The Cowboy Trail in Alberta is a journey through big sky country into the heart of the Old West. It’s a 735-km route that starts in Mayerthorpe, west of Edmonton, and winds south along Highway 22 through Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House, Sundre and Cochrane, through ranching country along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, to Cardston in the province’s deep south.
“Going on the Cowboy Trail in Alberta is really an opportunity to immerse yourself in that western culture and explore some cool little towns along the way,” says Travel Alberta vice president of industry development, Shelley Grollmuss. “It’s an absolutely beautiful drive, pretty much year round.”
Stops to make on the Cowboy Trail in Alberta
There’s a lot to cover on Alberta’s Cowboy Trail. In my personal opinion, the best of the Cowboy Trail is the section south from Cochrane to Highway 3. I particularly love it when the fields have greened up but the mountains still have a dusting of snow.
Catch a rodeo at a town on the Cowboy Trail in Alberta
Depending on when you’re traveling, you might be able to catch a rodeo as you follow the Cowboy Trail. Check out the schedule at Pro Rodeo Canada.
Visit the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
Heading off the Cowboy Trail in Alberta, southwest of Calgary off Highway 22X is the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area (ASCCA), a 4,800-acre wildlife preserve and day use natural area.
It’s a great place to stop for some fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs. You can read up on the hiking guidelines and book your visit ahead of time through their website.
For most of the year I’d recommend carrying bear spray as there is a healthy population of bears and even cougars in the vicinity. Dogs are not permitted.
In winter you can snowshoe on the 20 km of trails, but cross-country skiing is not permitted.
As of January 1, 2020 there is a $10 parking fee per car.
Leighton Art Centre
The former home of Alberta artists A.C. Leighton and Barbara Leighton, the Leighton Centre is stunningly located, on a hilltop looking out over the foothills and front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Admission is by donation.
“This part of the province has inspired many artists,” Grollmuss notes. Southwest of Calgary, one of the area’s hidden gems is the Leighton Art Centre, an 80-acre property that includes an art gallery and museum, south of Highway 22X and east of Highway 22.
Saskatoon Farm
Just east of Okotoks, you can pick Saskatoon berries at the Saskatoon Farm, from about mid-July through mid-August. Check the website to make sure the berries are ripe when you arrive.
If you’re feeling peckish, you can stop for western grub and a slice of Saskatoon pie at the Saskatoon Farm’s Giddyup Café, open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the summer, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the winter.
Chinook Honey near the Cowboy Trail in Alberta
Also near Okotoks, you can learn about honey and bees, and find out how mead is made, at Chinook Honey.
Bar U Ranch
Located along the Cowboy Trail one hour south of Calgary is the Bar U Ranch, the only national historic site that commemorates the history of ranching in Canada.
Established in 1882, the Bar U Ranch features 35 buildings showcasing ranching history. Explore the ranch, watch blacksmiths and saddle makers at work, and take a wagon ride. “It really is a living historical site,” Grollmuss says.
Towns to visit on the Cowboy Trail
The southern portion of the Cowboy Trail leads you into rolling hills and meadowlands. Nearby towns include Bragg Creek, Black Diamond, Okotoks, Turner Valley and Longview, where you’ll discover everything from art galleries, to one-of-a-kind shops.
Cochrane
The town of Cochrane is “a great place to stop along the Cowboy Trail in Alberta,” Grollmuss says. Cochrane boasts unique stores, live music on weekends at Legacy Guitar and Coffee House, and a diversity of good restaurants – from cowboy to Cajun, and from fine East Indian, to sushi, vegetarian and vegan Thai, and more.
If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, there’s the ever popular MacKay’s Cochrane Ice Cream.
Turner Valley
Don’t miss a stop at Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley. Established in 2013, it is Canada’s most awarded distillery. It’s housed in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall so even the building has a lot of character.
On a visit you can enjoy a distillery tour (book ahead), eat a meal at Rupert’s Parlour (onsite), and enjoy live music in the Eau Claire Speakeasy. Don’t miss a stop to check out the General Store.
Black Diamond (now called Diamond Valley)
In Black Diamond, it’s a trip back to ‘50s at Marv’s Classic Soda Shop where you’ll find ice cream, homemade burgers and fries, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Next door is the Black Diamond Bakery, which offers an incredible variety of breads and buns, fine Danish baking, pastries and much more.
Longview – one of the best towns on the Cowboy Highway in Alberta for food
Longview is the last town of any size before you reach Highway 3. It’s also one of the gateways to Kananaskis Country via Highway 541 and Highway 40. Some amazing hikes are a short distance away including Mount Burke, Raspberry Ridge, and Grass Pass.
Longview is also home to the Longview Steak House – famous for unforgettable meals and their hospitality. The only unfortunate thing is trying to nab a reservation. You might be better off scoring a cancellation.
There are a couple of must-stops on the Longview part of the Cowboy Highway in Alberta. If you love decadent cinnamon rolls, stop in at the the Little Apple Cafe & Bakeshop. I recommend pre-ordering as they usually sell out.
Open 364 days of the year is the Longview Jerky Shop, offering over 32 different kinds of jerky including jerky made from beef, bison, turkey, chicken, elk, and wild boar.
Photos of the Cowboy Trail in Alberta
The Cowboy Highway is a treat to drive – not only because it’s scenic, but the roads are generally much quieter than Highway 2. In you drive it in fall keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks!
These are just some of the highlights that await you on the Cowboy Trail in Alberta, which offers something for everyone.
Further reading on things to do near the Cowboy Trail in Alberta
- 25 + Day Trips From Calgary
- Kananaskis Country Snowshoeing: West Bragg Creek Trails
- Hiking the Whaleback Ridge near the Cowboy Trail
- 5 of the Best Crowsnest Pass Hikes in Alberta
- Sheep River Valley Biking in Kananaskis Country
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