In case you ever needed to really feel such as you’ve stepped onto the wide-open set of a traditional Western, Alberta’s Cowboy Path is the place.
This ribbon of street runs down the japanese slopes of the Rockies, tracing ranchland, rolling foothills and historic small cities the place cowboy boots are normal and the prairie sky feels infinite.
This street journey hyperlinks the perfect stops alongside Freeway 22 – the official Cowboy Path – beginning simply south of Calgary and rolling all the best way to the rugged fringe of Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park.
Suppose old-time common shops, cattle ranches, secret waterfalls and mountain views that creep up on you round every bend.
Route Overview
Calgary → Okotoks → Longview → Chain Lakes → Lundbreck Falls → Pincher Creek → Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
Best journey size: 3-5 days
Finest time to go: Late Might to September for blue skies, open ranch gates and honest climate hikes
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Begin: Calgary – the place the stampede spirit begins
Start in Calgary, Alberta’s largest metropolis with a coronary heart that also beats like a prairie city.
In case you’re right here in the course of the Calgary Stampede in July, you’ll see this metropolis remodel: denims, cowboy hats and boots change into the uniform.
The remainder of the yr, it’s a vigorous mixture of artsy neighbourhoods and cowboy heritage.
Kick issues off with a 2-hour strolling tour of Calgary’s downtown to get a really feel for the town’s tales and hidden corners.
Swing by the Calgary Tower for a skyline view or go to the Glenbow Museum if you wish to brush up on ranching historical past earlier than you hit the street.
In case you’ve obtained a half day, wander round Inglewood for indie outlets, craft espresso and native brews.
While you’re able to roll, fill the tank, replenish on street journey snacks and level your bonnet south.
Keep: In case you’re staying the evening, base your self at Lodge Arts, a classy downtown spot with cozy rooms, an outside pool and quick access to Calgary’s cafés, outlets and Stampede sights.
Cease 1: Okotoks – a giant rock and a small-town stroll
First cease is Okotoks, simply 45 minutes south.
It’s identified for its pleasant neighborhood and the Okotoks Erratic, or ‘Huge Rock’: an enormous glacial boulder dropped by retreating ice fields 1000’s of years in the past.
It’s definitely worth the detour to see this unusual geological landmark plonked in the midst of the prairie.
Again on the town, Okotoks has a captivating primary road. Count on native outlets, ice cream parlours and a few easygoing diners the place you may seize lunch.
Eat: Attempt a bison burger at an area café and get a way of the ranching tradition that also shapes this a part of Alberta.
Keep: Relaxation up at Lakeview Inns & Suites – Okotoks, a cushty trendy lodge with spacious rooms and quick access to the Huge Rock and the city’s cafés.
Cease 2: Longview – cowboy hats, Highwood views and legendary jerky
Proceed south to Longview, one of many Cowboy Path’s most genuine small cities.
It’s identified for its sweeping views of the Highwood River valley and its well-known beef jerky; a cease at Longview Jerky Store is a should.
Add a bit extra to your drive with the Cowboy Path smartphone audio tour, which shares tales about ranching, geology and native cowboy tradition as you go.
In case you’ve obtained time, detour west to Highwood Move for considered one of Alberta’s most scenic drives (open June to October).
While you’re again in Longview, pop into an area saloon for a pint. You may catch a reside nation band if it’s a Friday evening.
Cease 3: Chain Lakes Provincial Park – picnic spot and prairie vistas
About half-hour additional south you’ll discover Chain Lakes Provincial Park, an area secret that’s value pulling over for.
It’s not large, however the glowing reservoir surrounded by gently rolling ranchland is a peaceable spot to stretch your legs, solid a line or arrange a picnic.
There’s a campground in case you’re the sort to unroll a sleeping bag underneath prairie stars.
Or simply wander the paths, watch the wind ripple throughout the water and remind your self that the Rockies are proper there within the distance, ready to greet you at each flip.
Cease 4: Lundbreck Falls – Alberta’s hidden waterfall
Subsequent cease is a little bit of a shock for the dry foothills: Lundbreck Falls, a thundering double waterfall on the Crowsnest River. You’ll hear it earlier than you see it.
There’s a parking space simply off the Cowboy Path and a brief path to the viewing platforms the place you may watch the river tumble into the canyon.
If the climate’s heat, scramble down the rocks for a better view or discover a spot to dangle your toes within the chilly, clear water.
It’s the type of spot that feels completely untamed; a favorite with native photographers and a welcome break earlier than you drift additional south.
Cease 5: Pincher Creek – small city spirit and windy plains
Rolling down in direction of Pincher Creek, you’ll discover the panorama opening up.
This city is perched on open prairie, the place winds whip by way of the foothills and outdated barns lean into the breeze.
There’s a small pioneer village right here – Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village – that does a superb job bringing native ranching historical past to life with heritage buildings and relics from the early settler days.
Eat: Pop into one of many diners for a slice of pie and low. Then wander the river pathway that winds behind city if it’s essential stretch your legs.
Keep: Make an evening of it at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, a newly up to date motel that includes kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and a hearty breakfast.
Last cease: Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park – the grand finale
That is the place the Cowboy Path bows out and the Rockies come crashing again into view.
Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park feels wild and splendidly under-visited in comparison with its well-known cousin, Banff.
Right here, prairie meets mountain in a pointy conflict of ecosystems, so it’s one of many few locations you may see bighorn sheep grazing on grasslands with a glacial peak as a backdrop.
Park up on the iconic Prince of Wales Lodge for that traditional view over Higher Waterton Lake.
Then set out on foot. Hike as much as Bear’s Hump for a panoramic shot of the townsite and lakes.
Or enterprise additional to Pink Rock Canyon, the place vibrant scarlet stone and turquoise water make you are feeling such as you’ve landed someplace much more unique than southern Alberta.
In case you’ve time, look out for boat cruises on the lake that cross the border into Montana’s Glacier Nationwide Park – a reminder that this panorama is aware of no traces.
Eat: On the town, Waterton village is pocket-sized however completely fashioned, with lakeside ice cream, pleasant pubs and loads of locations to toast the tip of the street journey.
Necessities
Driving time with out stops: Roughly 4 to 5 hours in whole.
What to pack: Layers for sudden climate modifications, a hat for the solar, bear spray in case you plan to hike, and money for small city diners.
Driving tip: Replenish when you may; gasoline stations might be far aside and cell service is patchy in spots. Deliver a paper map, simply in case.
Last Ideas
Alberta’s Cowboy Path is all concerning the feeling of extensive horizons, crisp air and winding two-lane highways that appear to roll on ceaselessly.
It’s the nice and cozy hi there from the lady on the pie store, the ranch gates left open underneath infinite sky, and the outdated rodeo pictures pinned up behind the bar in a roadside saloon.
You’ll depart with a automobile boot stuffed with jerky, a reminiscence card stuffed with mountain views and possibly only a contact extra respect for the individuals who constructed this place one dusty mile at a time.
Include an open thoughts, good boots and an urge for food for easy, trustworthy journey.
