Uncategorized Archives | The Crossing at Ghost River

Community Outreach Program at The Crossing

November 30, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

While the last 18 months at The Crossing at Ghost River have looked different than years passed, we still have had the opportunity to host many events, retreats, weddings and individual travellers at our charming inn. We have also had the chance to refresh the property and dedicate efforts to our Community Outreach program. Supporting Helping Hands in Cochrane, Veterans Association Food Bank, and Home for Hero’s in Calgary. Over the last year and a half, The Crossing Team proudly has provided over 12,400 meals and soups to those in need. It has been an incredible honour to be able to offer our support these amazing organizations and the people they help! Read more below about our Community Outreach program.

Helping Hands Society

“The meals and soups that we received, almost weekly, from The Crossing during 2020/21 were not only delicious and nutritious but were also an invaluable resource. The partnership was born out of necessity as the first COVID shut-down removed our ability to continue operation of our own meal prep program; that prepares and provides emergency meals to those in need in Cochrane and Area. Without a way to have those meals on hand during a time that the need for them was desperately rising made The Crossing’s offer to help extremely generous and absolutely essential.

These meals were distributed through multiple service agencies in Cochrane to people in need, in crisis and sometimes to those who were just locked out from their loved ones and lonely. We heard time and time again that these meals and soups were “one of the nicest gifts” during a difficult time. There aren’t enough words to express how tankful we are to The Crossing for these gifts of food and comfort but bless your generous souls for stepping up and becoming an integral part of the Helping ands team – we honestly couldn’t have helped the way we did for the past 16 months without you!”

April Baird, Food Security Programs Manager of Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area

The Veterans Association Food Bank

“The Veterans Association Food Bank is a registered charity in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of Veterans and their families. We offer a variety of programs and resources to our veteran community such as our pet care promise, financial assistance, and emergency assistance. We also supply veterans with monthly food hampers to ensure they have access to fresh and nutritious food. On average, we send out 125 food hampers per month.

The Crossing at Ghost River has been a huge supporter of our initiative at the Veterans Association Food Bank in the past year. The Crossing at Ghost River has supplied us with a total of 3,390 meals and 1,600 liters of soup. The meals provided by the Crossing at Ghost River have had a direct impact on enriching the lives of our veterans, and we could not be more appreciative of the good work the chefs and staff at The Crossing are doing.”

Alyssa Harrington, Communications Coordinator Veterans Association Food Bank

Fall Feature Recipe: Snickerdoodles

September 25, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

Happy Fall! We are sharing another one of our chef’s fantastic recipes that is the perfect treat for the changing season! Whip up a batch and enjoy these delicious snickerdoodle cookies!

SNICKERDOODLES

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter

1½ cup sugar

4 tbs white vinegar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbs cream of tartar

1 tbs baking soda

¼ tbs salt

Cinnamon/sugar mixture:

1 tbs cinnamon

1 tbs sugar

STEPS:

Using mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add white vinegar
Mix all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, backing soda and salt and add to creamed butter
Combine cinnamon and sugar for cinnamon/sugar mixture
From dough into 1 inch balls, roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes
ENJOY!

Feature Recipe: Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

August 2, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

If you have stayed with us before, you might have tried some of our chef’s fantastic sweet treats! Check out this month’s feature recipe for Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies, straight from our kitchen to yours!

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1½ cup sugar, granulated

225 gr dutch cocoa

2 eggs

2 tbs vanilla extract

2 tbs baking powder

1¼ cup all-purpose flour

125 gr white chocolate chunks

¾ cups salted peanuts (optional)

Steps:

Using mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add cocoa and mix to incorporate. Add eggs, one at a time, at medium speed, then vanilla
Combine baking powder and flour and fold into batter to combine. Fold in white chocolate chips and peanuts
Drop about 2 Tbsp of batter per cookie onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches between cookies to allow them to spread
Bake in preheated 350F oven for approximately 12 minutes
Enjoy!

Ranching in the Ghost Valley: Weekend Experience

June 14, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

The Crossing at Ghost River is excited to present the next weekend in our Summer Weekend Experience series! Our Ranching in the Ghost Valley from Past to Present weekend is coming up on July 3-4.

