Revisit the Farm
Story by Rick Overwater
Scratch the surface and many Alberta families are a little bit country. Here’s the chance to get back to your roots.
For Mike Semenchuk, it started out as a reluctant discharge of husbandly duties, accompanying his wife to a U-pick berry operation near Okotoks, to pick fresh currants for jam making. “There were other ways I wanted to kill the afternoon,” he says. But once they escaped Calgary, his perspective quickly shifted.
“I really did enjoy being out of town for a change,” Semenchuk says. “And it was great watching our boy run around in the dirt. Unfortunately, he learned the hard way why we were trying to keep him from playing in this anthill he’d found.”
A mild sunburn and some ant bites later, Semenchuk and his family were among the growing number of Albertans embracing agriculture tourism. “Ag tourism,” as it’s known, can mean mixing a pleasant day off with a trip to the country to shop for and eat fresh food. Or it can mean staying a few days at a working cattle ranch to help round up cows on horseback. And there’s a definite educational aspect to ag tourism. “I didn’t know what a currant actually tasted like until that day,” Semenchuk says.
Whether you’re a day tripper or have a secret hankering to be a cowboy, make this the summer you enjoy Alberta’s countryside. You’ll eat well, feel great and you may not want to go back. Here’s a roundup of a few great places to start.
Rangeview Ranch, Cardston
Aptly named, Rangeview Ranch sits astride the Milk River Ridge in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just southeast of Cardston. The prairies stretch eastward, seemingly to infinity, while magnificent rangeland – undeniably perfect cattle country – sprawls west. Visitors can jump neck-deep into the life of a working ranch hand, assisting with branding, calving, tagging and the numerous other tasks that ultimately put beef on our tables. Whether you adopt the cowboy life or simply soak up more common tourist pleasures, such as riding down the Milk River on an inner tube, you will definitely be involved in Rangeview Ranch’s primary activity, horseback riding.
In addition to the charms of Rangeview Ranch, you’ll be near other attractions such as Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, offering an incomparable look at First Nations history, and Waterton Lakes National Park, recognized as a World Heritage Site. Rangeview Ranch provides three delicious home-cooked meals, lodging, horses, tack, guide, entertainment on the ranch, and many other extras. Alcohol beverages are not supplied, so if you want one after a hard day’s riding, you’ll need to bring your own.
Contact: (403) 653-1650
or vacations@rangeviewranch.com
Research: www.abworkranch.com
Cost: About $175 per day, per person.
Field notes: At Rangeview, you’ll develop skills well beyond standard “nose to tail” trail riding.
Ohler’s Acres, Sangudo
Now located just northwest of Edmonton, the Ohlers got their start in agriculture much further south in Stavely. At the time, the concept of ag tourism had yet to become as widespread as it is today, but for Carol Ohler, it was experiences in Stavely that first planted the seed.
“We ran a mixed farm, and we’d get calls from people in town saying ‘My grandchildren are visiting from the city and they’ve never seen a real farm’ or ‘We have friends from out of the country who are interested in local agriculture,’” recalls Ohler. Inevitably, the Ohlers would end up playing host and showing people around their farm.
Today, showing people the farming lifestyle is a full-time occupation. Though Ohler’s Acres is more of a tourist’s bed and breakfast these days, the family still raises grass-fed beef in the summer and offers visitors an insider’s glimpse of beef production. But the true attraction to this quarter-section (160 acres) just west of Edmonton is the Ohler’s boreal forest, teeming with deer, moose, owls, eagles and more. Check out Alberta spruce, willows, hazelnut trees and other abundant vegetation.
Weekend stays include the chance to cook great food (including homegrown organic vegetables) over a campfire, while on the lookout for the Northern Lights. Desperately looking to incorporate some variety into your next business event? Also note that Ohler’s Acres specializes in hosting retreats and workshops.
Contact: (780) 785-3700 or info@ohlersacres.com
Research: www.ohlersacres.com
Cost: About $500 gets two people a weekend
at Ohler’s.
Field notes: If you’ve never fed a pail of milk to a calf before, at Ohler’s be prepared to witness the definition of “cute.”
Prairie Gardens and Greenhouses, Bon Accord
One of the more ambitious operations dotting Alberta’s landscape, Prairie Gardens and Greenhouses has an abundance of attractions throughout the year. Gardeners visit to learn about perennials and purchase plants and seeds. Gourmands drop in to buy fruit and vegetables. Families opt for Prairie Gardens to get the kids away from the Xbox for a day. No one is disappointed. Tam Anderson, owner and “Director of Fun” says children in particular find the trip to be magical.
