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Nestled in the Alberta foothills lies a ranch that offers visitors a chance to take part in outdoor experiences that combine Indigenous knowledge, storytelling, and hands-on learning in nature. At Painted Warrior Ranch, guests are guided through activities such as archery, wildlife tracking, horseback riding, and more. It’s all designed to connect people more closely to the land and the traditions tied to it.
Outdoor experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge
According to organizers, Tracey Klettl and Tim Mearns opened Painted Warriors Ranch in 2012, combining their backgrounds in archery, equine training, and Indigenous cultural education. What began as a smaller camp has since developed into an 82-acre ranch that centres around connecting people back to the land. The ranch also works alongside Elders like Shiley Dufour Shingoose, a residential school survivor who shares her story and teachings throughout the experience.
Although the ranch offers a wide range of activities, one of the most popular is archery. Guests are guided by national champions and taught everything from proper technique to target shooting across open land.
Beyond that, visitors can explore horseback riding programs, guided wildlife viewing, and tracking experiences that offer a closer look at the natural landscape. Each activity is paired with Indigenous teachings, sharing knowledge of navigation, animal behaviour, and medicinal plants along the way.
Guests can also take part in workshops such as Asiginamaw: Stories of Tradition Gathering, which focuses on traditional skills like fire lighting, foraging knowledge, and campfire teachings.
And if this sounds like the kind of place you’d rather stay at for a full weekend rather than just a day trip, you’re in luck. The ranch also offers glamping experiences so you can stay right on-site and spend more time in nature.
Plan your next getaway
Painted Warriors Ranch is located about 110 kilometres northwest of Calgary, just south of Sundre, making it roughly a one-hour drive from the city. The ranch is open year-round and offers different experiences depending on the season.
Visitors can book individual activities, such as archery, which start at around $45. And if you want a longer stay, the glamping experience starts at $209 per couple and includes meals, with the option to add guided activities.
If you’re looking to challenge your outdoor skills this summer while also learning more about Indigenous knowledge and experiences, Painted Warriors Ranch is one you’ll want to check out. It gives you a chance to connect with the land, learn a few new skills, and leave a little bit more knowledgeable than when you first arrived.
When: Open year-round, Monday to Friday
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 31341 Range Rd. 5.1, Mountain View County, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $45
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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