Day 1: The Northern Cowboy Trail
From Edmonton it is only a short distance on Highway 43 to Mayerthorpe, the beginning of the Cowboy Trail. From here, travel south on Highway 22. Along the trail you can see how the communities and towns transformed first by ranching and then by the oil and gas industry. Em Te Town south of Elder Flat would make a fun stop en route.
Upon arrival in Rocky Mountain House, take time to visit the Rocky Mountain House Historical Site - A Parks Canada site of importance to the fur trade history, David Thompson and Western Canada exploration and interaction with native groups. Enjoy over 500 acres of field and old spruce forest along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River with a variety of wildlife. Overnight in Rocky Mountain House in a Bed & Breakfast or at camp with Voyager Ventures. Days 2-3 : Two-Day Canoe Trip on the Northern Saskatchewan River
Follow the fur trade and paddle down the historical Saskatchewan River. Combine two days of historic river travel with a two-night stay at a beautiful river camp. Candlelight dinner served to you followed by a relaxing sauna and/or campfire activity. Enjoy a restful sleep in dry and comfortable double tarped tents. Whether retreats, family or social gatherings, the experience you desire will be created. This is an ideal get-away with a combination of scenic and exciting river travel in guided canoe. Day 3: Rocky Mountain House
After a fun day of canoeing, relax at Terratima Lodge. Terratima Lodge is a year round vacation retreat located on the edge of the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is famous for its pristine forest location, excellent food and accommodations and divine, relaxing atmosphere. Days 4-5: Bar C Canadian Resort
Continue your journey south along the Cowboy Trail to Cochrane. Your destination today is the Bar C Canadian Resort. Bar C Canadian Adventure Resort is located on one of Alberta's oldest and most beautiful working ranches. It is situated on 5,000 acres in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains, between Waiparous Creek and the picturesque Ghost River Valley. The western activities at Bar C will educate and entertain you. Saddle up for a wilderness ride, participate in the time-honored tradition of a cattle drive, join in for a wholesome western meal in the Bar C Saloon, or settle into a cozy cabin complete with a romantic fireplace. The trail rides will take you through the most picturesque country you've ever seen! The duration of the ride depends on how long you would like to go. The rides are guided so there's no need to worry about getting lost. Thre are horses to suit novice or experienced riders. Your stay at the ranch includes all ranch activities and all meals. Day 6: Adventures in Kananaskis Country
Enjoy a day of adventure with Inside Out Experience. Inside Out Experience provides exciting fun interpretive outdoor adventures in the beautiful Kanananskis Valley: Rafting, hiking, mountain biking. You have a choice of a full day whitewater rafting trip on the Kananaskis River, or a combination tour of mountain biking and rafting. Overnight in Calgary. Day 7: Calgary, The Heart of the New West
Set in the rolling foothills against the majestic Canadian Rockies to the west and the Great Plains to the east, Calgary offers visitors the experience of two exciting worlds - stimulating, modern high-tech city and a heritage of a rural frontier charm. Overnight in Calgary.
End of Northern Cowboy Trail / Start of Southern Cowboy Trail Days 8-9 : Bragg Creek the Gateway to Kanananskis Country
Located between Calgary and Banff, in the wild lands of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Bragg Creek offers visitors a delightful mix of country pleasures, unique shopping, fine dining, accommodations and outdoor adventure. From here, you can access the many hiking trails in Kananaskis Country. Two days stay in Bragg Creek to allow you to explore the many hiking trails on your own. Days 10-11: Bragg Creek to Willow Lane Ranch
Located just 1.5 hours south of the city of Calgary, along Highway #2, in the heart of ranch country, lies Willow Lane Ranch. This is where the rolling foothills meet the Rocky Mountains and the stress of city life just seems to fade away. Come join your hosts at a real working cattle and horse ranch and learn all about western Canadian hospitality. At Willow Lane Ranch, guests can take part in daily ranch activities, which may Include riding with your hosts to check cattle, participate in cattle drives, roundup, branding, fence mending and calving. Day 12: Willow Lane Ranch to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump – Hill Spring
Today your tour is highlighted by a visit to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump; one of the world's oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jump known to exist, Head-Smashed-In. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Head-Smashed-In has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is known around the world as a remarkable testimony of prehistoric life. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump bears witness to a custom practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years.
Your final destination today is the Great Canadian Barn Dance at Hill Spring, Alberta, where you will stay for the night. The Great Canadian Barn Dance is a full service family resort, offering the best in live entertainment, clean, comfortable camping and accommodations, country cooking, and more. Here you can step back in time to when the whole western community came out for a great dinner and dance at the local barn. A family event with roast beef dinner, entertainment, hay wagon rides, dance lessons, games, prizes and the barn dance. Days 13-14: Waterton
Waterton - the quiet un-crowded National Park. It is the perfect place to view spectacular scenery, wildlife and enjoy outstanding recreational opportunities. Discover nature at its best. A rare gem tucked into the southwestern corner of the province of Alberta. In this breathtaking part of the world, the majestic Rocky Mountains rise suddenly out of the rolling prairies. A place like no other, the uniqueness of Waterton Park is a blend of unusual geology, mild climate, rare wild flowers, and an abundance of wildlife. It is a scene, which has remained unchanged for centuries. Overnight in Waterton. End of Tour. |
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