“It’s a really great first-hand opportunity to be in the field, to have their feet on the soil and learn how to pick a pea,” says Anderson. “You’d be surprised how many children haven’t had the opportunity and have no concept how to correctly go about it. And when they dig a potato out of the ground, it’s just like they found real gold down there.”
And potatoes and peas are just the beginning. Besides learning about, picking, buying and eating great fresh food, the farm is home to other such cool family events as the corn maze in late summer and early fall, and the Haunted Pumpkin Festival in October.
Contact: (780) 921-2272 or info@prairiegardens.org
Research: www.prairiegardens.org
Cost: Festival admission averages between $8 to $10 per person. Produce prices from the U-pick or the counter vary.
Field notes: Prairie Gardens is strictly a day trip. Start out early and call ahead for a guarantee of ripe produce availability.
Fruitland Getaway, Thorsby
As with many farms, Fruitland Getaway, near Thorsby, offers a chance to witness how livestock is raised and handled, along with other aspects of everyday farming. With an Alberta government-sanctioned Environmental Farm Plan in place, it’s clear Fruitland operates according to environmentally sustainable farming methods. What sets it apart is that Fruitland Getaway is as much a museum as a farm. Visitors can witness old-time threshing demonstrations, check out an old-time blacksmith’s shop or schoolhouse, take a buggy ride, stay overnight in a 1930s-era tea house (limit one couple at a time) and view countless artifacts from a bygone era.
“People are just overwhelmed with what we do out here,” says Charlene Gitzel, co-owner of Fruitland Getaway. “We’ve been given so many donations of antique equipment because we try to keep a lot of the history and old methods alive.”
Sometimes you’ll see a hybrid of the past and present. Guests are welcome to help feed the cattle in the field by hitching the Gitzel’s horse-drawn wagon to a hand-built round bale spreader, which is a decidedly more modern device. School groups are welcome, but tour organizers need to call ahead.
Contact: (780) 789-4010, cell (780) 991-0717 or mailto:gitzel@telus.net
Research: No website
Cost: Day visitors are encouraged to make a donation of $7.50 per person. An overnight stay in the tea house costs $65 per couple.
Field notes: Fruitland’s complete wedding package has proven popular at a mere $145.
McLeod Creek Farm, Gibbons
Like most working farms, there’s plenty of livestock at McLeod Creek Farm. But this 25-year-old operation is notable for its specialization in rare breeds. Current rare and endangered species, now found at the farm, include: Guinea fowl, pilgrim geese, production rouen ducks, Indian runner ducks, utility Embden geese, Shetland sheep, Jacobs sheep, Lac La Croix Indian ponies, and Dexter (miniature) Cattle. The farm also breeds, trains and sells Shetland ponies. Visitors can get close to many of these animals, but this is no mere petting zoo. Depending on when you drop by, you’ll witness the work going into the day-to-day operation of this farm.
“If you’re there on the right day it could be the birthing of an animal, shearing, hoof trimming or any of the basic maintenance a livestock operation requires,” says owner Rick Milligan.
Visitors have the option of making their foray to McLeod Creek Farm a day trip or an overnight stay – providing they’re prepared to camp. The farm’s fully functional creek-side campground is RV-friendly with electricity, private showers, picnic shelters, a meeting hall and many other features. As the farm is a popular destination for school and bus tours, Milligan strongly advises pre-booking.
Contact: (780) 921-2490 or mcfarm@albertacom.com
Research: www.mcleodcreekfarm.com
Cost: Rates range from $5 per person for day trips to $20 for overnight camping.
Field notes: The farm is a popular destination for school and bus tours, so Milligan strongly advises booking ahead.
Red Deer River Ranches, Sundre
Ford rivers on horseback, just like in the movies, at Red Deer River Ranches. This 50,000-acre ranch comprises properties once held by several different ranchers. You’ll find a true cowboy experience here. And you can fish, heli-picnic, whitewater raft and view wildlife, such as large bands of wild Alberta horses.
The ranch, about an hour and a half northwest of Calgary, also welcomes hunters from Alberta and abroad, co-ordinating guides and licensing for the latter. It offers a variety of rustic bunkhouses and cabins that sleep from two to eight people.
Contact: 1-866-638-4226 or info@reddeerriverranches.com
Research: www.reddeerriverranches.com
Cost: Prices vary according to the cabin, from $62 per night for
a smaller, more rustic place, to $265 per night for something that sleeps more bodies and has a toilet.
