Welcome to Rafter Six® Ranch Resort

Folks from around the world come for more than just all the fun things to do - Rafter Six provides unique western accommodations, including the three storey log lodge with 18 guest rooms, meeting facilities, and a fully licensed dining room and lounge. Seven unique, character rich cabins and four chalets are also available for short stays. The wilderness camping area is ideal for short stays in a motorhome or self contained RV.

Looking for a Beautiful Wedding Ceremony and Reception? Check out the Country Church and Outdoor Chapel, overlooking the Kananaskis River and the SunDance Hall where you and your guests can celebrate in western style for your all in one destination wedding celebration!

For Family Reunions and Corporate Retreats at Rafter Six Ranch Resort, we can also arrange BBQ's and Entertainment, special events and concerts, team building activities, helicopter tours and so much more!

The Cowleys

Stan Cowley

A born Calgarian, Stan first arrived at Rafter Six Ranch in April 1976. The historical guest ranch had seen better days, but being in real estate, Stan could see the potential in the land, the location and business. He met Eva and Alvin Guinn and on the same day, on a handshake, agreed to purchase the Rafter Six Guest Ranch. Stan's diverse and creative background in marketing and design, real estate and ranching gave him a good start in his new endeavor of "guest ranching". From designing to building; marketing to serving, Stan took on the challenges and kept busy working toward his vision of a Western and First Nations cultural experience.

From a young age, Stan was embraced into the world of the local Stoney Nation through a ceremony in which he became blood brother with "Walking Buffalo" an elder and medicine man. His job was to teach people that they are like the trees of the forest - each different but standing in harmony with one another. Tom Yellowhorn, David and Daisy Crowchild, Arthur and Nora Ayoungman Eddie and Elsie Holloway, Leo and Alma (Pretty) Youngman, and Harold Healy were all influential in shaping Stan's life. Eventually, they came together to form the "Buffalo Nations Cultural Society" who now owns and operates to Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in Banff, Alberta in 2005.

Stan became the first inductee into the Hall of Fame of the Hotel Association of Canada. The Humanitarian award was presented to Stan in Toronto at the awards ceremony. In June of 2007, Stan was also inducted into the Tourism Industry of Canada (TIAC) Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Ottawa.

With the support of his family, Stan continues to develop a place for all people through the Rafter Six facilities, services, activities, and the western culture and hospitality for which Alberta is famous.

Gloria Cowley

Everyone says that there is something about Rafter Six Ranch that makes people connect with either another person, nature, or a higher spirit. This was also true for Gloria.

Born of pioneer Albertans in a coal mining town east of Jasper in a community known as "the Coal Branch", Gloria instinctively knew at an early age that she would live on a ranch in the mountains. Attending school in Edmonton, then Mt. Royal College in Calgary, Gloria graduated from the Interior Design program in 1974. After working in the industry in Calgary, and her involvement with the Calgary Stampede in 1976, Gloria moved to northern Alberta to work with a log housing company. The current chapter of the ranch begins when Stan met Gloria. In 1976, soon after Stan purchased the ranch, he embarked on a mission to find logs to build the new lodge he designed. What he found in northern Alberta were the logs he needed and a "knockout" young gal working as a designer for the company!

Soon after meeting, Gloria and Stan became a team and worked together at constructing the lodge, rebuilding the Guest Ranch business, and raising a dynamic family.

Working as steady part of the team, Gloria usually has a smile on her face, a story to tell, and a hug to give. The staff often adopts her as their "mom" and she is always happy to welcome new members to the "Ranch Family". With these qualities, she has a good sense of business and direction, keeping the western heritage and values in mind as Rafter Six Ranch develops into the future.

Cathy Shellenberg

Cathy is the first of the Cowley children, and the most organized! Cathy has worked in all aspects of the Ranch, and decided at an early age that she preferred to "push a pencil" rather than work outside. She found her passion in teaching students and helping children into a knowledgeable and bright future. That aspiration brought her to graduating with her Masters of Education from Gonzaga University. Cathy is currently Assistant Principal at a Calgary High School.

Cathy, along with her husband, Woody, who is also a teacher, and children, Taylor and Aalia live in Calgary, Alberta. They enjoy participating with the larger functions at the Ranch and riding in the Calgary Stampede Parades!

David Cowley

David grew up with dreams and aspirations of following the cowboy lifestyle. He developed his horse training skills at a young age by spending the majority of his time with the horses, and watching and learning from other horsemen. When he became confident in his skills and his partnership with his horse, Danny, he began to explore where their relationship could take them. During the Calgary Stampede of 1998, David approached the Calgary Tower to see if he could be the first to take his horse to the Top of the Tower. They agree and David and Danny went up and shocked visitors from around the world. "Only in Calgary!" they would say.

