2021 Experience Western Adventures and Cowboy Trails by experiencetravelguides

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EXPERIENCE 2021/2022

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Western Adventures & Cowboy Trails

8 Helpful Map Pages History of Chuckwagon Café Culture Rodeo Schedule Farmers’ Markets Aboriginal Culture

Reader Contests

Dreaming of authentic experiences? Vous rêvez d’authenticité? pc.gc.ca/baru

Stay awhile Come camp in a tipi, trapper tent, trapline cabin, RV or tent. For current trip planning, event, activity, and key date information, please visit:

pc.gc.ca/rockymountainhouse

Restez encore un peu Passez la nuit dans un tipi, une tente de trappeur, une cabane de piégeage, un VR ou une tente. Pour obtenir des renseignements à jour sur la planification d’un voyage, les activités offertes, les événements spéciaux et les dates clés, consultez le site suivant :

pc.gc.ca/rockymountainhouse

Experience Western Adventures & Cowboy Trails Howdy Folks! Welcome to the ninth edition of this our annual travel guide to Alberta’s Western Heritage. Think of this as your trip planner to the unique western attractions and events in and around Alberta. We hope it becomes your travelling companion, a tool you use, reuse and share with your friends and family. In the pages ahead, to aid you on your journey, you will find engaging stories, compelling images and maps, lots of maps: because everyone loves maps. You’ll learn about the rich history of our province and some of the colourful characters who helped to shape it.

You’ll discover incredible experiences within the region, through compelling stories & images. And you’ll love our user-friendly maps! Our stories offer safe and fun activities that often contain educational components. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a young family on a staycation, with your grandchildren on a Grandcation, or just exploring on your own, we’re here to help! The themed tours in this guide will not only highlight the major attractions, but we will unveil numerous hidden gems, as well. We sincerely hope you have a magical time and are truly honoured to be of service. Bob Harris & Christine Weston

To download this, or any of our Travel Guides & Maps to your mobile device, go to ExperienceTravelGuides.com/Library

Our Contributors

Andrew Penner is

Renée Delorme’s

Amanda Knippshild

Rob Lennard is a

Allen R. Gibson

an independent writer and photographer living in Calgary, Alberta. His work has been featured in Westworld, Westjet Magazine, Golf Magazine, Golf Tips, Golf Canada, and many leading golf and lifestyle publications. When not travelling or working, he enjoys reading, movies, and chilling out in the backyard with his wife, Dawn, and their four boys. (Craft Distilleries pg 32)

passions brought her to Alberta in pursuit of a career as a government relations and community development specialist, bringing about positive social change. She is also a trained sommelier devoting her time to the art and science of wine. She does private tasting events and media work. tastingpleasures.ca.

is originally from Vancouver Island, now calls Calgary home. She loves the Alberta scene, especially being outdoors with her husband Eric and their two dogs. An accomplished writer who graduated from the Broadcasting Program at Mount Royal University, specializing in the creative stream.

is a writer and marketer who’s enjoyed Western Canadian road trips since childhood. He shares his love of the west through travel writing and as a tour guide with Insight Vacations, when he’s not helping tourism businesses with their marketing.

(Coffee and Cowboys pg 10)

(Experience Camping pg 46)

Calgary based historian, singer, songwriter, award winning author, and performer. Rob is the Historian at The Ranche and is responsible for its educational programming and outreach. He is also the Coordinator for the Calgary & Region History Fair which is associated with the national Heritage School Fair program. (Hisotry of Chuckwagon Racing pg 32)

4 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Allen can be reached at EightStarTours@gmail.com (Discover the Blackfoot Culture pg 18)

Experience Western Adventures & Cowboy Trails Welcome to the 2021 - 2022 Edition of Experience Western Adventures & Cowboy Trails Use it to plan your holiday and as your companion once you’ve arrived. Experience Publishing is a privately-owned company with offices in Calgary, AB. We specialize in the production of our Experience Travel Guides & Maps in print as well as digital. Printed copies are delivered to our network of distribution outlets throughout Alberta, BC Saskatchewan and into Montana. Travellers are encouraged to pick up a FREE copy through these outlets or download it, or any of our current or archived guides, at ExperienceTravelGuides.com/library. We thank The Cowboy Trail Tourism Association, Alberta Parks, Travel Alberta, Rob Lennard, and all of our contributors, sponsors, and advertising partners for their support. 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. Founder: Bob Harris, CMI Publishing bob@ExperiencePublishing.ca Ph: (403) 259.8290

Circulation Managers: Warren Pearson, Dale Schultz Kelly & Carla Schultz

Associate Publisher: Christine Weston christine@ExperiencePublishing.ca

Circulation: Free copies available through most Visitor Information Centres, AMA travel offices, retail stores, attractions, and hotels in the region. For a complete list: experiencethecowboytrail.com/about-us

Cartographer: Rob Storeshaw robstoreshaw@shaw.ca Editor: Larry Thomas larrylt2solutions@gmail.com Advertising Sales Reps: Allen Gibson, Joseph Macdonald David Saxby

Cover photo: Courtesy of Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett Share your Experience: Upload your selfies, photos and videos to be eligible to win great prizes: ExperienceTravelGuides.com/Contests

Table of Contents Communities Black Diamond (Diamond Valley) 30 Bragg Creek 42 Cardston 13 Cochrane 44-46 Crossfield 47 Longview & The Bar U Ranch 22 Mayerthorpe 50 Pincher Creek 12 Rocky Mountain House 50 Sundre 50 Turner Valley (Diamond Valley) 31 Waterton 12

Specialty Pages A Peek at the History of the OH Ranch 20 Alberta’s History Wrangler 7 Alberta Open Farm Days 36 Campground Directory 48 Classic Cowboy Cuisine 34 Cowboys and Coffee 10 Craft Distilleries 32 Discover the Blackfoot Culture 14 Experience Camping 46 Experience Chain Lakes Provincial Park 19 Experience Our Meaderies 35 Farmers’ Markets 44 History of Chuckwagon Racing 22 Horses: Trust, Respect, and Team Work 17 Photo Contest 49 Reader Survey 24 Rodeo Schedule 25 TheCowboyTrail.com 26-28

Featured Map Pages Bragg Creek 39 Chain Lakes Provincial Park 16 Cochrane 41 Cowboy Trail 8 & 9

5 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

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 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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Rob Lennard - Alberta’s History Wrangler

YaHoo for The History Wrangler’s 21 Stop Canada Day Cowboy Trail Tour!

“All Aboard” The History Wrangler, Aspen Crossing’s 2021 Writer in Residence, looks forward to performing at the NEW campsite at Aspen Crossing Railway this summer as well as on select train excursions AND at the 2021 Southern Alberta Music Festival which is taking place on August 13th and 14th, 2021!

Aspen Crossing Railway, Celebrating their Railway ties www.AspenCrossing.com The Historic Ranche at Fish Creek Provincial Park, The Home of Alberta’s History Wrangler

www.HistoryWrangler.com 7 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

RANCHE THE

HISTORICAL LEARNING CENTRE

Experience The Cowboy Trail The Cowboy Trail Tourism Association was founded many years ago by ranchers, businesses and communities within southern Alberta’s foothills. Hwys 5, 6 & 22 became known as the Official Cowboy Trail. Together, they were promoted as the ultimate north-south “scenic route” in the province.

The Cowboy Trail is well connected to several major cities in Alberta as well as numerous rural communities. So in recent years, the focus has shifted beyond the trail, as folks from across Alberta come together to celebrate our western heritage.

8 | Enter Our Photo Contest

9 72

580

Crossfield

Carstairs

Cremona

579

Stoney

Water Valley

Sundre

582

Didsbury

582

587

734

584

Clearwater River

NATIONAL Kicking Horse Pass

Bow Pass

BANFF

Lake Louise

Panther River Red Deer River

AREA RECREATION Saskatchewan River Crossing

Ram River

Ram Falls

WILDLAND Cline River

RESERVE BIGHORN

734

North Saskatchewan River

11 Nordegg

Blackstone River

FOREST

Olds

Innisfail Glennifer Lake

54 752

591

Caroline

761

Sun Child Indian Reserve

O’Chiese Indian Reserve

620 734

Brazeau River

587

Red Deer River

Rocky Mountain House

Sylvan Lake

Gull Lake

Rimbey

20 Buck Lake Indian Reserve

Alder Flats

Buck Lake

MOUNTAIN

Brazeau Reservoir

Buck Creek

620

Lodgepole

Bowden

590

595

Red Deer

Lacombe

21 53 Ponoka

13 Buck Lake

Winfield

Pigeon Lake

Breton

39 47

611

26 Wetaskiwin

616 Millet

Devon

770 Drayton Valley Pembina River

753

ROCKY

16 Edson

748

McLeod River

751

Chip Lake

Leduc

21 19

North Saskatchewan River

Evansburg

Entwistle

Wabamun Lake

Wabamun

Wabamun Indian Reserve

Spruce Grove

37 Lac Ste. Anne Isle Lake

757

623

16 14

to Lloydminster

Edmonton

15 Morinville Alaska

43 Highway

Sangudo

Rochfort Brock Bridge Lake

647

Mayerthorpe

751 32

to Drumheller

We embrace this change. This vision provides travellers with a scenic and historic connection to ranching communities, warm western hospitality, pristine wilderness, antique shopping, parks, National and Provincial Historic Sites, and adventure. It’s the perfect day trip or weekend getaway!

Take in a rodeo, a cowboy poetry gathering, a pow wow, or a farmer’s market. Explore “The Trail’s” 700 km length and visit the setting of many movies and TV series. You can spend a few hours, days, or a lifetime exploring the trail’s hidden gems.

12 0

Highwood River

Crowsnest Pass

549

541

9 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com 3

507

Castle River

Glenwood

Waterton River

507

Brocket

Peigan Indian Reserve

Pincher Creek

785

Granum

520

2 505

810

U.S.A.

Waterton

CANADA

WATERTON 5 LAKES NATIONAL Mountain View PARK 6

Blood Indian Reserve

Stand Off

Fort Macleod

Oldman River

to Lethbridge

520

Hillspring Cardston Twin Butte 800

Cowley

529

to Medicine Hat

to Drumheller

Stavely

Claresholm

510

Oldman River

547

Bow River

Nanton

Willow Creek

533

540

HILLS

RESERVE

774

Beaver Mines

High River

Okotoks

783

Lundbreck

FOREST

Crowsnest River

Calgary

567

PORCUPINE

517

Chain Lakes

MOUNTAIN

ROCKY

734

532

543

72 Airdrie

Longview

Turner Valley

Eden Valley Indian Reserve

546

Black Diamond

549

22X

Priddis Millarville

762

Sarcee Indian Reserve

Cochrane

ALBERTA

Sheep River

Elbow River

Bragg Creek

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Highwood Pass

KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Kananaskis River

742

Morley

Stoney Indian Reserve

580 Crossfield

567

Cremona

Stoney Indian Reserve

Waiparous 40

Bow River

PARK

Canmore

Banff

579

Water Valley

2 Carstairs

To ensure your Pow Wow is included please send details to info@experiencetravelguides.com

For more information, check out ExperienceTheCowboyTrail.com

Bronze Statues by Studio West

22 0

3 40

200

0 32

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

NATIONAL

Lake Louise

Vermillion Pass

100

1 80

30 0

1 60

28 0

Kicking Horse Pass

0 14

260

2 40

734

Experience The Cowboy Trail

Be sure to watch for the Pow Wow Schedule in the 2022 edition.

