Western & Wilderness Getaways 2023

A DIGITAL VACATION GUIDE

THE WEST

THE CANADIAN WEST IS OUR HOMELAND AND IS AS RICH IN BEAUTY AS IT IS IN VARIETY

PRESENTS

PUBLISHER Rob Tanner rob@tanneryoung.com

EDITOR

Terri Mason terri@tanneryoung.com

ART DIRECTOR Shannon Swanson shannon@tanneryoung.com

SALES MANAGER

Kristine Wickheim kristine@tanneryoung.com

TECHNICAL LEAD

Jeanette Petriko jeanette@tanneryoung.com

ADMINISTRATION & CIRCULATION

Marie Tanner marie@tanneryoung.com

Windswept plains build into the spectacular Rocky Mountains, dotted with some of the oldest national parks set aside with great foresight by our forebears.

Urban travel includes fabulous restaurants, scintillating museums, symphonies, live theatre, and concerts. For a change of pace (excuse the pun), our major cities often feature meandering walks alongside powerful rivers that were once the “highways” of the early traders.

The wildlife is truly wild here in the West — from the statuesque Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, powerful grizzly bears to industrious beavers — they all call this special land home. Visitors also experience seeing timid whitetail and mule deer, curious marmots and, over it all, the keening cry of a slowly circling red hawk.

In this world of “instant gratification,” the tourism industry in the West has been built through generations. Ride a calm,

trail-savvy horse on a narrow, twisting path high in the Rockies with a company that has been in business for nearly a century. Enjoy a stay on a ranch — from rustic to luxurious — whose family brand also extends to a century or more. Attend a pow-wow and see the stunning regalia and feel the rhythm of the drum beat.

These deep ties showcase a continuity in traditions, local knowledge and legends that stir the heart. We share our favourite restaurants, great sites to see (and the bestways to get there), and our history going back thousands of years.

We also know where there are waterparks, fabulous events and concerts, must-see theatre and dance, and where to find a Tim Horton’s. It is our home and our native land. We are proud of our piece of the world and want you to experience the many facets of time spent here.

Welcome to the West.

Terri Mason, Editor Terri@CowboyCountryMagazine.com

Cover Image: Riders in the Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park.

Photo by Alex Strohl @alexstrohl

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Terri Mason

Tanner Young Publishing Group Box 13, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road Cooking Lake, AB T8E 1J1

Tel: 780-465-3362

Toll Free: 1-800-943-7336

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

CONTENTS

5 GETAWAYS

Our four highly-diverse Western provinces are unique, gorgeous and well worth the trip!

10

WESTERN GETAWAYS — AT A GLANCE

Efficient grid to find the place and amenities you want for your vacation.

11

HORSE VACATIONS

From packing into the high lonesome of wild mountains to soul-soothing equine therapy — it’s all here.

14

TRAIL READS

From scary stories to Western adventures, here are some picks for the saddlebags!

LA REATA RANCH

Experience the cowboy way of life under the endless sky of the Canadian Prairies. Ride where the Blackfoot and Crow once camped as they hunted Bison across the vast plains.

Help our friendly crew look after our herd of cows and new born calves. Work together with your horse, and come to trust him like a real cowboy. Make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. La Reata is a working cattle-guest ranch owned and operated by George Gaber.

Located on Lake Diefenbaker in Southwest Saskatchewan, La Reata has nine miles of water frontage and more than 5,000 acres of rolling pasture. The views of the rolling hills, the sunshine sparkling on the lake, the golden prairie grass swaying in the wind, a mama cow caring for her calf, will refresh your soul and make you feel alive.

This ain’t no pony ride (nose to tail) in the park, La Reata is a Canadian Cowboy Experience that you will cherish forever

lareata.com

Box 128, Kyle, SK, Canada, S0L 1T0 george@lareata.com

explore

Canada’s Greatest Western Town

GETAWAYS

BY TERRI MASON

Welcome to the real West! Bring the whole family and experience the best that Western Canada has to offer. The tallest mountains, the wildest rivers, the greatest plains and the most welcoming people. Here, everything is appreciated, and nothing is taken for granted; not the scenery — or the weather! Your adventure begins here.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia is home to some of the largest ranches in Canada, the wildest coastline and absolutely stunning scenery. Here are a few vacation ideas in some classic cowboy towns, with a few dekes off the trail for some additional “visit-worthy” sites.

