School programs

Ranching-focused school programs are delivered by Parks Canada interpreters and consist of demonstrations, interactive talks, sensory experiences and environmentally-focused hikes. Interpreters adapt to the individual needs of the students' grade levels for each group.

Historic Bar U

• Belly of the Bar U: Experience the variety of methods practiced to maintain self-sufficiency. Locations featured: cookhouse, garden, root cellar and storage sheds.
• Take a hike: A creek side trek for students to learn about land management practices that help sustain important ecosystems.
• Ranch Office/Post Office: The Ranch Office was the center for the community to come and visit with one another, gossip, and pick up and mail their letters and parcels. Each student writes a postcard and addresses it to be mailed.
• Wagon Ride: Giddy up! Hop on the Percheron horse-drawn wagon and learn the importance of these gentle giants.

Art on the Range

• Cookhouse: Students embrace their artistic sides and learn about the artists that have visited Bar U Ranch throughout its history.
• Art of Roping: Calf roping began in the 18th century, when cowboys developed a roping technique to handle calfs requiring doctoring, tagging and branding. Students will learn how to handle a rope and throw onto a roping dummy.
• Wagon Ride: Giddy up! Hop on the Percheron horse-drawn wagon and learn the importance of these gentle giants.

Explore the many ranch buildings, grounds and exhibits that are brought to life by our costumed interpreters. Students may work through a variety of activities as they explore the ranch with provided Xplorers Booklets.

Discover Bar U Ranch by wagon tour, visit the riparian zone, polo field, Indigenous interpretive encampment and the ranch’s historic core.

If you feel like taking to the road on your own two feet, travel along the Pekisko Creek trail, viewing a portion of the national historic site not often seen during a regular visit. Enjoy the sounds of the creek, tranquil picnic spots and stunning mountain view.

For more information visit our Activities and experiences pages.

Contact us for more information or to secure a booking. Visit the fees page for school program pricing.

Program dates: May 13 – September 30, 2024

Available times: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Class size: Maximum 60 (Three groups of 20 students)

Cancellations: Made without penalty up to 24 hours prior to booking date

Have the following information ready when you reserve:

• Preferred date of visit
• Student grades/ages, number of students and chaperones
• School contact information
• Language of program: Programs may be delivered in English, French, or a mix of English/French.