The Bar U Ranch is your opportunity to live like a cowboy! Ride into history on a wagon pulled by Percheron horses to discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. Try your hand at roping a steer or repair a bridle, learn the old-style ranching ways. Wander the trails and dirt roads to see the cattle, saddle horses, chickens and other farm animals. Venture into the 100-year-old barns, slaughterhouse, post office, and of course the cookhouse to experience "home on the range". Nestled along the banks of Pekisko Creek, explore the Stoney Nakoda encampment. Step inside the camp’s tipi and hear Indigenous interpreters share traditional stories. Discover the important contributions of Indigenous peoples to the area and the ranching industry in western Canada. Hungry, savor a meal or picnic at the Bar U Café or unearth a unique souvenir from the Bar U Gift Shop. The Bar U, a National Historic Site, run by Parks Canada was established in 1882 as the Northwest Cattle Company, it is one of the longest-standing ranches in Alberta. All back-dropped by the Rocky Mountains - it's a true Alberta experience!

Activities
Hiking, Canadian Culture, Western Culture, Dining, Indigenous, Tipi Camping

Amenities
Picnic Tables, Free Parking, Interpretive Trails, Pets - Not Allowed, Visitor Center


Tours that stop at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Start you day bright and early like the cowboys have done since the birth of Alberta with some strong cowboy coffee or tea at the round-up camp.

This tour will get you and your friends out on the highway…looking for adventure...and whatever comes your way!

This round trip tour of the foothills showcases some of our best food, shopping and provides more history than a semester of classes!

Our biggest and baddest Iron Horse Road Trip. Head west to Bragg Creek, then east bound and down the Cowboy Trail before looping back up via HWY 2 with a view.

Blogs that mention Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Foothills' Western Heritage

Foothills

Posted on: Jul 19, 2021

Celebrate the Foothills' western heritage.

Experience a behind-the-scenes tour at these Foothills farms.