WILLIAMS LAKE

Many of us have been very lucky and have spent time in some of the most iconic “cowboy” towns in Western Canada. Their roots are deep, their pride is evident, and they’ve earned their spurs.

Williams Lake is a prime example. On the Canada Day weekend, all eyes are on this town as the Williams Lake Stampede, and the breath-catching Mountain Race are on. Since early in the 1920s, cowboys have raced down the side of Fox Mountain and into the Stampede grounds — and it’s wild, wild, wild.

Also well worth a visit is the Tourism Discovery Centre; it’s the “go-to” spot for all great adventure ideas. Another great one is the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin, the home of the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. For beautiful areas to enjoy a walk, head to Scout Island on the edge of town, and out of town, visit Churn Creek Protected area. Nearby is the Xatsull Heritage Village (pronounced hat-sooth), a National Award-Winning Heritage Village located at Soda Creek, about 30 minutes from Williams Lake.

KAMLOOPS

There’s plenty to do and see in this desert clime, and of course, If you want to see the country, saddle up. There are a

couple of places in unique areas that will take you on a guided tour, and it’s worth it.

I enjoy museums, so the Kamloops Museum & Archives, Kamloops Heritage Railway, and Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park are well worth visiting. If your timing is right, (August Long) attend the Kamloopa Powwow, celebrating the local Secwepemc (Pronounced She-whep-m) people.

MERRITT

This fact might shock you, but there are over 200 lakes in the Merritt, Nicola area, so fishing is a major draw. Also, visit the historic Baillie Property, operated by the Nicola Valley Heritage Society. The buildings have remained unchanged since the early 1900s. And if you love country music, the Merritt Walk of Stars, a must-see is the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

CRANBROOK & FORT STEELE

I love heritage parks, and one of the finest in BC is Fort Steele, near Cranbrook. Of course, Cranbrook has an iconic pro rodeo in August, and to fully immerse yourself in the western mood, there are plenty of guest ranches in the area, too. c

Try This!

Golden — Golden Skybridge

Walk 426 feet above the canyon! banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/ golden-skybridge

Golden — Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre Book a Walk with the Wolves — no kidding. Northernlightswildlife.com

Boston Bar — Hell’s Gate Airtram

Gondola over the Fraser River’s Hells Gate. Hellsgateairtram.com

Various Locations — Heli-Adventures

Once-in-a-lifetime tour with Yellowhead Helicopters. yhl.ca/heli-tours

Wells — Barkerville Historic Town

Authentic gold rush town. Barkerville.ca

Yoho National Park

See Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest in North America. pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho

ALBERTA

Long known as the land of mavericks, Alberta has capitalized on her Western roots. When visitors see “Alberta” they think cowboy, Calgary Stampede and adventure. From the Rocky Mountains to the prairie vistas, here are some terrific ideas for the adventurer in you.

HIGH RIVER

Most Heartland fans will recognize locations for the “town” of Hudson, and this is where it is filmed. Who knows, maybe they’ll be shooting when you visit? See also the Museum of the Highwood, featuring great collections of the early ranchers and cowboy history of the area.

NATIONAL PARKS & ICEFIELD PARKWAY

The Rockies are stunning, in our backyard and are an absolute must-see. Then cruise up the gorgeous Icefields Parkway, a stunning trip from the Banff area to the Jasper area. In mid-August, Jasper has a fabulous four-day pro rodeo. While in Jasper National Park, a must-see is Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, possibly the most photographed site in the Rockies.

STONY PLAIN

In July the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival is a big draw, and traditionally held in summer is the Stony Plain Cowboy Gathering of music and poetry. Also visit the Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum, an early 20th-century heritage park.

