony Club Rally, Cochrane Agricultural Society Grounds August 21-23: Cochrane Fall Fair Sept 4: Slimdor Ranch Rodeo. Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds Sept 5-7: 49th Annual Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo. cochranelionsclub.ca
216 1st St. Cochrane, AB
403-932-2121 homequarter1@gmail.com homequarter.ca
Open Daily 11am – 10pm Sunday Brunch 11am – 1pm Martinis - Patio Fresh Seafood AAA Alberta Prime Rib olivertwistbistro.com
Spring Hill RV Park Fully serviced RV park. All amenities on site including gas station, propane, convenience store, fast food, liquor store, laundry, power/water/sewer to each site, dump station, pull thru sites, showers and laundromat.
205 1st Street W, Cochrane | 403-851-8112
Mention you saw our ad and be entered to win a $75 Gift Certificate
Located 7 km north of Cochrane on the corner of Hwy 22 and Hwy 567. Reservations recommended.
Ph: (403) 932-2010 info@springhillrvpark.com www.springhillrvpark.com
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Experience Cochrane & Area
Quarter Mercantile. Megan will make your dining experience a memorable event with friendly, personable service, comfortable atmosphere, trendy décor and delicious cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients. May we suggest the Ahi Tuna Salad, Ginger Duck or the Maple Blueberry Bison Burger? The Bullhorn Saloon is a western-themed bar located just south across the tracks. A 10 tap beer tower makes the draft beer alone worth stopping in for, but you may also like the seven sport TVs. The Studio West Art Gallery & Bronze Foundry is a unique attraction. Don & Shirley Begg have operated this lost-wax bronze foundry since 1970. Since then they have designed and created more than 85 public bronze statues. Be sure to stop for a free tour of sculpting and see work in progress. They too are located just south of the tracks not far from the Bullhorn. You’ll
find their work from Lethbridge to Mayerthorpe and beyond. Can you find “The Legacy” in downtown Cochrane or “The Fallen Four” in Mayerthorpe? Refer to our map of The Cowboy Trail (pg 10) for the locations of numerous works along the trail. Cochrane is growing rapidly and changing. In recent years it has earned a reputation as a centre of outdoor adventure for such activities as paragliding, skydiving, wind sports, water activities, golfing, hiking and cycling. However, western roots here remain strong, so stay tuned for a much hoped for announcement about a new $160 million western conference facility. In the meantime, check out the Farmers’ Market Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm and numerous special events throughout the year such as the Outhouse Races on Main Street during the Lions Labour Day Rodeo weekend.
STUDIO WEST Art Gallery & Bronze Foundry
Large Selection of Sculptures - Miniature to Monumental A SCULPTURE EXPERIENCE See the lost-wax bronze casting process
205 - 2nd Avenue E. Cochrane (Industrial Park) 403-932-2611 www.DonBeggStudioWest.ca 44 | Please complete our Survey
Experience Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is one of Canada’s newest provincial parks. Located along the north shore of the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane, it protects more than 1,300 hectares of foothills fescue parkland. The park is located 34 km from downtown Calgary, and 4 km from the Town of Cochrane. Access to this park is from Glenbow Road, off of Hwy #1A. The Glenbow Ranch is a day-use park; there is no overnight camping, no camp fires, and the park is open only during daylight hours. Please note that this is a dry park, bring plenty of water. Don’t forget your snacks and layered clothing, including a hat and sturdy walking shoes. With over 26 km of paved and granular pathways, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is perfect for many activities, such as walking, and cycling, participating in guided programs and volunteer activities and enjoying wildlife. Be sure to drop into the Visitor Centre. The exhibits provide insight into the natural and cultural history offered by these protected lands. The friendly staff and volunteers can help answer any questions that you may have.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park preserves significant natural and cultural features, including examples of endangered ecosystems & rare species. It provides a unique opportunity to showcase First Nations and early ranching history and the Glenbow townsite. It is managed through a formal partnership with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation. For general park inquiries, phone (403) 851-9053. For upcoming events, go to www.grpf.ca/events.
EMERGENCY
If you require Fire, Ambulance, Police, or Mountain Rescue assistance, call 9-1-1. Tell the operator you have an emergency in Kananaskis Country.
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Experience Canmore There is no doubt that Canmore enjoys a great location, at the eastern entrance to Banff National Park and only an hour west of Calgary. Canmore is now a tourist town for all seasons, boasting fine dining, superior golf courses, and all manner of outdoor adventures. But this hasn’t always been the case.
&
130 years ago the railroad was heading west into the Rockies and Canmore became a key divisional point, due to the ready access to coal. The Canadian Anthracite Coal Company began mining operations in 1886 and when the mine whistles blew for the last time in July of 1979, it seemed certain that Canmore would join a growing list of ghost towns. But modern Canmore is evidence of what can happen to a dusty old coal mining town after the mines close - at least if they were lucky enough to be located along the Trans Canada Highway, adjacent to a beautiful mountain park. Just a few short years after coal mining ceases, Canmore was selected to be the host community for two of the venues for the 1988 Winter Olympic. The Olympics helped to breathe new life into this former coal mining town. In the past 40 years the total population has risen from 1,900 to 17,000 and the number of hotel rooms and vacation properties has exploded. A few remnants of Canmore’s mining origins near the Olympic Nordic Centre and along the Bow River still exist. Enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. Browse through the many treasures including their newest exhibit “Canmore Floods” and check out the Gift Shop. Look for a copy of: Survival in Paradise: A Century of Coal Mining in the Bow Valley. It will give you a deeper appreciation of the richness and depth of the history of both Canmore and the Bow Valley.
Photo cou
902B 7th Avenue Canmore, Alberta www.cmags.org
rtesy of Pa
m Doyle
Photo courtesy of Peggy Stroh
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Thank you for participating in this survey. In appreciation for completing and mailing this survey, you will be entered into the prize draw described above. The winner will be randomly selected by CMI Publishing on September 30, 2015. Please mail this survey to: CMI Publishing, 116 Parkview Way SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 4M8 If you prefer to keep your copy of this guide intact, please forward your comments to the publisher, Bob Harris at Bob@CMIpublishing.ca
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Experience Crossfield Crossfield is located 45 min northeast of Cochrane at the junction of Hwys #2A and #574. Access into Crossfield is easy as it is also adjacent to Hwy #2, the main north-south corridor between Calgary and Edmonton. You’ll find the town about 30 min north of the Calgary Airport. The community roots run deep for 125 years when, in 1890, Mrs. Hannington opened a stopping house on the CalgaryEdmonton Trail. Two years later, the C & E Railway linked these two large centres by rail and a siding, 29 miles north of Calgary became identified as Crossfield, named for Mr. Crossfield, an engineer with CPR surveyor crew. In 1980, when the Village of Crossfield’s population reached 1,000 people, it was incorporated into a town. Facilities now include a splash park, library, parks, rodeo grounds, curling rink, fish ponds, golf course, wetlands and arena. Named after a famous rodeo star, the Pete Knight Memorial Centre provides an opportunity for youth to participate in winter sports like figure skating, minor hockey and lacrosse. The Center also hosts the Farmers’ Market and other events during the summer months.
