Enjoy mountain views behind a team of friendly horses
By Pam Doyle
A carriage ride behind a team of horses can place you right into a western movie scene, or add a little romance to your life.
On the edge of Canmore, just off Bow Valley Trail, there are two options for a dreamy horse-drawn wagon ride in the middle of Canmore. The Canmore Ranche Stables and Barbecues is a locally owned company that caters to Bow Valley locals and travelling guests. The Kaleta family, the operators, have roots in this community that date back to the early 1900s.
Kerry Kaleta drives the beautiful team of Norwegian Fjord horses Tiger and Lily. But his father Buck, now 88, is still around to share stories of the Wild West and Canmore as a mining town. He lived the life.
Step back in time with a horse and wagon ride along the Bow River with Canmore Ranche and Stables. Kerry Kaleta drives the team on a beautiful autumn day.
Buck was 18 when he went to work in the Canmore coalmines. It was a tough job. "I dug coal and drove the horses in the mines," Kaleta said. "It wasn't an easy life."
Buck is now retired but he is on hand to answer questions about the mining days. "I played hockey in the winter, and worked in the mines in the summer," Kaleta said. "I caught wild horses by Deadman's Flats and broke them. It was so different back then. I always had horses."
Kerry now offers wagon rides at his year-round facility that can cater to approximately 50 people. For something a little more special, take a ride in the vis-à-vis carriage. Or cuddle up with friends and family on a bobsleigh in the wintertime. Kaleta drives his team through a scenic meadow surrounded with mountain vistas.
For those love birds who want to enjoy a special day after their wedding, or just because, a romantic two-seat cutter is available.
After the ride, the Kaletas bring their guests back to a large tent and gazebo to warm up around a huge fire pit. Picnic tables surround the fire.
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Hitch a ride behind these gentle giants, Belgian horses Dick and Roll, owned by Claude Bibeau.
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(Cover) Buck Kaleta is a true Canmore character, who shares his love of horses and tales of the community that date back to the early 1900s with visitors who enjoy horse and wagon rides on the family property.
In the wintertime, a scenic ride is followed by a blazing fire and hot chocolate or hot apple cider. The gazebo is available for rental to groups for functions. You can cook your own barbecue or have food catered to the site. In the fall of 2004, the Kaletas assisted the Griesser Spoon Catering Company with a large corporate affair. The comments were "amazing" and "we enjoyed ourselves immensely", and "absolutely beautiful".
The Canmore Ranche Stables is located directly across from the Canmore Heliport on a private access road. Their trails wind through the forest, giving a sense of the "Ole West". Family reunions, staff parties, weddings and school programs have all been held at the ranch.
For a fun ride around the streets of Canmore, take a spin with the gentle giants, Belgian horses Dick and Roll. Claude Bibeau owns the two troopers, who enjoy pulling Santa Claus through the downtown core at Christmas time.
The Big Horse Wagon Rides have been seen throughout the town of Canmore in every season of the year since 1998, when the two heavy horses first moved to Canmore.
Although they weigh close to 1,900 pounds, the two big, beautiful horses with soft brown eyes are friendly and love people. Together, they are able to pull their weight, literally, including their wagon.
Hitch a Ride on Horse and Wagon
For special occasions, weddings, corporate events or just plain fun, call Bibeau at 403.609.7466 to book a wagon ride with his Big Horse Wagon Rides.
For more information and reservations on Canmore Ranche Stables call Heather or Kerry Kaleta at 403.678.6195 or 403.609.0839.
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