Retreat and Family Catering in Rural Alberta

Dining Room at the Red Feather Ridge near Vermillion, Alberta (Canada)

It’s always nice to eat somewhere new and unusual. I trekked out past Vermillion, Alberta to a family catering business. A 9.7 km drive from the main highway and 12.9 km from Vermillion, this retreat in rural Alberta will be a neat place to stay and eat in the future.

Red Feather Ridge (780-763-2385, email) is just getting started. Their family catering business is going well but they are interested in turning their 320 acres of land into a conference centre, retreat and thriving restaurant in the near future.

I had a catered lunch of homemade burritos and salad, with tea and apple crisp à la mode. Delicious. Sitting in the dining area looking out onto the absolutely still surrounding land made me think of having things like yoga retreats and wellness workshops here.

Living and Workshop Space at Red Feather Ridge near Vermillion, Alberta (Canada)

Owners Doug and Cheryl Livingstone plan do to just that, with a whole lot more. They’re building rustic pine cabins for travellers to stay in (accommodating 4-6 people), as well as hosting retreats of all kinds, from quilting and scrapbooking to painting and writing.

The natural vegetation around the main building is interesting enough to have birders come scout out the wildlife and kids can play and discover real country life. This summer, Red Feather Ridge is booked for weddings and they want to continue that, as well.

The potential of this family-run business looks bright. Doug and Cheryl are helped by their son and daughter-in-law, who have five kids, all who live on the property. I’m interested to hear how the family ends up building their business. They are lovely people and I’m sure will get it right.   

What I liked:

• It’s fun going to a place that hasn’t yet defined its identity. The Livingstone family is still trying to figure out how to make their business work and lunch consisted of throwing around ideas and helping them flesh out their plan.
• Family catering is a good thing. Homemade food is usually delicious and it was no exception here. Simple, fresh and cooked up in the kitchen next to the dining room by Doug’s son Rob.
• I had more chance to chat with Doug and he’s as laid back as you can be. His philosophy on building this potential Alberta retreat and conference centre is one of working hard and having the family succeeding together.

Tags: alberta Retreat, conference centre, Doug and Cheryl Livingstone, Family Catering, Homemade food, Red Feather Ridge, restaurant, Rural Alberta, Vermillion, weddings, wellness workshops, yoga retreats