Calgary Stampede Grounds 1

For all those aspiring ranchers and cowboys hoping to explore Alberta's wild west, get ready to road trip through the prairies along the Cowboy Trail. Travel back to Alberta's pioneer days and ranching past, and experience what life was like for those adventurers who explored the foothills of Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

The historic Cowboy Trail officially runs from Mayerthorpe just northwest of Edmonton all the way down to Cardston in Alberta’s south. It lies on Highway 22, transforming into Highway 6 and then Highway 5. Those hoping to embark on an adventure along the 700-km-long (435 mi) trail should plan to journey for at least four or five days in order to really explore the sights and attractions this path has to offer.

The best time to travel the trail is during the summer months, when all the attractions are open and highway conditions are ideal. From museums to pioneer villages, this self-guided trip allows visitors to stop along as many or as little attractions as they like.

	Glenbow Museum 2

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The journey along the Cowboy Trail officially begins in the rural town of Mayerthorpe; a quiet community located about 130 km (81 mi) northwest of Edmonton. For those deciding to stay a night before embarking on the multi-day trip of the trail, there are a few accommodation options available in the area. This ranges from country-style retreats to a few motels, and a campground.

The first stop on the Cowboy Trail is the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site of Canada. The site is located along the foothills of the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve, just west of the town of Rocky Mountain House and on Highway 22. Visitors can explore four early fur trading posts and fort sites that were the final destination on the ancient North Saskatchewan fur trade line. Apart from allowing visitors to enjoy this natural area, interpretive trails carved throughout the site provide a glimpse into life as an early fur trader. In mid-July, stay for the annual Brigade Days, an event put on by the Edmonton House Brigade that re-enacts life as a fur trader.

If spending a night at the tranquil Rocky Mountain House, opt for an outdoor experience and stay at one of the many campgrounds in the area. The Rocky Mountains provide an idyllic backdrop for a night fit for any true cowboy. If a cabin sounds like a more appealing accommodation option, a few rustic-style rentals are also available in the region.

	Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump 3

Upon discovering what life was like for the traders, keep heading south along Highway 22 to the community of Sundre and the Sundre Pioneer Village Museum. Here, discover what pioneer life was like by browsing through exhibits containing turn of the century artifacts passed down from the area's pioneer families. Many historic buildings, such as a schoolhouse, a ranger's station and several cabins, are also located throughout the Pioneer Village Museum.

Sundre, located along the Red Deer River, provides a number of accommodation options. Panther River Adventures Campground will cater to the maverick looking for a unique experience. Apart from lodges and camping sites, the property also offers horseback trail riding. Or explore like the pioneers and take a canvas-covered wagon ride through the foothills and along the Panther River.

If travelling in early to mid-July, detour off the trail onto Highway 1 to Calgary, Canada's cowboy city to find a 10-day-long western extravaganza known as the Calgary Stampede. This world-famous outdoor event embraces Calgary’s inner cowboy with rodeos, fireworks, live music, a midway and games. With its humble beginnings back in 1886, this annual event has since become Cowtown’s greatest tourist attraction, drawing millions each year.

	Bar U Ranch Historic Site 4

Upon completing a line dance or two, schedule a visit to the Glenbow Museum and get acquainted with Western Canada’s past. With a collection of more than one million artifacts, as well as thousands of works of art, the Glenbow is the largest museum in the west. From ranchers to railway workers, visitors can meet those who helped shape southern Alberta through galleries and interactive displays. Or discover how the Blackfoot people lived with the land by visiting the Niitsitapiisinni exhibit.

If yearning to walk among saloons, historic homes and horse-drawn wagons, a stop at Heritage Park is a must. This historic village, recreated to reflect life in the early 1900s, features buildings from the past, as well as park workers decked out in period wear. Patrons may also ride a genuine steam train through the park, or hop onto the S.S. Moyie sternwheeler for a quick journey along the Glenmore Reservoir.

Those stopping in Calgary for the night will find a vast array of accommodation options. Several campgrounds are scattered throughout the outskirts of the city, or stay at a historic B&B such as the Calgary Historic Bed and Breakfast at Twin Gables. A wide selection of downtown Calgary hotels and motels are also an option.

	Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village 5

Back on the trail, about 90 minutes drive southwest from Calgary, stop over at Bar U Ranch for a bona fide cowboy experience. A national historic site of Canada, this property celebrates the history of ranching, and is made up of 35 structures including barns, corrals, animal pens and sheds. Experience life on the ranch lands by stopping by the era general store to browse through preserves, handmade soaps and other artisan products, or grab some cow camp stew and a buffalo burger at the restaurant.

Next, head to the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, an area that tells the story of the Crowsnest Pass, including the tale of a massive rock slide avalanche that took place in 1903. This natural disaster dumped about 82 million tonnes (30 million cubic m) of limestone at the base of Turtle Mountain, as well as buried part of the town of Frank. Located just off the Cowboy Trail, along Highway 3, the centre features guided walks, demonstrations and interactive displays.

Once back on the trail, veer east onto Highway 510 and then north onto Highway 785 towards Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Here, ditch the cowboy hat for a night and have a unique Blackfoot experience. Sit around a warm campfire atop Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump as a Blackfoot guide shares a tale or two before retiring into a canvas teepee. Then, explore the area that, for thousands of years, the aboriginal people used as a means to catch bison.

	Remington Carriage Musseum 6

Nearing the end of the Cowboy Trail, just off Highway 6 is the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. Travel back to 1890 Canada and stroll past historic buildings including a school house, a blacksmith's shop and a North West Mounted Police outpost. All buildings feature period furniture, artifacts and machinery.

Greeting travellers at the southern point of the Cowboy Trail is the town of Cardston and the Remington Carriage Museum. From specialty carriages to wagons made for everyday use, the museum showcases transportation pre- the fuel burning vehicle. This final destination on the trail boasts a collection of more than 250 carriages. Browse through galleries and displays depicting 19th century transportation. And what visit to a carriage museum isn't complete without a ride on a horse-drawn carriage?

Before heading back home, spend a restful night in Cardston. Lee Creek Campground is located directly along the Kimball River, while a few motels and hotels are also an option. Several cozy B&Bs are ideal for those looking for a more unique stay.