We've been in Sundre less than an hour and three people have told us where to go - in the nicest way possible. Jaime at the Sundre Museum recommends picking wild strawberries at Snake Hill Recreation Area. Summer student, Kayleigh, says the ribs at Kodiak BBQ are "really good." In the Pioneer Village, a local tells us to drive down Highway 40 and look for wild horses. We take all the advice, and then some, as it's our first time here and we want to make the most of it.

Our weekend bucket list also includes whitewater rafting and horseback riding. Sundre serves as gateway to the "west country" where cattle and wild horses roam. Adventure is all around this small town with a big heart.

Sundre Photo Essay

>>I hope you enjoy my photo essay! For more reasons to #ExploreSundre, please see my story on ZenSeekers: Wet and wild weekend in Sundre: Horseback riding, shooting rapids, golfing and eating fresh berries.<<

DAY 1 – Explore Sundre

9:30 am Grab breakfast at Little Country Cappuccino.

Cappuccino and cinnamon bun for the win!

10 am Visit Sundre Museum, Pioneer Village, and World of Wildlife.

Ranch Exhibit, Sundre Museum

Sundre Pioneer Village

The wildlife mounts at the World of Wildlife Exhibit were donated by Sundre resident Chester Mjolsness.

12 pm Enjoy slow smoked ribs at Kodiak BBQ & Deli.

Slow smoked goodness!

1:30 pm Play 9 holes of golf at Sundre Golf Club, home of the 2017 Alberta Open.

Walk or trail run through towering aspens. Cross country ski in the winter!

5 pm Check in to the beautiful Best Western Plus Mountainview Inn & Suites.

5:30 pm Dinner at Sundre Golf Club Clubhouse.

Best patio in town!

7:00 pm Swim and soak at Mountainview Inn & Suites.

Beautiful pool!

DAY 2 – Choose Your Own Adventure: Whitewater Rafting or Horseback Riding 

8:30 am Hot breakfast at Mountainview Inn & Suites.

9:30 am Drive to Mukwah Rafting / Sunset Guiding (45-50 minutes from Sundre) and look for wild horses.

We pulled over to admire this little colt and his herd.

OPTION A: Whitewater Rafting

10:30 am – 4 pm Go rafting with Mukwah Rafting! We had a great time rafting and cliff jumping on the “Full Jaunty” half day trip. Alan was a great guide!

OPTION B: Trail Ride

10 pm – 12 pm Sunset Guiding & Outfitters: The 2 hour trail ride is the perfect length for first-time riders. 5 & up can ride! Merle and Larry led our girls' horses since it was their first time. Longer rides are available for experienced riders.

Riding by Klein Lake

12:30 pm Homemade burgers and shakes at Sunset Cafe. So good!

2 pm Relax at Panther River Retreat, Sunset Guiding.

Playing with Puddin'head

Update: If you're short on time and would like to go horseback riding and rafting on the same day, inquire about the "Leather and Rubber" tour from Sunset Guiding.

Where to Stay

Best Western Plus Mountainview Inn & Suites has beautiful, spacious rooms with 42" LCD TVs, work station, fridge, and microwave. Enjoy the pool and spa tub after a day of exploring, and full breakfast in the morning.

Panoramic shot of our suite

Mukwah Rafting has treed campsites and rustic double-occupancy cabins (bring your own bedding). Enjoy the riverside sauna, hot showers, fire pits and volleyball court. 45 minutes southwest of Sundre.

Mukwah Rafting Cabin

Mukwah Rafting Sauna

Sunset Guiding's Panther River Retreat offers cozy log cabins (sleep 2-4) with power, beds and bedding, and a small fridge, as well as RV sites with power and water. Onsite amenities include a cafe, gift shop, hot showers, and riverside fire pit/picnic area. 50 minutes southwest of  Sundre.

Sunset Guiding Cabin

Interior of Sunset Guiding Cabin

Tall Timber Leisure Park is a large, well maintained RV park in Sundre, minutes from shopping and dining. It boasts large, treed lots; a pool and whirlpool; owner's lounge; convenience store; two playgrounds; and campground with full hookups.

Tall Timber Leisure Park

Tall Timber Leisure Park Pool

For More Information

This photo essay is a sneak peek at fun things to do in and around Sundre. For more information, please check out my trip report at ZenSeekers:

Wet and wild weekend in Sundre: Horseback riding, shooting rapids, golfing and eating fresh berries

Getting There