PONOKA

Home of the Ponoka Stampede (end of June into July), and the Pro Rodeo Hall

of Fame. Deke south to Drumheller to the Royal Tyrrell Museum because, it’s, well Dinosaur Central!

MEDICINE HAT

Honestly, the world’s biggest teepee is set up for the greatest photo op and learning experience.

Visit Medalta in the historic Clay District; learn about the history of the industry and the highly-collectable pieces. Great venue for concerts, too.

Medicine Hat also has a terrific pro rodeos in April and July. c

Try This!

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod area

First Nations interpretive centre. headsmashedin.ca

Writing On Stone Provincial Park, Foremost area

Ancient sandstone pictographs. albertaparks.ca

Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, Coaldale Canada’s largest birds of prey facility. burrowingowl.com

Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Icefields Parkway Cliff-edge walkway. Banffjaspercollection.com

Jasper SkyTram, Jasper

Birds-eye vista of Jasper National Park. jasperskytram.com

Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller Dinosaurs and more. tyrrellmuseum.com

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Siksika

Stunning facility of Blackfoot culture. blackfootcrossing.ca

World Famous Gopher Hole Museum, Torrington Dioramas, taxidermy, and gophers. worldfamousgopherholemuseum.ca

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan is home to many ancient cultures, and their history and legacy carry into this new century. From the culture that sprang from the avowed ancient trading grounds of First Nations, the cowboy culture fostered on the vast ranchlands of the south, to the epic farming culture in the centre and the unbelievable but true 100,000 lakes in the north. This too is a place for adventure!

MAPLE CREEK

Named the most Western Town in Canada, this ranching community is the gateway to the inland Galapagos, the Cypress Hills, the country’s only interprovincial park and the home of Fort Walsh, once the NWMP headquarters. Two great museums in town, SW Sask Oldtimers and the Jasper Cultural Centre are must-sees.

CORONACH

Take a guided tour of the Big Muddy Valley. Make stops at Castle Butte, Aust’s General Store in Big Beaver, and the infamous Sam Kelly Outlaw Caves.

BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, BATOCHE

Called the heart of the Metis, Batoche is the final battlefield of the Northwest Resistance of 1885. This whole area is chock-full of historic events, forts and battlefields.

NORTH BATTLEFORD

Visit the historic site of Fort Battleford, tour the nearby Allen Sapp Gallery featuring the collected works of the renowned Cree artist.

SASKATOON

Visit the Western Development Museum; explore the new exhibit featuring a part of Saskatchewan's history from an Indigenous perspective. wdm.ca/saskatoon

PINK & PURPLE SAND BEACHES

True story; there are many jewelled beaches here; the pink and purple hues in the sands are crushed garnets. These beaches can be found in Prince Albert National Park, Candle Lake, Deschambault Lake, Hunter Bay, and Good Spirit Lake. c

Try This!

Fort Walsh, Maple Creek Restored and recreated National Historic Site. pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/sk/walsh

T.rex Discovery Centre, Eastend Home of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex discovered in North America. royalsaskmuseum.ca/trex

Wood Mountain Rodeo/Ranch Museum, Wood Mountain Regional Park Ranch and rodeo artefacts and participatory fun. saskmuseums.org/museums/detail/ wood-mountain-rodeo-ranch-museum

RCMP Heritage Centre, Regina Heritage centre dedicated to the legend and lore of RCMP. rcmphc.com

Quill Lakes Interpretive Centre, Wynyard

World-renowned migratory birdwatching area. townofwynyard.com

MANITOBA

Manitoba is home to a welcoming people, from the First Nations, whose history spans thousands of years, to today’s modern residents. Here, tourism provides an opportunity to share cultures. Manitoba is also home to Canada’s famous (or infamous) civil war — the Red River Rebellion.

The cultural center of the West, here music and dance by First Nations and Métis to symphony and ballet will make your heart soar. Wildlife ranges from polar bears and beluga whales in the north to mule deer and coyotes in the south. Manitoba’s variety of life makes this a unique place to enjoy the time of your life.