Numerous services are available in the Town of Crossfield for travellers, including several restaurants, hotel, groceries, pharmacy, gas bars and much more. However, one of the major retailers in the area became so big that they had to get out of town. You’ll find Irvine’s about 6 km NE of Crossfield, and it is worth the drive. Irvine’s prides itself as being Canada’s Largest Western Store. They were established as a family run business in 2004. With over 63,000 sq. ft of retail space, they carry more products than most traditional western stores. You will find everything from western apparel to saddles and from giftware to all your rodeo gear. They have 5,000 sq. ft dedicated just to ropes! Where are you off to next? If you’re following the Southern Alberta Heritage Circle Tour and on your way to Drumheller, head south from Crossfield to Hwy #72, then east through Beiseker and Hwy #9. And if you are heading west to The Cowboy Trail, simply follow Hwy #574 over to Water Valley. Or take #567 from Airdrie back towards Cochrane via Spring Hill.
Canada’s Largest Western Store Over 1000 Saddles in Stock
www.irvines.ca Exit 305 Crossfield, Alberta 1-877-946-9494 48 | Please complete our Survey
Experience Sundre & Area
Beautifully situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and on the Red Deer River, the quintessential Alberta town is waiting for you. Come explore Sundre, to see what life is really about..
VISIT. Nestle among the trees of the boreal forest, camping
EXPLORE. Come explore our rich pioneer history. And
on the shores of the Red Deer River, in Sundre. Why not check
do it on horseback. Or, for a little culture, bring your family
out Tall Timbers Leisure Park, an RV and Camping Resort that’s
to visit the unique and fascinating Sundre Pioneer Museum,
perfect for your family? Or relax at the Greenwood Camp-
which interestingly features the World of Wildlife exhibit,
ground, where you’re likely to wake up to the local wildlife.
a showcase of animals from around the world. But if adventure is more your style, go rafting with Otter Rafting
LIVE. What do you get to do during your 9 to 5? In Sundre,
Adventures. Yes, they call us home too.
you can spend your lunch break at one of Alberta’s elite golf courses, the spectacular Sundre Golf Club. Two other courses are within 15 minutes of town, including Coyote Creek Golf Club, and Forest Heights Golf Course. These are examples of why so many people are beginning to call Sundre home.
VISIT
LIVE
EXPLORE
Visit ExploreSundre.ca For a chance to WIN a rafting adventure for 4 49 | View our Mobile Issue
Experience the Northern Leg Caroline
This small but progressive community is surrounded by Alberta’s rolling foothills. The area is well known for its breath-taking landscape and untouched wilderness. For those looking to unplug, to enjoy peace and quiet, Caroline may be the perfect little getaway. The Village of Caroline is located right on the Cowboy Trail, just 40 km north of Sundre, 41 km south of Rocky Mountain House, and 50 km east of Banff National Park. Caroline is the hometown of Canada’s figure skating champion Kurt Browning. Figure skating fans will want to check out the memorabilia from his skating career housed in “Kurt’s Korner”, in the Kurt Browning Arena. To learn more about early western history, be sure to stop at the Caroline and District Museum.
Nordegg
Until recently, Nordegg has been a relatively well kept secret. Located 90 km west of Rocky Mountain House on the David Thompson Highway (Hwy #11), Nordegg is about half way to Saskatchewan Crossing and the Icefields Parkway.
In 1907, a colourful adventurer and entrepreneur named Martin Nordegg headed west with the backing of German investors. His sights were set on the rich coal seams, he was told existed on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The advice he’d received was true and by 1911 Nordegg had built the Brazeau Collieries. His efforts were key in the development of a major industry as immigrant miners arrived from Europe looking for work. By the late 1940s the Collieries were the second largest coal briquette maker in North America. You can learn more about the rich mining history in the region and the unique town Nordegg built visiting the Brazeau Collieries National Historic Site and the Nordegg Heritage Centre. The Nordegg area is a big piece of rugged countryside. You can enjoy a wide range of summer activities, from bird watching and wildlife viewing to mountain biking and fly fishing. Lounge around the campfire in one of over 300 campsites. Swing a club at the 9-hole golf course, take a heli-tour of the vast glaciers, or live out your cowboy dreams on a horseback tour. In the winter months experience the silence and serenity of cross country skiing, or bring out your inner adventurer with ice climbing or snowmobiling the miles of trails.
Let the Nordegg Lodge be the centre for your Rocky Mountain getaway.
Welcome Visitors!
Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Trail Riding, Kayaking Mountain Biking, Golfing, Boating, Swimming, Water Skiing Places to see:
• Kurt’s Corner Memorabilia Room, Kurt Browning Arena • Wheel of Time Museum & RV Campground (May-Sept) • Raven Brood Trout Station • Burnstick, Swan and Phyllis Lakes Campgrounds • Raven, Tay and Clearwater Rivers • Limestone Lookout • Gateway to Corkscrew Mountain & Ram Falls
FAMILY - FUN - SERVICE Year round nature at its finest becomes your playground. Experience the Beauty!!
Special Events:
• Small Town Smackdown (3rd Sat Apr.) • Farmer’s Market ( Fri, May to Sept) • Big Horn Stampede (May Long Weekend) • Rodeo Parade (Sat May Long Weekend) • Canada Day Celebration (Museum) • Black Elk Hockey Camp (Aug) • Christmas Light Up (1st Fri, Dec)
Visit www.villageofcaroline.com or call 403-755-3781
www.nordegglodge.com Reservations: 1-800-408-3294 or 1-403-721-3757
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Experience The Northern Leg Rocky Mountain House
Fur traders put Rocky Mountain House on the map 200 years ago when the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company established trading post forts on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. The two companies competed for the lucrative beaver pelt market that flourished in this region until their merger in 1821. One famous resident of the fort was David Thompson, the greatest chronicler of his day of landscapes, peoples and nature. His famous map of the Province of Canada covered 4 million sq. km. (1/6) of the continent, with unprecedented accuracy. The Rocky Mountain House trading post fort was eventually deserted in 1875, however it lives on today as a National Historic Site that commemorates the rich era of the fur traders and explorers of Western Canada. Stroll along the interpretive trails. The kids will love the pint-sized play fort and puppet theatre along with a chance to see the bison. Rocky Mountain House is aptly tagged “where adventure begins” and there are hundreds of miles of wooded foothills and front-range mountains to explore. Here you can hook up
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with well-established outfitters and ranches to try your hand at working cattle, backcountry trail riding, canoeing wilderness rivers, fishing spring fed trout streams, or maybe just relaxing. There’s no need to rough it at the end of the day, either. Expect everything from hearty home-cooked meals to luxurious log cabins complete with hot tubs - guaranteed to sooth those aching muscles! There are some fabulous lakes; Crimson, Cow and Sylvan close by with great beaches and camping. The Grandview Stage offers bluegrass music, camping, cabins and chef prepared meals at its resort. Farther west on Hwy 11 and off the Forestry Trunk Road you will find the Land of the Falls: Siffluer, Crescent, Bighorn, Ram and Hummingbird to name just a few. At the west end of the Abraham Lake are the Kootenay Plains an important native heritage site with its unique grasslands where the North Saskatchewan River breaks out of the mountains. The Town of Rocky Mountain House will be hosting many events such as the pro-rodeo, world professional chuckwagons, a demolition derby and many others. For more information visit rockymtnhouse.com.
