With mountain and foothills views, beautiful provincial parks, and two National Historic Sites, the scenic Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) is made for exploring! Whether you visit for the day or the weekend, several friendly communities and attractions are waiting to welcome you. Here are the top stops on the Cowboy Trail from Rocky Mountain House to Lundbreck.
Crimson Lake
For a fun beach and biking destination, head to Crimson Lake Provincial Park. Paddle to Raspberry Island, bike the Amerada Trail, and fish at nearby Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area!
Crimson Lake’s full-service campground has showers, power and water sites, a concession, camp store, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, sandy beach and swimming area, walking and biking trails, and awesome interpretive programs the whole family will enjoy.
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
Alberta’s fur trading history comes to life at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Check out the interactive exhibits in the interpretive centre, visit the Metis Village, watch a puppet show about explorer David Thompson or blacksmithing demonstration, learn to make a fire with flint and steel, and play in the play fort. Can’t get enough? Book Heritage Camping in a trapper’s tent, tipi, or cabin!
Caroline Wheels of Time Museum
Explore Caroline Wheels of Time Museum on a free guided tour! Highlights include getting a selfie in the jail cell, sitting in the fire truck, and visiting the old school. After, check out the new Nature Trail and picnic area. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Open Friday to Sunday, 12 to 5pm.
Caroline is also known for fishing! Try for trout at nearby Prairie Creek, Phyllis Lake, or Beaver Lake.
Sundre
Sundre, home to the Sundre Museum, Pioneer Village, World of Wildlife and Sundre Golf Club, is the gateway to the ’West Country’ where you can see wild horses, and go trail riding or whitewater rafting. While you’re there… enjoy delicious ribs at Kodiak BBQ & Deli, then get dessert at Backwoods Bakery & Cafe.
Cochrane
Cochrane’s historic downtown boasts great eateries and gift shops. Find your favorite flavor of ice cream at legendary MacKay’s (est. 1948), then check out the seasonal Cochrane Farmers’ Market by the Bow (Saturdays from 9am to 2pm at SLS Centre parking lot), or hike/bike at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Tiger Lily Loop is a short, family-friendly trail with great views.
Bragg Creek
Bragg Creek is a charming hamlet 45 minutes from Calgary. Dine at The Italian Farmhouse or get an ice cream at Frontier Candy & Ice Cream, then mountain bike at West Bragg Creek, or hike Sunrise Hill, Fullerton Loop, or Prairie Mountain. Elbow Falls and Forgetmenot Pond are scenic stops in the area, and the latter has pretty picnic sites.
Diamond Valley
Diamond Valley, formerly known as Black Diamond and Turner Valley, is home to The Westwood (unique menu with locally sourced ingredients), Chuckwagon Cafe (all day breakfast in the red barn), and Eau Claire Distillery (dining, Distillery Tours, and live music). Nearby outdoor adventures include trail rides with Anchor D Guiding & Outfitting, and hiking and camping in the Sheep River Valley. Mount Hoffman and Sheep River
Falls are popular with families.
Longview
Longview is the gateway to south Kananaskis, at the crossroads of the Cowboy Trail and Highway 541. Head west on 541 to hike Cat Creek Falls or Raspberry Ridge, fish at Bear Pond, or scramble to the top of Hailstone Butte. After, head to Longview Steakhouse for the most amazing steak (reservations required)! If you’re just passing through, stock up on beef, bison, elk, pork, turkey and chicken jerky at the Longview Jerky Shop.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site shows what ranch life was like in the late 1800s. Learn what put Bar U Ranch on the map, which famous cowboys lived and worked here, and how large-scale roundups were done. Highlights include riding a horse-drawn wagon, trying ’cowboy coffee’, and visiting the farm animals. Kids can complete an activity book to earn a prize too!
Chain Lakes Provincial Park
Chain Lakes Provincial Park is a popular camping and fishing destination along the Cowboy Trail. The lakes are stocked with trout, and the campground has beautiful mountain views, a large playground, and an awesome concession serving up homemade burgers, fries, and ice cream. Moose are often seen in the park; keep an eye out for them at dawn and dusk.
Lundbreck Falls
Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area has a lovely campground on the bank of the Crowsnest River. Camp among the cottonwoods, walk the short trail to the beautiful twin falls, or fish for trout. The park is the perfect base camp for exploring nearby Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, and Castle Provincial Park.
Know Before You Go
Admission fees are in effect for National Historic Sites (Rocky Mountain House NHS and Bar U Ranch NHW),
but Discovery Pass holders get free admission.
Check your fuel level before leaving Longview as there aren’t any gas stations between Longview and Lundbreck.
Discover the charm and beauty of the Cowboy Trail this summer! As you journey along this scenic route, you will encounter picturesque provincial parks, fascinating national historic sites, and vibrant communities that embody the true spirit of the Wild West. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the past, the Cowboy Trail promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more.
Karen is a mother and a lover of maps, mountains, and mochas. With her geography degree and experience leading hikes and backpacking trips in the Rockies, she is full of ideas on where to go and what to do. The mission of her blog, playoutsideguide.com, is to provide "everything you need to know to get outside and have fun."
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