FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch located?
We are a little bit out of the way, in the southwest corner of our province, Alberta. When you get to the Ranch you will be awestruck.
Thanksgiving Ranch is located approximately 40 km from the town of Pincher Creek, Alberta, west of Alberta’s Cowboy Trail (Highway 6). A 30-minute drive should get you here. The Ranch is at an elevation of 5,200 feet (1,600 m).
Click here for driving instructions from Calgary.
Our GPS coordinates are: Lat 49.329893° N and Long -114.028210° W.
Where does the name Thanksgiving Ranch come from?
The name Thanksgiving Ranch was chosen with care, reflecting our gratitude for this land and the breathtaking surroundings that have sustained our family for three generations.
One guest described the mountains as this majestic curve that forms a panoramic embrace, as if the Rockies themselves are hugging you. There is something about this place—its silence, its space, its presence—that feels unlike anywhere else. Guests who visit often tell us they feel an immediate sense of comfort and connection, as though Thanksgiving Ranch itself welcomes them.
The name Thanksgiving Ranch captures what we feel every day: gratitude for the privilege of calling this place home, and joy in sharing it with those who truly “get it” when they arrive.
What is the Environment and Landscape of Thanksgiving Ranch?
Thanksgiving Ranch is located just off the front range of the Rocky Mountains, along the geologically young Lewis Thrust, where vibrant rock formations are visible in the creeks and glow in the early morning sunrises. The ranch spans foothills, dynamic mountain-fed creeks, meadows, pastures, and forests. Snow-capped peaks provide a majestic backdrop visible from almost anywhere on the property. Thanksgiving Ranch is also just a short distance from Castle Wildlands Provincial Park.
A thirty-minute drive brings you to Waterton Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that borders Glacier National Park in Montana.
The ranch itself covers 3,600 acres, with two miles of Pincher Creek flowing through the property—a serene setting for a stroll, fishing, or quiet reflection among aspen, spruce, and cottonwood trees.
How Do I Get to the Ranch?
The nearest major international airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which receives flights from numerous destinations. The drive from Calgary to the ranch is approximately 2½ hours. For a truly special experience, arrangements can be made through Thanksgiving Ranch for an approximate 30-minute helicopter flight.
For guests traveling by private aircraft, Pincher Creek Municipal Airport (CZPC) provides a convenient option.
Once at the ranch, all guest vehicles are requested to remain on the maintained private driveway to ensure the safety and integrity of the property.
Click here for driving instruction from Calgary.
What is the Average Length of Stay at the Lodge at Ranch Thanksgiving?
We require guests to stay for a minimum of two nights throughout the year and three nights on Canadian Statutory Holiday weekends.
Although we strongly recommend a minimum of around four nights to fully immerse yourself in the Thanksgiving Ranch experience—exploring unspoiled wilderness, reflecting in solitude, reconnecting with yourself, or making new friends. We promise your stay will be unforgettable.
Thanksgiving Ranch is an opportunity to escape and reconnect with whatever you may have been missing. There are also a number of off-ranch excursions, activities and attractions that could easily extend your stay.
What Weather Should I Expect at the Ranch?
In a word – anything!
Situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,200 feet), Thanksgiving Ranch experiences a variable mountain climate that can change quickly throughout the day. The most significant climate factor is the wind, as the Ranch is located near some of the windiest and warmest places in Alberta. Temperatures can rise or fall dramatically in short periods, during all months of the year.
Summer: Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 35˚C. However, they are usually moderate, occasionally interrupted by cool periods. Cooler nights are also common.
Winter: Winters are highly variable but typically mild, with frequent warm spells caused by Chinooks, raising temperatures up to 15˚C in the middle of winter. However, extreme storms can cause temperatures to temporarily drop as low as -40˚C with snow.
The climate at the Ranch is influenced by two opposing systems: the Arctic Continental system (cold, dry) and the prevailing Pacific Maritime system (warm, moist). The Pacific system often brings high precipitation and Chinook winds.
Be prepared for a range of weather conditions and enjoy the unique and dynamic climate at Thanksgiving Ranch!
What Should I Pack and What is the Dress Code?
Guests will likely be comfortable in normal clothing that would be suitable for outdoor activities. Attire should be relaxed and comfortable, even at dinner jacket required there is no jacket required.
If a horse riding experience is on your list, then jeans with a healed boot/shoe is required. We generally recommend dressing in layers. Hiking boots, shorts or loose-fitting pants, and short and long-sleeved shirts are best for summer hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
For winter, you should pack mid-weight to heavy jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts (fleece, wool and flannel), jeans, weather resistant pants, long johns, warm socks, snow pants, winter snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Click here for more information about packing for the Ranch.
Will I Have Wi-Fi and Cellular Phone Service?
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) is available in all accommodations and public guest areas.
