Photo: The Cowboy Trail
(Originally published in TOURISM)
Cowboys trails...
Margie Moore and her husband own and operate the Lazy M Ranch in Caroline, Alberta. They sold all their cattle before the dreaded BSE events that dealt a near-fatal blow to Alberta’s cattle sector. They converted their operation to horse ranching, welcoming guests from around the world, and she has witnessed first hand the difference the Cowboy Trail makes: “The trail is about living history; it is very personal and people can become part of the Cowboy Trail, which is what happens to them when they come to our place and become part of the family. And (the Cowboy Trail) does bring us more guests.”
Malcolm Anderson is the executive director of the Trail. It is a job he has taken on after 37 years in the hotel business at a senior management level, because of what he sees as a very real economic potential being harnessed in a vibrant community with shared values and interests. “Our members have seized upon the idea of saluting the traditions and culture of cowboys and First Nations people - who were our first hosts and have become cowboys themselves. Two cultures are collaborating through ranching activities along this particular route. Just within our province, the Trail’s profile is having a huge impact. Increasingly, inquiries from consumers seeking a cowboy experience at Travel Alberta are channelled directly to us.”
Photo: Trois-Rivières Visitors and Conventions Bureau
... and carriage paths.
Along a 50 kilometre stretch from Pointe-du-Lac, Quebec to Ste-Anne-de-la-Pérade (eastward from Trois-Rivières) an old flourmill and sawmill complex; a church rectory, and a former French Regime residence have banded together to form the Trio du Chemin du Roy. Each heritage attraction is marketing the other, and selling tickets giving access to all three heritage attractions at a reduced price. Project assistant director Andréanne Blais recalls how initially the objective was to ensure permanent staffing in what were volunteer-run sites before. The attractions now have paid staff and the Trio has witnessed a substantial increase in visitation since the development of the Chemin du Roy.
“We have been working as a trio of attractions now for three years," says Blais. "I can say that the touring route itself has really enabled us to take better advantage of the resources at our disposal - of the built environment which we have inherited."
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