Take this opportunity to get out of the city for an exclusive weekend getaway! Come explore one of Alberta’s hidden gems with an overnight experience at The Crossing paired with a private ranch tour. Experience the land and listen to the stories that shaped the Ghost Valley while visiting a sustainable ranching operation and learning about its ranching history. Your weekend includes dinner, overnight accommodation, breakfast, packed lunch, in addition to an interactive tour and history talk of a local ranching operation.

WEEKEND ITINERARY:

Your getaway begins on Saturday with a leisurely afternoon check-in. After settling in, enjoy walking to the river, lounging in the living room or taking in the sunshine on the deck. Join us for a wonderful evening meal in the Remington Dining Room at 6:30pm. Following dinner, there will be a ranching presentation in the Pine Loft at 8:00pm. Spend the rest of your Saturday evening relaxing with an overnight stay in our serene and charming Inn.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast on Sunday, pick up your packed lunch and then depart for your interactive ranching experience. Following your arrival at the ranch, you will commence your tour and history talk. Enjoy your picnic lunch at noon and depart the ranch by 1:30 pm.

YOUR HISTORY & RANCH EXPERIENCE

The entire Ghost area is rich on history. You will hear what it was like to settle in the area one hundred years ago. While walking on the ranch, you will explore the unique landscape, riparian structure and how the land is being used for sustainable grazing. Learn what it takes to operate a sustainable ranching operation by seeing it firsthand. The ranch is home to several old buildings that are full of interesting stories. This will be a fascinating weekend that will not disappoint your curiosity. The Crossing at Ghost River and our local ranch partner are excited to offer this wonderful weekend in the Alberta Foothills!

YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE

Our guests continuously tell us how fantastic our food tastes and how much they look forward to every meal. Our Chef and culinary team combine the perfect amount of comfort and class in their creations. They are always seeking fresh ingredients and showcasing flavorful dishes prepared in our open kitchen. You will truly enjoy our Chef’s choice meals! With advanced notice we offer vegetarian, wheat, gluten, and dairy- free options.

THE CROSSING AT GHOST RIVER – DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

Located on 145 rolling acres, set along the banks of the picturesque Ghost River, The Crossing offers an exceptional stay in the beautiful Ghost River Valley. During your stay, you will experience relaxing, professional, and unassuming hospitality in a natural and peaceful location. In addition to our pristine setting, our delightful rooms, comfortable common areas and amazing cuisine, your stay will be truly memorable.

BOOK YOUR GETAWAY

If you love nature and are interested in local Alberta ranching and history, this is the perfect weekend for you! Immerse yourself in this authentic Alberta culture and join our upcoming interactive ranching weekend.

Cost for the weekend is $410.00 plus taxes for single occupancy. Double occupancy is $320.00 plus taxes, per person. Book your weekend now because there is limited availability for these exclusive experiences! Reserve your spot by contacting The Crossing at 403-932-3392

WHAT TO BRING

Small Backpack for your lunch and water bottle
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Raingear
Sunscreen
Camera and Binoculars (optional)

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The Crossing at Ghost River and the local ranching operations adhere to all AHS guidelines. You will be participating in the activities at your own risk. A 25% deposit is required upon booking. The remaining 75% deposit will then be charged seven days before the event. Both deposits are non-refundable. However, deposits will be 100% refundable if we are unable to host the the event because of COVID restrictions.

Chocolate Truffle Torte Fundraiser for Mother’s Day

April 21, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

Pick up dessert for mom this Mother’s Day and support a great cause! Pre-order one of our Chocolate Truffle Torte’s to pick up on Saturday May 8th, just in time for Mother’s Day. This fundraiser supports our Community Outreach Program which allows us to provide meals to those in need. During this past year we have delivered over 7,500 meals to charities and organizations in Cochrane and Calgary.

Our Chocolate Truffle Torte is a decadent dessert with a combination of dark chocolate and whipping cream for a melt-in-your-mouth mousse. With an Oreo cookie crust and cherry sauce to finish it off, these 8″ round cakes will serve up to 8 people. The minimum donation per cake is $30.00. Call or email us to book your cake 403-932-3392 or [email protected]

While we will miss hosting our Mother’s Day Brunch, we are thrilled to still help you spoil Mom this year, she deserves it, pre-order your cake now!

