Bar U Ranch National Historic Site has kicked off its 2021 visitor season and there’s room to roam

Visitors are asked to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience

May 25, 2021                            Pekisko, Alberta                   Parks Canada Agency

National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer Canadians places to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and opportunities to discover history, while respecting the guidance of public health experts.

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is pleased to welcome visitors for the 2021 visitor season. The health and safety of visitors, employees, and all Canadians are of the utmost importance. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and implementing measures for cleaning, hygiene, and physical distancing at all places open for visitation.

Before visiting, there are a few things that everyone should remember:

·         Plan ahead. The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare, and what services are available. Be sure to check the website before you travel.

·         Follow travel restrictions and respect the guidance of public health experts. We all need to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe. It is important to always follow travel restrictions, even when visiting national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

·         Be self-sufficient. Pack a kit that includes extra hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, soap, masks or face coverings, garbage bags and a tablecloth. You should be prepared to bring your own water and food.

Further information and tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit are available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info/covid-19-visite-visit.

The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is offering a variety of experiences this year to safely tell the story of ranching in Canada.

·         Explore corners of the Bar U Ranch that few visitors have seen. The new Pekisko Creek Hiking Trail follows the picturesque banks of Pekisko Creek and opens up into the historic grasslands of the Bar U Ranch. Hike the trail on foot or take your bike!

·         Discover Indigenous culture of the region at the Stoney Nakoda camp. Participate in stories and physically distanced activities with Indigenous interpreters that reveal what life was like before and after the signing of Treaty #7. Indigenous interpreters will be on site on weekends throughout the 2021 season.

·         Want to discover more about the exciting history of ranching in Western Canada from the comfort of your own home? Looking for updates on what’s happening at the Bar U Ranch NHS? Check out the site’s brand-new Facebook page and remember to hit the Like button to connect with the site online! www.facebook.com/BarURanchNHS

·         See Parks Canada staff go about their daily ranch chores and hear stories from a safe physical distance on the amazing history of ranching and the unique aspects of the Bar U Ranch.

·         Take in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains from the historic Bar U Ranch Headquarters and look at the 30 heritage buildings that were the pulse of the operation from the ranches’ establishment in 1882 until it opened as a National Historic Site in 1995.

The Workhorse Barn, built sometime between 1883 and 1892, is the largest log structure on the site and an important heritage building. Restoration work on the barn was recently recognized by the Wood Design and Building Awards program. A number of staff members from Parks Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada, along with the Friends of the Bar U Historical Ranch Association were involved in this project.

Restoration efforts included completely moving the large structure off its foundation for reinforcement, replacing logs, installing a new concrete floor and painting the Bar U Ranch brand on the two faces of the roof. This summer, Parks Canada staff will complete the exterior envelope including paint removal, chinking/daubing, reinstallation of doors and windows and painting the barn the iconic Bar U Ranch red. This rehabilitation project is part of the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program announced in 2015. Check out a short video of the Workhorse Barn restoration work on our new Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/BarURanchNHS

Before you visit remember to check the Parks Canada website (www.parkscanada.gc.ca) and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site website (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/baru) for detailed information on what locations are open, what visitors can expect, how to prepare for a visit and what services and facilities may be available. 

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