WINNIPEG

Winnipeg is at the heart of the province’s Métis culture. The province’s largest city offers a well-researched look into the history of this unique province. From cultural events, great food (often featuring bison), unique landscapes and the most famous meeting site in Western history (The Forks), Winnipeg can boast that every possible cultural experience is available here in the capital. tourismwinnipeg.com

BRANDON

Brandon is Manitoba’s second-largest city. Explore the riverbank, discover a new festival, experience the city’s historic downtown and attend major agricultural events at Brandon’s Keystone Centre and the annual Dakota Nation Winterfest, held each January. brandontourism.com

CARBERRY

Carberry, a nearby must-see is the towering dunes called Spirit Sands at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. gov.mb.ca/nrnd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/western/spruce.html

AUSTIN

Austin is home to Manitoba Agricultural Museum, and their huge, annual farming celebration attracts thousands. mbagmuseum.ca c

Try This!

Winnipeg

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site; learn about Indigenous communities and trading fort life. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry Visit

Morris is home to Manitoba’s only professional rodeo, held in July. manitobastampede.ca

The beaches around Lake Winnipeg offer great retreats.

The Forks Market in Winnipeg offers restored historical buildings, with interesting shops, restaurants, and casual food stalls. The Manitoba Children’s Museum and the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights is also here.

WESTERN GETAWAYS

Your guide to planning a dream Western Vacation!

brewsteradventures.com

McKenzie's Trails West Cline River, AB ✪ ✪ ✪ mctrails.com

Blue Ridge Outfitters Waterton, AB ✪ ✪ ✪ alpinestables.com/blue-ridge-outfitters Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting Turner Valley, AB ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ anchord.com

Sturgeon River Ranch Sturgeon River, AB ✪ ✪ ✪ sturgeonriverranch.com

Bar Diamond Guest Ranch Buffalo, AB ✪ ✪ bardiamondguestranch.ca

Champetre County St-Denis,

HORSE VACATIONS

CONNECTING WITH HORSES EQUINE EXPERIENCES TO TRY

BY TERRI MASON

Horses are the lifeblood of many businesses that cater to the mental and physical aspects of the human relationship. From quiet, well-mannered trail horses to those used in therapy, horses are proof that God loves us. If you are currently not a horse owner, here are a few ways to connect with a good horse.

GUIDED TRAIL RIDES

One thing we can all agree on is that the world is best viewed from the back of a horse. Here in Western Canada, we are blessed to be living amongst the most inspiring scenery, and the men and women who rode before us blazed the trails to the prettiest spots. Whether you’re new to horses or an old hand, see the views in the Rockies, the rolling foothills, the otherworldly Badlands or the spectacular plains and ride trails dedicated to equines. Trust me; the views are spectacular.

WAGON RIDES

When you’re travelling with a herd of multi-age relatives, a new baby, or you’re sporting a cast, a wagon ride is another horse-fuelled option. Generally offered on many guest ranches, there are now some teamster-only operations. Teamsters are a great breed of human with powerful personalities — who else can control 4,000 lbs of horses with one hand while turned around and telling you a story?

GUEST RANCH HORSE EXPERIENCE

Take a lovely trail ride, have a soak in a hot tub, a good meal, perhaps an evening wagon ride and a bonfire — what else do you need to relax? As always, guest ranch owners are focused on repeat customers, so they’ll often work with riders to improve their equine skills if requested. Often, guests can request the same horse for their rides, and it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.

GUIDE & OUTFITTER TRIPS

Roughing it nowadays means riding a nice horse into a nice camp for a nice stay and some nice meals — and finishing the day with a nice dessert. Unlike hiking, outfitters generally have an established, comfortable camp with amenities and a five-million-star review. Unplug, unwind, and get in some high country riding.

HORSE CAMPS

A select group of experienced riders and three days or longer of training with some of the West’s top horse trainers is a dream vacation for many. Don’t know of

any in your area? Then host your own! Get together with a cavvy of like-minded friends and have a long weekend of great fun. It’s all about honing your skills, enjoying yourself and coming home smarter than you left.

