CALGARY RANCH - CANADA
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Situated near the historic Fort Assiniboine, between the beautiful Sand Hills Wildland Park and the meandering Athabasca River, we find a secluded ranch nestled in an area surrounded by forests. Here your host Siebe invites guests to experience the cowboy life on his ranch. Guests have the opportunity to participate in cattle work on the ranch and experience trail riding through a portion of Alberta's historic Klondike Trail with abundant wildlife. Even guests with limited riding experience will be comfortable in the saddle and penning cattle after a few hours of Siebe’s gentle tuition. This is an ideal family destination.
NOTES - CALGARY RANCH
RIDING
Guests have the opportunity to participate in cattle work on the ranch and experience trail riding through a portion of Alberta's historic Klondike Trail on this special horse riding holiday. Enjoy the challenge of working with cattle as you sort, and pen them and partake in cattle drives. This Team Penning activity is featured at the Ranch and is North America’s fastest growing equine sport. Western horsemanship instruction is available for those wishing to hone their riding skills and for a quieter pace, enjoy nature to its fullest exploring the fabulous Athabasca sand hills on horseback. View birds, unique vegetation, and a wide variety of wildlife as you savour the peaceful solitude of the trails.
WILDLIFE
Over 200 species of birds including the bald eagle, sandhillcrane geese and the hummingbird. Also beavers, coyote, deer, moose and wolves.
GUIDE
Your guides will be Siebe or Brad. Both are excellent horsemen, with a love of their surroundings. Siebe excels at camp fire entertainment!
ACCOMMODATION
On the ranch accommodation is in comfortable log cabin. Each cabin sleeps two people with a shared shower house close by. For a small extra charge there are a limited number of luxury cabins with ensuite showers and facilities. There is a bunkhouse for dining and relaxing and plenty of space for campfires, barbecues and outdoor activities. On overnight trails accommodation is in tents with only nature’s facilities.
FOOD
Breakfast is hearty with a European touch, eggs, bacon, pancakes, sliced meats and strong coffee. Lunch is usually soup, hamburgers and sandwiches. This leaves room for the hearty home cooked evening meals. Alcohol is not served with dinner but guests are welcome to purchase their own from the liqueur store in town.
THE REGION
The name Assiniboine, loosely translated from the native language, means "those who cooked by dropping hot stones in water". Fort Assiniboine originated as a Hudson Bay Company post in the early 1800’s. It was used by hunters as a transfer station between the buyers from Edmonton and trappers from the Lesser Slave Lake area. During the gold rush of 1897/98, the Fort Assiniboine area became populated by fortune seekers hoping to find a quick route to Yukon, where they dreamed vast riches would be waiting for them. They left Edmonton in droves. Many travelled the native/caribou trail (Klondike Trail), which meandered past Fort Assiniboine. It became more difficult to travel as they neared the Swan Hills. Although few people were successful in their attempts to reach Yukon, determination and tenacity proved to be the cornerstone for the foundation of Fort Assiniboine and the people who chose to remain. One hundred years later, the Fort Assiniboine area is strong and thriving. The residents of Alberta’s second oldest community, take pride in the part their region has played in Alberta’s history. To commemorate that history, a museum replica of the old Fort was erected in 1977. Today it is one of the highlights of our area and is open to welcome visitors daily during the summer months. Edmonton Ranch will gladly accommodate any guest wishing to tour the museum during their stay. In the summer months the legendary Calgary Stampede is not too far away and a good holiday combining a ranch visit with the stampede can be arranged.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Canoe trips on the local rivers, gold panning, visits to local rodeo shows, bird watching, wagon rides, viewing the Northern Lights, wilderness survival and nature tours can all be arranged, subject to dates. Pack trips for group bookings by arrangement.
TRANSFERS
From Edmonton International Airport cost Canadian $100 each way for the first person and C$50 per person each way after that. Car rental is also available locally for a reasonable price and the ranch is easy to find.
GETTING TO Edmonton
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 17st /238 lb/108 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation based on 2 people sharing, all meals, all riding as described and associated activities.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Return transfer from Edmonton, alcoholic drinks, tips and items of a personal nature, pack trips and off ranch activities arranged.
CLIENTS WHO BOOKED THIS RIDE ALSO ENJOYED :-
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