Complete our reader survey on pg 24 for a chance to win new boots!

Cowboys and Coffee

The connection between a cowboy and his coffee is as strong

The emerging popularity of coffee quickly made its way up the

as espresso. And there are really good reasons for that. On the

Rockies and into Canada. Today, the coffee culture is strong.

eve of the American Revolution in the late 18th century, it

Local shops roast top quality beans in small batches that you

became unpatriotic to drink tea. In need of a warm jolt to kick

can find in local stores. If you want to connect with the local

start their day and sustain long hours in the wild, cowboys

residents on your next trip to small-town Alberta, walk into

and ranchmen began to drink coffee. Back then; coffee beans

an independent coffee shop in the morning. You will likely

were imported from South America, usually by train up to San

find a table occupied by old-timers taking it easy, sipping a

Francisco. The whole green beans came in big jute bags. In

cup of coffee. Order yours and find a pretext to talk to them.

camp, the cook would roast the beans in a cast-iron pan and

They may pull your leg a bit just for fun, but they will quickly

run them through a handheld coffee grinder. The next steps to

engage in a conversation, and sometimes even pull out a chair

making coffee are pretty much those described in the sidebar.

for you. Discover the true nature of the Cowboy Trail.

A hot pot of coffee would always be ready in the camp, next to

How to brew the ultimate cowboy coffee

the portable wood stove or the fire pit. Still, not every single

If you haven’t sipped real cowboy coffee, you are in for a very

cowboy had a coffee pot. Some had to make do with a stock-

pleasant surprise. It is smooth, creamy, robust and comforting.

pot. In these cases, the coffee was sometimes filtered using one

The French and the Italians applied high science to making

of the mens socks. Despite such shortcomings, a cup of coffee

the perfect coffee. The cowboy made the process way simpler.

was always welcome. It was a time to take a pause, relax and

Here is a cowboy coffee recipe you can try at home or on your

connect with fellow riders.

next camping trip. 10 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Cowboys and Coffee First, fill a coffee pot with water from the nearby creek (the Alberta Foothills and Rockies’ backcountry are blessed with streams flowing with clean water). Bring the water to a boil on the fire pit. Once the water starts boiling, add your coffee grounds (coarse or finer will do) - about one to two tablespoons per cup. Some people also add a pinch of salt or finely ground eggshells to the water to cut the bitterness. I do neither. Bring the coffee to a slow boil for two to three minutes. The boiling extracts the coffee and reduces the acidity, creating a creamy brew. Take the coffee pot off the flame, and set it away from the heat for a couple of minutes. Add a cup of icy water (say about 1/10 of the volume) to the coffee pot and let it sit another three minutes (the cold water will sink down, bringing with it the coffee grinds). Or, gently sway the coffee pot a few times, front to back, allowing the centrifuge effect to take place and force the coffee grinds down to the bottom of the pot. Voila! Your cup of java is ready. Story an Photos By: Renée Delorme

Coffee Shops on the Cowboy Trail Mayerthorpe Crockett House Cafe

Entwistle Bloom & Bliss Flower and Coffee Shop Buds and Beans

Drayton Valley Cobblestone Cafe The Local House Cafe Drayton Valley Bakery & Cafe

Rocky Mountain House Copper Creek Cafe Little Country Cappuccino

Sundre Backwoods Bakery & Cafè Kodiak BBQ & Deli

Cremona Vintage Coffee Bar

Cochrane Cochrane Coffee Traders ltd Guy’s Cafe and Bakery The Gentry Espresso Bar

Bragg Creek Bragg Creek Cafe & Baking Co. The Heart of Bragg Creek Cinnamon spoon

Millarville Corner House Cafe

Turner Valley Chuckwagon Cafe Coyote Moon Cantina & Espresso Bar

Black Diamond Black Diamond Bakery & Cafe

Longview Little Apple Café And Bakeshop Little New York Bistro HayWire Cafe and Grill House Twin Cities Cafe

Pincher Creek Harvest Coffeehouse

Waterton Waffleton Thirsty Bear Waterton - Kitchen & Bar Pearls Café 11 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience Waterton, Pincher Creek & Cardston

Waterton Lakes National Park may be one of the smallest of Canada’s national mountain parks, but many consider it to be the most stunning. The native plants here are so numerous, Waterton is called the Wildflower Capital of Canada. It is a peaceful place that will remain in your heart forever. At the heart of the park, the quaint hamlet of Waterton, located 57 km south of Pincher Creek and 55 km west of Cardston, is the most southerly community on The Cowboy Trail. It offers year-round hotel, dining, and shopping opportunities. Across the bay from the hamlet on a hill overlooking the lake is the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel. This park is a place of significance for Blackfoot people. Here, an Indigenous presence can be traced back for 10,000 years. There are signs of campsites, fire rings and bison drive lanes among the many archaeological sites. Horses played an important role in Waterton’s development. Trails were created to link the great lodges and pack trains of horses would deliver supplies and the first tourists. Explore on horseback and you will discover the park in a new way. Many visitors use Waterton as a base while in the region. There are several authentic western adventures here such as Alpine Stables, the Great Canadian Barn Dance at Hill Spring, the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston, the

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump near Fort Macleod, and the incredible Thanksgiving Ranch, 15 km northwest of Twin Butte! It is the perfect time to discover beautiful waterfalls, hike the Bears Hump, marvel at the seemingly tame (but give a wide berth to) wildlife, rent a kayak, and enjoy a round of mountain golf. On a clear night, star gazing is a must! Waterton Park was set aside in 1895, nestled in the southwest corner of the Province of Alberta, it borders Glacier National Park in the State of Montana, USA. In 1931, Rotary Clubs from each region suggested the two parks be joined, creating the first International Peace Park in the world. A symbol of friendship, this partnership also creates cooperation in the stewardship of this unique area. Hikers can put their boots on in Canada, and hike in the United States. Waterton has a population of about 300. In the summer those numbers swell into the thousands, but it was made for walking. The town itself is six by four streets wide, so park your car and walk everywhere. There is much to be explored and enjoyed in this beautiful tranquil environment. To find out more about Waterton Lakes National Park and what you can experience, download their Activity Guide at experiencetravelguides.com/library or visit mywaterton.ca.

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Experience Waterton, Pincher Creek & Cardston Located 2 hours south of Calgary, Pincher Creek has a deep connection with the early settlement of The West. The North West Mounted Police established a post here in 1876. Staff could retire after just five years of service, after which several constables remained in the area to try their hand at ranching. Finding good prairie grass and strong Chinook winds that kept the range open and free from snow, the area was regarded as good ranching country. By 1878, there were about 1,000 head of cattle in the Pincher Creek to the Fort Macleod area. The industry would continue to grow. Be sure to check out the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. It’s home to a Visitor Centre, Country Store, 27 heritage cabins and two museum buildings filled with intriguing artifacts. Visit their website at kootenaibrown.ca. The Heritage Acres Museum is 17 km north of Pincher Creek, at the east end of the Oldman River Reservoir. The museum hosts several events throughout the year. heritageacres.org

Today Pincher Creek is a vibrant community of about 3,600 people, with modern shopping facilities, restaurants and hotels. Learn more about their services and recreational opportunities by visiting pinchercreek.ca Located just 10 mins north of the Montana border, Cardston celebrates its horse-drawn transport of the past with the largest wagon and carriage collection in North America. Be sure to visit the Remington Carriage Museum. One of Seabiscuit’s (a famous racehorse) jockeys started his career working in Cardston’s huge horse barns, that served the wagon trains used to supply Alberta from Montana in the late 1800s. The barns burned down, but a beautiful bronze statue of Seabiscuit and his local jockey stand outside the museum. The displays are fascinating, with everything from stagecoaches to the fancy carriages of New York high society. Check out their website at RemingtonCarriageMuseum.ca for up-to-date information.

For more Information visit mywaterton.ca, pinchercreek.ca, and cardston.ca

Photos Courtesy of Robin Laurenson

13 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Discover the Blackfoot Culture Despite decades of harsh government policies designed to destroy their languages and institutions, Canada’s indigenous people are managing to preserve some of what makes them unique – their words.

classroom to the library, the coffee shop to the world’s highest tech science facilities. And, while these efforts are piecemeal and often struggle to find funding, there are many determined people involved whose work is having a cumulative effect.

When a language disappears, so do pieces of the collective memory of the culture that speaks it, as with environmental knowledge produced over hundreds or even thousands of years.

Today, for example, it is not uncommon to hear Blackfoot being spoken at coffee shops, and the City of Lethbridge has adopted the Blackfoot hello ‘Oki’ as its official civic greeting.

The Innu language of the arctic, for example, has many more concepts for ‘snow’ than you find in English. It’s not hard to understand that for people who spent more than half their lives on snow and ice without motorized transport, understanding variations in “snow” would be important. Making your igloo out of collapsible snow could be detrimental to one’s health.

A high school teacher in Strathmore produced a Blackfoot play after learning the stories contained in the art at ‘Writing On Stone’ park could no longer be read with authority, because for so long the government refused to allow natives to access the site, and the visual language knowledge was lost.

Members of Alberta and Montana’s Blackfoot Confederacy also believe their languages contain knowledge and content crucial to their thriving as a people, and so efforts are being undertaken to preserve and restore their language – from the

One of the earliest promoters of restoring the many dialects of Blackfoot, Daryl Kipp, noted that the names for many plants in the region had been lost, and with it the knowledge of what that plant might be good for, from food to medicine. Kipp started the Piegan Institute in Montana when they were

Corey Gray and Sharon Yellowfly Courtesy National Public Radio / Russell Barber

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Discover the Blackfoot Culture down to very few native speakers, and it continues to grow. He’s passed on now, but others have taken up the cause, and today southern Alberta’s libraries are doing their part. Linda Weasel Head, an indigenous liaison at the Lethbridge public library, offered Blackfoot learning opportunities using ‘native’ puppets created on the Siksika reserve. During weekly puppet shows to teach ‘100 Words of Blackfoot,’ she smiles when she says “kids pay more attention to the puppets than to me as a teacher. To them, the puppets are as real as you are.” Representation that looks and speaks like your people can have a profound impact, and the Siksika puppets are so popular that creator Laura Asham has made a business out of producing them for many eager parents, daycares, and schools. In Calgary, the new main library has opened an Indigenous Languages Centre, featuring books in many languages, including Blackfoot. Author Latasha Calf Robe’s book “My Braids” was written for her young son to be proud of his traditional hairstyle.