Thank you for your support from all of us at The Crossing!

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COMING SOON: Weekend Experiences at The Crossing

March 17, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

We are excited to be launching exclusive weekend experiences this summer! These weekend experiences feature a variety of themes and include all-inclusive packages with an overnight stay, meals and adventure in the beautiful Ghost Valley. Our programming will range from hiking adventures to local history exploration and immersive dinner events focused on Albertan cuisine. These exclusive experiences are a great opportunity to get out of the city for a truly unique weekend getaway. Explore the Alberta foothills as you indulge in exceptional cuisine, recharge in charming accommodations and enjoy an authentically local experience.

There is a limited number of spaces available for each experience, sign up here to be the first to know more about these all-inclusive packages, including information on dates, prices and reservation details.

Check out some highlights of these weekend experiences below!

Ghost Watershed – Hiking Experience

Looking for a unique adventure and a peaceful getaway in nature near Calgary? There is so much to see, experience and appreciate in the Alberta Foothills. During your hike, The Ghost Watershed Alliance Society will share the background on the area and explain how the society is working to protect the ecosystem in the Ghost Valley.

Ranching in the Ghost Valley – From Past to Present

This is a great opportunity to get out of the city for an authentic Alberta weekend getaway. Learn about the rich history and what it takes to operate a sustainable ranching operation in the Ghost Valley with a visit and tour of a well-known ranch.

Explore the Canadian Museum of Making

If you are interested in history and machinery and are looking for an exclusive getaway, check out this weekend experience. The Canadian Museum of Making is well known for preserving and maintaining equipment that was used from 1750 to 1920 in Canada, Britain, and the United States. Enjoy a presentation and guided tour of the museum. This is a great opportunity to get out of the city for an educational weekend adventure.

Alberta Seven Iconic Foods – Dinner Experience

Explore, Experience, Eat and Connect with the Seven Iconic Alberta Foods. Cherish Alberta food and culture with a truly authentic experience and an unforgettable evening in the Foothills. Enjoy an escape into nature and see just how delicious Alberta’s food tastes.

Come experience all that The Crossing has to offer! Sign up here to receive more information on these all-inclusive weekends!

Recognizing the Incredible People that are Keeping us Safe

February 25, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

The Crossing at Ghost River, merely an hour west of Calgary, is providing an opportunity for essential workers to recharge and rejuvenate as a way of saying THANK YOU for all of their hard work this past year.

Healthcare Workers, Paramedics, Police Officers, Firefighters and Teachers, are invited to book a one or two night stay at The Crossing, spending some well-deserved time in a peaceful and natural environment, at a discounted rate.

The special promotion includes accommodation and meals: (meals are chef’s choice and take-out style)

1-night stay includes dinner, overnight stay and breakfast
2-night stay includes 2 dinners, 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts and 1 packed lunch

These promotional rates are valid for the month of March 2021.

It is our turn to take care of essential workers, many of whom have worked countless hours caring for the communities we live in.

Jori Guetg, The Crossing General Manager explains, “Just as many other hospitality operations, The Crossing experienced a difficult 2020. However, the unprecedented gift of time has afforded us the ability to devote our efforts to start a community outreach initiative.

We are incredibly fortunate to work with partnering charities in Cochrane and Calgary to provide healthy meals to those in need. We are making a difference, one meal at a time!! To date we have delivered more than 6,000 meals, 3,000 containers of soup to charities and front-line workers. The special offer for essential workers is another initiative for us to give back and support the community by providing a place for people to relax in a serene and peaceful environment.”

Nestled within 145 rolling acres, set along the banks of the Ghost River, The Crossing offers easy connection to nature and a place to restore your mental, physical and emotional well-being. The land provides time and space to leave behind everyday stresses and to revitalize from the inside out. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, outdoor spaces and river access, you will truly be able to recharge your soul.

To book please send us a message at [email protected] to get your special promo code or call us at 403-932-3392 to make your reservation. Relevant ID will need to be provided upon check-in.

Weekend Getaways at The Crossing

February 1, 2021/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

The Crossing at Ghost River is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up! Nestled within 145 rolling acres, set along the banks of the Ghost River, The Crossing offers a truly exceptional environment to relax. A Valentine’s getaway is a wonderful option if you have not been away for a while and are looking for a peaceful escape! Take the time away from distractions and your busy life to reconnect, sleep in, read a book and recharge.

