Canada is rather unique in that it celebrates both parties of its ‘Cowboys and Indians’ heritage. No other province does this better than Alberta, where the two cultures that once lived alongside each other in disharmony are now celebrated and preserved in equal measure.
Cheap car hire is available from Calgary Airport which allows you to roam the country at your own pace and to take in the beautiful scenic landscape as you motor your way along the Albertan roads onto a voyage back in time.
Albertans celebrate their cultural history and whilst it’s still known today as Cowboy Country, it also has a deep respect for the natives that once freely roamed the land. The real hidden gem of Alberta is a two-hour drive from Calgary, heading south towards the American border. Take the open prairie road to Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. It is one of those places you visit that quite literally never leaves your memory, not only because of its unusual name! Here you go back to a time when buffalo roamed freely and when the natives knew every inch of the land you stand on and marvel at. Folklore and archaeological finds mix together to create a memorable experience of learning just how life used to be. You can explore the museum and learn about how the natives lived, before venturing outside. Here you stand on top of a giant cliff which looks out across the prairie land and it becomes almost spiritual. It is almost as though you can feel the souls of those who roamed so freely before; as though you can hear the roar of the buffalo thundering along as they’re chased off the cliff. A visit here could well be the highlight of your trip.
To explore the cowboy side of things, it’s only a short drive from Head Smashed-In to Fort MacLeod, a town preserved as a fort from 1874 and more recently famous for being the birthplace of Joni Mitchell. The Fort itself is a museum of the North West Mounted Police which took control of a country which was tearing itself apart in warring with the First Nations people as settlement began to take place. The historical Main Street is also a sight to behold and it genuinely feels as though you are walking down the street in a Western movie. There are guided tours available to walk you through the many historical buildings but make sure you visit The Silver Grill Café which still has a bullet hole in its mirror from a wild west shootout!
To finish off your Cowboys and Indians tour, take a drive 40 minutes from Fort MacLeod to Pincher Creek. The drive itself is filled with scenic views with the prairie stretching out for miles. You’ll know when you arrive at Pincher Creek, as silhouettes of cowboys, indians and horses begin to litter the landscape. Once in the town, head to the Kootenai Brown Heritage Museum to learn about the town’s affinity with both the Cowboy and Native past.
Natalie Likness’ love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.
