Contact & Location
The Ranche at Fish Creek Park Restoration Society
Our Society is 100% volunteer based.
FOR GAZEBO BOOKINGS: click here
FOR AMPHITHEATRE BOOKINGS: click here
ARTISAN GARDENS BOOKINGS: available 2013
For urgent matters, contact Susan @ 403.999.5644
Society office hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm
Society mailng address: 315 Deercliff Road S.E. Calgary AB, T2K 5K6
Society email address: info@bowvalleyranche.com
Society phone: 403.278.2595
Society fax: 403.233.7714
THE RANCHE RESTAURANT* please see information on right
Location Map & Directions
Take Deerfoot Trail to Bow Bottom Trail southbound.
Follow Bow Bottom Trail past 146 Avenue as it enters Fish Creek Park.
Make your first right after passing 146 Avenue, follow the signs to the parking area.
Testimonials: 'what does the Ranche mean to you?'...
“When you need a space of respite from the city and all its commotion, the Ranche is the place to be. It offers solace among the greenery and sculptures of the Native Gardens. Traditional and historical charm invites diners to a diverse and well-prepared menu in the restaurant. It is the first place that I take visitors to show off our cultural heritage.” - Lynda
“Karen and I enjoy the beautiful Ranche dining room which we have used on many occasions over the past couple of decades. Annies is also a delight where we have taken many friends over the years. We wonder what the park would be like if a pair of angels had not laboured so long to make the Ranche House area what it is today!! The Ranche is a gemstone set in a lovely park.” - Doug & Karen
“Walking through the Ranche grounds provides an incredible feeling of connection to the rich history of this Valley. I am in awe of the dedication of those who have contributed so much to honoring and celebrating this unique place. I consider myself fortunate to be part of something so important, especially on those days when I can join other volunteers and pick weeds from the native gardens, that to me so beautifully represent the culmination of years' worth of volunteer legacy.” - J. Rempel.
“We love the Ranche firstly because it is a piece of our heritage. Because of a number of volunteers and donors, it has continued to evolve with the addition of the Gazebo, and the Sculpture Garden. The Ranche has retained its prairie ambiance both inside and out. Finally, in keeping with its status as a historical location, the restaurant has always been in the forefront of presenting a menu steeped in traditional fare sourced from local suppliers.” - Anne & Ron
”It gives me great pleasure to comment on this incredible undertaking that Mitzie and Larry have devoted themselves to. I have had the great pleasure of gardening alongside them for a few years now, along with many other lovely volunteers and have witnessed the amazing transformation of the gardens from the walkways, gazebo, benches, to the beautiful bronze statuary. I have had the joy of seeing Calgarians have a place to gather as families, friends even weddings and heard the enjoyment they take away from this special piece of restored history. Calgary is young compared to many North American cities and yet here we can take pride and witness our history unfold, as we stroll through the native gardens. Congratulations and many thanks for the tireless effort that Mitzie, Larry, the many volunteers and financial contributors, who have so willingly put towards this truly beautiful historical endeavour.” - Noreen Yuzwa
“I became involved with the Bow Valley Ranche immediately after meeting Mitzie and Larry Wasyliw when they were considering their dream of restoring the old ranch house. Their dreams and plans were infectious, and I caught that infectiousness in such a manner that I became involved in the many creative ideas that they espoused. Before my eyes I was able to see the evolvement of this special place as a destination point for the many visitors that now come and "soak in" the history that is part of the Fish Creek Valley environs and the majesty of the Bow Valley Ranche.” - Clancy Patton
“The Bow Valley Ranche means to me a place of solitude and meditation in a crazy city world of noise and rushing around - one can walk and relax in a rural type environment, have a coffee and muffin in the summer on the veranda of Anne's Cafe and sit in the gazebo garden area on the park benches or have lunch in the Ranche on the veranda again - great atmosphere- great history- part of days gone by. In the winter you can cross country skin in Fish Creek which takes you to the Ranche and again have lunch or dinner at the restaurant there. Great experience. I live close to Fish Creek and walk there daily, if possible.” - B. Stryk
“The Bow Valley Ranche is a huge part of the history of our city & probably too few of our newer citizens know about it! This was the meeting place & social centre for people who played a huge part in Calgary’ history, The Calgary Stampede, business development, etc.
In my own family, both my father & his sister were employees of Pat Burns & his organization & I have their stories about Mr Burns as part of my growing up years. My aunt, Elizabeth (Betty) Oliver worked on the 44 Ranch west of Claresholm cooking big meals for all the cowboys and serving them on a huge table with a wagon wheel in the middle which all the serving platters & bowls were placed on and rotated to all the people seated around the big table. Her husband Hope Oliver was the ranch foreman.
My Dad, Cecil Etherington, told of Mr Burns paying to have St Paul’s Anglican Church painted. Then he noticed that St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church was looking a little worn so he paid for it to be painted also. Another story from my Dad concerned Mr. Burns having poplar trees planted on both sides of the highway leading south out of Calgary. The trees were planted well back from the roadsides because Mr Burns envisioned the road becoming, in the future, much more than the two lane gravel road it was at the time. These are two examples of his philanthropy in a pay-it-forward way.
Because of these family connections & stories we are especially happy to see the Bow Valley Ranche & the Hull-Burns house restored, remembered & given the recognition they deserve.
As the Ranche House stands today it is a wonderful place to visit & eat with friends and an important historical feature of our own backyard Fish Creek Park.”- Mary Madeline (&Larry) White
There is a peace and strength that swells from the ground. I have felt it many times in the last couple years, when I would come to ponder and pray. There is a resilience and determination to go forward and press forth in faith. I know that my ancestors, who came to Alberta before it was a province, are with me, guiding me along and withstood hardships so that I could have a better life. When I see that past connected to the future and I am able to show my kids that legacy which is now theirs, I have new found hope in the future and I give thanks to live in this great province of Alberta and at the footstep of the amazing place of the Bow Valley Ranche. Thank you profoundly.” - C. Steed
