FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch located?
We are a little bit out of the way, in the southwest corner of our province, Alberta. When you get to the Ranch you will be awestruck.
Thanksgiving Ranch is located approximately 40 km from the town of Pincher Creek, Alberta, west of Alberta’s Cowboy Trail (Highway 6). A 30-minute drive should get you here. The Ranch is at an elevation of 5,200 feet (1,600 m).
Click here for driving instructions from Calgary.
Our GPS coordinates are: Lat 49.329893° N and Long -114.028210° W.
Where does the name Thanksgiving Ranch come from?
The choice of our ranch's name, Thanksgiving Ranch, reflects our deep desire for a name that resonates with respect and a profound connection to the land. We sought a name that carried personal significance, encapsulating our gratitude for the breathtaking surroundings.
Situated in a truly majestic part of the world, the very elements of Thanksgiving Ranch has nurtured our family for three generations.
It's heartening to see that those who visit the ranch share an immediate sense of comfort and connection with the land, finding the name Thanksgiving Ranch to be both meaningful and unforgettable.
What is the Environment and Landscape of Thanksgiving Ranch?
Thanksgiving Ranch is located just away from the front range of the Lewis Thrust of the Rocky Mountains. The Ranch is mainly comprised of foothills, mountain-fed dynamic creeks, meadows, pasture, and forest. The often snow capped or covered mountains give way to the foothills and provide a majestic background from almost anywhere on the Ranch. Thanksgiving Ranch is a short distance from Castle Wildlands Provincial Park.
A thirty-minute drive will take you to Waterton Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which borders Glacier National Park in Montana.
The ranch itself is 3,600 acres, with two miles of the Pincher Creek flowing through the Ranch. A serene place for a stroll, fishing, or a place to reflect among the aspen, spruce and cottonwood trees.
How Do I Get to the Ranch?
The largest international airport, with a multitude of flights is Calgary International (YYC). The drive from the airport is approximately 2-1/2 hours. If you are looking for a special experience, arrangements can be made through Thanksgiving Ranch for an approximate 30-minute helicopter flight.
Traveling by private aircraft, there is an option of traveling in and out of the Pincher Creek Municipal Airport (CZPC).
At the Ranch, all guest vehicles should expect to stay only on the maintained private driveway at Thanksgiving Ranch.
Click here for driving instruction from Calgary.
What is the Average Length of Stay at the Lodge at Ranch Thanksgiving?
We require guests to stay for a minimum of two nights throughout the year and three nights on Canadian Statutory Holiday weekends.
Although we strongly recommend a minimum of four nights to fully immerse yourself in the Thanksgiving Ranch experience—exploring unspoiled wilderness, reflecting in solitude, reconnecting with yourself, or making new friends. We promise your stay will be unforgettable.
Thanksgiving Ranch is an opportunity to escape and reconnect with whatever you may have been missing. There are also a number of off-ranch excursions, activities and attractions that could easily extend your stay.
What Weather Should I Expect at the Ranch?
In a word – anything!
Situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,200 feet), Thanksgiving Ranch experiences a variable mountain climate that can change quickly throughout the day. The most significant climate factor is the wind, as the Ranch is located near some of the windiest and warmest places in Alberta. Temperatures can rise or fall dramatically in short periods, during all months of the year.
Summer: Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 35˚C. However, they are usually moderate, occasionally interrupted by cool periods. Cooler nights are also common.
Winter: Winters are highly variable but typically mild, with frequent warm spells caused by Chinooks, raising temperatures up to 15˚C in the middle of winter. However, extreme storms can cause temperatures to temporarily drop as low as -40˚C with snow.
The climate at the Ranch is influenced by two opposing systems: the Arctic Continental system (cold, dry) and the prevailing Pacific Maritime system (warm, moist). The Pacific system often brings high precipitation and Chinook winds.
Be prepared for a range of weather conditions and enjoy the unique and dynamic climate at Thanksgiving Ranch!
What Should I Pack and What is the Dress Code?
Guests will likely be comfortable in normal clothing that would be suitable for outdoor activities. Attire should be relaxed and comfortable, even at dinner jacket required there is no jacket required.
If a horse riding experience is on your list, then jeans with a healed boot/shoe is required. We generally recommend dressing in layers. Hiking boots, shorts or loose-fitting pants, and short and long-sleeved shirts are best for summer hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
For winter, you should pack mid-weight to heavy jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts (fleece, wool and flannel), jeans, weather resistant pants, long johns, warm socks, snow pants, winter snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Click here for more information about packing for the Ranch.