We have one-night or two-night packages that include overnight accommodations and breakfast. Click here for more information and to book your Valentine’s getaway today!

NEW WEEKEND EXPERIENCES COMING SOON

We are also excited to announce that in addition to our one and two night packages, we will soon be launching a new series of Weekend Experiences at The Crossing!

These experiences will include all-inclusive weekend packages with a variety of curated themes. Our programs will range in everything from hiking adventures to local history exploration and immersive dinner events focused on Albertan cuisine. These exclusive experiences are a great opportunity to get out of the city for a truly unique weekend getaway. Explore the Alberta foothills as you indulge in exceptional cuisine, recharge in charming accommodations and enjoy authentic local experiences designed to inspire you in new ways.

The Crossing at Ghost River has always been a destination for connecting visitors with its serene environment, natural beauty and unique history and we are excited that these weekend experiences will be yet another opportunity for our guests to explore all that the Crossing has to offer. Whether you are looking for a place to connect or perhaps disconnect, we have the perfect setting for you. Only an hour from downtown Calgary and less than 20 minutes from Cochrane, The Crossing is the ideal location for a staycation. Soak in our pristine scenery, breathe in our fresh air and experience The Crossing at Ghost River.

Stay tuned for more details on our new Weekend Experiences, we can’t wait to welcome you to The Crossing for your next getaway!

The Crossing at Ghost River, Our History

December 29, 2020/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

With 2020 soon becoming history, we thought it was the perfect time to share some of ours!

The Crossing at Ghost River has had an adventurous history. Even in the earliest days, this land has always been a venue for connecting it’s visitors with its serene environment and natural beauty.

The Name

The land’s earliest history has been traced to stories of the first peoples indigenous to the region. The stories tell how they would utilize a low point in the river as a ‘crossing’. In the years to come, it would serve the same purpose for the early explorers, traders and settlers alike. This crossing would have been an integral part for hunting, trade and exploring the territory.

Many believe that our name comes from this river crossing and while that may be in fact case, there are other local legends of our name’s origin. Some claim that this area was a fierce battleground and that there may still be spirits wandering the land, awaiting their own crossing to another side. Other stories share tales of the early indigenous peoples sending their departed loved ones into the river to disappear into the deep. Perhaps the less haunting and more likely history of our name is as local folklore suggests, that there is a section of the river that goes underground, thus making a portion appear to be ‘ghost-like’. The Cochrane and Area Historical Society’s book, Big Hill Country; Cochrane and Area, also refers to this stretch of river becoming a “ghost of itself” after the Ghost Dam was built and mighty Bow River was diverted.¹

While there may be some mystery around our name’s origin, there is no mystery that the river is one of the core draws for every guest at The Crossing.

The Owners Over Time

The Crossing at Ghost River has changed hands many times over the years, including being owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and George W. Pocaterra.

Pocaterra was one of the famous early explorers who came to the Alberta Foothills from Italy in 1903. He was one of the first non-Natives to explore much of Kananaskis Country and he developed close friendships with members of the Stoney Nation. Pocaterra was known for his early explorations, fur trapping in the Kananaskis Valley, establishing The Buffalo Head Ranch and mining exploration. In 1933, Pocaterra returned to Italy and fell in love and married Norma Piper, a talented young opera singer from Calgary ². When World War II forced them to return to Canada in 1939, the Pocaterras settled down on the ranch which is now The Crossing at Ghost River. Norma continued her music career with concerts, teaching singing at Mount Royal College and eventually had her own studio and became one of Calgary’s most loved music teachers ².

The Pocaterra’s were two remarkable individuals, both together and individually and their legacy lives on, learn more about their incredible lives in the book The Diva & The Rancher: The Story of Norma Piper and George Pocaterra by Jennifer Hamblin and David Finch.

The Journey Continues

The Crossing officially began its journey as a conference and learning centre in the late 1970’s. Since then we have been growing, evolving and adapting our services to best suit our clientele. We specialized for many years as a retreat and conference centre and have hosted countless corporate meetings, events and weddings. Most recently, we have opened our doors to individual travelers for our bed & breakfast packages. We are excited to continue to welcome individuals and groups alike to our one-of-a-kind facility.

