Rafter Six Ranch Resort, Alberta

My family went to rafter six this summer and my kids and I could not get enough of the dogs, horses, even miniature ponys and donkey! There was lots to look at and do, we went on the surf and saddle which is a pakage to go rafting and riding with a BBQ lunch in between! We then decided to stay two nights longer at the ranch and adventure the area. It is so close to banff and calgary that you get the best of both worlds! We'll deffinatly be back!

On the weekend of August 15, 2008, I, my wife, and nine other members of my extended family spent four days and three nights at the Rafter Six Ranch Resort. It was with great pleasure that we thank all the staff of Rafter Six Ranch Resort for their friendly service. I thank Mr. Cowley, the owner, for providing us with the many fond memories that we received during this time. Of course, 32 degree Celsius, 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit for you non-Canadians, weather also helped considerably. We rented two chalets and three cabins in total. We were particularly interested in the past history of the Rafter Six Ranch. The swimming pool was of interest since it was the place to go to cool off during the extreme hot spell that we encountered this particular weekend. Staff members such as Jennifer, who providing all the booking for us, Jason, the bartender, Casey, on the front desk, and Kateri, who was the guide on our carriage and wagon rides were wonderful, pleasant, friendly, and helpful. Thank you very much! The restaurant staff was friendly and courteous. I thank Kelly and his staff for going out of their way to provide delicious, varied, and wonderful meals. To make a point, breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. One of the members of my family had to leave at 7:30 AM so that he could be at a meeting at his place of employment. I asked Kelly if the members of his family could have something to eat before they left. The staff went out of their way to provide the necessary meals at 7:00 AM so that everyone was fed before they left. Thank you, staff!! From the complaints I have read, if one had done a little bit more research, one would discover that within 45 minutes drive of the Ranch there are a number of additional activities that are available and can be enjoyed - perhaps golf at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club, a fantastic and scenic adventure as enjoyed by three members of my family, or perhaps a visit to the Nakoda Lodge, just a few kilometers east of the Ranch, or perhaps even a canoe adventure on Chief Hector Lake, located by the Nakoda Lodge, or how about a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, or how about a trip to Calaway Park, a 45 minute drive east of the Ranch, or finally how about a trip to Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis country? We definitely will be back!!!!!!!

I've been reading other reviews about all the hidden charges ... I would avoid Rafter six rent a horse you'll need all this extra stuff, you should have know better ... now they can nickle and dime you to death or should I say $5 or $6 dollar you to death... read about $6 for marshmellow treats around the camp fire ... you will have a much better vacation any where near and around this place ... read about the mice and bat's in the cabin's and over priced camp grounds ... read about the ring leader at a nieces wedding ... read about the extra charge for cancelling a room at a reasonable time ... read about a $50 dollar fine for talking late at night

It was only by chance that we chose to stay at Rafter Six Ranch for the last 3 days of our Canadian "tour" June 2008 - a fitting end to our once in a lifetime holiday. A truly magical place where all the staff including the "Boss" were quite happy to chat to you about life on the ranch. We spent 10 days in Toronto, flew to Vancouver for 3 days and then drove up to Clearwater, Mount Robson, Jasper and Banff and finished in heaven after a wonderful wonderful holiday.

I loved Rafter Six ranch from speaking with the owner they have plans of expanding and building a brand new hotel building. They will also be selling the units and have a rental pool so we can buy a piece of this place. Im my mind this place is the best in North America. Paul UK

Rafters 6 Guest Ranch, Exshaw, Alberta Canada Rafters 6 is a “No Score” in the Guest Ranch Rodeo. This guest ranch located between Calgary and Banff offers horseback riding and Whitewater Rafting. We purchased an “all inclusive” package for meals, lodging and horseback riding. “All inclusive” in Canadian English does not translate to the United States understanding. The term “nickel and dimed to the poor house” adequately defines the Ranch’s add on costs such as $3 for a helmet, $5 for a rain slicker, $5 to tour the barn museum, all gratuities are paid separately. The horseback riding is limited to a 2 hour head to butt ride, 2 (1 hr) head to butt rides or an intermediate 1 ½ hr ride. The horses I rode (Honey, Cruise and Snickers) were adequate but not very responsive. The ranch boasts of “adventure filled days” which I soon learned meant the adventure was in finding something to fill your day. The swimming pool was closed. The hot tub is only accessible during limited hours. The Country Church is locked and One can pet only so many animals before wanting something else to do. The Ropes course and Rafting ($69) are exclusive of the “all inclusive.” An activity Director is certainly in order. What about a game of bingo, a treasure hunt, an amazing race, evening entertainment, aerobics, pilates or even a egg on the spoon obstacle course. We were lucky enough to participate in the Funtyme Rodeo ($775) on the 1st evening but happened upon this because it was staff appreciation and not a regular guest amenity. The Rodeo was fun! The attention to the guests and the conveying the feeling of importance and appreciation for our visit was minimally flet because the Ranch is too focused on the tour vans and buses, the weddings at the Church and the Rafting Day business. Mr. Cowley, Ranch proprietor, never introduced himself to my family nor welcomed us to his lodge despite seeing us numerous times. His only comment was to my daughter and it was to tell her not t0 sit too close to the TV. During our visit we would have loved to watch 1 of the several movies that have been filmed at the Ranch. These films are not available at the Ranch!!! The restaurant wait staff keeps you waiting, not waiting on you. The food was good; when it was available. The service was inconsistent. Nicole, Matt and Josh were the best. On our 3rd night there, I ordered a Rib Eye. I received a T Bone. When questioned about this, I was informed the chef was out of Rib Eye and substituted the T bone which “is a better cut of meat.” Being from Texas and owning cattle, I disagree. The Chalets are dark, have mice and limited to no storage space. There are a few drawers in the night stands but no chest of drawers or luggage racks. I have stayed at 12 Dude/Guest/Resort Ranches over the last several years. The Rafters 6 Ranch does not even “get out of the chute” in this Rodeo.

I went there in the summer of 2000 for a choir trip. It was the most amazing place that i have ever been on earth. The senery will take your breath away, and the food will too! Every single person i met had a smile on their face, and cowboy hat. Thats what life is about to me, the small stuff, and this was just one big small thing.

I found myself at Rafter Six Ranch. Iwould go back there any day. I would live there if I could!!!