Waterton Lakes Guest Ranches, Banff Ranch Holidays Alberta

Overview: The Outpost is situated beneath Wapiti Mountain and Warden Rock along the banks of the Red Deer River as it flows east from Banff National Park and Canada’s Rocky Mountains. The Outpost offers turn of the century surroundings and western warmth and hospitality. Most of the comforts of home coupled with secluded, rustic serenity, make The Outpost a truly incredible civilized way to leave civilization. The main lodge sits on the edge of the river, and features a country kitchen, dining area, as well as a living room. Hearty home-cooked meals are prepared for big mountain appetites. Breakfast can be early or as late as you like, but if you want breakfast in bed, you had better sleep in the kitchen! Lunch may be taken on the trail, out on the chuck wagon, in the lodge, out on the deck or by the fire pit. A large wood-burning stove heats the lodge and warms the sole. Lit by kerosene lanterns, the lodge is the perfect place to get caught up on reading, playing a game of cards, or making new acquaintances. Large ceiling windows capture the panoramic valley view and the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies of Banff National Park. Although we are a remote backcountry lodge, we do have some of the comforts of home, including hot and cold running water in the main lodge. We have a “telephone”.Now this telephone was specially imported from no one knows where to make those communication minded people feel more at home! Of course it’s not connected to anything but a “current bush”! In the case of a real emergency, we can get a message out on the satellite phone. The covered veranda inspires conversation and story telling, and has plenty of room to enjoy a great cup of coffee and an abundance of home-baking.

Accommodation: at The Outpost is in fully furnished cabins featuring wood-burning stoves and comfy hand-made duvets. All linens and towels are provided. Kerosene lanterns and candles provide the lighting in the cabins. Although we can comfortably sleep 15-25, we can’t always guarantee private sleeping arrangements, as it depends on the group size and availability. We even have the ability to set up tents with wood floors for larger parties. If you are visiting us on our Bed, Bale ‘n’ Breakfast package, accommodation is of the no frills variety…. bunk and a pillow and a roof over your head! Outhouses are sanitary and well maintained and are provided for both the cowboys and the cowgirls. The shower house has plenty of hot water, and is a welcome attraction after a day in the saddle. At the end of the day the hot tub is the place to relax. The heated glacial water contains no chemical additives yet kept clean through frequent re-filling. Relax in the flow of lantern light and twinkling starlight above the mountain peaks or gather around the fire pit to swap stories, tell lies or sing songs. As you settle into life at The Outpost, feel free to explore the many buildings and facilities. Feel free to check out the barn, farrier shop, and horse corrals. The Knead a Fix Cabin offers a solution to those aching bones and muscles with relaxation, therapeutic and hot stone massage. Across the yard you will find The Outpost Hotel. Constructed in the summer of 2004 and built on wagon running gear, this building is the perfect spot for meetings, and special events like weddings, anniversaries, and fitness retreats.

Good thing there are no motorized vehicles permitted on the ranch so there is no traffic problem to fight. We use teams of two to six horses or mules to pull our stagecoach or wagons. Most of our mules come from Malcher’s Mammoth Mules, a breeding operation dedicated to raising quality stock, both in appearance, and disposition. If you are riding, walking, or mountain biking out on your own, don’t let the elk lead you astray. Just kidding, there are actually several trails heading west, that you can take to get to us.

Now, about The Outpost! No light posts, sidewalks, police or power lines, just plenty of character, and a few characters. If you want the chance to awaken all your senses to the wonders of nature, this is the place to kick you back a notch! Hear, the wind rustling though the pines and the Red Deer River tumbling over the rocks. See, wildlife like deer, elk, coyote, wolf, grizzly and mountains reflecting the changing light of day. Feel, the warmth of a good fire, the rush of cold mountain air, and the velvety muzzle of a horse’s nose.

What do we do here? “Little or Nothing”. The fresh air usually wrings people out on the first day, and makes things really easy for us! Actually you get to pick and choose your own day – there’s no schedule here; time enough for that back home.

Hiking is limited only by your stamina. Picture taking opportunities are everywhere. Bring your favourite pole for rainbows and be sure to have a licence. Trail riding is great. All of our horses are specifically trained for their jobs and used to travelling various terrains from the turquoise waters of the Red Deer River, to the golden meadows of the Ya Ha and the pine forests and pulsing waterfalls in Banff National Park.