David and Danny were frequently seen in Calgary hotels and night clubs, on the streets of Calgary during Stampede week and even on the stage of the evening Grandstand Show! When Danny passed on, David trained his other horses to take his place at the Top of the Tower and have been known to go up at different times for charity and special promotions. Following his childhood dream of being an actor, David completed studies at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California and stunt school in Seattle Washington. He has worked on several films and commercials, most recently, "Northern Lights" with Leanne Rimes.

Actively involved in marketing for the Ranch, David also manages the horses and outfitting company on the Ranch. He is multi-talented, a strong leader and yet humble and fun to be around. Always up for a challenge and adventure, his motto is "If it were easy, everyone would do it".

Thomas Cowley

Thomas takes after the Scottish side of the family. He is strong, sensitive and has a wry sense of humor. Always wanting to help people, Thomas is able to share his wisdom of life with solid advice and a big smile. His travels have taken him to the Grand Cayman Islands on a scuba diving mission, Australia on a working vacation, Mexico on a house building mission and the Barbados on a music ministry mission. He is a graduate of Mount Royal University's Massage Therapy program and currently works part-time at the ranch and in Cochrane. These abilities will compliment Rafter Six as our new facilities will also provide spa and fitness services. What better way to compliment the Ranch activities and adventures! Also an avid horseman, his trusty mount is a Ranch bred Canadian Mustang cross named Jackson. His Wild West style of entertainment includes rearing, whip cracking and rough lawman for the western welcomes Rafter Six has become famous. Thomas and Jackson share a strong bond of respect and friendship whether galloping through the fields or riding the local parades. Not only that but he truly loves the outdoors.

Kateri Cowley

I believe that I grew up right where I needed to be. My passion for horses, meeting people and mountains all collide here at the Ranch. I feel that it is a dream come true and an honor to be here. When I was a young girl, I dreamed of being a real cowgirl, making horses my main coworkers and ride everyday! I work alongside my family and my "extended ranch family" to give people from around the globe a true western experience, because I want to share with others what brings me so much joy in life. I also work in the motion picture industry as a wrangler and stunt rider. I am currently working on the hit CBC series "Heartland".

In 2009 my childhood dream become reality, I am proud to say that I was crowned as a main representative of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede as the "Stampede Princess of 2009". With this brought so many opportunities of travel, new learning experiences, and of course meeting lots of interesting people! I hope to get to meet you at my home, Rafter Six Ranch, and the Calgary Stampede!

In 2010, Kateri competed in the Calgary Stampede's first ever "Cowboy Up Challenge". She then went on to finish 11th in the world Championship "Extreme Cowboy Race" in Kansas. in 2011, she again competed in the Cowboy Up challenge and finished 5th. The high speed, exciting obstacle course matches Kateri's and her horse Kokanee's riding adventures!

Daisy Rae Cowley

The youngest member of the Cowley family, she has as much fire and spirit as they come. Her namesake "Daisy Crowchild" was Chief Sitting Bull's Granddaughter and wife of Chief David Crowchild of the T'su T'ina Nation and good friends of Stan and Gloria. She was small in stature but had a dynamic personality. With an artistic and creative point of view, and caring nature for animals and people alike, Daisy makes work like play and enjoys being surrounded with laughter. You may even see her on a "Western Welcome" - holding up busses as "Dynamite Daisy" and collecting unlawful candy from the passengers! Just out of high school, she is working in the front office and reception area and sees herself following in her mothers' footsteps!

Rafter Six Ranch offers:

Get Married @ Rafter Six Ranch

Celebrate YOUR Ranch Romance!

"Love as grand as the Rocky Mountains, as powerful as running horses, and the splendor of nature!"

Your wedding is one of the most memorable and exciting times in your life. Make Rafter Six RRanch esort your first choice for a romantic western wedding that you and your guests will long remember!

Country Church

The "Country Church" is a charming setting reminiscent of the old country churches, with grand gothic windows and cathedral ceiling. The rich patterns and textures of the wood offers a warm elegant feel. The altar features a magnificent view of the mountains in the Kananaskis Valley. The wood burning fireplace provides a pleasant atmosphere for fall and winter weddings.

Outdoor Chapel

The Fresh Air Outdoor "Tla'T'a dina" Chapel is renowned as a unique setting for outdoor weddings. Nestled among a grove of stately spruce trees, the chapel benches are constructed of half logs, with the altar overlooking the magnificent Kananaskis River. Your guests will enjoy a breathtaking panorama of both the Kananaskis and Bow Valley. Be carried away in a horse drawn carriage to complete your perfect wedding ceremony.

This day is a time for celebration and what better way to celebrate than with good times, good friends and great food! One of the best features about Rafter Six is after the Ceromony, Photos, Reception and Dance, your guests can simply stroll to their cozy cabin or room and enjoy a hearty western breakfast the following morning. No driving required!

Please email weddings @ raftersix.com for further information on our 2013 packages.

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