Alberta’s Bar U Ranch now open for new season

A group of visitors enjoy the ride as a Parks Canada interpreter drives the horse-drawn wagon at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. (Supplied/Parks Canada)

The historic Bar U Ranch, the only site that commemorates ranching in Canada, is now open for the season.

Parks Canada says the site is now open daily from May 12 to Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Visitors will be able to enjoy a newly updated info centre that features displays of never-before-seen artifacts as well as new seating areas.

Given that Bar U is all about ranching, officials say there is no shortage of horses and cattle, including new calves born just this season.

“Visitors can learn about the history of cattle ranching while meeting Toques, a two-year-old steer, or patting one of Bar U Ranch’s saddle horses,” officials said in a statement.

Wagon rides are also available at the site, where visitors can ride on carts pulled by Percheron draft horses, providing an authentic view of the whole site.

Of course, no visit to Bar U Ranch would be complete without exploring the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada.

Officials say there are 35 buildings available for guests to walk through, including the Saddlehorse Barn and the tractor shed.

Admission to the site is free with a Discovery Pass, but daily admission for adults is $13.25 and seniors is $11.25. Admission is free for youth.

There is free admission to Bar U Ranch on Canada Day.

Other special events this year include the Old Time Ranch Rodeo on Aug. 17 and the Chore Horse Competition on Sept. 21.