COVID-19 and your visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority. In June and July, some Parks Canada places began a safe, gradual reopening of outdoor areas, some camping services, and some indoor areas at national historic sites.

We are only opening places and activities where risks can be managed, according to the advice of public health experts. For your safety, at all times, avoid all places and areas that are closed.

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

We continue to deliver services critical for Canadians, including highway maintenance, fire response, dam operations and water management on historic waterways, and avalanche control, among others.

Update for July 30, 2020 - Non-medical masks and face coverings

We strongly encourage all visitors to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at any Parks Canada place. When you visit a Parks Canada place, you may see signs reminding you that this is what we recommend.

An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public.

If a Parks Canada place is within a jurisdiction where wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is mandatory, visitors will be asked to follow this requirement.

As of June 1, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site began a gradual reopening of some outdoor areas, facilities and services. Please check our website regularly for the current status of this location and others

Important information about your visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is offering limited visitor access and basic services.

Information on what is open, what services, activities and facilities are available, what visitors can expect, and how to prepare for your visit is listed in the sections below.

Information will be updated regularly.

Visiting Bar U Ranch National Historic Site will be different than it has been in the past. Your cooperation is required to ensure a safe experience for yourself and others.

All visitors and staff are required to follow physical distancing protocols.

What’s open (updated July 13, 2020)
  • Parking lot
  • Admission to the national historic site and access to public washrooms
  • Site grounds
  • A new 3 km walking trail throughout the entire site
  • A new tipi camp by Pekisko Creek
  • Percheron horse wagon ride (with physical distancing protocols in place)
  • Access to the interior of some historic buildings
  • Some staff will be working on traditional ranching tasks throughout the historic core of the national historic site
What’s closed (updated July 13, 2020)
  • The Bar U Ranch restaurant is closed for the season
  • The Bar U Ranch gift shop is closed until further notice
  • Access to the interior of some historic buildings remains closed
  • There will be no 'cowboy coffee' or baked goods offered on site until further notice
  • Group activities, special events and facility rentals are suspended at the Bar U Ranch this summer
  • The Bar U Ranch volunteer program is suspended until further notice
Special events

In accordance with provincial health orders, special events are suspended at the Bar U Ranch this summer. The Heavy Horse Weekend scheduled for September 19 and 20 may proceed.

Your safety when visiting
  • Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others
  • The priority of the government is the health and safety of Canadians and limiting the spread of COVID-19. Parks Canada is asking Bar U Ranch National Historic Site visitors to come prepared by bringing their own food, water, weather-appropriate clothing and protective supplies such as hand sanitizer and masks
  • We strongly encourage all visitors to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public, e.g. visitor centre, historic buildings.
  • Please take your garbage with you to help keep the Bar U Ranch clean and tidy
  • No pets are allowed on the site or in the visitor centre for the safety and the security of your pet, our livestock and yourself
  • Ticks and other small insects are found on site at the Bar U Ranch. Protect yourself from Lyme disease

Stay informed