Field notes: Guests must supply their own food, but most quarters have kitchens.
Red Lodge Guest Ranch, Bowden
Harnessing a team of horses and learning to rope from horseback are just many of the typical ranch duties you can try at Red Lodge Working Ranch.
“Guests come to ride horses, mainly, but they don’t have to ride. Some of them help with the feeding, or just hang out, watch and enjoy themselves,” says Wendy Bradshaw, who owns the ranch with husband Dale.
The ranch is fully equipped with a hall and a kitchen to handle large gatherings, such as family reunions or weddings, and a restaurant on site. Sixteen cabins sleep three to eight people, with separate fully equipped shower and bathroom facilities. Large groups are asked to bring their own bedding, but Bradshaw adds that she has bedding for travellers “who happen along or come from abroad.” And they come from such countries as New Zealand, Japan, Sweden and elsewhere.
Contact: (403) 224-3082 or info@redlodgeoutfitters.com
Research: New website in the making
Cost: From $45 to $85 per night, per cabin. Best deal is the Guest Ranch Package, including accommodation, meals, horses and (assuming you want it) genuine cattle ranching work experience
for $150 day per person. RV parking is $20.
The Blooming Fields, Didsbury
Making for an excellent day trip, the Blooming Fields has plenty to offer. Whether you’re after U-pick treats, such as carrots, lettuce, beans, strawberries and currants (to name just a few), your own personal harvest awaits. Other visitors come to select trees and shrubs from the nursery.
Owned and operated by a certified florist and a certified landscaper Mary-Ann and Pim van Oeveren, The Blooming Fields offers courses in flower arrangement and acreage management, easily accessible to Calgary residents. When you’re done, have lunch or a snack in the tea house. Or drop by just to dine on hearty, homegrown, home-cooked fare. The van Oeverens offer meals made from local produce and meat.
Tours and lectures generally come free with your visit. Group packages, including weddings, can be arranged.
Costs vary depending on what you pick or purchase, so phone in advance.
Contact: (403) 335-8264 or info@thebloomingfields.com
Research: www.thebloomingfields.com
Cost: Course calendars are available online and courses cost about $25 to $35 per person.
Field notes: The farm opens on May 2, but you can book the teahouse year-round for private functions for as many as 45 people.
Meet the Lane family
Brown Creek Ranch is the kind of ranchland you nor-mally only see in movies such as Brad Pitt’s Legends of the Fall or Kevin Costner’s Open Range. Until you’ve actually set foot in a place like this one, nestled in the Porcupine Hills just west of Claresholm, you’re not sure if it really, truly exists. Shaunere (pronounced SHAWN-a-ree)
Lane, knows what a jaw-dropper her home is.“More than once I’ve literally seen people get out of their cars, stand in the driveway, do a three-sixty turn with their arms held out, and just smile,” says Lane, adding that guests from more congested countries, such as the UK and Holland, are the ones most taken with the wide open spaces that surround them.
In the last two years, Brown Creek Ranch has won both the provincial and national Environmental Steward-ship Awards from Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association respectively. Credit for the currently pristine, self-replenishing grassland and lush, tree-lined waterways snaking across the 1,360-acre ranch, not to mention the naturally-raised, grass-fed cattle dotting the rolling hillsides, belongs at least in part to the Lanes.
Canadian media have been quick to hold the Lanes up as a shining example of environmentally friendly ranching methods and it’s charming the way husband, Brian Lane, responds in true, soft-spoken “shucks, it weren’t nothing” cowboy style. But when it comes to the international reputation of Alberta’s cattle industry and the food it provides, Shaunere’s hand-built log guesthouse is likely just as important in spreading the word. Sure, guests inevitably return home as emissaries of Alberta beef. But when they first arrive, they’re simply in need of a great vacation and, on that front, Brown Creek Ranch delivers.
Although the guesthouse holds as many as seven people, it’s plenty cozy for a couple wanting a weekend stay. This could mean a simple B&B visit or a full-weekend package, including range riding, three meals and plenty of extras, such as local tours. Shaunere looks after all the meals herself. “And there’s plenty of food,” she says.
“I don’t let anyone leave the table hungry.”
Contact: (403) 625-4032 or shaunere@telus.net
Research: www.browncreekranchvacations.com
Cost: A simple bed-and-breakfast package costs $145 for two. A full weekend package is $980 for two.
Field notes: For dinner, expect plenty of beef, some wine and organically grown vegetables right from the Lanes’ garden.