HEALING WITH HORSES

Working alongside horses to help folks deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has garnered a lot of headlines in recent years, and the reason why is because it works. Veterans of high-stress jobs, from soldiers to police to paramedics, have received welcomed help learning how to come to terms with their often soul-shaking history. Whether it’s emotional or trust issues — everyone has issues of some sort, and horses, along with a trained facilitator, can get to the “root” of the problem and help you deal and heal. Healing retreats are popular, but even a simple half-day session can achieve remarkable insights. The horse work is done from the ground, and you do not need any horse experience — and yes, everyone should try it. c

MONTANA HILL GUEST RANCH

Montana Hill Guest Ranch is a working cattle ranch operated solely by Al and Elaine Dillabaugh that sits in the heart of cowboy country in the south Cariboo region of British Columbia. The main ranch sprawls over 100s of acres and is nestled amid the gentle rolling ‘Montana’ hills dotted with pine, aspen, and fir trees. Surrounding the Ranch for miles in every direction stretch the convenient public lands offering a myriad of scenic hiking and riding trails, plus several crystal clear lakes which are perfect for fishing. The fresh air, panoramic views, and quiet surroundings create an environment that will re-charge your batteries and relieve the stress of your busy life. Prepare yourself for an impressive vacation experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Montana Hills Guest Ranch is located between Edmonton and Vancouver on the Jasper to Whistler/Blackcomb route — the perfect overnight stop over, although once here, most people wish they had planned to stay for more than one night!

montanahillguestranch.com

7915 Machete Lake Road Bridge Lake, BC

SUNDANCE GUEST RANCH

Sundance Guest Ranch is just an easy four hour drive from Vancouver, BC and accessible via 3 different scenic routes … but that’s not it.

Located in one of the warmest, sunniest spots in Canada with sweeping, panoramic views of the wide open Thompson River Valley that are so beautiful, they’re ridiculous… but that’s not it. Sundance Guest Ranch serves delicious and varied meals that go well beyond what you might expect from a “dude ranch”… but that’s not it either.

Sundance Guest Ranch runs a herd of over 100 happy, wellcared-for horses with thousands of acres of spectacular and varied terrain to explore, and the horseback riding is truly wonderful, whether you’re looking for relaxing, instructive or exciting… but even that’s not it.

When you’ve just got back from a ride, and you’re sitting on the lounge deck with your favourite drink in your hand, watching the herd gallop out to the field for the night and laughing with someone you’ve known ten minutes like you’ve known them ten years… lean back, put a foot up on the railing and look around… you’re close, close to knowing why we say: The first time, it’s a vacation – after that, it’s coming home.™ This is your Ranch.

sundanceguestranch.com

2591 Kirkland Ranch Road

Ashcroft, British Columbia

TRAIL READS

Our top picks for taking along on your Western Holiday!

One Inch From Disaster

True Tales from the Wilds of British Columbia

By Kelly Randall Ricketts

Virtually unbelievable but true must-read experiences by the author. Softcover | 253 pages | Available at harbourpublishing.com

Healy’s West

The Life and Times of John J.

By Gordon E. Tolton

Healy

Both lawman and outlaw, and never immortalized in the West — until now. Softcover | 288 pages | heritagehouse.ca

Tales from the Homestead

A History of Prairie Pioneers, 1867–1914

By Sandra Rollings-Magnusson

True stories collected by Magnusson illustrate the lives and joys of early pioneers. Softcover | 272 pages | Available at heritagehouse.ca

Drifting With The Herd

This Cowboy’s Life With the Horse

By Miles Kingdon

A rare glimpse into the life of one of Canada’s wellregarded working cowboys. Softcover | 121 pages | Available at Mileskingdonhorsemanship.com

River of Dreams

A Journey through Milk River Country

By Liz Bryan

Part travelogue, part meditation, Bryan traces the virtually unknown Milk River. Softcover | 171 pages | Available at heritagehouse.ca

Summer of the Horse

A Memoir

By Donna Kane

An exciting recount of one woman’s adventure in the wilderness of northern BC. Softcover | 208 pages | Available at harbourpublishing.com

Cowboy’s Vacation

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