Landline phone service is available in the Lodge for use during your stay. Local and domestic calls are included in your rate.
Due to the remote mountain location, cellular service is only available in random spots on the Ranch, however, service is limited and variable.
If we have chosen to include meals with our stay, what will the meals be and what times will they be served?
We will ask about food preferences, allergies and dietary restrictions in advance of your stay to ensure you have a menu that you’ll enjoy. We don’t prescribe specific meal times and generally work with you to choose meal times within a reasonable schedule.
We serve breakfast between 7:30 & 9:00 AM, lunches between 12:00 & 1:30 PM, and dinner between 6:00 & 7:30 PM.
We usually have freshly baked snacks available, as well as a drawer full of choices of something to grab in case you’re hungry between meals. A selection of non-alcoholic beverages is always available too.
Please note that the Lodge kitchen is not available for guest use at any time, as health regulations prohibit public access.
Click here for more general information about cuisine.
What Time Zone is Thanksgiving Ranch Located?
Alberta is located in the Mountain Time Zone or GMT - Minus 7.
12:Noon at the Ranch would be:
2:00 PM in Toronto (EST plus two hours),
11:00 AM in Vancouver (PST minus one hour)
7:00 PM in Europe (CET plus seven hours)
6:00AM in Sydney, AUS (plus eighteen hours)
How Big is Thanksgiving Ranch?
Our maximum occupancy of The Lodge, including all suites is 14 guests depending on sleeping arrangements. Special circumstances may be considered at time of booking and extra charges may apply. The Ranch itself comprises 3,600 total acres.
How do I Get Around on Property?
Each guest is encouraged to walk as much as possible. The Ranch has a system of roads, trails, and paths to explore the landscape and to keep traffic to a minimum, and allow for a serene and safe environment. These trails are not open to guests in vehicles. Mountain bikes or fat-wheeled bikes are also allowed, however, some areas may be closed off. The rental of bikes needs to be arranged by the guest.
Does The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch Allow Pets?
Thanksgiving Ranch is a working ranch spread across a vast terrain, active livestock, and local wildlife, and it can be dangerous for animals unfamiliar with the environment. For this reason, we are unable to allow outside pets or animals on the property.
Equally important, for the comfort and enjoyment of future guests, we ask that no pets enter any public spaces within the Lodge.
Our own friendly ranch ambassadors may occasionally stop by to say hello—they’re part of what makes the ranch feel like home. If you’d prefer they not visit, we’re happy to ensure they keep their distance.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Does Thanksgiving Ranch Welcome Children and Families?
Thanksgiving Ranch has no age restriction and welcomes guests of all ages, including children. The Ranch is a beautiful place that will amaze the whole family. The nicest times for our guests seem to be whole families or groups of friends booking The Lodge. If you are using a stroller or a wheelchair, the entire first floor of the main lodge is accessible, and The Juniper Suite as well. The upper floor of the lodge and Alpine Suite are accessed by a flight of stairs.
What Wildlife Might Guests Expect to See?
The Ranch is home to a wide array of wildlife – they are wild animals so they are not on a schedule, but it is reasonably common to see are elk, deer, black bear, fox, coyote, bald eagles, golden eagles, hummingbirds and an array of other birds while other animals like cougars, wolves, grizzly bear, and moose are slightly rare and difficult to spot .
What are the Trail Rides Like at Thanksgiving Ranch?
If you look through our reviews, guests absolutely love our Riding Experiences. The views, the equine team, the post-ride snack, everyone wants to come back. We have a horse for every skill level, whether it’s your first time on horseback or you are an experienced rider. The experience is built in the spirit of enjoyment where travelers experience horseback riding through our incredible ranch or quietly wandering through our cattle herd.
Our trail rides will give you a small taste of ranch life.
What is the Drinking Age in Alberta?
The drinking age is 18 and older for all guests. IDs will be required at the discretion of the service staff.
What if I don’t have the recreation equipment I’d like to use at the Ranch?
There are a multitude of services nearby that have rental equipment of all types. We would be happy to arrange the delivery of equipment and work with you so that you have everything you need - just let us know!
How far away are some of the off-site adventures ?
We are approximately:
25 minutes away from the town of Pincher Creek.
30 minutes away from Waterton National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Site). 50 minutes away from Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
20 minutes away from Castle Wilderness Provincial Park.
60 minutes away from Castle Mountain Resort.
Extra Fees? Cleaning? Have you got a non-smoking policy?
In cases where there is an unusual amount of dishes or glassware, or if any stains or damage occur, additional cleaning fees will apply to cover the extra time and effort required to restore the property to its original condition.
Please respect that No Smoking is permitted on the premises and we ask that you do not vape onsite. Note that an extra cleaning charge will be applicable if evidence of smoking is found.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as it helps us provide a pristine environment for all of our guests.