Standing as testament to a bygone era, this historic working ranch invites guests to experience their western lifestyle. Come and join the cowboys herd cattle through the Porcupine Hills and enjoy the picturesque settings of southwestern Alberta. Your hosts, The Lucas Family, enjoy sharing the legends, culture and heritage of their home and give you the opportunity to surround yourself with vast open country and join the family to go about their daily ranch activities. These may include riding the foothills across the ranch land, checking the cattle and horses, fixing fences or even be a part of the branding and help the crew gather, sort and brand.
Beginners will enjoy the chance to learn the basic techniques of working cattle and ranch roping, while the more experienced will be able to practice and advance their skills and may also like to be a part of the scheduled cattle drives. Alternative options may see guests take in some team roping practice, or try their hand roping the dummy. For a break from the saddle, hiking the hills allows plenty of bird and wildlife viewing, with a chance to get some great photographs; and a challenge of horseshoes and camaraderie around the pit fire often see an enjoyable end to the day.
Meals are served family style and are all home cooked with ranch raised beef and plenty of vegetables. Hearty breakfasts are served as well as other homemade delights such as home baking and desserts. .

This all-year-round working and guest ranch is located just 31 miles southwest of Calgary, at an elevation of 4900ft in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A small number of guests are welcome to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and the faithfulness of man's four-legged friend.
Riding is the main focus and in addition to the ranch property, there are several thousand acres of Crown land to explore on horseback, where bears, deer, coyotes, elk and other wildlife are frequently seen.
Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. This type of terrain allows you the chance to periodically trot or canter if desired. There are over 40 head of horses to satisfy the expert to novice rider. The choice is yours whether you just do a half-day or all-day ride but whatever you choose you will see spectacular scenery. There are special weeks available in April & May for in-depth lessons in Horsemanship. The ranch also packages that include either Calgary Stampede tickets, trips to Spruce Meadow Horse Shows or a chance to visit a Native Indian Powwow and Rodeo.
After a day in the saddle, you can relax in the outdoor hot tub or dangle your feet in the creek during a hike. If you feel so inclined, you can even help the wranglers with the ranch chores (cleaning corrals, fencing, moving hay bales). There is always the option to grab a fishing rod and try your hand at some creek-side fishing.
Evenings are quiet and relaxed. You can enjoy the appealing home cooked meals, served either family style at the ranch or on cookouts in the fine fresh air. Chilled beer, fresh coffee and snacks are always available but you may take in your own wines and spirits. You can even pop into the kitchen to help yourself to homemade cinnamon buns or cookies! The ranch does not have a licence for alcohol but you are welcome to take your own.
There are seven cosy rooms located in the lodge, all comfortably furnished with their own private facilities. Guests share a western style living and dining area within the lodge.

This family owned and operated horse and cattle ranch located in Southern Alberta in the peaceful Oldman River Valley, only a two-hour drive south from Calgary, offers a unique ranch adventure.
Gerry and Kathy Karchuk invite you to share a lifelong passion for horses, horsemanship and learning, this is a real hands-on experience for those that really want to learn more about western riding, natural horsemanship, low-stress cattle handling and ranch life. Part of your day will be spent on western riding theory and practice and gradually progressing to more advanced communication with your horse, you will also experience cattle handling from horseback and implementing low-stress techniques applicable to ‘open range’ management. The ranch philosophy is to strive together to better understand this subtle, yet well-expressed language of the horse! And in doing so you will have a heightened sensitivity to the many subtle cues your horse communicates. There will also be time to do some great scenic riding into the spectacular Porcupine Hills.
The guest ranch also offers a variety of itineraries that can be customised to the individual including specific clinics and pack trip options. For example, look at our ‘Outrider’ adventure, which consists of 6 nights at Bent Creek and 6 nights at Willow Lane Guest Ranch or at Willow Lane’s Porcupine Hills Cow Camp.
The ranch accommodates a small number of guests so that it can give a more personalised experience. Guests are accommodated in a spacious ranch style home with both private and shared facilities. Meals are a great time to swap stories of your days adventures over a home cooked hearty ranch style food.
For those that need a break from the riding there is always fly-fishing just outside the back door as well as a day hike option to the spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park or visit ‘Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump’. After dinner why not have a game of ping-pong or maybe a game of chess in the recreation room, or just relax and look forward to tomorrow’s adventures.
Feel the cowboy spirit emerge as you slip into a lifestyle surrounded by horses, cattle and Western Canadian hospitality at this great ranch.