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NTRE RMATION CE TOURIST INFO 5450 93 • 403-8451-800-565-37 venturebegins.com www.wheread
TOWN OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE T 403-845-2866 • www.rockymtnhouse.com CLEARWATER COUNTY 403-845-4444 • www.clearwatercounty.ca
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Experience the Northern Leg You’re entering the North Country, home to boreal forests, rolling croplands and some of the best forage and pasture producing land in the province. Along the way don’t miss the chance to hunt wild boar in a natural setting. Consider an overnight stay in a spacious log cabin complete with all the comforts of home. Then tuck into a hearty country breakfast before you move on. Expect to see herds of cattle, elk and bison grazing next to bobbing oil pump jacks. Oil and gas production is a big driver
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Alder Flats to Drayton Valley
The hamlet of Alder Flats is located 71 km north of Rocky Mountain House and only 49 km south of Drayton Valley. Visit a western ghost town movie set at Em-Te Town. Sip a cool one in the Hog’s Breath Saloon. Check out the jailhouse, morgue, livery stable, and two-storey outhouse. Indulge in a hearty steak supper after your trail ride, before bunking down. There’s no shortage of things to do in the North Country, including playing a round of golf. Raven Meadows Golf Resort operates from May through October. It is an easy-towalk, mature, 18 hole, par 72 course with lush irrigated greens. This family run facility also features a pro shop, restaurant, RV campground and a year round hotel. Combined, Em-Te Town and Raven Meadows may make this area the perfect venue for your Western Wedding!
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in the local economy. The giant West Pembina oilfield near Drayton Valley is Canada’s largest, but don’t be fooled. The cowboy way of life is alive and well along this northern leg of the Cowboy Trail.
Come Visit EM-TE TOWN
63 Deluxe Guest Rooms Honeymoon Suites | Business Suites Exercise Facilities | Wireless Internet Banquet & Meeting Room
FR FUL EE BRE L HOT AKF AST
Steak & Pasta Kitchen The Rack 403-845-7620 | Liquor Store 403-845-5472 Highway 11 | Rocky Mountain House
403-845-5252 | 1-877-845-5252 www.tamarackmotorinn.com
An Old Western Frontier Town Resort & Campground Wagon Rides Available | Trail Rides by Appointment Camping/ RV Sites | Motel/ Cabins | Group Tours Saloon/ Restaurant | General Store
Tour the town. Enjoy a beverage and a bite in the ole saloon. Stay the day or overnight. You’ll be glad you did. Directions: From Junction hwy #22 and Hwy #13, Go West 6 km to Alder Flats. Go 3 km South, 3 km West. Follow the signs
www.emtetown.com emte@emtetown.com 780-388-2166
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Experience the Northern Leg Yellowhead County
Here, the active outdoors person has plenty of opportunity for touring, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting, ATV’ing, white water rafting, caving, snowmobiling or skiing. Stay in one of seven County campgrounds, or our numerous Provincial Parks or Wildland Parks. Swimming, boating, and some of the best fishing in the province abound. Hiking trails in our canyons and hoodoos offer a unique perspective. Use the Towns of Edson or Hinton as a base to stage day long adventures into the County. Visitors can also stay in one of our many campgrounds, guest ranches, lodges or country bed and breakfasts as they explore all our region has to offer. Pembina River Provincial Park is located at the junction of The Cowboy Trail and the Yellowhead Highway. It’s a great place to stop for a picnic and on a hot summer day the river offers a cool respite. With more than 130 campsites, this park
makes for yet another great hub from which to explore The Yellowhead County and The Cowboy Trail. The villages of Entwistle and Evansburg are located adjacent to the park and are together referred to as the Partners on the Pembina. Entwistle started as a railway town to transport coal from mines located at nearby Evansburg. It’s hard to imagine that the hamlet was once called the “toughest town on the northwestern frontier” complete with its fair share of brothels and gambling joints. Life became considerably quieter once the coal industry petered out and large numbers of immigrants moved in from the prairies to try their hand at homesteading. Try to find the official residence of the Town Grouch at #10 Frowning Street in Evansburg. Maybe you can spot Dippy the Chip Lake Monster, although you’re more likely to see the bald eagles, blue herons, pelicans or snow geese that frequent Chip Lake on their annual migrations.
For more information visit NorthernRockiesAreCalling.ca
Yellowhead County is Calling You.
Raven Meadows Golf Resort features many opportunities for fun and relaxation. The golf course is a mature, 18 hole, par 72 course with long lush fairways. Challenges include long, links style grass on some fairways, water on others and mature trees. The pro shop is fully stocked.
There is also an RV park supplying water and power, washroom and shower facilities, and firewood to purchase. The 9 room hotel, restaurant and lounge operate 12 months a year, seven days a week.
The staff is friendly, efficient and always eager to serve you. They hope to see you soon! Located on Hwy 22 just 1.5 km south of the Hwy 13 junction.