Blackfoot was also featured at the highest echelons of global science! This happened when Corey Gray, who is a scientist at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory facility, signed up his mother, Sharon Yellowfly, to translate into the Siksika language the momentous announcement that the project had, in fact, discovered gravitational waves. Since the 2016 announcement was of global importance, its media release was being translated into over 20 languages, and Gray thought ‘wouldn’t it be cool if we could get this in an Indigenous language?’ Which is where his mom came in. Despite years of residential school efforts to kill the language in her, Sharon remains a proficient Blackfoot speaker. Still, the task meant days of effort coming up with new terms and concepts, like “Abuduuxbiisii o?bigimskAAsts” or “they stick together waves” to describe gravitational waves. It seems Blackfoot languages are not merely surviving, but evolving, as all living languages do. By: Allen R. Gibson.

About the Book: Siipisaahkomaapi (Night Boy) is a traditional Blackfoot boy. In this story, he shares his world with his family, and the meaning and gifts of his three braids. About the Author:Latasha Calf Robe is from the Kainaiwa First Nation and a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Latasha is the proud daughter of Marvin and Teena Calf Robe. Latasha is a mother of three beautiful Blackfoot children who she raises with her partner Adam Solway. With the support and teaching from her family, Latasha is thrilled to share Niitsippooktsistaanitsi with you. Find the book in the Calgary Public Library catalogue.

15 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience Chain Lakes Provincial Park Open year-round, Chain Lakes offers 122 campsites, many of which are secluded. On hot days, enjoy the beach, or many other water activities. The kids will love the playground and the seasonal on-site concession provides hot meals and specialty coffees as well as snacks. Cell service may not be available here but there is a payphone at the concession. Located at the intersection of Hwys 533 and 22, just 75 minutes north of either the Crowsnest Pass or Pincher Creek, this park makes for a great stop from which your family can comfortably explore the southern leg of The Cowboy Trail. Day trips to nearby towns and tourist attractions include: • The Historic Bar U Ranch (27 km north) • Longview (40 km north – jerky & restaurants) • Nanton (40 km northeast – antiques & Bomber Command Museum of Canada) • Frank Slide Interpretive Center (93 km southwest) • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (120 km southeast)

Nestled between Porcupine Hills and the Rocky Mountains, it provides some of the nicest views of Alberta’s rolling foothills. The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout so bring along your fly fishing gear and your licence. Native bull trout may also be found in the lakes but they are a catch-and-release species. Numerous trails connect the camping loops to the lakefront, the main day use area and the boat launches. To stretch the legs, or to let the kids blow off some steam, grab the bikes or take a stroll across the dam to the group area then follow the road back up to the park office. Bird watchers will be pleased that the lakes and geographical location make it an excellent venue for birding. Look for longeared owls, loons, great blue herons and trumpeter swans. Wildlife viewing opportunities are very good here, as well. You may spot cougar, lynx, elk, moose, grey wolf, and grizzly bears. For more information phone (403) 382-4097. To reserve your campsite go to Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca.

16 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Horses: Trust, Respect, and Team Work

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta/ Neil Zeller @neil_zee

An equine-assisted learning program is a ground-based horse course that builds confidence and teamwork through trust, respect, and problem solving. “I wanted my last breath on earth to be doing something that literally changes people’s lives while working with horses in a completely different way.” Kari Fulmek, Founder and Master Instructor at Equine Connection, shares her inspiration for the equine-assisted learning programs she has offered since 2009. Glowing testimonials reflect the life-changing impact of her horse courses. According to Colin Merrick, “this learning will be remembered and retained unlike classroom sessions.”

How does it work? With the horse as teacher, and human facilitator as interpreter, the participants work together to complete challenges or tasks. Activities are collaborative rather than competitive, with everyone working towards a common goal. A facilitator is on hand every single step of the way to assist and provide explanation (connecting experiences to behavioural profiles in an example), but most of the learning is hands-on. “Horses have a lot to teach us!” Fulmek explains. “Herds to horses are just like teams to people. Horses have natural ‘herd

behaviours’ that require trust, respect and teamwork from all members of the team.” Participants must observe the horses carefully and listen to them in order to successfully complete each exercise. “The horses’ jobs are speaking to the clients through their bodies to help bring about the changes the human needs to make. Their feedback is honest and instant.” Just when you have one horse figured out, you may switch horses with another team, so you get more experience gaining mutual trust and respect. Individuals, corporate teams, students, and patients can all benefit from equine-assisted learning. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself and others. When asked how horses teach, Fulmek says, “I have seen the power of how these horses have changed and touched every person who has come through my doors with a positive, move forward direction just because the horse was the one to tell them versus a human.” By: Karen Ung

Equine-Assisted Learning Outfits Equine Connection, Carseland: equineconnection.ca Lasting Strides Equine, Delacour: lastingstridesequine.com Higher Trails, Millarville: HigherTrails.ca

17 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience the Bar U, Longview & Kananaskis

The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada (Bar U) is located 101 km north of Lundbreck and 15 km south of Longview, at the junction of Hwys 22 and 540. Set in the rolling foothills, the Bar U is the only historic site to commemorate the history of ranching in Canada. Established in the 1880’s, it was one of the first large corporate ranches. Pat Burns once owned this ranch and Harry Longabaugh (better known as the Sundance Kid) worked here. Parks Canada has operated the site since 1991. Discover the life of a cowboy from the late 1800s. Ride on a wagon pulled

by Percheron horses. Wander through the rustic old buildings. Try your hand at cowboy skills. Pick up quality western gifts for your buckaroo! Enjoy an authentic ranch house meal. Open daily from May to September. 10am - 5pm. Located 45 mins south of Calgary, the scenic drive from this city to Longview makes for a pleasant getaway. And there are tons of reasons to stop in this quaint little western community. Longview was established at the turn of the century to service farms and ranches. The area is rich with oil and gas history and at its peak it’s believed that the population was about 2,500. The community was known as Little New York, a name that still sticks when it comes to the celebration of “Little New York Daze” an event typically held annually during the summer. You will be pleasantly surprised by the number of restaurants here, as well as the quality of the food. The Little New York Bistro, the Longview Steak House and the Historic Longview Hotel are just three and they all get rave reviews. But you’ve also arrived at the mecca of cowboy snacks – the legendary Longview Jerky Shop.

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Experience the Bar U, Longview & Kananaskis Who might guess that a chewy, sometimes salty, sweet, spicy or smoky concoction could have such a huge fan following? But don’t take our word for that. Clint Eastwood special ordered jerky to the set while making his film Unforgiven, nearby.

The landscapes in and around Longview are breathtaking. If you are looking for serenity, Kananaskis Country (Kananaskis) is the place for you. This large tract of land consists of many provincial parks, wildlands and other recreation areas.

In addition to superb culinary treats, you may be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the work of the local artisans. Debra Garside’s passion for horses has always matched her love for art. Acknowledged as one of Canada’s top equestrian coaches in the 1980s, she transitioned into photography and has won numerous awards. Debra spends much of her time following wild horses and is one of the few photographers granted access to Sable Island. debragarsidephotography.com

Kananaskis Country was first identified as a place worthy of being preserved, more than a century ago. In 1902, parts were included in the Rocky Mountain National Park (now Banff National Park), but they were removed in 1911 and eventually turned over to the Alberta Government in 1930.

Longview Leather purchased the inventory of Caledon Leather Sales in 2014. For over 26 years, they were Western Canada’s leading supplier of leather and leatherworking supplies. Since then, they have added hundreds of additional products that will definitely interest to leatherworkers and saddle makers. Whether you are a professional or hobbyist, be sure to say hello to Daniel and check out longviewleather.com

For more information go to village.longview.ab.ca

To enter Kananaskis, drive west along Hwy 541. Watch for sheep, elk, moose, deer, bear (both black and grizzly), coyotes, wolves and other wildlife. The Highwood and Cataract Creek Areas are located 35 km west of Longview. These areas offer great fishing and camping experiences, numerous hiking and equestrian trails. If you’re looking for a great day trip, go south from Cataract Creek along Hwy 40 (note this section of gravel road is closed December 1 to June 14 due to snowpack and wildlife calving). Then return to Hwy 22 by following Hwy 532, past the Indian Graves campground to the north end of Chain Lakes.

Longview Jerky Shop WORLD FAMOUS LONGVIEW-STYLE JERKY Finely Cut Strips of Roast – Juicy and Tender Marinated in our Outstanding Secret Family Recipe Baked to Mouth Watering Perfection – Simply Irresistible We Use Only 100% Alberta Beef

You must visit Longview and experience our world famous Jerky. A true taste of Alberta! 148 Morrison Road (Hwy 22 - The Cowboy Trail) Longview, Alberta

Discover the new Pekisko Creek Trail Ramble through historic rangelands, barns and old cowboy trails!

Découvrez le nouveau sentier du ruisseau Pekisko Promenez-vous dans les parcours historiques, les granges et les anciens sentiers de cow-boy!

403-558-3960 longviewjerkyshop.com 19 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

A Peek At the History of The OH Ranch Branding at the OH Ranch corrals, near High River, Alberta, 1892. Courtesy of the Glenbow Museum (na-466-9)

On January 29, 1880, the first cattle brand was registered in what is now Alberta, by none other than Sam Steele, who is arguably Canada’s most famous member of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), and his partner Percy Neale in historic Fort Macleod. The brand they chose was “71”. Over the years there have been countless brands registered a nd sold by Alberta ranchers. One of the most historic brands belongs to the OH Ranch, now owned and operated by the Calgary Stampede Foundation to continue their preservation of its environmental and cultural heritage values. The historic roots of the OH Ranch and brand date back to 1881 but the brand was not registered until 1883, meaning the founders were ranching illegally for a couple of years. The OH stands for the first two initials of Orville Hawkins Smith, one of two ranchers who registered the brand. Buffalo hunter Lafayette French was Smith’s partner. Only two years later

Frederick Ings from Prince Edward Island bought all 300 head of OH cattle. Then when his brother James joined him in 1883, they renamed the ranch to The Rio Alto (Spanish for ‘high river’) as a tribute to the time the brothers spent in Spain. The NWMP established a station on the ranch, which was in operation until 1900. The original cabin burned in 1961 but a recreation was erected. The ranch was sold to a New York company during WW1 and exchanged hands again in 1918 when it was purchased by “The Cattle King”, Senator Patrick Burns. Burns controlled enough land at one time that you could ride on horseback from Calgary to the U.S. border without leaving his property! The Burns Estate sold the property in 1950 to Bill Ardern and C.W. “Kink” Roenish. They changed the name of the ranch to the OH Ranch and hired renowned cowman Bert Sheppard

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to manage it. In 1957, Sheppard and Ardern’s son-in-law A.D. Kingsford became full partners. The OH was sold to Daryl “Doc” Seaman, one of Alberta’s most generous philanthropists, in 1987. The Department of National Defence was planning to buy it for use as an artillery range. In 2008 a portion of the ranch, originally grazing leases, was set aside as the OH Ranch Heritage Rangelands. The very next year a conservation easement was placed on the ranch’s private land. Seaman owned the ranch until his death in 2009. Doc’s many contributions included minor hockey support, help to build the Olympic Saddledome, and donated $117 million to the Calgary upon his passing - one of the largest civic donations in Canadian history. Doc also co-owned the Calgary Flames.

