There’s a historic provincial park in Alberta with a working ranch, and we totally need to check it out.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is located in Cochrane, just northwest of Calgary. This park is one of the newest additions to the Alberta Parks family, officially being named a provincial park in 2008. In addition to the rich history, there’s also a bunch of trails and paths to take spanning across the park’s 28 kilometres.
Keep in mind this is a day-use park only, meaning there is no camping or overnight stays allowed! Make sure you follow those rules, folks.
The history behind Glenbow Ranch
In an Instagram post by Alberta Parks, the team shared some of the history behind this provincial park.
Originally, native people corralled bison in the coulees and established tipi camps on the uplands and lowlands of the park.
Throughout the years, it went from a water stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline in the 1890s to a horse ranch in the 1930s. In fact, that horse ranch is still operational to this day.
Some more crazy history behind it: between the years 1907 and 1912, a Porcupine Hills sandstone quarry operated here, and its blocks and decorative pieces were used in the construction of Alberta’s Legislature Building. It’s a vital part of the past.
In recent years, however, it’s gotten some great upgrades. The summer of 2011 was when the park finished construction. That resulted in some great and necessary amenities, including the pathways you all know and love today.
Since the spring is coming into fruition, there isn’t a park we’d recommend more. It’s the perfect blend of nature and history, just waiting to be discovered.
Where: 255001 Glenbow Rd., Cochrane, Alta.
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