Pro Shop & Lounge: 780-388-3060 Restaurant: 780-388-3820 ravenmeadows.ca
Each year more and more Albertans are making Yellowhead County part of their vacation plans – and it isn’t hard to see why. Come discover all there is to explore, from the Cowboy Trail and Pembina Park to the Northern Rockies and the surrounding historic Coal Branch area. Just make sure you leave enough time – you’ll be surprised at how much there is to do.
www.NorthernRockiesAreCalling.ca
#northernrockiesare calling
Yellowhead County 2015 Cowboy Trail 3.6” x 4.5” Contact: Stefan Felsing 780-723-8646 or 1-800-665-6030 sfelsing@yellowheadcounty.ab.ca
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Experience Mayerthorpe
Mayerthorpe “Trail’s End”
www.mayerthorpe.ca Mayerthorpe is located at the junction of Hwy 43, The Canamex Corridor, and Hwy 22, the northern terminus of The Cowboy Trail. We’ve always enjoyed a cowboy heritage and our town is home to many rodeo champions, cowboys, cowgirls, high school rodeo competitors, and Canada’s famous Hay Brothers. Throughout the year, there are so many activities to enjoy and places to visit that you should plan to spend at least a couple of days in the area. You can camp beside the golf course or stay at the local motel or at one of the nearby country guest ranches. Mayerthorpe’s Fallen Four Memorial Park was built in 2008 to honour the memory of four slain RCMP officers, and as a tribute to all peace officers. It is a popular attraction for visitors, a stopping-off point for weary travelers, and a beautiful location for marriage ceremonies and wedding and graduation photos. From Mayerthorpe, you can head 8 km east to the Rochfort Bridge Trestle and Museum, one of the longest wooden rail
bridges in western Canada. If you want to cool off and enjoy some water sports, the Paddle River Dam is just a few kilometers south of the bridge’s viewpoint. If the thought of an old-fashioned country fair gives you goose bumps, head into Mayerthorpe on the second weekend of August to enjoy the agricultural fair. You will see bench exhibits, horse and cattle shows, ball games, and enjoy live entertainment and exciting demonstrations. The kids can try their luck at the penny carnival and enjoy the petting zoo. Whatever the reason for your visit to Mayerthorpe, be sure to stop by our unique gift shops, to eat a great home-cooked style meal at one of our restaurants, and to experience the small town hospitality that we have to offer. Check out our website for more information about our town, visitor activities and attractions available in the area. MyMayerthorpe
@Mayerthorpe1
Indoor Rodeo: May 16-17, 2015 Fallen Four Marathon & Family Run: June 6 & 7, 2015 Rangeton Famer’s Day Music Festival: June 12-14, 2015 Classic Car Show & Shine: June 20, 2015 Agricultural Fair: August 8 & 9, 2015 Culture Days: September 26, 2015 Firemen’s Ball: October 24, 2015 Kinette Christmas Market: November 14, 2015 Christmas Light-Up: December 4, 2015 Fallen Four Memorial Park open from May to September 54 | Enter our Photo Contest
Experience Mayerthorpe MAYERTHORPE MINI MARKET 4801 - Crockett (50th Street) * 780-786-2525
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon. - Fri. 6 A.M. to 10 P.M. Weekends & Holidays 8 A.M. - 10 P.M.
Haven Inn Ice Capps, Coffee, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Subs, Wraps, Baking, Grocery & Snack Items, Candy, Soft & Hard Ice Cream, Slushies, Bottled Water, Movies, ATM, Prepaid Visa & Gift Cards Plus More!
26 air conditioned rooms 8 Kitchenettes • 18 with fridge & microwaves Coffee makers • Shower & Bath Cable TV • Free WiFi • Reasonable Rates At the Haven Inn, our guests experience a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our dedicated staff provides friendly service delivered with a personal touch.
780-786-2231 4605 Crockett Street (50th Street), Mayerthorpe, AB
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A Fistful of Amazing Aboriginal Characters Thousands of years before cowboys, chuck wagons, North W est Mounted Police, settlers, and fur traders travelled the rustic Cowboy Trail, Aboriginal peoples from numerous First Nations traversed the same land. East of the majestic Rocky Mountains in present day Alberta, they hunted, camped, and made war with their archenemies. This article features six fascinating First Nations characters from the past 150 years, who lived close to the Cowboy Trail. They include 3 great chiefs, 2 of whom signed an historic treaty with the Dominion of Canada; a world champion bronc rider; a brave war hero; and the first Aboriginal person appointed to the Senate in Ottawa.
Chief Red Crow (Mekaisto) - Blackfoot Nation Chief Red Crow was born into a family of chiefs in 1830 and was named after an honoured warrior from his tribe who was killed in battle. He was a fierce and brave warrior who participated in over 33 raids and stole 400 horses. He later became a highly respected chief of the Blood (Kainai) First Nation. On September 22, 1877, he signed Treaty 7 along with other Blackfoot leaders including Chief Crowfoot from the Siksika First Nation, and Chief Sitting on an Eagle Tail from the Piikani First Nation, which is located half way between the towns of Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek in southern Alberta. During the Riel Rebellion of 1885, Chief Red Crow refused to let his people fight in the conflict. Bull Head, chief of the Sarcee (Tsuu T’ina). Image NA-583-1 Courtesy of The Glenbow Museum
Chief Bull Head (Chula) - Tsuu T’ina Nation Chief Bull Head got his name from his brother Bull Head who was killed in a fight which took place close to where the Elbow and Bow Rivers meet. A powerful, strong, and tall man, Chief Bull Head could get the attention of anyone with his loud, booming voice. He signed Treaty 7 on behalf of his tribe in 1877, and what made the signing unique is that his tribe actually belonged to the Blackfoot Confederacy in the 1800s, even though the Tsuu T’ina Nation is an offshoot of the Beaver Tribe of northern Alberta and speak their own unique Athapascan language. The Dominion of Canada wanted to give the Tsuu T’ina Nation land near Blackfoot Crossing, an hour’s drive east of Calgary. But after years of complaining by Chief Bull Head, a new treaty was finally made between his nation and the government, which saw the Tsuu T’ina Nation settle on their current land, a stone’s throw from the city of Calgary.
Chief Maskepetoon (Broken Arm) - Cree Nation
Mike Mountain Horse, Alberta. March 5, 1959 Image NB-44-92 Courtesy of The Glenbow Museum
Chief Maskepetoon was born in 1807 and was the chief of a small Plains Cree band. During his life, he spent time with US President Andrew Jackson, whom he met in Washington in 1831; the Swiss Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neufield; and John Palliser, the great explorer, after whom the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary is named. Due to the influence of Wesleyan Methodist missionaries, Chief Maskepetoon went from fierce warrior to strong proponent of peace. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, he made peace
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From The Cowboy Trail with the enemy, including inviting the killer of his own father into his lodge. Sadly, though, in 1869 when he entered an enemy camp to negotiate peace, he was killed by Big Swan, the tribe’s war chief.
Corporal Mike Mountain Horse - WWI Hero Corporal Mike Mountain Horse was born in 1888. His younger brother, Albert - Alberta’s first Aboriginal recruit - enlisted in the “Fighting 10th” Battalion and died during German gas attacks. To avenge his death, his two older brothers, Mike and Joe, enlisted in the Calgary-based “Fighting 50th” Battalion. Mike recorded 12 of his war honours in the custom of his tribe, by painting them on a cowhide. Among his wartime escapades are these two: While on patrol on August 9, 1917, Corporal Mountain Horse fought hand-tohand with three of the enemy, killing two of them with his war knife. On August 8, 1918, at the battle of Amiens, a huge enemy shell wiped out all the soldiers in Corporal Mountain Horse’s section, but the corporal miraculously survived without a scratch.