Frederick Ings, 1920. Courtesy of the Glenbow Museum (nb-9-54)

Bill Siebens, a Calgary oil tycoon, purchased the historic OH Ranch and brand from Doc’s estate and a short time later he also donated the brand and the almost 8,000-acre southern portion of the ranch to the Calgary Stampede Foundation. At the time this gift was valued at $11 million. There are many stories associated with the OH Ranch but none perhaps as interesting as the time Harry Longabaugh, aka “The Sundance Kid”, the infamous train robber partner of Butch Cassidy (real name Robert Leroy Parker). Harry saved the life of Fred Ings during a bad snow storm in 1890. “The Sundance Kid” spent 2 years working at the nearby Bar U Ranch south of Longview. Longabaugh and Cassidy were reported killed in a shootout in November 1908 in Bolivia. By Rob Lennard

Orville Hawkins Smith. Courtesy of the Glenbow Museum (na-533-1)

Most Historic Brand To commemorate Canada’s 150th Birthday, a national cattle brand contest took place in the spring of 2017. The winning entry was submitted by George Edworthy, who’s Quarter-Circle L brand, was originally owned by Sam Livingston. Sam raised cattle in the late 1800’s on the property in Calgary today where Heritage Park and the Glenmore reservoir reside. The brand was passed to George’s father in the 1940’s who raised cattle just west of Calgary on the Shaganappi Ranch until 1963 when the City of Calgary purchased the Ranch and turned it into Edworthy Park for all citizens to enjoy.

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History of Chuckwagon Racing

Photo Courtesy of Calgary Stampede

The history of Chuckwagon racing in Alberta is of great interest to me as I have been a big fan of the truly “made in Alberta” sport for almost 50 years, back to when I was a 12 year old boy and part of the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show with the Young Canadians. I would watch the Chuckwagon races every night from the rail, which was located just behind the big stage we performed on shortly after the exciting races finished. In regards to the history of the sport and its introduction into “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” in 1923. The races were the idea of Guy Weadick, the cowboy who created the first Calgary Stampede in 1912. That said, 11 years before Chuckwagon races made their Stampede debut, there was Stagecoach Racing at the very first Calgary Stampede, in which Colonel Felix Warren from the USA won the top prize money of $250.00. Apart from the 1912 Stagecoach Racing inspiring Guy to create the idea of the chuckwagon races, there are 2 prevailing stories as to the sport’s origin. First of all Guy was keen to feature events at his Calgary Stampede that were based on authentic cowboy experiences and he knew all to well about the informal friendly racing of the mobile kitchens (chuckwagons) during roundups on the range.

The second story revolves around Guy organizing a large barbeque meal at the grandstand during the 1919 Victory Stampede. After the two cooks served the meals from the back of their two chuckwagons then hitched the horses up and raced their wagons to the Grandstand exit, inspiring the event. The sport was introduced at the 1923 Calgary Stampede as the “Cowboy’s Chuck-Wagon Race” and Guy Weadick recruited six ranches to participate with competitive Cowboys including Clem Gardner, one of the finest Canadian cowboys at the first Stampede and “Wildhorse” Jack Morton who was famous for doing double duty, setting up downtown to serve pancake breakfasts in the morning then racing in the evening. The rules for the first race included the teams cutting a figure eight around two barrels then galloping around the track to the finish line, followed by the unhitching of their horses from their wagons and then making a fire. The team creating the first smoke decided the winner! The first champion was none other than Bill Sommers, a 70-year-old stagecoach driver from the Yukon. Bill’s record time was two minutes and 50 seconds and for the win he received $25.00 and a new cowboy hat, which is a far cry from the $100,000 that Logan Gorst won at the GMC Rangeland Derby in 2019.

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History of Chuckwagon Racing Next, there have been many changes made over the years to make the sport safer, starting back in 1925 when lighting fires were not required to declare a winner of a race. Other changes include; the wooden barrels have been replaced with lightweight collapsible ones, the number of outriders have been reduced from 4 down to 2 and in the next Calgary Stampede, the number of chuckwagons competing in each race shall be reduced from four per race, also called heats, down to three. In regards to the finest Chuckwagon driver in the history of the sport, Dick Cosgrave held the all time record of 11 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship titles for 65 years. This honour however transferred to Kelly Sutherland, also known as “The King”, when he won his 12th championship in 2011. Kelly raced for a remarkable 50 years and chances are he would have raced at many more if it hadn’t been for the Stampede’s mandatory retirement age of 65.

Kelly got his start racing ‘chucks’ as an outrider when he was only 15 years old boy in 1967, a year later he started driving his own team. Four years later at 22 he won his first Calgary Stampede title and there was no turning back. That said, the legend remembers that he had, “watched drivers compete for decades and never win the Stampede. I simply felt blessed and could not believe I had won.” Finally, forty years ago, in 1981, it was a thrill for me to cheer on one particular chuckwagon at the Calgary Stampede, the one that was sponsored by Lennard Corporation and outfitted with a white and black Lennard Corporation tarp. Each night when I heard the famous announcer Joe Carbury shout “And they’re off....” it sent my heart rate racing faster than a seasoned outrider racing around the dusty track towards the finish line! By: Rob Lennard

Photo Courtesy of Calgary Stampede

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2021 Rodeo Schedule Rodeo

Date Town/City Website

Bonnyville Pro Rodeo

June 18-19

Bonnyville

rodeocanada.com

High River Pro Rodeo

June 26-27

High River

rodeocanada.com

Ponoka Stampede

June 28-July 4

Ponoka

rodeocanada.com

Benalto Pro Rodeo

July 4-7

Benalto

rodeocanada.com

Calgary Stampede

July 9-18

Calgary

July 30-Aug 2

Strathmore

Sundre Pro Rodeo

Aug 6-8

Sundre

sundrerodeo.com/

Stavely Pro Rodeo

Aug 12-14

Stavely

rodeocanada.com

Okotoks Pro Rodeo

Aug 27-29

Okotoks

rodeocanada.com

Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo

Aug 27-29

Drayton Valley

rodeocanada.com

Nov 3-7

Red Deer

Strathmore Stampede

Canadian Finals Rodeo

calgarystampede.com strathmoreag.com/about

cfrreddeer.ca

Some spectators attend to witness the gut wrenching, down in the dirt action, up close and personal. Pancake breakfasts, parades, barbequed beef, dances, mutton bustin’, and pony races all make today’s rodeo a family-friendly experience.

Photo Courtesy of Gordon Hodgkinson

When we launched this travel guide in 2013, we recognized that a Calendar of Events for both the Rodeos as well as the Pow Wows in the region would be of real value to our readers. The typical rodeo in Western Canada is a competitive sporting event that occurs during a specific weekend within a given community, between May and October. Cowboys and cowgirls test their skill and speed working with horses and livestock in activities that mirror working practices of cattle herding.

The term Pow Wow (or powwow) is used to describe a social gathering of First Nations people. Events vary in length and celebrate their rich culture. Competitive dancing is featured. Contestants dawn colourful traditional dress and utilize hoops, chanting and drums in their performances. Public events are re-opening for 2021 - even the renowned Calgary Stampede, the largest outdoor rodeo in Canada. First launched in 1912, this event typically runs for a full 10 days, starting the first Friday of July. In Bragg Creek, the Tsuu T’ina Pow Wow & Rodeo usually takes place the last weekend of July. It is one of the largest First Nations rodeos in Canada. Please see above for a list of Rodeos for the 2021 season but be sure to check their website for up-to-date information. Watch for the Pow Wows schedule in our 2022 edition.

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Partners on The Cowboy Trail

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The Cowboy Trail Alberta, Canada

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Anchor D Ranch Banff Trail Riders Balzac Business Community Association Boundary Ranch Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce Bragg Creek Trading Post Cowboy Trail Market Cypress Hills Destination Region Enlightened Herb Cannabis Historic Reesor Ranch Home on The Range Adventure Tours Marv’s Classic Soda Shop McKenzie’s Trails West Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures Oldman River Brewing Ltd Outpost at Warden’s Rock Ram River Tours & South Ram Outﬁtters Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site Studio West Sundance Lodges Sundre Pioneer Museum Sunset Guiding & Outﬁtting Timberline Tours Town of Cochrane Town of Mayerthorpe Town of Pincher Creek Town of Sundre The Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies Village of Cremona

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Marv’s Classic Soda Shop and Diner

• Classic 50s style Burgers & Fries • Authentic Soda Fountain, Shakes & Malts • 1957 Seeburg Jukebox • 150 varieties of Vintage Glass Bottled Soda Pop • NOW LICENSED

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Please check the website for speciﬁc hours when you plan to travel.

“Relive the 1950s experience!”

403-933-7001 www.marvsclassics.ca Boundary Ranch

Come and enjoy all Boundary Ranch has to offer! Scenic Horseback Trail Rides from one hour to a full day!

1-877-591-7177 Boundaryranch.com 14

There is something for everyone! Visit our Buffalo paddock on horseback or dog Cart, take in the scenic views on the Ridge Ride, stop for lunch by the waterfall on our full Day Adventure or enjoy lunch on the Caribou Café patio. Check out our New Tour, Adventure Dog Carting and Explore our Wildlife Wonders Museum! Combination Packages available.

Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures

Providing horse enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy some of the best riding in Western Canada since 1991. With well-conditioned and responsive horses, our team of knowledgeable guides seeks to ensure every rider experiences the best of Alberta’s unspoiled beauty. Join us for a few hours or a few weeks. Day rides are offered from our base at the M&M ranch, less than an hour from Calgary and only minutes from Bragg Creek. Reservations Required. www.packtrips.ca 403-949-3329

Bragg Creek Trading Post

For authentic native crafts visit the historic Trading Post and experience the ambiance of its 90 plus years here. Where else can you try on genuine moccasins, mukluks or mitts or a native knit Cowichan sweater around the warmth of a trusty wood stove amidst the aroma of freshly tanned hides. Or have the chance experience of meeting the native artists who bring their crafts in to trade or sell as you peruse all the other unusual and beautiful offerings?

P: 403 949 3737 117 White Avenue, Bragg Creek www.braggcreek-tradingpost.ca 27 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Stay awhile Come camp in a tipi, trapper tent, trapline cabin, RV or tent. For current trip planning, event, activity, and key date information, please visit:

pc.gc.ca/rockymountainhouse

EXPLORE TAKE OUT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

pc.gc.ca/rockymountainhouse

Sundre offers many secret spots to park your RV or pitch your tent. Whether dinner is outside your front door or at a local restaurant, there’s a “catch of the day” for every palate. Why not make reservations to visit Sundre today?

