Country Vacations/Guest Ranches

Associations and Federations

  • Alberta Country Vacations Association [ACVA]

    ACVA is comprised of independent ranch and farm families located throughout Alberta, Canada. Get a feel for the diversity of farm and ranch experiences located in Alberta by looking at the activity list, photos and links located on their website.

  • Cowboy Trail Tourism Association

    Along the foothills of Alberta's Rocky Mountains is a narrow band of mixed forest and grasslands known for its moderate climate, a wide variety of wildlife species and broad ecological diversity. The communities along this corridor are linked together by the Cowboy Trail, a ribbon of pavement extending from Cardston to Mayerthorpe. Take a look at this website and further your knowledge on the variety of rural/agricultural experiences Alberta has to offer.

  • Alberta Outfitters Association

    The Alberta Outfitters Association consists of outfitters involved in providing horse vacations to those adventurous individuals interested in experiencing Alberta the cowboy way. Included on this site is a list of the outfitters located in Alberta. To find out more information on these outfitters and on the Alberta Outfitters Association take a look at this link!

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Product Development

  • Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development [AAFRD]

    AAFRD provides a number of different publications related to country vacation operations.

    • Agri Tourism: Country Vacation Enterprise [18 pages]

      Agri Tourism: Country Vacation Enterprise is a fact sheet profiling accommodation and related activities as an agri-tourism business option for farm and ranch families. It describes key management issues for farm and ranch families considering the development and operation of a country vacation enterprise in Alberta.

    • Country Vacation Profit$ [4 pages]

      Country Vacation Profit$ is a fact sheet providing specialized business information on developing and operating a country vacation enterprise. Included in this document is information from operators concerning investment, bookings, costs and revenues for a start-up, two-room enterprise.

Other Resources

  • Agricultural Business Profile on Agri-Tourism [17 pages]

    The Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture division of the Prince Edward Island government has compiled this profile as a source of information for those who may be considering agri-tourism as a commercial venture. Included in this document is information related to the start up requirements for a three-star cottage and two-star bed and breakfast operation.

  • Dude Ranchers' Association

    The Dude Ranchers' Association was established in 1926 and consists of members residing throughout the United States and into Canada. This association exists to assist vacationers in finding a ranching vacation that fits their preferences. Take a look at this site to get an idea of the variety of ranching vacations available throughout North America.

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