Overview
Welcome to the "Last Best West"...
Long ago Stoney and Sarcee Indian lodges were the only dwellings in the western foothills. This area was called Paradise by the Indians and remained undisturbed until the mid 1800s. Then, wagons crossed the prairies bringing families to this untamed land. Around 1890, large cattle ranches were created, a few of which survived and flourished. Because Alberta was promoted as the "Last Best West", people continued to migrate across the country. And as homesteads were built around 1905, settlers learned to respect and live with the land.
The Homeplace Ranch has been in the guide, outfitting and horseback vacation business for many years. They enjoy helping their guests understand a way of life for which Southern Alberta is known. Every week, a limited number of people can share the traditions, heritage, recreation and natural beauty that constitute the ranch’s unique lifestyle.
Homeplace Ranch is a year round working and guest ranch in Alberta's high cattle country. The main ranch is about 31 miles southwest of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is at an elevation of 4,900 feet, in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains. In addition to the ranch property, you will also ride on the surrounding several thousand acres of Crown land, most of which is leased for cattle ranching. Bears, deer, coyotes, elk and other wildlife are frequently seen. The ranch was homesteaded in 1912. Photographs and artifacts of the original owners are still displayed, and many log buildings from that period are currently in use.
In 1995, Homeplace began a second operation, known as Homeplace South, located in Willow Creek's Indian Graves area. This was previously a forest ranger station, and is close to the Continental Divide, about 60 miles south of the main ranch. It is in Kananaskis Country (an Alberta Provincial Park) at 6,000' elevation, and offers a more rugged and remote experience.
Homeplace Ranch’s foothills and mountain area was and remains cattle and horse country. Stock was wintered at the home ranch and herded to high country pastures for the summer. You'll have a chance to ride these areas and cross an Indian trail that was once used by the Stoney Band.
Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. This type terrain allows you the chance to periodically trot or canter if desired. The Homeplace Ranch has over 45 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider. A horse is assigned to you when you arrive. Their wranglers will spend time showing you how to become comfortable and work with your mount. If you wish you can come out in the morning to help feed and groom.
The Homeplace Ranch raises one third of their horses and that's important to them and their guests. They also bring in younger horses and train them themselves. That makes up about another third and only the remainder are purchased and those are always from people known and trusted by the ranch. The horses are American Quarter Horses, thoroughbreds or mixed breeds. The staff at Homeplace Ranch likes to know your riding experience, so that they may match you with a suitable (i.e. balance of excitement and safety) mount.
After a day in the saddle, relax in the jacuzzi at the main ranch or the creek at the south ranch. On weekends you can attend a rodeo or polo game. Calgary offers good night life and dancing. If fishing is your area of interest, the Homeplace South has three nearby lakes with grayling and rainbow trout, and Willow Creek is at your doorstep with brookies and rainbow.
During the winter months, Homeplace Ranch can be a very special place for families or business groups to secure the entire facility for an exclusive engagement. Groups from 6 to 12 people may block out an entire stay at the ranch and guarantee privacy and a wonderful stay.
Seasonal Rates & Information
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Weekly Rates |
Daily Rates |
 Year Round |
$680.00 - $1,175.00 per person |
See website for rates |
* Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.
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Travel & Industry Awards |
- Pinnacle Award from City of Calgary
- Calgary Herald Summer Tourism Award
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Affiliations |
- Dude Ranchers’ Association
- Calgary Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
- Alberta Outfitters Association
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