Sundre Fishing_ExpCowboyTrail ad May2020.indd 1

32 28 |Photo Enter Contest Our Photo & ContestSurvey 32 || Enter Enter our our Photo Contest & Reader Reader Survey

alberta canada

exploresundre.com #ExploreSundre

2020-05-12 4:26 PM

Experience a Country Vacation

You can find it all, from the prairies to the Rocky Mountain foothills Imagine yourself taking the best vacation of your life

or freeway within sight or earshot. Others are

at a ranch, in the backcountry or a country vacation

amazed at the peaceful silence.

venue. The cool, fresh mountain air, the open spaces, the feel of a steady horse beneath you as you top the

Let’s not forget the possibility to master the “art

next rise…relaxing in the warmth of the setting sun

of relaxation”. When you find yourself surrounded

as you wait for the dinner bell call…shared time with

by natural beauty, slow down, breathe deeply and

family and friends.

appreciate it. Watch a sunset, wait for the cattle to come to water, go bird watching, take a walk through

Some guests say it’s an awesome experience to be

wildflowers, nap in a hammock, listen to livestock,

surrounded only by wilderness without a street light

or just sit quietly and let your mind wander.

The meals are scrumptious and the accommodations range from rustic cabins and cozy teepees to pampered retreats Close your eyes and think of the Canadian West Rocky Mountains horseback pack trips working guest ranches cattle drives clean clear, wide open spaces

403-731-7921

homeontherange.ca

Submit a photo of your authentic western experience for a chance to WIN See pg 49 for details 29 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience Diamond Valley

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta A Family is having ice-cream at Marv’s Classic Soda Shoppe in Black Diamond.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Colin Way Couple drinking beers on the patio at Westwood.

Located at the junction of Hwys 7 & 22, just 15 min north of Longview and only 35 min SW of Calgary, Black Diamond is 5 min east of Turner Valley. The Chamber of Commerce here represents both communities and combining the names of the two towns, goes by the handle of Diamond Valley.

That’s the term we use because “Diamond” may refer to the many wonderful gems you’ll find here: artwork, jewellery, hand-crafted home decor, specialty clothing and fantastic restaurants. The pace here is much calmer. At the turn of the 20th century, settlers moved here because high grade coal was discovered in the area. Even though coal is no longer mined here, “the world’s largest black diamond” is displayed on Centre Avenue. Rub it for luck! Time stands still at Marv’s Classic Soda Shop. It’s a 50s diner and authentic soda fountain. The ambience will stir the heart of any senior and all those who enjoy a handmade hamburger and home-cut fries. You may not find a better milkshake! Right across the street, the Soft Rock Bistro offers a selection of staples, including a chicken bacon wrap, quesadilla, and beef dip and but they specialize in French Canadian cuisine: poutine, Montreal smoked meat, and even tourtiere.

find your WOW factor

134 Centre Ave East, Black Diamond, Ab 403.933.5356 Open 10-5:30 daily

Unique Teak Furniture & Carvings, Exotic Stone Sculptures Bathroom Fixtures, Tables & Desks Blown Glass, Tribal Carpets

Visit us online

BlackDiamondGallery.com @blackdiamondgalleryalberta

/blackdiamondgallery

Looking for Vietnamese? Be sure to visit the Saigon Moon as it will not disappoint, just be sure to start with their salad rolls! And for those craving their double-double, you’ll find a Tim Hortons on the east side of town. Rusty Davidson has been travelling the world for over 40 years. He and his brother started importing the indigenous art styles of the Middle East, Asia, and South America before adding Teak

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Experience Diamond Valley Root furniture, colourful kites and bright children’s clothing from Java, Bali and Indonesia. Their collection changes so be sure to stop at the Black Diamond Gallery, regularly. The Bluerock Gallery is another example of the many fine small businesses in Black Diamond. It is owned by local merchants who carry unique high-quality handmade crafts that are created by Alberta artists. Browse the jewellery, cards, books, and exhibits to your heart’s content. You’ll discover an eclectic mix of paintings, and works in fibre, metal, clay, glass, and wood. The Bluerock has partnered with the Leighton Art Centre, Firebrand Glass Studios, Eversfield Ceramics, the Kristoferson Studio, Mady Thiel-Kopstein, Lineham House Galleries and the Okotoks Art Gallery to establish The Most Beautiful Art Tour in Alberta. The towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley are located right on The Cowboy Trail and are steeped in western culture. In addition, this area is also surrounded by various recreational opportunities and is an important gateway to Kananaskis Country. Bring your bike, tent, kayak, or horse and get “Back to Nature” in Turner 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. Featured for their “Flat Iron Eggs Benedict” on the TV Show “You Gotta Eat Here” produced by the Food Network Canada.

Look for the little red barn at the 4-way stop in Turner Valley. Open at 8 AM daily. Ph: 403-933-0003

Didn’t bring your horse? Or don’t have one? No problems! Located just 11 mins west on Hwy 546, Anchor D Outfitting has the right horseback vacation to satisfy your inner cowboy. From a 2 hour trail ride to a 7 day adventure, Dewy has the guides and the horses for you. Many local events in Diamond Valley are held at Millennium Park which is located in downtown Turner Valley. Right next door, you’ll find the Sheep River Library and the Visitor Info Centre. Stop here for more info about upcoming events. Turner Valley is also home to several restaurants, including the Chuckwagon Cafe which has received Calgary’s Best Burger award, twice. Conveniently located just kitty-corner from the library, the Chuckwagon Cafe’s Flat Iron Eggs Benedict was featured on “You Gotta Eat Here”. This cafe is a very popular spot for breakfast and lunch. American tourists love it because you’ll receive a fair exchange rate on your US dollars, too. Have a hankerin’ for Mexican? MotoBurrito is just 2 blocks east. Another hidden culinary gem is the Turner Valley Golf Club. You don’t have to golf to enjoy the homemade food and spectacular mountain views at their Royalite Grill.

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg Friends looking at a map on main street in Black Diamond

31 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Colin Way

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Roth and Ramberg A group of friends doing a tasting at Eau Claire Distillery

Craft Distilleries Booming in Alberta The beautiful drive. The art galleries. The Chuckwagon Cafe. Marv’s Classic Soda Shop. Indeed, there are many compelling reasons to make a road trip to the neighbouring communities of Black Diamond and Turner Valley. Connoisseurs of the booming craft spirits scene can put one more “stop” on their list: The Eau Claire Distillery. As the first craft distillery in Alberta, the Eau Claire Distillery, which is conveniently located in the heart of Turner Valley right beside the legendary Chuckwagon Cafe, has raised the bar high for this niche industry. Step into their beautifullyappointed tasting room, with its rustic, western-themed decor, and you’re immediately enveloped by a “warmth” that is unique to rural Alberta. Try their award-winning spirits and that “warmth” takes on a whole new meaning.

distillers who are tapping into the Alberta “advantage.” (Our province is home to some of the finest grains in the world!)

Burwood Distillery Located in northeast Calgary, Burwood Distillery is Calgary’s first craft distiller and a great place to start a tour. Their quaint, loft-equipped establishment also serves up delicious comfort food (this is, without a doubt, one of the most eclectic food menus in Alberta) along with their outstanding hand-crafted spirits. To go along with Chef Matthew Filson-Lau’s versatile creations (the mixed grill board with seared pork belly, lamb, and seasonal sausage is mouth-watering) are a cool collage of spirts like honey liqueur, citrus-powered gin, and charcoalfiltered vodka. Important tip: Choose a designated driver and don’t draw the short straw!

While a tour of the facility – available only on the weekends – is recommended, a visit to their tasting room to sample their products is the best course of action! Their award-winning, farm-to-glass craft spirits include the incredibly-smooth Three Point Vodka (their first product, which made its debut in June of 2014), a London-dry style Parlour Gin, and a handful of other delightful spirits including Alberta’s first Single Malt Whiskey, which is bound to get your taste buds doing backflips. (And you thought high-quality Single Malt Whiskeys were only a “Scottish” thing!)

Krang Spirits

But, while Eau Claire Distillery is a true pioneer of Alberta’s now-booming craft distillery scene, there are plenty of other craft spirts from other distillers worth travelling some distance to sip and savour. And, if you’re basing your tour from Calgary, you don’t have to go far. Here is a sampling of some new Alberta

Rig Hand Distillery

Dedicated to producing amazing, handcrafted spirits from only the finest ingredients, Krang Spirits boasts a beautiful 6,000 square-foot facility in the heart of historic downtown Cochrane, which is perfectly situated along the legendary Cowboy Trail. Krang produces numerous fruit liqueurs (their Raspberry and Sour Cherry Krangs have recently won awards) and their Nimbulus Modern Gin, with its coriander and exotic spice tones, is delicious and distinct. This distillery offers free tours and free tastings so there’s no excuse not to go!

“Alberta in a bottle” is just one of many catchy phrases that have been used to describe the potent products from this, the first craft distillery located in the Edmonton area. (located in Nisku.) Packaged in a unique triangular glass bottle that is a

32 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Colin Way Couple learning the distillery process at Krang Spirits

Photo Courtesy of Bryce Meyer Photography Profile photo of David Farren from Eau Claire Distillery

replica of Leduc’s #1 drilling rig, Rig Hand makes whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, moonshine, and coffee cream liquor. Rig Hand also uses grain from a farm located just two miles down the road. Tours and tastings are offered during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends.

Park Distillery Perfectly situated on Banff Avenue, they have quickly become a heavy-hitter in Alberta’s burgeoning craft distillery scene. By using pure, glacier-fed water, high-altitude grain from farms in the Alberta foothills, and hand-crafted techniques from start to finish, Park’s spirits are unlike anything else in the world. Classic Vodka, Alpine Dry Gin, and Maple Rye are a few of their delicious concoctions. But, to do this spirit “stronghold” justice, you need to gather your posse around a table, dine on their awesome around-the-campfire inspired gourmet food offerings, and, well, just soak it all in.

Wild Life Distillery and Raw Distillery Not surprisingly, given the forward-thinking nature of the fine folk from Canmore, there are now two high-quality distilleries that have recently opened their doors in this mountain town. Both Wild Life Distillery (located on the east side of town) and Raw Distillery (located in downtown Canmore and share space with BLAKE Restaurant) are exciting new “players” in the craft spirits “game.” Love a good Caesar? One made with RAW Peppercorn Gin will knock your socks off. With over 20 craft distilleries currently operating in Alberta (and many more upcoming!), the opportunity to explore and experience this growing industry is gaining plenty of traction. And, without a doubt, embarking on a tour along The Cowboy Trail makes for an exceptional – and “spirit-filled” - getaway! By: Andrew Penner

Try Some Authentic Craft German Beer While in Turner Valley In 2008, Jochen Fahr arrived from Germany as a university student and carried a passion for exceptional beers, which led him, in 2015, to start to establish the Brauerei Fahr craft brewery in Turner Valley. This brewery follows the German Beef Purity Law of 1516, which means, in part, they adhere to strict rules and make their beers with the finest grains, hops, water and yeast – no other ingredients.

