You can spend a day at this working Alberta farm and see Highland cows

If you’ve ever wanted to get a glimpse into what life actually looks like on a working farm in Alberta, Hartell Homestead is the kind of place that lets you step right into it. Just outside Calgary, this is not a staged experience or a distant view of farmlife, but a space where animals, gardens, and food production all exist in real time across the same working land.

More than just a farm visit

Hartell Homestead sits in the Foothills County between Black Diamond and Longview. Once you arrive at the property, you’ll be greeted by Highland cattle, chickens, goats, seasonal gardens, and get a glimpse into how a working farm operates day to day.

According to Hartell Homestead, one of the main reasons people come out is due to the range of workshops and hands-on classes offered throughout the year. These experiences give visitors a chance to learn everything from gardening and animal care to food production and hands-on skills such as sausage making and soap crafting.

You can also drop in for a quieter visit during the day and take a tour of the farm, say hello to the highland cows, and visit their farm shop, where they sell fresh, locally raised meat along with other seasonal farm products.

The story behind the farm

Hartell Homestead is owned and run by Nick and Alle, who officially opened the farm to the public in May 2021. According to Hartell Homestead, Nick grew up working on a farm and later studied agriculture in college, which shaped how the farm operates today, with a strong focus on sustainability and education. The goal of the farm is to help people reconnect with where their food comes from through hands-on experience and a close look at real farm life.

What started with ducks and horses has grown into a full working homestead that now includes Highland cattle, chickens, goats, and a garden that evolves with the seasons.

So if you’ve ever wanted to get a closer look at where your food comes from, spend some time with some furry animals, and experience a slow day out in the countryside, Hartell Homestead is worth the visit.

When: Open Thursday to Tuesday (closed on Wednesday)
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: AB-543, Foothills County, Alta.
Cost: Free to visit

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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