About The Flying U Ranch And Your Accommodation

The Flying U Ranch is for artists who want to enjoy the real frontier past. Here you step back in time and experience life like it was 100 years ago. Established in 1849 as a trading post, today the Flying U is Canadas oldest guest ranch. There are 110 horses and 60,000 acres of aspen lined trails. The Flying U is a real western town with 44 log buildings and a main street where horses, dogs, and peacocks roam free. There is a real blacksmith shop, a saloon that's right out of the 1800’s, a theatre, a dining hall, a pool hall, activities building and the “Century lodge” with its lounge area with stone fireplace. 

Each student will be assigned to a painting group at the start of the retreat. You'll have the chance to paint with all four Master Instructors during your stay. There will be ample opportunity to paint in your group and by yourself, receive training from our excellent instructors, and socialize with fellow artists in the evenings. Included in the price of the retreat, in addition to four days of instruction and accommodation, are all your meals, snacks, and coffee and tea. The kitchen can cater to a range of dietary needs, so let us know if there is anything you need. 

The rustic and charming Flying U log cabins will be our home base for the 2023 retreat. You can either stay in your own private log cabin or share your cabin with someone else. While some have a bathroom, most of the historic cabins don't provide a plumbing system. Cabins are equipped with a wood-burning stove, electricity and covered porch, and feature hand-crafted wood furniture. The ranch provides a central bathhouse with modern showers and a sauna for artists to relax in at the end of a long day. 

If you'd like to share your cabin with a friend or family member, be sure to mention it upon making your booking or email education@artists.ca with your room share request.