Their ‘Fahr Away’ Hefeweizen is a refreshing, light, and well-balanced beer perfectly suited for summer patio time. The ‘Fahr North’ Dunkelweizen is similarly delightful for year-round enjoyment with hints of banana and clove thanks to special yeast. Rounding out the selection is the classic ‘Fahr Out’ Pilsner beer, a common yet delicious German beer.

To learn more about Fahr and where to purchase these fine German beers visit fahr.ca 33 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Classic Cowboy Cuisine

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta/ Hero Images

Keeping the cowboys properly fed was a critical job of the old west. This task was entrusted to the camp cook. Hugh Dempsey, in his book The Golden Age of the Canadian Cowboy, describes how the chuckwagon had a leading role back in the late 1880s as cattle began to move in and through Alberta on drives and roundups. “Chuckwagons usually went ahead of the roundup to the next camping place and had a meal ready when the tired cowboys came off the range,” writes Dempsey. Quoting reports of a visiting journalist, Dempsey describes the typical chuckwagon

food. “For breakfast, he said the cowboys had steaks, buns, jam and coffee; for lunch and dinner, beef, canned tomatoes or corn, rice pudding, prunes, pie, bread, butter, jam, coffee and tea.” One of the cooks said his job “was to keep the belly wrinkles out of the crew.” In more modern times, the menu might vary some, but the objective remains the same. Brad McCarthy, ranch wrangler and cook at Homeplace Ranch west of Millarville a few years ago shared his Shepherd’s Pie recipe in Cooking the Cowboy Way, a cookbook written by Grady Spears By: Lee Hart

Shepard’s Pie Recipe Ingredients:

Directions:

2 tsp vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Heat the vegetable oil in a large

1 lb ground sirloin

skillet, over medium heat and add the meat and onion.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Cook until the meat browns and the onion is translucent,

3 cloves garlic, minced

about five minutes. Add the garlic, green beans, carrots

1 cup green or yellow beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

and corn; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the

2 cups peeled, sliced carrots

with salt, pepper, and herbs and stir. Remove from heat

3 ears corn, shucked and kernels removed

and scoop the mixture into a six by nine inch buttered

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

casserole dish. Cover with the mashed potatoes and

3 tsp dried thyme

bake until browned at the edges - about 30 minutes.

3 tsp dried rosemary

Serve with brown gravy, if desired.

vegetables are just tender, five to seven minutes. Season

3 cups mashed potatoes

34 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Experience Our Meaderies “Mead of Poetry” is a Norse legend illustrating the reverence people had for this drink. Long ago, a war between gods ended when both enemies sealed a pact by spitting in a vat. The disgusting spit concoction created Kvasir, the wisest, most learned and artistic human to ever live. Unfortunately for him, he soon fell victim of two cunning dwarves who killed him. The dwarves poured his blood into a vat of honey creating a mead giving Kvasir’s wisdom and knowledge to anyone drinking it. The tasty elixir became known as the “Mead of Poetry.” Eventually, the dwarves surrendered their mead to the son of a giant they had previously slain. Next, Odin, a Norse god, stole the Mead for his own use. If Odin were amongst us today, he certainly would be impressed by Alberta’s wonderful mead offerings. The advent of science coupled with our producers’ talents and artistry certainly qualify Alberta’s meads as “Meads of Poetry.” There are five meaderies along The Cowboy Trail producing outstanding honey wines. As well as tastings, some offer fun experiences like Chinook Arch Meadery’s ‘Horde at the Hive’ (usually held in June, visit website for dates) where visitors can experience the culture of a Viking Village complete with performers. These meaderies rival each other in originality and quality in their mead products, using local fruits and other ingredients to create uniquely Albertan wines. You can visit their tasting rooms to discover their products. To help you with mead terminology we list below some of the mead styles on offer. Taste, ask questions and learn. Our mead producers will love you for it. “Skol!” By: Renée Delorme

Meads

Try

Hydromel: Basic light mead

Tamarack Jack’s “Buzz Saw”

Sack mead: Sweet/ dessert style mead

Grey Owl’s “Cranberry”

Rhodomel: Honey infused with rose petals

Spirit Hills’ “Wild Rosy”

Melomel: Honey fermented with fruits

Spirit Hills’ “Saskwatch” or T amarack Jack’s “Tillicum”

Cyser: Honey fermented with apple or apple juice

Grey Owl Meadery’s “Apple”

Metheglin: Honey infused with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Chinook Arch’s “Fire ‘n’ Spice Mead’

Bochet: Mead made with caramelized honey

Chinook Arch’s “Vanilla Bochet Mead”

Session: a low alcohol, carbonated mead

Fallentimber’s “Hopped Mead”

35 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Chinook Arch Meadery

Experience Alberta Open Farm Days

In the hilarious Hollywood movie, City Slickers (you should

toast? Quite possibly the same farm! That beer you had at the

see it), a trio of stressed-out city boys embark on a comical

brewpub yesterday evening? You get the idea.

cattle drive to find themselves. And, you guessed it, in the end, through much adversity - including nasty storms, stampedes,

And, with over 100 farms and various businesses participating,

and trailside calf birthing emergencies – the main characters

the opportunities and the variety of these “connections” are

(Billy Crystal and Daniel Stern steal the show) have an amazing,

substantial. From dude ranches to fruit wineries - and every-

life-changing experience. Everything that is truly important is

thing in between - the experiences are going to be interesting

put into proper perspective. The catalyst? The great outdoors

and eye opening. And they can have a dramatic and positive

and ranching ways, of course!

impact on how you live. What do you choose to buy.

In many ways, Alberta Open Farm Days - a late-summer,

Sadly, many people – especially city slickers, will never pull a

weekend-long opportunity for city slickers to visit farms and

carrot out of the dirt, wipe it clean, and crunch the goodness of

connect with various agricultural enterprises - strives for some-

the ground from where it came. It puts a different spin on food;

thing similar. True, you may not have an opportunity to help

to see it, taste it, pure and completely unprocessed. And it’s the

a calf enter the world during your experience (although, you

simple experiences like this that make the Alberta Open Farm

never know!), you are guaranteed to have a ton of fun and

Days an event you want to mark on your calendar.

learn plenty of things about stuff you really should know. Stuff that, whether you realize it or not, you are deeply connected

Since its inception in 2009, the Alberta Open Farm Days has

to. These farms, ranches, and ag-tourism operators are the

grown substantially. In the first year only a few participated.

places, and the people that truly sustain our society.

Province-wide, over 100 farms and ag-tourism operators will open their doors to the public. And it’s grown to include not

The milk you dumped on your cereal this morning...Yes,

just farms and ranches, but restaurants, craft breweries, winer-

indeed that came from a dairy cow. The butter you put on your

ies, distilleries, tour operators, and culinary events.

36 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Experience Alberta Open Farm Days nch

Of course, not every event or attraction is “conventional” either. Take, for example, the Farmer Golf that’s part of the festivities at the Four Sister’s Farm just north of Strathmore. Played with a clog on a stick on a crazy course that winds through the pasture (watch out for cow patties!) and careens along the barns, Farmer Golf definitely takes the game to a whole new level…of fun. Many locations - such as the Calgary Stampede’s historic OH Ranch near Longview - offer many attractions and activities depending on your age and interest. The OH Ranch has a variety of activities, including rope making, livestock viewing, and various riding games, all geared for kids. Adults (and kids!) can enjoy a guided tour of the ranch, learn about sustainable ranching practices, and visit the historic Northwest Mounted Police cabin, and much more. Like many of the venues on Alberta Open Farm Days, the most powerful memory can be leaving the city behind and simply immersing yourself in idyllic Alberta countryside. Unquestionably, planning your weekend and your route is not likely going to be an easy task. And, try as you might, visiting more than a handful of spots (they are all worthy!) in one day is unlikely. Thankfully, if you visit the albertafarmdays.ca, you can do some research on the locations and make a plan. The interactive trip-planning map allows you to choose your host farms, review your trip, and get directions to every location. And participation, thanks to the parent organization - Ag for Life and many corporate sponsors, it is free. The exception would be some of the more popular culinary events where early registration is highly recommended. Wherever the road takes you on Alberta Open Farm Days, know this: you are going to meet plenty of friendly folk who have a passion for what they do. You’re going to have fun. And, even if you don’t help bring a cute little calf into the world, you’re going to gain a wealth of knowledge on the rural ways that truly sustain our society. Photos and Story By: Andrew Penner 37 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Courtesy of OH Ra

Experience Bragg Creek

The River Dragon Fly, Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Hertz

Scoops and Snacks, Photo Courtesy of Renee Delorme

Bragg Creek is a quintessential hamlet tucked in the forest on the edge of towering mountains west of Calgary along The Cowboy Trail. The meandering Elbow River, a stream with inviting rocky shores, and plenty of deer give the hamlet that rustic woodsy feel. The local community is proud of what it offers - peaceful living away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Despite temptations for commercial exploitation, the people of Bragg Creek have maintained the celebration of country living, communion with nature and an offering of quality arts, crafts, and food artisans. Stroll down Bragg Creek streets and take your time. It is yours to discover.

and connection, away from a busy life. Take time to sip a cup, browse their offerings of craft, or take in the sun on their patio.

The Heart Cafe is nestled amongst the evergreens across

is hidden off White Avenue, also known as “Heritage Mile”, on Burntall Street. There, amongst the spruce trees, the glass studio has operated for 38 years and the shop for 23 years.

the street from the hamlet’s commercial core. It offers top quality coffee and tea, and fresh baking created on location with healthy ingredients. In 1965, this cabin was the home of the Merryfield family. Today, the family-run cafe and the associated Yoga Studio’s mission, is to be a place for respite SUNCATCHER’S DESIGN STUDIO &

The River Dragonfly

Korner Kitchen is one of the newer family restaurants in town. Unassuming yet well-rooted in the community, the ‘Kitchen’s’ owner Sean Birgit offers delicious pizzas as well as hearty German and English inspired cuisine. The restaurant is located on the “sunny side” of the mall. That is where you must stop for a solid meal and pint of craft beer after a day playing in Kananaskis Country.

SunCatchers Design Studio and River Dragonfly

This inviting cluster of buildings has created a sanctuary for arts and crafts. At its heart is Elizabeth Hertz, a well-known stained glass artist. Her partner Rod, oversees the boutique filled with a treasure trove of antiques, jewellry, stained glass and clothing. Be sure to check them out.

Scoops and Snacks is the town’s “cherry on the sundae.” A

JEWELRY & CLOTHING GIFTS & GARDEN DECOR ART & ANTIQUES MONDAY & TUESDAY BY CHANCE OR APPOINTMENT WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 11:00am - 5:30pm 55 BURNTALL DR. BRAGG CREEK 403-949-4332

“Discover something unexpected”

suncatchersdesigns.com

refreshing summer treat located in a small, somewhat tired yet charming old, log cabin half way down White Avenue. It boasts as many as 50 flavours of ice cream, yogurt or sherbet and, on those warm days, you can expect a bit of a line up. Check them out on Facebook for more information. By: Renée Delorme

38 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Experience Rodeos and Pow Wows 3 40

Wintergreen Woods Estate

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opening and

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39 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

from time-to-time.

