3,000 Acres of Private
Rockies Majesty.
Your Saddle is Waiting…
From high-country summer trail rides to winter skating under the stars, experience the spirit of a working guest ranch tailored to your pace.
Thanksgiving Ranch is the ideal place for horse lovers to explore the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Indulge your senses as you travel through rolling Alberta Foothills on horseback. Once on the trail, you can expect spectacular vistas of the nearby Canadian Rocky Mountains and sprawling meadows covered with wildflowers and rich with wildlife spotting opportunities.
Our guides have years of experience and your safety and comfort are our priority while you’re staying with us at the Ranch. Our horses are also experienced and comfortable with new riders, as long as there is some comfort in being around these animals which are sensitive to the emotions of the rider. We tailor the horseback riding experience to your comfort and riding level. You can meet our horses here.
If you’d like to book a ride and are not planning to stay at the Ranch, please contact us to see if there are any openings available for the public.
All riding experiences can be customized and we’ve included a sampling of experiences below.
Ninety Minute Plus Experience:
$165+GST
Ideal for inexperienced riders (details below)
Three Hour Plus Experience:
$310+GST
Only for experienced riders (details below)
Ninety Minute Experience
Guided Horseback Riding - New to Riding or Haven't Been on Horseback for a Few Years
You'll get a stunning view from the top of a horse and not as likely to get saddle sore. Join us at the barn where our experienced guides will introduce you to your horse and their unique personality along with a bit of preparation, including rider safety - this ensures you are comfortable on a horse and that the horse matches your comfort level. If you're an absolute beginner, you’ll receive the basics in horsemanship skills and horse tendencies. Our guides will generally stay on relatively level terrain Creekside. There are opportunities for trotting and loping on all trails, contingent on rider ability and comfort level. Small group sizes ensure that we are not nose-to-tail.
Three Hour Package
Guided Horseback Riding - Experienced Rider
If you are comfortable on a horse, have an advanced level of skill on horseback, and have been riding fairly regularly over the past few years (your bottom has likely adjusted to life in a saddle), these longer rides are perfect for you . Our experienced guides head out to higher elevations and travel longer distances. Depending on the location of the cattle during your stay and your comfort level on a horse, we may include a ride through our cattle herd. Small group sizes ensure that we are not nose-to-tail.
“Thanksgiving Ranch came highly recommended by a colleague. Simply put, it is an amazing riding experience, whether you are a novice or a seasoned rider. Brad and his family accompanied us on some of the most spectacular terrain I have ever ridden. Excellent for families... Looking forward to returning for a stay in the lodge!”
— JOHN ARRAF
Things to do in Spring & Summer
-
If a round of golf is your kind of relaxation, you’re in the right place. Enjoy the laid-back charm of the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club, take in the stunning mountain backdrop at Waterton Lakes Golf Course, or venture a little further to Cardston for a scenic and welcoming course. Each offers its own experience, but all come with fresh air and amazing views.
-
Whether you prefer a guided experience or heading out on your own, this area offers some of the most rewarding hiking in Southern Alberta.
Join a local guide like Uplift Adventures or Waterton Tours for a deeper connection to the area, or explore at your own pace with well-marked trails through nearby parks. From easy walks to more challenging climbs, there’s something for every level, and always a view worth stopping for.
-
For those looking to explore on two wheels, mountain biking offers a dynamic way to experience the landscape. From scenic, beginner-friendly trails to more technical terrain, there’s something for every level. Choose a self-guided ride at your own pace, or connect with local outfitters like Sweet Riders for rentals and guided experiences that take you to some of the area’s most scenic and lesser-known routes.
-
Step into the stories that shaped this region. From the rich history at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, recently re-named Kootenai Brown Historical Park, in Pincher Creek, to the iconic western art at the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston, to the heritage buildings of Fort Macleod and the powerful story behind the Frank Slide, there’s no shortage of places to explore and connect with the past.
-
For those drawn to the water, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Book a guided fishing experience on local rivers, spend a warm afternoon swimming in a quiet spot, or take things up a notch with a guided rafting adventure. Whether it’s calm or a little more adventurous, the water here has a way of slowing things down.
-
You’re surrounded by places of global significance. Waterton Lakes National Park offers breathtaking landscapes where mountains meet prairie, while Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump shares a powerful story of Indigenous history and tradition. Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park adds another layer, with ancient rock carvings that tell stories from generations past.
Local Breweries year-round
After a day of exploring, ease into the evening with a visit to one of the region’s local breweries or distilleries. From The Pass Beer Co. in the Crowsnest Pass to Stronghold Brewing in Fort Macleod and Oldman River Brewing nearby, each offers thoughtfully crafted beverages in welcoming settings. For a distinctive experience, stop by Lost Things Distillery in Pincher Creek, known for its small-batch spirits and signature gin, an ideal way to unwind and reflect on the day. Or make it a day drive to Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley.
Things to do in Fall & Winter
-
When winter rolls in, Castle Mountain offers a true mountain experience without the crowds. Known for its deep powder and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a favourite for those who love skiing that feels a little more wild and a lot less rushed.
-
For an immersive way to experience winter, snowshoeing offers a peaceful connection. Wander through snow-covered trails, take in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the stillness that only winter brings. Explore at your own pace, or join a guided experience with Uplift Adventures to discover hidden routes and learn more about the surrounding terrain. It’s a simple, refreshing way to get outside and see the land from a different perspective.
-
As evening settles in, Waterton Lakes National Park offers a different kind of experience. As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, its night skies remain beautifully untouched by light pollution. Under the vast, star-filled sky—often with the Milky Way and occasional northern lights visible—guests are invited to slow down, take in the stillness, and experience the landscape in an entirely new way. And for those evenings when the weather doesn’t cooperate, step inside a unique 360° dome planetarium experience where the night sky comes to life indoors.
-
If you prefer a quieter pace in winter, cross-country skiing is a beautiful way to explore the landscape. Head toward Waterton, Allison Creek, or the Castle Wildland areas for peaceful trails, crisp air, and a chance to move through nature in a more mindful way.
-
In fall and winter, the surrounding towns take on a quieter, more intimate feel. A stroll through Fort Macleod’s historic streets, a visit to local shops in Pincher Creek, or an afternoon exploring the Crowsnest Pass offers a glimpse into the region’s everyday history. With fewer crowds, it becomes less about sightseeing and more about experiencing the character and stories woven into each place.
-
There’s something unexpectedly calming about sitting out on a frozen lake. No noise, just the sound of the ice beneath you and the mountains in the distance. Ice fishing isn’t really about the fish. It’s about slowing right down, warming your hands on a favourite warm beverage, and having nowhere else you need to be for a while. It’s simple, quiet, and strangely grounding, in the best possible way.
-
Winter offers a quieter, more reflective way to experience the region’s UNESCO-designated sites. At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the snow-covered prairie brings a profound stillness to this place of deep cultural significance. Waterton Lakes National Park, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, becomes a peaceful winter landscape where the pace slows and the connection to nature deepens. It’s an experience that invites you to pause, take it in, and see these remarkable places in a whole new light.
