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.

How Big is Thanksgiving Ranch?

The Lodge accommodates up to 14 guests (depending on sleeping arrangements). Special circumstances may be considered at booking and may incur additional charges. The ranch spans 3,600 acres (~1,457 hectares).

What Wildlife Might Guests Expect to See?

Wildlife sightings vary by season and time of day. Commonly seen species include elk, deer, black bears, foxes, coyotes, bald eagles, golden eagles, and hummingbirds. Less frequently seen are cougars, wolves, grizzly bears, and moose. For your safety, please observe all animals from a distance.

About Thanksgiving Ranch | Thanksgiving Ranch | Alberta

Thanksgiving Ranch maintains over 3,000 acres of prime grassland in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where guests are welcomed and cattle graze every summer.

The Ranch is becoming renowned for its western hospitality and some of the most magnificent mountain views in Western Canada.

Against this spectacular backdrop, lodge guests enjoy the quiet comforts of a traditional family ranch, modern amenities, and a dazzling range of outdoor experiences, from horse riding, hiking, star gazing, wildlife viewing, cattle experiences, wellness, fine dining and photography.

The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch has something for everyone to discover.

International guests become common. Welcoming people from six continents during the summer, Seventeen countries and 19 provinces and states, guests unanimously fell in love with the beautiful setting, the serenity, the privacy and the Lodge itself. Frequently praising the delicious food served. They often remark on what a unique and special place Thanksgiving Ranch truly is.

A rustic log cabin house at dusk with warm interior lighting, outdoor seating, and a landscaped yard with plants and flowers.

2023

Thanksgiving Ranch is recognized as a “Hidden Gem of Canada” in Canada’s National Newspaper, The Globe and Mail.

Interprovincial travel is allowed.

Two people sitting in red Adirondack chairs at Thanksgiving Ranch, in Alberta

2021

Social Media and Website for The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch become active.

Actually get bookings from Europe for following Summer.

Decorative letter 'R' at Thanksgiving Ranch in red colour mounted on a stone wall with a snowy landscape in the background.

2019

2018

Thanksgiving Ranch began welcoming guests.

The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch begins to welcome international guests following the pandemic.

Australia, Germany and the U.S. are the first countries to enjoy a luxury ranch experience, unlike any other.

A living room in a log cabin with mountain views. It has leather armchairs, a wooden coffee table with a doily, framed artwork, plants, and deer head mounts on the wooden wall. The room is decorated with a red patterned rug.

2022

Social Distancing. Pandemic. Covid. Travel becomes awkward.

Borders closed.

No international flights.

No travel to/from other provinces.

Market becomes Alberta based!

A field with cows resting and grazing, surrounded by green trees, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

2020

A white bird, possibly a snowy owl, perched on the top of a green coniferous tree, with a background of a forested hillside.

2017

Castle Provincial Park was founded, and shortly thereafter, the Kenow Fire burned from southeastern British Columbia into Waterton Lakes National Park. This devastating fire caused widespread evacuations and significant damage throughout the local area. Thanksgiving Ranch remained unscathed.

Perhaps it was the sudden appearance of a Leucistic Redtail Hawk that provided protection. Indigenous people believe that the hawk represents a protector and peace. This majestic bird appeared at the start of the evacuations and remained for several days. Even writing this message brings a wave of emotion.

Brad and Christi move to the ranch full time to take over the ranching operation.

1998

1991

The Oldman River Dam opened.

Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump was named a World Heritage Site for its testimony of prehistoric life and the customs of the aboriginal people.

1981

Christi’s parents arrive in Canada and fall in love with Southern Alberta.

A cowboy on horseback herding cattle on a grassy hillside with a wooden fence, illuminated by warm, golden sunlight.

1975

1927

The Prince of Wales Hotel opened in Glacier National Park.

The Crypt Lake Trail in Waterton National Park was rated by National Geographic as one of the World’s Most Thrilling Trails.

2014

Waterton became Canada's second biosphere reserve and the first Canadian national park to take part in this UNESCO program.

1979

1880s

The first official land surveys occurred in the Pincher Creek area.