Bar U Ranch, National Historic Site of Canada

Bar U Ranch in Longview, Alberta was established in the 1880's and was chosen to commemorate the  history of ranching in Canada. The ranch is about an hour and half drive from the city of Calgary. It has a very rich history that every building in the ranch can tell. At the gateway of the ranch, you'll be amazed how stunning and breathtaking the ranch is complemented by the rockies in the background. Most of the buildings were built in the early 1900's.

The gateway to the ranch, overlooking the whole area

View of the ranch from the gateway

The Chophouse, built in 1909, used as storage for feed for the livestock.

Stud Horse Barn, used to house Percheron studs, colts and show string

Inside the Harness Repair Shop

Harness Repair Shop, built about 1909

Ranch Post Office, built in 1902, the beehive of activity in the ranch

An old typewriter

The Cookhouse, built in 1910, it's where the cowboys relax at night

Antique stove and oven inside the cookhouse

Storage sheds, built before 1900

The Cookhouse

Workhorse Barn, built in 1895

Inside the Blacksmith Shop

The Blacksmith Shop, built in 1910

Calgary Stampede Parade 2015

Summer seems to be the most awaited season in Calgary as it signals the coming of festivals and many events in this city. In July, all people from all walks of life prepare for the grandest festival of the year, the Calgary Stampede. It is now dubbed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". It is an annual rodeo and exhibition participated in by enthusiasts around the world. 

Calgary Stampede Parade marks the opening of the 10-day festival. This grand parade includes about 700 horses from Alberta and thousands of people from different groups, organizations, businesses and politics. Tourists, local and foreign converge in downtown Calgary to witness this special event. 

Below are some of the images I took at the parade.