Discover must-visit destinations along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail (Hwy 22) by car, bicycle and horseback. Historic ranches, downhome cooking and craft beverages await.
This itinerary is great for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts curious to experience authentic ranch life and unique adventures in and around the small towns of southern Alberta.
At a glance
- 3 day itinerary
- 493 km (306 mi) total distance
- 7 hrs 5 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
A short drive west of Calgary off Highway 1A is the only privately-run provincial park in Alberta. It’s all part of a working ranch. Book a tour and learn about its ghost town, sandstone quarry and the plants and animals that live here. See the ribbon of the Bow River to the south and enjoy the vistas of prairieland rolling toward the Canadian Rocky Mountains on the western horizon.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
For a one-of-a-kind experience, book the interpretive tour where you have a chance to interact with these magnificent creatures. Learn the stories of wolfdogs Grizz and Freya or any of the sanctuary’s 55 rescued residents. At the visitor centre, pick up more information on wolfdogs and wolves and find a souvenir. All proceeds go to their care and upkeep. Please follow sanctuary guidelines to keep both you and the animals safe.
Lunch at Half Hitch Brewing Company
Head back to Cochrane and have lunch and a local pint on the patio of one of the area’s finest craft breweries. Start with a tour behind the scenes to see how they make their award-winning lagers, pale ales, porters and IPAs. With names like Fire N’ Fury, Farmer’s Daughter and Shotgun Wedding, how could you go wrong? Try their famous “burnt ends” brisket bites smothered in Fire N’ Fury BBQ sauce.
Painted Warriors Ranch
Reconnect to the land and experience the ways of the Ojibway, Mohawk and Cree cultures. Learn archery from an Indigenous perspective through certified coaching from the owner/operators. Book the one-hour basic archery target practice or learn traditional bow and arrow hunter-gatherer skills.
Fallentimber Meadery
Pre-booked private tours are available summer weekends at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (or by appointment). Learn about the operations of the Ryan family farm (run by three generations). Tour the Meadery and enjoy tastings of their most popular beverages. All are made from honey harvested on their own land. Finish up on the patio with a cold one (ask about the pizza!) and pick up some tasty treats for the road.
Dinner and Overnight at the Rockyview Hotel
The Rockyview Hotel is one of Alberta’s oldest operating hotels. Dine on the patio or inside at the Texas Gate Bar & Grill, drop into the lounge for a game of pool (free on Sundays) and a nightcap, then head upstairs to bed in your cozy wood-panelled Old West-themed room.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Make sure you stop at McKay’s Ice Cream for an afternoon pick-me-up. This popular spot often has a lineup, but the original flavours like Nanaimo Bar and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle are worth it!
Granary Road
Pick up some fresh local produce, stroll the aisles to find unique handmade clothing, jewelry, locally crafted items and more at Granary Road. In addition to the Farmer’s Market, you’ll find a host of fun activities at the outdoor park, including mini golf, goat and puppy yoga, zip-lines, swings, Farmyard friends and more.
Alberta 66 Mountain Biking
Alberta 66’s certified guides can take you to spectacular views of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, known as Kananaskis Country. Rent a bike from nearby Outbound Elements, then hit the trails for your adventure. Guided tours are available for riders of all fitness and experience levels.
Lunch at The Italian Farmhouse Restaurant and Bar
Step into a relaxed rustic atmosphere with five-star food. One of Bragg Creek’s best-kept secrets, the Italian Farmhouse pairs old-world charm with superb service and a memorable culinary experience. Find traditional dishes like beef carpaccio alongside a modern watermelon salad. Your taste buds and your pocketbook will thank you.
Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures
Get a taste of life on the range with an authentic ranch experience. Moose Mountain offers trail rides for all skill levels, multi-day pack trips for more adventuresome riders, or custom ranch vacation packages for those who want the full experience. The pet-friendly lodge is fully outfitted with beds and bedding, bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor fireplace and activity area, and more.
Dinner at The Bavarian Inn
Known to the locals as the Bav and Tav, the award-winning Bavarian Inn is famous for its German-European fusion cuisine and devotion to using local produce. Enjoy a perfect schnitzel and a frosty beverage in the recently renovated lounge or the cozy dining room. It’s a popular spot so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Overnight at Elevated Escapes
Elevated Escapes offers unique, luxury glamping stays at OneSpot Crossing Campground, Indigenous-owned and operated on Tsuutʼina Nation near Bragg Creek. Even if tenting is not your jam, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the comfort of camping out in a riverside canvas bell tent, a cozy dome with a real bed, comfy furniture and solar lighting. This is “back to nature” in style!
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures is open year-round. Try a guided trail ride or a hike on snowshoes, or skate on a private pond.
Breakfast at the Chuckwagon Cafe
How can you go wrong when an all-day breakfast is on the menu, not to mention one of the best burgers in Alberta? This place has been around since 1973 and is still gaining new fans. Have the best of both worlds and order the steak and eggs Benedict. Enjoy the western decor and downhome atmosphere.
Eau Claire Distillery
Visit Alberta’s original and most awarded craft distillery. Book ahead for a private Prohibition Experience at The Speakeasy next door. Step into the 1920s when drinking was against the law and learn about the valley’s notorious history as the centre of the illegal whisky trade. Sample innovative cocktails using Eau Claire spirits like Rupert’s Maple Whisky or Saskatoon Honey Gin.
Spirit Hills Flower Winery
Coming from a long line of French wine makers, the Bonjean family moved to the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in 1997. Their expertise and love of the land has translated into the production of unique flower wines, using wildflowers, honey and berries instead of grapes. Book ahead for a private tour to see how it’s done. The tasting will reveal why Spirit Hills has made its mark in restaurants around the world.
Lunch at the Twin Cities Hotel
Built by three well-known NHL hockey players, the Twin Cities Hotel first opened its doors in 1938 in the midst of the local oil boom. It has been a vital part of the community ever since. Ask your server about the origins of the hotel’s name. Order a Twin Cities Moonshine cocktail and try the Wildrose Smokie alongside deep fried pickles and sweet potato fries.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Established in 1882, Bar U Ranch is one of the oldest and largest working ranches in Alberta. Today, it preserves the early western way of life. Ride in a horse-drawn wagon and live the life of a cowpoke back in the day. Try your hand at roping. See how saddles and bridles are made. Learn about branding and horseshoe making. Visit the cookhouse and grab a treat made in a wood-burning oven.
The Saskatoon Farm
From humble beginnings as an organic farm in 1987, The Saskatoon Farm has grown to include a 100-seat restaurant and bakery, not to mention a garden centre and seasonal farmers’ market. Explore the Buffalo Room Boutique for local artisan creations and other gifts for hearth and home. If you’re visiting at the end of July, you can pick your own berries. Ask about their totem pole collection!
TIP FROM A LOCAL
At the Bar U Ranch, visit the Percheron draft horses and stroll over the Pekisko Creek bridge to the campfire for a cup of cowboy coffee.
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