Will I Have Wi-Fi and Cellular Phone Service?
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) is available in all accommodations and public guest areas.
Landline phone service is available in the Lodge for use during your stay. Local and domestic calls are included in your rate.
Due to the remote mountain location, cellular service is only available in random spots on the Ranch, however, service is limited and variable.
If we have chosen to include meals with our stay, what will the meals be and what times will they be served?
We will ask about food preferences and dietary restrictions in advance of your stay to ensure you have a menu you’ll enjoy. We don’t prescribe specific meal times and generally work with you to choose meal times within a reasonable schedule.
We serve breakfast between 7:30 & 9:00 AM, lunches between 12:00 & 1:30 PM, and dinner between 6:00 & 7:30 PM.
We usually have freshly baked snacks available, as well as a drawer full of choices of something to grab in case you’re hungry between meals. A selection of non-alcoholic beverages is always available too.
Click here for more information about cuisine.
What Time Zone is Thanksgiving Ranch Located?
Alberta is located in the Mountain Time Zone or GMT-7.
12:Noon at the Ranch would be:
2:00 PM in Toronto (plus two hours),
11:00 AM in Vancouver (minus one hour)
7:00 PM in Europe (plus seven hours)
6:00AM in Sydney (plus eighteen hours)
How Big is Thanksgiving Ranch?
Our maximum occupancy of The Lodge, including all suites is 14 guests depending on sleeping arrangements. Special circumstances may be considered at time of booking and extra charges may apply. The Ranch itself comprises 3,600 total acres.
How do I Get Around on Property?
Each guest is encouraged to walk as much as possible. The Ranch has a system of roads, trails, and paths to explore the landscape and to keep traffic to a minimum, and allow for a serene and safe environment. These trails are not open to guests in vehicles. Mountain bikes or fat-wheeled bikes are also allowed, however, some areas may be closed off. The rental of bikes needs to be arranged by the guest.
Does Thanksgiving Ranch Allow Pets?
Thanksgiving Ranch is a working ranch, spread out over 3,600 acres, so we are reluctant to allow outside pets or animals.
There are too many variables, and the pet could be lost or harmed. As well, for the comfort of future guests, we do not allow pets to access any public space within the Lodge.
Our own pet ambassadors may visit you from time to time, as they are very friendly and love hugs. However, we can also work to ensure they stay away if you prefer. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Does Thanksgiving Ranch Welcome Children and Families?
Thanksgiving Ranch has no age restriction and welcomes guests of all ages, including children. The Ranch is a beautiful place that will amaze the whole family. The nicest times for our guests seem to be whole families or groups of friends booking The Lodge. If you are using a stroller or a wheelchair, the entire first floor of the main lodge is accessible, and The Juniper Suite as well. The upper floor of the lodge and Alpine Suite are accessed by a flight of stairs.
What Wildlife Might Guests Expect to See?
The Ranch is home to a wide array of wildlife – they are wild animals so they are not on a schedule, but it is reasonably common to see are elk, deer, black bear, fox, coyote, bald eagles, golden eagles, hummingbirds and an array of other birds while other animals like cougars, wolves, grizzly bear, and moose are slightly rare and difficult to spot .
What are the Trail Rides Like at Thanksgiving Ranch?
If you look through our reviews, guests absolutely love our Riding Experiences. The views, the equine team, the post-ride snack, everyone wants to come back. We have a horse for every skill level, whether it’s your first time on horseback or you are an experienced rider. The experience is built in the spirit of enjoyment where travelers experience horseback riding through our incredible ranch or quietly wandering through our cattle herd.
Our trail rides will give you a small taste of ranch life.
What is the Drinking Age in Alberta?
The drinking age is 18 and older for all guests. IDs will be required at the discretion of the service staff.
What if I don’t have the recreation equipment I’d like to use at the Ranch?
There are a multitude of services nearby that have rental equipment of all types. We would be happy to arrange the delivery of equipment and work with you so that you have everything you need - just let us know!
How far away are some of the off-site adventures you mention?
We are approximately:
25 minutes away from the town of Pincher Creek.
30 minutes away from Waterton National Park.
20 minutes away from Castle Wilderness Area.
60 minutes away from Castle Mountain Resort.
Have you got a non-smoking policy?
Please respect that No Smoking is permitted on the premises and we ask that you do not vape onsite. Note that an extra cleaning charge will be applicable if evidence of smoking is found.