Tom Three Persons - World Champion Cowboy Tom Three Persons was the only Canadian to win a world title at the first Calgary Stampede. The coveted Saddle Bronc title included the $1,000 cash prize, trophy saddle, and gold and silver belt buckle. The tall aboriginal man with eye-catching red chaps had to ride the legendary wild horse Cyclone who had bucked off 129 consecutive cowboys before Tom. Remarkably, unlike today’s cowboys who have to stay in the saddle for a mere eight seconds, back then cowboys had to hang on until the horse came to a complete standstill! The Calgary Herald front page headline said it best the next day when it proclaimed, “All Hail Tom Three Persons!!”
Tom Three Persons with Calgary boy. Sept 1912 Image NA-3164-170 Courtesy of The Glenbow Museum
James Gladstone - Canada’s First Aboriginal Senator Senator James Gladstone, born May 21, 1887, was also known as “Many Guns,” a member of the Blood (Kainai) First Nation. Mr. Gladstone devoted much of his life to improving the lives of Canadian Aboriginal people and was the president of the Indian Association of Alberta and a three-time delegate to Ottawa to discuss proposed improvements to the Indian Act. Mr. Gladstone was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker on January 31, 1958. His first speech was in both English and his native Blackfoot tongue, because he wanted “to place in the official debates a few words in the language of my people, the Blackfoot Indians, as recognition of the first Canadians.” Senator Gladstone spent all of his years in the Senate passionately speaking on issues affecting Aboriginal people and looking after First Nations’ best interests. Senator Gladstone was related to the three brave Mountain Horse brothers who went off to war. All these years later, the memory and the deeds of these and other amazing Aboriginal people live on as a credit to their First Nations - and to the entire nation of Canada. By Rob Lennard 57 | View our Mobile Issue
Senator James Gladstone with his horse, southern Alberta Image NA-5178-1 Courtesy of The Glenbow Museum
Campground Directory
Spring Hill RV Park, Cochrane
Tails & Trails Campground, Longview
Clearwater Trading, Caroline
springhillrvpark.com | 403-932-2010 Open Year Round | 121 Sites | Fees: $42 Ammenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Sani Dump, Disabled Access, Firepits Located 7km north of Cochrane. See page 43 for more information. Note: new splash park
village.longview.ab.ca | 403-558-3922 Open Apr 1 - Sept 30 | 19 Sites | Fees: $10 - $25 Ammenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Firepits
clearwatertrading.ca | 403-722-2378 Open Year Round | 47 Sites | Fees: $42 - 130 Ammenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Sani Dump, Firepits Proud to offer you a separate, private Venue for all your events’ needs. Call us today!
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Discount of 10% to all senior citizens (65 years and older). Discount of $2.00 to Alberta seniors. Plus $6.00 per corral (will accommodate 2 horses). Price includes fee for two horses, each additional horse $6.00. Playground available. Reservations taken with $12.00 reservation fee (includes GST). Opening dates subject to snow levels. Price includes firewood.
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Coin operated showers available. Firewood for sale off service vehicle. Off season reservations may be considered. Food lockers available for cyclists. Walk-in tenting sites closed. Reservation fees is $ 5. Cancellation policy: no refunds but reschedule to another date without additional costs, provided notification received for weekends before Friday noon.
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15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Reservation ONLY. Power is 15 amp only. Discount for 2nd unit in a power and water site is $4/day. Discount for 2nd unit in a power site is $2/day. All reservation changes are subject to a non-refundable change fee of $5.
Experience Kananaskis Country Only a half hour west of Calgary, Kananaskis Country has become a cherished location for Albertans to spend time with friends and family, to hike, ride, and be active year-round. Dedicated in 1978, this 4,200 km2 recreation area has grown into a place where people from around the world come to renew their spirit and reconnect with wilderness. The name Kananaskis was chosen more than 150 years ago to name the lakes, valley, and river visited by Captain John Palliser on his expedition through the area. It comes from the Cree ‘Kin-e-a-kis’ and is said to be the name of a warrior who survived an axe blow to the head. Evidence of human use of Kananaskis Country goes back over 8,000 years, and the Stoney-Nakoda, Siksika, Blood, and Kootenai First Nations all have deep connection to this land. The actual mountains were formed over the past 200 million years as tectonic plates forced layers of rock to pile, break, and fold into mountains. The rock itself, comes from layers of fossilized sea creatures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago in an inland sea that once covered southern Alberta. The evidence is seen in ancient coral reefs, oyster beds, and shark teeth throughout Kananaskis Country. The jagged peaks
and u-shaped valleys are 12,000 year-old reminders of the last ice age, revealed as kilometre-thick, million-year old glaciers that have since melted. The government invests in parks as a key part of our province’s quality of life. When you visit the area, you can anticipate comfortable facilities, such as the William Watson Lodge and the Canmore Nordic Centre, a continued commitment to public safety and wildlife management, and vibrant interpretive and education programs. All without an admission fee! In 2013, the provincial government committed an additional $76 million to restore trails, campgrounds and day-use areas in the Kananaskis region that were damaged during the unprecedented flooding that occurred in June of that year. Much of the restoration has already been completed and Kananaskis Country is definitely open for business. For your own safety, please refer to the maps in this publication and discuss your plans with the friendly staff in the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres (see pg 61). While you’re there, ask for a copy of their new free Official Trail Maps or purchase a detailed GemTrek map.
Photos Courtesy of Travel Alberta
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Experience Kananaskis Country
How to Select a Hike Heart Creek, Photos Courtesy of Barry Taylor
Moose Mountain, Photos Courtesy of Shawn Benbow
Selecting an appropriate hike can be confusing and frustrating for fledgling hikers, but there are opportunities for anyone to advance their skills while enjoying a few hours or a day on the trail. Some important factors to consider when making your choice include your level of fitness, available gear, and comfort zone. To get started, purchase a walking/hiking guide and map for your area of choice - cautious internet research can also provide some valuable insight. For many, a great place to begin is city pathways. Important characteristics of a hike include distance, elevation gain, and elapsed time. Select an appropriate hike and plan for a great experience by considering: how many daylight hours are there? How long will it take to get to the trailhead? What is the length of the hike? Suppose the return length of the hike is 8 km on a good, flat trail. An average walking speed is 5 km/hr, but when carrying a pack on flat terrain, 3 km/hr is a more conservative estimate. Allow time along the trail to take photos and to relax at the destination to enjoy the ambience and your creative lunch. Your estimate for an adventure along the popular Heart Creek trail, for example, would be an hour for the drive to the trailhead, one and a half hours for the 4 km to your destination, a half hour for lunch, one and a half hours hiking back to the trailhead, and another hour to drive home. This makes your total time five and a half hours, which can of course vary by individual. Assuming you would like to have lunch around noon, a good start time is 9:30 am, with a finish time of 3 pm.
