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
Cowboy history, wine and art.
Longview, Millarville | 250 km's
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.
Iron Horse Road Trip
Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Longview, High River, Foothills | 209 km's
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.
Upcoming Events at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Free Admission for all! Alberta Open Farm Days is a collaborative, province-wide, two-day event that gives Albertans an opportunity to experience the farm and understand where their food comes from. I..
Blogs that mention Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Foothills' Western Heritage
Posted on: Jul 19, 2021Celebrate the Foothills' western heritage.
Agritourism adventures in the Foothills
Posted on: Jul 31, 2021Experience a behind-the-scenes tour at these Foothills farms.