This unique property will continue to be a place for exchanging of ideas, sharing experiences and a stop in a journey to pause and connect. Plan a visit and come experience for yourself all that The Crossing at Ghost River has to offer!

¹Cochrane and Area Historical Society. (1977). Big Hill Country: Cochrane and Area. Cochrane and Area Historical Society.

²Hamblin, J., & Finch, D. (2006). The Diva & the Rancher: The Story of Norma Piper and George Pocaterra. Rocky Mountain Books.

Tour of The Crossing at Ghost River

November 30, 2020/in Uncategorized/by crossing-editor

Welcome to The Crossing at Ghost River, we’d love to show you around! Experience all that The Crossing has to offer and read on to explore our unique indoor and outdoor spaces.

THE REMINGTON HOUSE

Let’s start our tour with the Remington House, a colonial style building with an inviting atmosphere, two wood burning fireplaces and home to the central common areas here at The Crossing. On the main floor of Remington you will find the dining room, living room and our lovely sun room. Our bright dining room is the main area for all our meals, from delicious breakfasts for our bed & breakfast guests to the meals we serve our meeting and event attendees. On the second floor of The Remington House we have 17 bedrooms that are charmingly furnished with antiques, comfortable quilts and special touches. All of our bedrooms have their own unique views and private ensuites. Our bedrooms at The Crossing are purposely designed without phones and televisions for our guests to able to unwind, relax and recharge.

DEERE HOUSE

Adjacent to the Remington House and connected by expansive decks is the Deere House. The Deere House hosts our main meeting and conference room as well as 10 more guest rooms. These guest rooms follow the same aesthetic as the rest of the property and feature unique antiquities in every room. The flexible meeting space in this building boasts big windows, a cozy fireplace and has everything you need to hold your meeting, training workshop or retreat. Next to the meeting space is our lounge area with pool table, ping pong table, darts and couches. This is a great spot for guests to comfortably connect post-meeting, outside the boardroom or after an evening event or wedding reception.

PINE LOFT

Across the expansive lawn from Remington House is the Pine Loft. Originally built as a barn, it is now a flexible meeting space that offers an inspirational environment for your special event, meeting or retreat. The upstairs loft space is the primary meeting area with wood panelled walls, soaring ceilings, large windows, and sliding glass doors that lead to a large deck. The main level is an inviting environment for breakouts with plenty of natural light, a wood burning stove and comfortable seating. In-room catering is available in the Pine Loft and it is a rustic, charming and functional venue for hosting everything from weddings to workshops.

THE RIVER HOUSE

A few minutes walk from the Pine Loft is the River House, our seasonal screened pavilion that overlooks the banks of the Ghost River. With its screened in sides and natural river rock fireplace, it’s a versatile event space designed to bring the outside in. Perfect for group work, brainstorming sessions, weddings, BBQ’s and outdoor activities, our River House is a favourite for so many reasons. Hosting an event in this one-of-a-kind space can help increase productivity and reinvigorate attendees. Embrace this versatile space for your next event and we know you will be thrilled.

OUTDOOR SPACES

The expansive decks here at The Crossing are one of the unique features that we love sharing with guests. We have multiple decks around the Remington House, including the second floor, and also around Deere House and at our Pine Loft. Use our decks for coffee breaks during your meetings or brainstorming sessions outdoors and reap the benefits of fresh air and a change of scenery for your attendees.

Our sprawling lawns are the perfect spot for your retreat activities, team building exercises and wedding ceremonies. Take advantage of our open spaces and use them as part of your next meeting or event.

Situated on 145 scenic acres, we have plenty of outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Come take in the views and fresh air on a walk down to the river and be rejuvenated by the tranquillity of our natural environment.

Our fire pit down by the river is the perfect accompaniment to a corporate meeting or retreat. A circle of chairs around the crackling fire is a wonderful change of pace from your typical meeting or work day. Explore all our outdoor gathering places and come experience all the ways The Crossing is a truly unique venue.

We would love to talk to you about the endless meeting, event and wedding possibilities at The Crossing, give us a call or send us a note here!