Alberta Ranch Vacation; near Calgary

The Experience — Keith and LeAnne Lane look forward to the arrival of each guest knowing that your Keith & LeAnne Lane

experiences will go a long way to telling the story of Canada's proud cowboy heritage.

This is not a dude ranch, where trail riding is the main objective, but a working ranch. These folks are cowboys ... they know the country; they know cattle; they understand the Cow Horse and they are willing to share this knowledge, experience & way of life with you.

The Lane's have opened the gates of their ranch to visitors, inviting guests to ride along with them, while they perform their daily chores. You can count on personalized service, gentle horses and a complete supply of tack; riding boots are required, slickers are recommended.

Visitors marvel at the vastness, the stark beauty and the diversity of landscape that Willow Lane offers. For those who have never experienced farm or ranch life or are wanting to reacquaint themselves with their roots… this is time spent as they say… back to the future … a time of rejuvenation, a time of re-discovery. Deadlines, traffic & voice mail are all very far away.

Western Hospitality — First and foremost, you will feel the genuine warmth and hospitality of your hosts Keith & LeAnne. Born and raised in the steeped cowboy ways of southern Alberta, Keith's family has ranched in the area for several generations. LeAnne's family has provided stock to rodeos including the world famous Calgary Stampede for more than 50 years.

The Lane's know the country, family histories, settlement patterns and origins of folklore. Stories of cowboy life past, present and future are easily told. In addition, Keith and LeAnne will explain about the quiet and quaint places to discover within the region … those hidden places that are neither mapped nor written about.

Western Traditions — What is it, you may ask? It is a way of life built by men and women willing to live in an often harsh environment away from the mainstream of society. What counts out here on the range is mother nature - the seasons, the weather and neighbours . The men and women of both the new and old west depend on each other - they come together when the looming disaster of a wind-whipped prairie fire threatens a homestead. When work is to be done requiring more hands then normally needed, such as during spring branding, neighbours just seem to show up to help! And they celebrate together too - it may be a son or daughters' wedding and anniversary or a passing of a loved one. Guests soon begin to feel the difference ... realizing they are experiencing something authentic, something special.

Wake up to a new beginning — Each morning guests are greeted by LeAnne who serves a hearty ranch-style breakfast. Wake up to the smell of coffee brewing, hear the bacon and eggs sizzling in the kitchen. Come down to breakfast with the Lane family - the warmth of easy conversation and laughter will draw you close around the table.

Meals are always a highlight at Willow Lane. The ranch raised beef, fresh produce, and scrumptious home-made baking always keeps guests anticipating their next meal. Don't expect to diet here! Seems the fresh air, ranch activities, and different pace (relaxation) take the appetite to a new dimension.

Accommodation — The ranch house feels warm and inviting and features a large front porch with views across the powerful prairie landscape. Inside you will delight in memorabilia and pictures attractively located throughout the ranchhouse.

Accommodation for eight (8) is within the main ranch house Guest quarters are upstairs on a private floor. There are 2 spacious double bedrooms that share a bathroom; a third large bedroom, with ensuite, can accommodate 4 persons. Each room looks out and over the bold and beautiful landscape.

A cozy restored log cabin with private bath located not far from the main ranch house is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. A queen bed, full bathroom, small fridge, table and chairs make this a perfect hideaway.

Gazing past the cabin, views of gentle rolling hills, thickly carpeted in prairie grasses, span the horizon. Visitors are known to marvel at the vastness, the stark beauty, and the diversity of this land that appears surprisingly unaffected by civilization.