To assemble your gear for a simple day hike, include some quality hiking footwear, properly adjusted hiking poles, and contingency layers of clothing in a backpack. Your daypack should contain the vital emergency supplies of first aid kit, toiletry kit, food and beverage. Tie your boots properly and look forward to practising the Sherpa Step on downhill segments of this easy hike in the Bow Valley Corridor west of Calgary. Before tackling this first hike, learn your wilderness fundamentals in the series of introductory blog posts at hikingwithbarry.com. And finally, select two close friends as hiking partners. However, the following example is too often true: everything is ready to go the night before the hike. You get up early to prepare the turkey before placing it in the oven and setting the timer. Two hours before you are scheduled to leave for your hike, another close friend, a more experienced hiker, calls to tell you he recently completed an easy hike to the summit of Moose Mountain in Kananaskis Country. He tells you it is a sensational experience. After several minutes of this friend raving about the fantastic views, you decide your first hike will be to the summit of Moose Mountain. No planning is necessary because a friend would never lead you astray ‌ right? You abandon your plan to hike the short, easy, and entry-level hike along Heart Creek and convince your inexperienced hiking partners to join you on the highly recommended and longer, but more exciting, hike to the summit of Moose Mountain in Kananaskis Country.
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How to Select a Hike You know you must start earlier to be home by 5 pm to remove the turkey from the oven. The early morning drive from Calgary into Kananaskis Country is joyous, bordering on euphoric. Skies are clear and the temperature is perfect for hiking. The drive from Calgary to the unsigned parking area for Moose Mountain takes a half hour more than expected but parking is plentiful just inside the gate. Oddly, the cars parked there have empty bicycle racks. No worries. You begin the walk up the road where there are occasional scenic views along the way. After a dusty and relentless uphill trek, you arrive three hours later at another, more crowded parking area and the trailhead. In spite of forgetting the hiking guide and map, you begin the undulating-elevation hike through lush forest to the tree line. Hiking the top of Moose Mountain Ridge provides spectacular views and soon you begin the relentless climb to the summit over many switchbacks. Everyone is getting very tired but you are determined to achieve this. Your wheezing friends have ceased conversation. At the top, another mountain looms ahead. Passing hikers confirm the summit of Moose Mountain is “up there.” You are tough, stubborn, and energized by the beautiful scenery and all the profanity you have ever learned in addition to new creative material. This will be done! Following a brief rest at the top and a quick lunch sitting on the helipad beneath the fire lookout, you rush to make the descent.
The sun seems low in the sky. Ten hours after leaving Calgary, you are back at the Moose Mountain trailhead on exhausted legs. Nearly all the cars are gone. A friendly family takes mercy on you and shuttles you down to the parking area at the gate where your car remains alone. Driving home to Calgary in the dark, you phone a neighbour and ask them to remove your cremated turkey from the oven. Upon your release from the hospital, you make a firm resolution to never hike again as long as you live and put all your gear up for sale on Kijiji. Your neophyte hiking companions, and formerly close friends, never speak to you again. Lesson: Stick to the plan and nurture your growth gradually with a sense of purpose. Believe me, I have made mistakes hiking outside the boundaries of my capability. Our family motto is, “Too stubborn to quit; too stupid to fall down.” Have respect for the environment and understand your capability to comfortably function within it. It is unquestionably worth the effort. Over YEARS, gradually increase your distance and elevation as your skill set improves. Attempting to ramp this up rapidly can be counterproductive, even dangerous and irresponsible. As you gain skill, knowledge, and experience, your enjoyment of hiking will increase exponentially. By Barry Taylor
OUTDOOR GEAR SPECIALIST
4655-37 Street SW Calgary, Alberta T3E 3C8 403-249-5451
www.norsemanoutdoorspecialist.com
www.facebook/norsemanoutdoorspecialist
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twitter: @norsemanoutdoor
Experience Kananaskis Valley
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Experience Kananaskis Village The Kananaskis Valley has it all! Have a real western experience at Boundary Ranch, treat the kids to an overnight stay in a real tipi, or be pampered at one of the finest resort hotels in the region. Raft the Kananaskis River, bike the many paved and back country trails. Take a day hike to a waterfall or backpack into spectacular wilderness. The Kananaskis Country Golf Course was closed on June 20, 2013 as a result of the flood. Watch their Facebook page for updates. The staff at the Barrier Lake Visitor Information Centre can help you plan your day and provide you with current safety information. If you’re heading into the back country, you can purchase your permit, bear spray and a topographical map here, too. Guide books and gifts can be found at Kananaskis Village retailers. No gear? Stop at Kananaskis Outfitters for all your equipment and apparel needs.
Boat Launch
Skogan Pass Trail
Camping (Tent Only)
Stoney Trail
High Level Trail
Camping (Vehicle Access)
Ka nan
Day Use Area Downhill Ski Area
Ruthie’s Trail
Group Camping Equestrian Facility
Centennial Ridge Trail Coal Mine Trail
Gas Station Interpretive Trail
Stoney Ribbon Creek
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Kananaskis Village
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Troll Falls Trail
Groups
Golf Course
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Hidden Trail
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Nakiska Troll Falls
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Group Camping (Tent Only)
as kis
Sunburst Trail
Riv er
Remember to come back in the winter for snowshoeing, cross-country, and downhill skiing at Nakiska. The Kananaskis Valley conveys a sense of accessible wilderness all year round!
