Visit a Historical Alberta Ranch in Wainwright

Keith Brower holding up his artwork at Brower House B&B near Wainwright, AB (Canada)

Visiting a rural, working ranch in Alberta can be a great way to meet locals and learn about the area from firsthand stories. Just outside of Wainwright (a 10-minute drive), is Kemah Ranch.

Keith and Aileen Brower (who are the parents of Jennifer Ford, who I wrote about yesterday) run it as an attraction that takes visitors to the historical remains of the original farm from the early 1900s (book through Buffalo Adventures).

Keith walked a group of us writers through the nearby land, pointing out tree species and other unique parts of nature. He even dressed the part of rancher, with full leather chaps.

What’s great about Keith is that he knows so much about the history of the farm and the land is his playground, so you can pepper him with questions and he loves to share what he knows.

Some of the writers couldn’t get enough of the family and stayed at their farmhouse, which is set up as a bed and breakfast (I stayed at the nearby Callaghan House Bed & Breakfast). The eclectic furnishings are busy, wild and exactly perfect for a farmhouse B&B in rural Alberta.

Brower House B&B near Wainwright, AB (Canada)

Nothing fancy, Aileen Brower, also an artist, was the one who put together the look of the whole place. I was told that asking about the history behind the art and decorations make the house even more interesting.

What I liked:

• This gracious farm family has not commercialized their place in any way, allowing visitors to experience real authenticity.
• Getting out to see the land with Keith is a real treat. He shows you the remains of the original farmhouse and tells stories about everything. Note the carving on the side of one of the remains: yes, those are three cowboys taking a leak.
• The B&B is a great way for travellers to stay on a real farm without any extravagance. It sure beats the sometimes-impersonal service at downtown hotels.