Even if you haven’t lived in Alberta for long, you’re probably familiar with the grain silos that dot farmland along the prairies north, east and south of Calgary.
But have you ever thought about staying in one? Now, there’s the possibility of doing just that!
Silo stays are at the forefront of the newest wave of agritourism in Alberta, transforming these industrial infrastructures into cozy, cabin-like accommodations in the heart of the wild west.
There is a surprising number of silo stays available on Airbnb in and around Calgary, and the numbers keep going up.
So if you’ve ever wanted to live out your ranching fantasy in a renovated and re-imagined grain silo, you’ve come to the right place!
Saddle Ranch Cabins officially opened this summer. These renovated grain bins are conveniently located 25 minutes from Castle Mountain Ski Resort, 15 minutes from Pincher Creek and 20 minutes from Crowsnest Pass.
The ranch offers guests a stay in one of five cozy, western-inspired silo cabins. You’ll feel like you’ve been transplanted into the fields of Alberta’s sweeping prairie vistas during your stay.
Although it’s only been available to book for a few weeks, guests are already excited to share their thoughts about this one-of-a-kind experience.
“The place is perfect,” said one reviewer. “The decor, comfort of the bed, stocked kitchen and surroundings made this a perfect getaway.”
This charming hidden gem is situated in the Southern Rockies. It’s also run by a sixth-generation ranching family with intergenerational ties to the area, so you know these hosts will have a thing or two to say about living life on the range.
Travellers have the option of staying in one of three grain silos that have been dramatically transformed into cozy cabins. You might even spot a Highland cow grazing in a field nearby!
Twin Butte Silos boast over 120 five-star reviews on Airbnb across all three bookings. Reviewers are quick to mention the property’s central location and stunning views.
“The views were gorgeous and such a great location, being so close to Waterton,” one reviewer said. “My husband and I enjoyed all the lawn games and the grill. The silo was beautiful, clean and smelled great when we walked in!”
A landscape built for exploration
The Southern Rockies are quickly becoming a top tourist destination, bolstered by their proximity to the Rockies and their unique, small-town rural charm.
The area has long inspired creatives in the film industry with its dramatic landscapes featured in films like The Revenant, Legends of the Fall, Brokeback Mountain and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Alberta is a setting of choice for television shows like The Last of Us, which filmed exclusively in the province for the duration of the series’ first season.
Tourism presents a major opportunity and access to long-term prosperity for many rural Alberta communities. Many towns in the region face fiscal challenges due to economic and social trends that have caused populations to decline while job opportunities and young people leave for bigger cities.
In Southern Alberta communities including Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, and Waterton, Travel Alberta estimates the region could see $796 million in visitor spending by 2035, which would support 5,757 tourism-related jobs.
With other attractions nestled in view of the Rockies like the Alberta Ale Trail, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and endless outdoor adventure opportunities, including Castle Mountain Resort and Waterton National Park, there’s plenty to see and do.
You might even see a silo stay or two pop up as you lose yourself in the big prairie sky.
When: All seasons
Where: 6430 Range Rd. 1 #4, Pincher Creek, Alta.
Cost: $200+ per night
Book here
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, their dogs Bandit and Stanley, and walks along the Bow River.
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