Experience Cochrane

Photos Courtesy of Town of Cochrane and Jo-Anne Oucharek

Ask any true Albertan, our “western” ways are a major part of our collective DNA. From rodeos and Rockies to horses and cattle-peppered hills, “the west” is who, and what, we are. The town of Cochrane, perhaps better than any other community in Alberta, represents our western ways and heritage. Located just half an hour northwest of Calgary on The Cowboy Trail, Cochrane (pop. 25,853) is a charming community with plenty of appeal: rodeos, festivals, street markets, beautiful parks, riverside paths, and a historic downtown core teeming with eclectic shops and art galleries celebrating “the west”. Cochrane has something for everyone.

Not surprisingly, Cochrane has a rich ranching history. The Historic Cochrane Ranche Site, located near the intersection of Hwy 22 and Hwy 1A, was the site of Alberta’s first large scale livestock operation. Founded in 1881, the idyllic setting of this ranch is still enjoyed by thousands each year. The ranch is a 55-hectare (136-acre) public park with picnic tables, fire pits, walking trails, and an outdoor stage that has been the site of numerous events. While the pristine natural setting of the ranch is obviously one of its main draws, it’s also home to historic buildings, a museum with numerous displays and artifacts, an indoor theatre, corporate meeting space, as well as the town’s administrative offices.

Spring Hill 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 through sites, showers and laundromat. Located 7 km north of Cochrane on the corner of Hwy 22 and Hwy 567. Reservations recommended.

Phone: 403-932-2010 www.springhillrvpark.ca 40 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Experience Cochrane Located just seven minutes north of the Ranche Site, at the junction of Hwys 22 & 567, Spring Hill RV Park has become a favourite stop for travellers who rent their RV in Airdrie. Kick back and relax. This full-service park has everything: gas, food, supplies and a brand-new playground for the kids, too! MacKay’s Ice Cream is unquestionably the most popular place to meet downtown. Indeed, after any activity, there is nothing like a delicious ice cream cone at this legendary “cool down” spot. A Cochrane institution since 1948, MacKay’s handmade ice cream, made with high-quality butterfat cream, is dense and delicious. Although their maple walnut is a real classic, you must try their chocolate, bubble-gum, vanilla, chocolate fudge chunk, strawberry...you get the idea, the choices abound. For many, ice cream is reason enough to visit Cochrane, but there are certainly many others! For example, the historic Rockyview Hotel is an ancient wild west enclave, that’s actually the third oldest hotel in Alberta. It tells the story of how Calgarians used to jump on their horse and come to the hotel for a drink. (continued on pg 42)

Spring Hill RV Park

Cremona

RanchHouse Road RanchHouse Town Office

Stockmen’s Foundation and Archives

Historic Cochrane Ranch

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Cochrane Tourism Assoc.

Rockyview Hotel MacKays Ice Cream

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Big Hill Pool

Fifth A ve W

Griffin Rd W RI

Town Shop

Gleneagles

RCMP Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery Griffin Rd E

Eco Centre Half Hitch Brewing Co.

41 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Bow RiversEdge Campground

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Bragg Creek Calgary

Fire Station

Bow Valley Trail

A Little Taste of Country Firs t St E Krang Distillery

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Calgary

Experience Cochrane

Tim Hall/ Cochrane Tourism Association

Cochrane Tourism Association

In fact, it was one of the few places where it was actually legal for men and women to sit together in the same room and enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Not surprisingly, the “sinful” activity would lead to singing, dancing, and, well, who knows what else. The wild west had to be populated somehow, I guess. Nearby Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park should also be on your radar if Alberta’s colourful ranching history is something that interests you. The park, which opened in 2011, is home to jaw-dropping mountain vistas, an extensive trail network, old ranch buildings and ruins, and much more. While there are great photo opportunities at nearly every turn, a couple of standout spots for shutterbugs are the views from the Park Center and the Yodel Loop. For people looking to wheel through the classic “western” scenes, a rewarding way to enjoy the incredible countryside is a biking tour on the many secondary roads that meander in the Cochrane area. This region is renowned for its rolling road biking routes that capture the essence of what wild west landscapes are all about. Located just west of town, the loop that follows Horse Creek Road to Grand Valley Road is always

a popular choice. This gorgeous 50 km trip will take cyclists through pastoral ranch land dotted with farms and acreages on winding roads with gentle grades. For more information on biking in the area, visit the Bike Bros bike shop in Cochrane. The friendly staff there will tell you everything you need to know about this cycling hot spot. Sticking to the “wheel” theme, the Cochrane Youth Park features one of the best skate parks in Western Canada. The 1,300 square metre concrete park, beautifully positioned on a hillside overlooking the valley, was professionally designed with plenty of awesome features such as bowls, pools, ramps, walls, rails, and informal seating areas. If skating isn’t your thing, just watching the action is a sport unto itself! No matter if you’re hiking, biking, skating, golfing (The Links of Gleneagles is laced with postcard-pretty holes!), or if you’re just sauntering along the streets of the historic downtown, Cochrane should be part of your western travel plans. It’s filled with interesting shops, galleries, cafes, saloons, and restaurants. By Andrew Penner

STUDIO WEST Art Gallery & Bronze Foundry Large Selection of Sculptures & Western Art A SCULPTURE EXPERIENCE See the lost-wax bronze casting process

205 - 2nd Ave E, Bow Street & 2nd Ave E, Cochrane 403-932-2611 www.DonBeggStudioWest.ca 42 | Enter Our Photo Contest

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 20 min north of CrossIron Mills mall in Balzac. This community’s roots run deep. Mrs. Hannington opened a stopping house, on the Calgary-Edmonton Trail in 1890. Two years later, the C & E Railway linked these two large centres by rail and a siding, 29 miles north of Calgary. That siding became identified as Crossfield, named in honour of Mr. Crossfield, an engineer with the CPR survey crew. With a population of 2,983 residents, facilities now include a splash park, library, parks, rodeo grounds, curling rink, fish ponds, golf course and wetlands. The Pete Knight Memorial Centre is named after a famous rodeo star. It is a venue for winter sports like minor hockey and hosts a Farmers’ Market. Pete Knight Days run in early June. It features a Demolition Derby and the Pete Knight Rodeo. The Wild, Wild West! starts at 6pm Friday (1pm on Sat). There’s a dance on both nights at 9pm, a parade on Saturday and fireworks at 11pm. Numerous services are available in the Town of Crossfield for travellers, including several restaurants, hotel, groceries, pharmacy, gas bars and lots more. However, one of the major retailers in the area became so big that they had to get out of town. You will find Irvine’s Saddles & Western Wear 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 100,000 sq ft of retail space, they carry more inventory than most other western stores. You will find everything from western apparel to saddles and from giftware to all your rodeo gear – if it fits the western life-style they have it! (See pg 52) Where are you heading next? If you’re off to explore Alberta’s Special Areas, head north to Township Rd 292 and follow it and Hwy 575 east, past Acme and Carbon to Drumheller. To learn more be sure to pick up a copy of Experience Southern Alberta. Heading to The Cowboy Trail? Follow Hwy 574 west to Hwy 22 (it’s just a 30 min drive) and then drive north towards Cremona, or south to Cochrane. 43 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Photos Courtesy of the Town of Crossfield

Experience Our Farmers’ Markets

About a half hour detour off The Cowboy Trail, travelling east through west-central Alberta will bring visitors to the gate of a more than 100-year-old family farm offering many more activities than the original homesteaders could have imagined.

The Staples have developed a Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) “Veggie Box” program, which provides subscribers with a selection of locally grown, seasonally available fruits and vegetables. The farm headquarters also features a general store.

Heading east on Hwy 54 from Caroline, travellers can make their way to The Jungle Farm, located outside the community of Innisfail, AB. The property, homesteaded in 1897 by Jacob and Sophia Quantz, is still owned and operated today, some 124 years later, by the Quantz’s great granddaughter and her husband, Leona and Blaine Staples.

Sharing the farm experience with the general public is a big part of their program. Visitors are welcome, group tours are available, and a picnic area can be booked for group events.

While the farm name itself might suggest it is home to exotic creatures, it was actually inspired by a grizzly bear that lived in the area of the farm as thy were setting up the homestead. The name has carried on over the years of mixed farming operations. Taking over in 1997, Leona and Blaine Staples created an agri-tourism destination at The Jungle Farm. Part of the farm today is a U-Pick fruit and vegetable operation, and there is a greenhouse operation producing bedding plants and other horticultural crops.

The farm offers a nine-week preschool summer program for children between the ages of 2 and 6, and school groups can also arrange educational field trips with the option of several hands-on learning experiences. Later in the season the fall attractions includes a corn maze, Family Fun Events, a visit to the pumpkin patch and wagon rides are available through the summer and fall seasons. Visitor safety is a priority. If protocols allow, they are planning to be open for the 2021 spring season. Visitors are urged to check the farm website at: thejunglefarm.com By: Lee Hart

44 | Enter Our Photo Contest

Experience Our Farmers’ Markets Pincher Creek - Memorial Arena Fridays; June to September

Banff - Bear Street Wednesdays; June to October

Rimbey - Pask-a-Poo Park Saturdays; May to October

Fort Macleod - Fort Historic Site Thursdays; July to September

Canmore - Civic Centre Thursdays; May to October

Rocky Mountain House - Museum Saturdays; Year Round

Claresholm - Downtown Wednesdays; July to September

Crossfield - Community Hall Thursdays; June to September

Clearwater Market - Main Street Thursdays; May to September

Nanton - United Church Saturdays; June to September

Carstairs - Curling Rink Tuesdays; May to August

Caroline - Caroline Museum Fridays; May to September

Millarville - Millarville Fair Grounds Saturdays; June to October

Didsbury - Curling Rink Wednesdays; July to September

Spruce View - Spruce View Hall Mondays; May to September

Okotoks - 2 km north on Hwy 2A Fridays; June to September

Olds - Cow Palace Thurdays; May to September

Drayton Valley - Mackenzie Centre Saturdays; February to December

Granary Road - NE Black Diamond Thursday - Sunday; Year Round

Bergen - Bergen Hall Saturdays; June to September

Edson - Royal Canadian Legion Fridays; April to December

Calgary - Blackfoot near Heritage Thursday - Sunday; Year Round

Bentley - Curling Rink Saturdays; June to September

Evansburg - Tipple Park Museum Saturdays; May to September

Cochrane Ranche Historic Site Saturdays; June to September

Sundre - Curling Rink Fridays; May to September

Hinton - Community Centre Thursdays; March to December

Dates are subject to change, for more information on these and other markets visit albertamarkets.com

45 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience Camping

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta/Roth & Ramberg

The pastime of camping is a favorite for many Canadians.

ground areas and other services, such as a convenience store,

Melting ice cream, sandy feet, sticky fingers, roasting wieners

a retro arcade and board games rentals for those rainy days.

and sunned cheeks are fond memories. Whether you prefers tenting or having an RV, the world of camping has expanded

Launch a boat onto the river, play a round of mini golf, take

exponentially over the decades for outdoor enthusiasts.

one of the many hiking trails or drive into town and tour the sights, like the Drayton Valley Museum or the Oil Derricks;

Many view Kananaskis and the Mountains to be Alberta’s play-

Willey West is versatile for everyone.

ground, but there are unique and scenic camping destinations throughout our province. Hidden gems are all across Alberta

Outwest Camping and R.V Park is located 30 minutes south-

and many are found along the Cowboy Trail.

west of Rocky Mountain House and is set within a sanctuary of seclusion as it overlooks the Prairie Creek Valley. With over

Willey West Campground was originally a ferry landing on

100 spacious drive through stalls, each complete with a picnic

the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River in the 1940’s.

table and fire pit, the campground is situated between the Ram

Today, it’s a very popular campground six kilometers east of

and Clearwater rivers. There are clean showers and bathroom,

Drayton Valley, near the picturesque Cowboy Trail.

as well as dumping stations and power stalls. It’s surrounded by lush scenery, with hiking and quad trails, rivers and waterfalls

This campground is open from May 1st to September 30th.

and is only a 15 min drive from fishing lakes.

