Alberta Bison Experiences

D Bar V Farms: Presents and Indigenous Prairie Cattle Experience

D Bar V Farms presents Saturday Aug 19 Tours 2:00 pm & 4pm

This Indigenous prairie experience involves an up-close feeding encounter with the Salers breed of cattle, known for their similarities to the roaming buffalo of days gone by. Then your host, First Nation author, farmer, and rancher, Victor Lethbridge will accompany you to the prairie hills of the Bow River to see and experience Indigenous artifacts such as tipi rings and a grinding stone.

Indigenous Prairie Cattle Experience

• Tour is Free: There are two timeslots starting at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. (each tour is approx. 90 minutes)
• Guests will drive themselves lead by your host, First Nation author, farmer, and rancher, Victor Lethbridge. He will accompany you to the prairie hills of the Bow River.
• This 90-minute Indigenous prairie experience involves an up-close feeding encounter with the Salers breed of cattle, known for their similarities to the roaming buffalo of days gone by.

• The tour starts in the hamlet of Rolling Hills, at the restaurant of Pivot Spirits, which is across the street from the cattle corrals. Take highway 875 south of the TransCanada and right at the T to Pivot Restaurant). Following a brief visit with the coral cattle is a 12-minute drive as participants, in their own vehicles, follow Victor to the river pasture. There they will view the tipi rings and grinding stone and share in the tranquility of what our Indigenous people experienced for centuries.
• D Bar V Farms raises award-winning pure-bred Salers cattle and provides workshops enhancing Indigenous awareness and leadership development, especially for youth. Where buffalo/bison once roamed, is now grazed by D Bar V Farms’ herd of Salers cattle, a breed having similar attributes to that of the buffalo with their dark hard hoofs, thick hair, calving ease, and climate hardiness.
• Tour Details:
  • Start with cow/calf pair feeding at corral location at the farm.
  • Drive to the Tatanka Hills at the Bow River prairie pasture.
  • View Indigenous artefacts at the Tatanka Hills with a scenic view of the Bow River.
  • View a purebred herd of Salers cattle as they graze where buffalo once roamed.
•  Individual: If desired, purchase a $20 each for an award-winning story book by your host author Victor Lethbridge.
• We’ll supply a bottled water at the river.
• Bring: camera, extra drinks, appropriate weather wear.
• Plan stay for a bite at the restaurant at Pivot Spirits. Try their amazing gourmet pizza.

 

Let us know when you are coming! Book your FREE Admission HERE

Visit Two farms in one!

• The Gull Lake Honey Company is a family-run honey farm committed to keeping strong and healthy bee colonies. We produce a variety of honey and beeswax products, as well as provide an opportunity for agri-tourism and honey bee education.
• Frontier Bison Farm is multi-generational Bison ranching operation that manages 4 separate herds. One of their breeding herds is rotationally grazed on the half section that the Gull Lake Honey Company is located.

During your visit to our farms you can experience/enjoy: Free Activities: • Tour of Extraction facility (every hour on the hour) • Small petting zoo with goats, chickens, cows, kittens • Playground and Picnic areas Activities requiring $: • Hayride in Bison pasture (every hour on the hour, $5 per person age 5 and up) • Artisan market and gift shop with fresh honey on tap and other honey and beeswax products and Bison meat • U-Pick/Fresh pick Vegetable Garden • Chesters Chips Food Truck • Dipped Candle making ($3 per candle)

Ranch Tour: FREE to all participants

• Children welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult.
• Closed-toe footwear needed.

Learning Circle: Adults and children will have the opportunity to sit and learn about the role of the bison within Cree culture, traditional tools, and items made from bison, as well as listen to traditional drumming and songs. Indigenous Artisan Market: Vendor booths featuring local Indigenous artists to showcase their works and have items available for purchase Hay Lakes Bison Ranch is owned and operated by Beaver Lake Cree Nation. This operation has established a thriving Woodland Bison population and sustainable food sovereignty for our community and customers. Our mission is to bring back the buffalo mentally through education, physically by feeding our people, spiritually by holding ceremony, and emotionally by allowing ourselves to be reconnected to this four-legged relative. Bison are a keystone animal that can form a base of both ecosystem and culture. Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison sustained a way of life for indigenous people in Turtle Island (North America) for thousands of years. The animal was used as a food source throughout the year, its hides used in teepees and clothing, and its bones fashioned into tools. Bison were also the center of spiritual ceremony.

Experience our farm and forest-to-table offerings. A sampling of on-site produced culinary delights including BBQ bison will be available for purchase. Interactive interpretive stations throughout the site share the Metis Story. Vision Hopes and Dreams wildlife park at Métis Crossing offers guided tours explaining the cultural significance of these heritage species. An exclusive long-table dinner is available for culinary enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable experience.

• Metis Culture
• Pristine Natural Setting
• Vision Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park at Métis Crossing
• Heritage Gardens
• Boutique Lodge
• Sky Watching Domes
• Petting Zoo
• 688 acres to explore

*Accommodations and Camping available: https://metiscrossing.com/accommodations/

Driving to our farm you will drive by 2 pens of bison and our longhorn pen. During your visit to our farm, you will get to see a variety of animals. Drive along our country road to see elk cows and calves! You will have a chance to feed a longhorn, pet a horse, see rabbits, chickens, cats and our farm dog. You will also get to look at wild boars, & visit our unique farm store that features our government inspected meats as well as lots of locally produced items!!