BAR U RANCH | Longview, Alberta
History comes alive at the Bar U…
In addition to scheduled interpretive programs, you may see an old-time haying demonstration, a blacksmith or a saddle maker at work. Try your hand at roping, or enjoy a cup of cowboy coffee around the fire at Roundup Camp while listening to the stories of the people who made the Bar U what it was; from poets to politicians, outlaws to artists and princes to ranch savvy businessmen.
Join us for exciting ranch events hosted by the Friends and Parks Canada throughout the year! These engaging activities keep families returning for more fun and adventure. Don’t miss out on the great entertainment!
We swing the gates open at 10:00 am! Take a walk through ranching history, ride a horse drawn wagon and come meet our genuine cowboy staff!
For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. Come out and enjoy visiting with our Indigenous neighbours, along with visiting our newest interpretive area showcasing a traditional Stoney Nakoda tipi and wall tent.
Come out and enjoy two afternoons of youth pony relay races. The event is fast and exciting and the riders are fearless. Hosted by the Horse Spirit Collective, this is a grassroots initiative rooted in an indigenous connection to land, culture and horses.
Celebrate Canada’s birthday at Canada’s historic Bar U Ranch. Spend the day enjoying the wide open spaces and our rich ranching history. Bring a picnic, enjoy the sites, and explore the hands on activities that bring Canada’s ranching history to life
Experience Alberta’s vibrant agri-tourism culture. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see first-hand where our food comes from, how it is produced, and step into the Bar U’s proud history of ranching.
Cheer on your favorite ranching team, as talented working cowboys bring authentic ranch skills into the arena, competing for bragging rights, and the coveted Bar U Championship belt buckle. Events include broke horse racing, team sorting, branding and doctoring..
Join us as we welcome local artists who paint the Bar U’s natural beauty. Ask questions, and learn from the artists as you enjoy their creative process.
Watch our talented teamsters as they take up the reins, as direct their heavy horse teams through a series of skill testing maneuvers. The drivers highlight the traditional art of heavy horse driving with precision, patience, and horsemanship.
Watch teamsters guide their heavy horse teams around a course of skill-testing maneuvers. See how traditional team driving skills are demonstrated by drivers of all ages! There are two categories, experienced and novice.
Keeping horsepower history alive for all to enjoy and be inspired by.
Complete your Christmas shopping with high-quality items at our Christmas Market at the Bar U. Have a coffee and sit by the fireplace visiting with friends and neighbours while finding some special items for family and friends. Doors open 10:00 am, and the event runs until 4:00 pm.
This is our primary annual fundraising event held on the last Saturday night in January in High River. Come enjoy a delicious dinner and hear speeches from our three honoured families who have been ranching in this area for over 100 years. Participate in a silent auction running with special donated items up for grabs. We are always looking for donations if you would like to help support the Friends. Come out and enjoy a special evening.
We work to keep the spirit of the Bar U alive. As a registered non-profit organization, the Friends work to further public awareness and understanding of the site, and to protect it for the benefit, education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
We work to keep the spirit of the Bar U alive. As a registered non-profit organization, the Friends work to further public awareness and understanding of the site, and to protect it for the benefit, education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Get tickets
Date: January 31st, 2026
If you would like to purchase tickets for this event, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch. Payment can be made via e-transfer to accounting@friendsofthebaru.com. If you prefer e-transfer, please indicate your full name/names of ticket holders in the e-transfer message.
DONATIONS
The Friends of the Bar U are stewards of the Bar U Ranch: promoting understanding of the history of ranching and demonstrating historical ranching practices. We thankfully accept denominations of any amount to further our mission and protect the legacy of the Bar U Ranch and what it represents.
Ways to give:
Donations are accepted to the Friends of the Bar U Legacy Fund through the Calgary Foundation (QR code below)
E-transfer to: accounting@friendsofthebaru.com
Cheques made payable to:
Friends of the Bar U Historic Ranch Association
P.O. Box 82
Longview, Alberta
T0L 1H0
