Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Tourist attraction · Foothills No. 31

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Tourist attraction · Foothills No. 31

Township Rd 17B and, Township Rd 17A, Longview, AB T0L 1H0, Canada

Highlights

Discover a charming living museum where you can dive into ranching history, enjoy engaging wagon rides, and explore an array of well-preserved buildings.

Township Rd 17B and, Township Rd 17A, Longview, AB T0L 1H0, Canada Get directions

pc.gc.ca

@afar

"For the Rhythm of Cowboy Poetry The Bar U Ranch had a hand (and a hoof, and a horseshoe) in shaping life in Western Canada , and today is preserved as a national historic site packed with interactive exhibits, immersive educational programs, and more. If you're lucky, your visit may coincide with the famed Bar U Chuckwagon Cook-Off (annual, first weekend in June), and you and your posse will get a chance to taste a bit of the Wild West. And don't forget to actually enter the historic buildings (they're not just for show), many of which are manned by period players fully dedicated to bringing the Bar U Experience to life. What looks, feels, and smells like a leather shop is actually the domain of the Bar U's poet cowboy, and if you're lucky, and if you're polite, he might just recite one of his original elegies for you and your crew. [Flash traveled to Alberta courtesy of Travel Alberta.]"

The Best Road Trip In Alberta

View Postcard for Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Brian Christie

Google

I decided to stop in on my way to Montana. Very glad I did, it was a nice time to wander around the property look at the buildings, and talk to the staff that work there. The wagon ride was excellent as well as the campfire coffee. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area.

R B

Google

Very well done historic museum of ranching life in the Foothills. Most of the staff are friendly. One middle aged lady working at the front desk was quite rude to us (Sunday, Sep 1st), when we showed her pictures of both sides of our valid, annual Discovery Pass for admission, which we have on display in our vehicle as required. Has never been an issue before, at Bar U or other Parks. The physical pass can't be in two places at once, but she insisted we had to show it to her. Wasted time going back to the vehicle for it, when a picture of the signed pass should have sufficed, as told to us by staff there and at other sites.

Elias Zelenskyi

Google

Wonderful one day trip. Ideal for kids (can see some animals - a bison, calf, horses) wild nature is also near - we met several deer! Friendly staff. True historical site with natural landscapes. Highly recommended for a day escape from a city.

Rosanne F

Google

My husband and I visited this afternoon. Park guides Bruce, Maryam, Grace and the young man working in the blacksmith shop were excellent, informative and passionate about sharing the ranch's history. We arrived too late so see everything there was to see and will definitely go back. Free admission with your Parks Canada Pass.

Andreas Keller

Google

a beautiful place. It tells the story of cowboy life. And you can feel that everywhere on this ranch. Be sure to visit and plan at least 2 hours.

Jonathan Fernandes

Google

This is a really great place to visit. My kids loved it. We learned how people used to live in a ranch 100 years ago.

Brian Dunn

Google

Fascinating place! Heritage Park is interesting, but this site is authentic and historical - all buildings on display are situated where built. Spent 3-4 hours exploring, chatting with and listening to the interpreters provide colorful information about the cowboys which brought the experience to life. Well worth the visit!

Zhaohan Xu

Google

This place is full of history and culture from the indigenous people all the way to modern day ranch. Multiple ownership and they have left a lot of treasure to be discovered. You can walk inside ranch and visit multiple buildings for different functions. There is a complimentary wagon ride so don’t miss out. Plan at least 1-1.5 hour at this place as it’s huge and need time to explore around. The staff in here is very informative and friendly they glad to answer all kinds of question you have about this place. Parking is free and always have empty spot. Ticket is about $13 per adult, if you have park pass maybe eligible for discount you can ask the front counter.