The campsites are spacious, surrounded by towering trees and beautiful, lush scenery. The sites offer fully serviced, partially

Sundre River Resort is located 4 km’s west of town and 75 km’s

serviced and non-service sites, as well as, pull through and

from Calgary, a convenient drive for weekend getaways, no

mobile sewage services. The grounds are pet friendly and all

matter the season. Situated on 160 acres, the campground has

sites are a brief walk to hot showers, flushable toilets, play-

165 spacious sites, complete with full hook ups.

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Experience Camping The Bearberry creek snakes across the property, adding to

Convenient access to paved paths is ideal for all ages to bike,

the beauty of the landscape before it spills into the Red Deer

walk, jog and fish. There’s a family sports centre nearby, along

River. Hike through the acres of forest and trails, or fish and

with plenty of tourist sights and shops to visit within the town

kayak on the river.

of Cochrane. With Banff and Canmore less than an hour away, the options to explore beyond the campsite are endless

Stick closer to your site and play in the kid zone or sand vol-

and Calgary is even closer – the draw of the Calgary Stampede

leyball. Go horseback riding or spend the day in the water park

is a must for many who visit in July.

for summer activities. In the winter there is cross country skiing, quading and snowmobiling for the year-round camping

Prairie Peaks Campground is located near Waterton Lakes

and adventure enthusiasts.

National Park, with a wide variety of amenities, including potable water, fire pits and spacious site. It has quick access to

Bow RiversEdge is a rustic campground situated near the

many different destinations, such as Waterton Dam and boat

rushing banks of the scenic Bow River in Cochrane, Alberta,

launch and the Great Canadian Barn Dance.

just off the Cowboy Trail. Forward Thinking and Cochrane’s Lion’s club opened the campground in 2005 as a nonprofit

These are a few examples of the great campsites along the

initiative. Sitting in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, they

Cowboy Trail with many activities for all ages at your finger-

are open between April to October . During the winter, long-

tips. Make sure to explore the surrounding areas to make each

term sites are open from November until March.

trip unique and exciting. By: Amanda Knippshild

25% Off

Any regular-priced item in our parts department!

*Coupon must be surrendered for redemption

Calgary • Edmonton • Red Deer • Leduc Abbotsford • Grande Prairie • Saskatoon

woodysrv.com erta/Ryan Bray

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alb

47 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Campground Directory NOTE: For 2021 open and close dates are subject to change as well as the number of available sites. Visit AlbertaParks.ca for up to date information

Bow River Three Sisters Lac Des Arcs Bow Valley Willow Rock Sundance Lodges Mt. Kidd R.V. Park Eau Claire Sibbald Lake Dawson Equestrian Canyon Elkwood Boulton Creek Lower Lake Mt. Sarrail Interlakes Spray Lakes West Beaver Flats Gooseberry Little Elbow Little Elbow Equest. McLean Creek Paddy’s Flat Mesa Butte Equest. North Fork Fisher Creek Bluerock Bluerock Equest. Sandy McNabb Sandy McNabb Equest. Cataract Creek Etherington Creek Etherington Creek Equest. Greenford Indian Graves Regular Indian Graves Equestrian Strawberry Regular & Equestrian Burnt Timber Fallen Timber South North Ghost Waiparous Creek Ghost Reservoir Red Deer River North Red Deer River South James-Wilson Fallen Timber North Cartier Creek

Spring Hill RV Park, Cochrane 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. Emerson Bridge Park, Brooks and Area countyofnewell.ab.ca | 403-362-1702 Open May 20 - Sept 20 | 65 Sites | Fees: $15 - $30 Potable water available. First come First Serve. 30 min from Dinosaur Provincal Park, 60 min fromRoyal Tyrrell Museum

$28/$40 66 59 $26 36 $26 28 $26/$40 173 131 • • $26/$33 124 34 • • $31.50 30 • • $32.50/41/43/48 229 74 35 88 • • $26 51 $26 134 $26 10 $26 50 $26/$40 130 69 • • • $26/$39 118 35 • • $26 95 $26 44 tent $26 48 $26 50 $26 55 $26 85 $26 94 $32 46 $26/$33 170 96 • • $26 98 $33 15 $26 34 $26 30 $26 66 $33 17 $33 112 112 • • $39/$40 41 21 • • $26 102 $26 61 $33 10 $26 13 $26 32 $26 6 $26/$33 20 $308 30 $308 55 $308 169 $308 53 $26 80 $308 14 $308 50 $308 17 $308 34 • $20 12

Clearwater Trading, Caroline clearwatertrading.ca | 403-722-2378 Open Year Round | 47 Sites | Fees: $25-$35 Ammenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Sani Dump, Firepits. Proud to offer you a separate, private venue for all your events’ needs. Call us today! Check us out on Facebook @ clearwatertradingevents

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403-673-2163 403-673-2163 1-877-537-2757 1-877-537-2757 403-673-2163 403-591-7122 403-591-7700 403-591-7226 403-673-2163 403-673-2163 403-591-7226 1-877-537-2757 1-877-537-2757 403-591-7226 403-591-7226 403-591-7226 403-591-7226 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 1-877-537-2757 1-877-537-2757 1-877-537-2757 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-949-3132 403-591-7226 1-877-537-2757 403-591-7226 403-591-7226 403-995-5554 403-995-5554 403-591-7226 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-851-0766 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-637-2198 403-637-2198

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site pc.gc.ca/rockymountainhouse | 1-877-737-3783 Open May 14 – September 30 45 Sites | Fees: $26.06 - $122.64 Ammenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Disabled Access, Interpretive Program, Firepits Discover a historic fur trade post along the North Saskatchewan River. Experience interactive exhibits, a play fort, wild bison viewing, hiking and biking trails, friendly heritage presenters, and more. Stay awhile.

Capture Your Experience for a Chance to WIN

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Penner

Photo Contest Prizes, Rules, Close Date and to Enter go to: ExperienceTravelGuides.com/Contests 49 | ExperienceTravelGuides.com

Experience The Northern Leg Rocky Mountain House has been tagged the “Gateway to Adventure” and there are hundreds of miles of wooded foothills and front-range mountains to explore. Hook up with a well-established outfitter to try your hand at working cattle, backcountry trail riding, canoeing rivers, or just relaxing.

Mayerthorpe is affectionately referred to as the “Trails End” because it is located at the northern terminus of the Cowboy Trail. This is where Hwy 22 intersects Hwy 43, which is also known as the CANAMEX Trade Corridor (a key route that connects Canada to Mexico).

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 posts on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. The trading post fort was deserted in 1875, however it lives on today as a National Historic Site that commemorates the era of the fur traders and explorers.

This town took its name from “Mayer,” an engineer who homesteaded close by in 1908. Be sure to check out the Ol’ Pembina River Ferry Crossing, the Rochfort Bridge, and the Elevator Museum.

Stroll through archaeological remains of the four forts at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Your kids will love the pint-sized play fort, puppet theatre, and real live bison. Stay awhile to discover the Métis skills of the fur trade. Camp in Indigenous trapper’s tents and tipis. Dive deeper into the past and the stories of this place. Book a hands-on experience for your family. All supplies are included in the program fee. Make your own woolen moccasins, or dream catcher. Work alongside a blacksmith to create a lovely candlestick holder for the traditional candle you just made from beeswax. Learn how their hunting tools and weapons evolved from throwing knives to flint lock guns to the cannon. Try your hand at throwing, firing, and even cannon blasting! For more information and to book call 403-845-2412.

Mayerthorpe is an agricultural community. It provides an abundance of western experiences such as horseback riding, ag fairs and cowboy heritage. Ranching is important to the economy here and to the preservation of the rustic ranching lifestyle that is so much a part of Alberta’s ranching heritage! Mayerthorpe’s Fallen Four Memorial Park commemorate the sacrifice of 4 RCMP Officers who died in the line of duty March 3, 2005. It pays tribute to all fallen peace officers and first responders. The park is visited by 7000 people each year to pay their respects. The Fallen Four Memorial Park is open to the public 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The Visitor Information Center and gift shop are open each summer until the end of September. You can make an appointments for a guided tour by phoning (780) 786-4990, or simply by writing to info@fallenfour.ca.

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Sample Lodging Special MyMayerthorpe

@Mayerthorpe1

Our Local Businesses and Attractions Welcome You... Mayerthorpe is proud of its community. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, steeped in rich agricultural history, and bustling with friendly businesses and engaging recreational activities – this town truly is Everybody’s Community. While in town check out the Fallen Four Memorial Park, the Cowboy Trail Storyboard located along Hwy 22 and 50th Ave, or our outdoor swimming pool and waterslide open Jun 1 Aug 31. Parking available and main street is 1 block to the east.

Don’t miss our upcoming events Indoor Rodeo: May 21 - 23, 2021

Culture Day: September 25, 2021

4-H Beef Show & Sale: June 7, 2021

Kin Club Christmas Market: November 20, 2021

Agricultural Fair: August 14 - 15, 2021

Christmas Light-Up: December 3, 2021

All activities and events will be subject to COVID-19 Provincial Health Restrictions.

www.mayerthorpe.ca

Canada’s Largest Western Store with 1400 saddles and 100,000 sq feet of shopping under one roof!

A l , b d e l r e t a f s 1-877-946s o r C 5 0 3 9494 Exit

2021 Experience Western Adventures and Cowboy Trails

Articles inside

Bragg Creek

Bragg Creek

Crossfield

Craft Distilleries

Alberta Open Farm Days

Classic Cowboy Cuisine

Turner Valley (Diamond Valley

A Peek at the History of the OH Ranch

Experience Chain Lakes Provincial Park

Black Diamond (Diamond Valley

Discover the Blackfoot Culture

Cardston

Horses: Trust, Respect, and Team Work

Rodeo Schedule

Chain Lakes Provincial Park