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Kananaskis Emergency Services Centre Bill Milne Paved Trail
Experience Kananaskis Country ALBERTA’S
Just 45 minutes west of Calgary lies an all-season wilderness playground! ROCKY MOUNTAINS, ADVENTURE & LODGING Alberta’s Kananaskis is surrounded by the towering Canadian Rockies and home to grassy meadows, swift mountain rivers and streams, and fascinating wildlife. Situated just west of Calgary and southeast of Banff, Kananaskis Country is both a stunning and convenient location full of vacation activities for everyone. In the winter months, opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice fishing abound in Alberta’s Kananaskis. Come summertime, golfing, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting and horseback riding are all possible in this picturesque corner of the Canadian Rockies. Known for its pristine natural setting and outdoor lifestyle, Alberta’s Kananaskis is also a prime destination for relaxing. Take a time out while you’re embraced by the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis In the Kananaskis Village you will find “Alberta’s Mountain Lodge and Spa”. The Delta Lodge at Kananaskis is the perfect place to call home while you explore. Indulge your senses in an elegant Signature Club two-storey loft, with choice amenities including cozy terry cloth bathrobes, feather-soft pillows, and duvets. Unwind in the tranquil Signature Club Lounge with a nightcap from the honour bar, or keep connected with wireless Internet available in all public spaces. Start your day off with classic Eggs Benedict and finish it with tender prime rib of “AAA” Alberta beef at the Fireweed Grill. Relax after a hard day of adventure seeking with an invigorating body scrub at the Summit Spa & Fitness or float in the 17 metre indoor, saltwater pool. Whether you seek a romantic interlude, a family adventure, or just some quiet time, our special packages promise an unforgettable experience. Phone: 1-866-432-4322 deltalodgeatkananaskis.com
Onsite, guests enjoy badminton, volleyball, soccer, bocce ball and horseshoes. Nearby, find great hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, and stunning photo opportunities. Bring along your own bedding & camping supplies or pick up what you need in the Trading Post where you will find the office, washrooms and showers, coin laundry, camping supply rentals, basic groceries, internet kiosk and a gift shop. Please call for reservations. Sundance Lodges operates from the May long weekend to late September. “Stay With Us - It’s An Adventure!” Phone: 1-403-591-7122 sundancelodges.com
Boundary Ranch Boundary Ranch offers an opportunity to enjoy western ambiance and hospitality at its finest! Trail rides from one hour to full day are available on the most scenic trails in the Canadian Rockies. Try the Surf and Saddle, a trail ride, steak lunch and white water rafting for a full day adventure! Back country pack trips (up to 6 days) offer one of the most memorable vacations you will ever experience! The Western Entertainment Centre is housed in a unique log & cedar facility that features Rick Guinn’s Steakhouse with Boundary Burgers, steaks and other delicious BBQ items along with ranch-sized cookies and home baked pies. Stop by our gift shop which features high quality apparel and western souvenirs. Group facilities, with seating from 15 to 600, feature great BBQ menus and entertainment packages including Bus Holdups, Hay and Sleigh Rides, Gunfights, Wild West Rodeos and live entertainment. Whether you are on your own or with a group, Boundary Ranch has something for everyone visiting Alberta’s Kananaskis! Phone: 1- 877- 581-7177 boundaryranch.com
Sundance Lodges Since 1992, Sundance Lodges has offered “comfortable camping” - beautiful tipis and trapper’s tents, as well as unserviced secluded campsites - to visitors from Alberta and around the world. Tipis and trapper’s tents are equipped with a lantern, small heater, wooden floor and wood frame beds with foam mattresses. Outside is your own fire pit and picnic table.
For more information visit albertaskananaskis.com or call 1.888.897.3777 66 | Enter our Photo Contest
Experience Kananaskis Country
Sundance Lodges Family Adventure Accommodation in Kananaskis Tipis • Trapper’s Tents • Campsites (unserviced)
Call 403.591.7122 info@sundancelodges.com www.sundancelodges.com
Comfortable Camping since 1992! Kananaskis Country’s Award Winning Resort
*Trail Rides Located in Kananaskis Country *Pack Trips Call us toll free for reservations *Adventure Rides 1-877-591-7177 *Surf & Saddle www.boundaryranch.com Packages info@boundaryranch.com
*Restaurant *Gift Shop *Weddings *Group Facilities For 20-1000
Rated “Top 10” by Trip Advisor in 2012 for Family Friendly Resorts Voted #1 Hotel for the past 2 years by Calgary's Child Magazine!
Summer • hiking • golfing • fly fishing
• mountain biking • horseback riding • whitewater rafting
Winter • downhill skiing • X-country skiing • snowshoeing • tobogganing • sleigh rides • ice skating
For more information: 1-866-432-4322 or visit: www.deltalodgeatkananaskis.com
67 | ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com
Experience Highwood and Cataract Area Highwood and Cataract Creek Areas are located 35 km west of Longview, on Hwy #541. Multiple-use planning ensures that recreation, timber harvesting, cattle grazing, and oil and natural gas extraction can all take place with a minimum of conflict. These areas offer great fishing and camping experiences and numerous hiking and equestrian trails. In the winter explore by snowmobile on designated trails.
Parks & Protected Areas Office Group Camping Store Camping (Tent Only) Camping (Vehicle Access) Day Use Area Public Telephone Equestrian Facility Snow Vehicle Zone Gas Station Interpretive Trail
EMERGENCY
If you require Fire, Ambulance, Police, or Mountain Rescue assistance, call 9-1-1. Tell the operator you have an emergency in Kananaskis Country.
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Experience Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Peter Lougheed Provincial Park straddles Hwy #40 and #742 and boasts some of the finest camping and wilderness hiking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. Hundreds of kilometres of hiking, interpretive, and mountain biking trails, as well as paved bike trails await your summer exploration. In the winter, you can rediscover many of these same trails on snow shoes or on cross-country skis.
Boat Launch Canoe Launch Camping (Tent Only) Camping (Vehicle Access) Day Use Area Interpretive Trail Dumping Station Equestrian Facility Group Camping Motel/Hotel Visitor Information Centre Restaurant Universal Accessibility Amphitheatre Fishing Store
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Experience Sibbald Area The Sibbald Area has become a very popular summer day-outing for Calgarians who enjoy the many hiking trails, picnic areas, mountain bike and equestrian trails. Tent, RV and Group camping allow for multi-day stays and the Sibbald Lake campground is great if you like to fly fish. Please keep your dog on leash, follow current wildlife safety recommendations and we strongly recommend you carry bear spray. Sibbald is popular with snowmobilers, winter hikers, snowshoers; however its geography makes for extremely variable weather conditions. During Chinooks, the temperature can rise as much as 30 - 40 degrees, so wear layered clothing. Come prepared for low temperatures, particularly in the morning. Winds can be very strong in this area. Watch for natural hazards including thin ice at creek crossings, ice flows, sagging tree limbs and some deadfall. Note: The flood in June 2013 damaged many trails but rebuilding efforts are underway. Caution is advised as obstacles such as washouts, downed trees and missing bridges may be encountered and route finding may be necessary.
Visitor Information Centre
Group Camping
Interpretive Trail
Motel/Hotel
Canoe Launch
Restaurant
Camping (Tent Only)
Off-Highway Vehicle Zone
Camping (Vehicle Access)
Commercial Lodge
Day Use Area
Snow Vehicle Zone
Equestrian Facility
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Photo Courtesy of Alberta Park
Experience Bow Valley Provincial Park
Boat Launch Canoe Launch Camping (Tent Only) Camping (Vehicle Access) Day Use Area Interpretive Trail Dumping Station Equestrian Facility Group Camping Motel/Hotel Visitor Information Centre Restaurant
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Fishing
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Experience Elbow River Valley A 30-minute drive from Calgary, the Elbow Valley offers a variety of picnic sites, campgrounds, and trails. The trails are diverse and you will be able to have a pleasant hour’s walk, a trail ride on horseback or an overnight backpack trip into the Sheep River, Sibbald, and Kananaskis Valley areas. From the picturesque hamlet of Bragg Creek, you’ll travel west along Hwy #66, on a stairway into the Rocky Mountains. Passing first through grasslands, then aspen parkland and subalpine forest, the road ultimately leads you to views of the majestic high alpine. The wildlife here reflects the terrain’s diversity, from the prairies’ Richardson’s ground squirrel to the grizzly bear and bighorn sheep of the mountains.
Parks & Protected Areas Office
Group Camping
Off-Highway Vehicle Zone
Dumping Station
Equestrian Facility
Hiking Trail
Camping (Tent Only)
Store
Camping (Vehicle Access)
Public Telephone
Day Use Area
Visitor Information Centre
Make certain to visit Elbow Falls. The paved walking trail offers spectacular views of the falls and the river and interpretive signs explain the formation of the falls. Located 32 km SW of Bragg Creek, Forgetmenot Pond is a very popular family picnic area and destination for avid bicycle riders. Stretch your legs and enjoy a very easy stroll around this small emerald gem. Looking for something more adventurous? Take your pick of numerous excellent hiking trails in the area. The McLean Creek Off-Highway Vehicle Zone has trails and campground facilities designed especially for those wishing to explore on trail motorbikes, quads, snowmobiles and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Note: The Elbow River Bridge and the Allen Bill Pond, in particular sustained major damage during the flood in June 2013. Rebuilding efforts are underway. Caution is advised as obstacles such as washouts and downed trees may be encountered and route finding may be necessary. (Bragg Creek Area new trails not shown)
Snow Vehicle
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Sibbald Area FIRE LOOKOUT
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Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park
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Fisher Creek
Hog's Back Trail
Wildhorse
Curley Sands Trail
Creek Trail
Threepoint
Groups
Mesa Butte
Trail
Gorge Creek Trail ALLSMOKE Volcano MTN. Ridge
to Millarville, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Calgary
Winter Gate
North Fork
9999 Trail Ware Creek
Ware Trail Creek Death Valley Link Creek
Bluerock Trail Wildland Provincial Sheep River Park Gorge Provincial Park
Tombstone
Trail
Creek
to Turner Valley 3 40
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Paddy's Flat
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Winter Gate
FORGETMENOT MTN.
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Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park
[Restricted Dates]
Station Flats
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Big Elbow
Gooseberry
McLean Creek OHV Public Land Use Zone
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Mount Romulus
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BRAGG CREEK
Elbow Valley Information Centre Fullerton Loop Trail
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T O EN M ET GE RG RID
EMERGENCY
If you require Fire, Ambulance, Police, or Mountain Rescue assistance, call 9-1-1. Tell TOMBSTONE MOUNTAIN you have the operator an emergency in Kananaskis Country.
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MOUNT ROMULUS
Cobble Flats
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Little Elbow
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Elbow Sulphur Beaver River Springs Launch Lodge Trail
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Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
MOUNT REMUS
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Beaver Flats
E AC RF DE W GE PORID
MOUNT EVAN-THOMAS
Nihahi Creek Trail Nihahi Ridge Trail MOUNT FULLERTON [Restricted Dates]
FISHER PEAK
Creek
Ford Creek Trail
Elbow Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
eek Powderie Cr face Elbow Prair FallsYear Tr Round ail Gate Trail Link Prairie Creek Prairie Trail Winter
to TransCanada (#1) Highway
Township Road #232
Diamond T Loop
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Moose Mountain
Ings’ Mine
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Powderface Trail (road) CLOSED, Flood Damaged Cree Ford il Tra
MOUNT BRYANT
MOOSE MOUNTAIN
Volcano Ridge
MOUNT McDOUGALL
Bragg Creek Provincial Park
West Bragg Creek
72 | Please complete our Survey
549
Experience Sheep River Valley Sheep River Provincial Park offers vehicle-access campgrounds and campgrounds designed for visitors with horses. Wildlife, white water and magnificent foothills characterize this area of Kananaskis Country. Explore the trails and roads and remember to bring your camera since you are likely to see bighorn sheep and elk throughout the park. Return in the winter to explore the cross-country ski trails at Sandy McNabb. Sheep River Provincial Park is surrounded by Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park. Bluerock, combined with the Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park and the Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park are huge spectacular landscapes you can only explore on foot, horseback, or mountain bike. You’ll be rewarded with vast evergreen forests, breathtaking mountain vistas and the chance to experience true wilderness solitude.
Breath. Photo Courtesy of Sandy and Warren
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Experience The Ghost Area & Don Getty Wildland Group Camping Boat Launch
In 1929, Calgary Power, now TransAlta build the Ghost Dam on the Bow River, creating the Ghost Reservoir on Hwy #1A, 22 km west of Cochrane. attractions here are camping, power boating and angling but steady brisk winds make surfing and sailing a popular pastime year-round.
Burnt Timber
Camping (Vehicle Access)
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Hunting and fishing are permitted in the Don Getty Wildland Park during open seasons with the appropriate permit or licence. Visitors should experience this park on foot, mountain bike, snowshoes, and skis or on horseback. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the park.
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The Ghost River Wilderness Area is considered one of the premier ice-climbing areas in the world. Experienced it on foot, snowshoes or skis. Open fires, hunting and fishing are prohibited. All litter and refuse must be packed out.
Ghost Airstrip
North Ghost Waiparous Creek
Ghost River
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Bow Valley Provincial Park Spray Lakes
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There are no developed facilities in Don Getty Wildland Park or the Ghost River Wilderness Area, so only random backcountry camping is permitted. Access is best from a road off of Hwy #1 to a day use area at Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. Alternatively, use the seasonal road off of Hwy #40 to drive your vehicle within a few km of the area’s eastern border. The Ghost-Waiparous Area is popular for offhighway vehicle (OHV) trail riding because of its close proximity to Calgary and scenic mountain terrain. Before visiting any of these areas, inform your family of your intended route and expected return time.
Small town charm is not something to be overlooked, not something easily copied, and always something that oers everything to those who are looking.
Brought to you by the Bragg Creek & Area Chamber of Commerce Proudly supported by
www.rockyview.ca
75 | ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com
TICKETS FOR 2016 CALGARY STAMPEDE (JULY 8-17, 2016) GO ON SALE OCTOBER 2015.