Major city · Canada
LongviewLongview, Alberta
Give Longview half a day plus one night, or pass through on the Cowboy Trail: Bar U Ranch and a beef lunch are the whole stop.
Longview is a village of about 300 people on Highway 22, 64 km south of Calgary and 32 km west of High River, sitting under the first range of the Rockies. It is a ranching and oil town with one national historic site nearby, a famous jerky shop and a handful of beds. Most travellers see it as a half-day stop on the Cowboy Trail between Calgary and the Crowsnest Pass, or as a quiet one-night base for the Highwood River and Kananaskis Country.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (Bar U Ranch open, warm days); late Sep for foothills colour
- avoid Nov–Mar (Bar U Ranch closed, cold and icy roads)
- Airport
- YYC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Longview911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Alberta road conditions511
- Parks Canada (Bar U Ranch)+1 403-395-2212
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Longview, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a village of its size; the real risks are winter driving on Highway 22, wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 511 Alberta road conditions · +1 403-395-2212 Parks Canada (Bar U Ranch)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYC Calgary International (About 75–90 min by car via Highway 2 and Highway 22X/Highway 22; no public transport to Longview…
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$5–10 (≈ US$4–8)
- BeerDraught beer in a village barC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedMotel room (Blue Sky or similar), a night, per roomC$110 (≈ US$80)
- Mid-range bedMotel room (Blue Sky or similar), a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel room (Blue Sky or similar), a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYC Calgary International (About 75–90 min by car via Highway 2 and Highway 22X/Highway 22; no public transport to Longview, so a car or a booked transfer is required.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best*
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Longview: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
6 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
6 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
6 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Longview sits on Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail); Bar U Ranch is about 12 km south of the village on Highway 22. There is no local bus, no taxi rank and no rideshare coverage worth relying on. Distances in km, driving on the right, home licence fine for short visits.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive Highway 22 south about 12 km (7.5 mi)Drive Highway 22 south about 7.5 mi (12 km)
Seasonal, roughly mid-May to mid-September; over 35 buildings and period staff. Check 2026 dates and admission.
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive Highway 22 east and Highway 2 north
Best nearest fuel, groceries and pharmacy.
Okotoks
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Highway 22 north then Highway 7
Big-box shops and a bigger restaurant choice.
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive Highway 22 north
Oil-patch history and cafés; pairs well with Longview on the same loop.
Kananaskis Country
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min to the Highwood area
Drive Highway 541 west from the village
Gravel and seasonal closures; check road and fire status first.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive Highway 22 north to Highway 2
Easy half-day run for the airport or a city night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Morrison Road (village centre)
The main street; the Twin Cities Hotel and the Blue Sky Motel are both here, walking distance from the jerky shop and the cafés.
High River (32 km east)
Bigger choice of chain motels and restaurants if Longview's few rooms are full; adds about 25 min each way.
Kananaskis Country and Highwood Junction (west)
Campgrounds and lodges along Highway 541 for hikers; check seasonal road and fire closures before committing.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room (Blue Sky or similar)1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × C$70 | C$70 |
| Fuel, Calgary return, about 150 km1 × C$25 | C$25 |
| Bar U Ranch admission, adult2 × C$12 | C$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$63 |
| Trip total≈ C$346 per person per day, bed included | C$692≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$5–10 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Beef jerky from the Longview shopSold by weight; the shop is the village's main draw. | C$10–30 (≈ US$8–25) |
| Burger or steak lunch | C$18–35 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Draught beer in a village bar | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No fuel, no hospital and patchy mobile signal in the village: fill up in High River or Okotoks.
- Winter driving on Highway 22 and Highway 541 can close without notice; check Alberta 511 before leaving.
- Bar U Ranch is seasonal (roughly mid-May to mid-September) and charges admission: check the Parks Canada page for 2026 dates and hours.
- Summer wildfire smoke and closures in Kananaskis Country are common: check Alberta wildfire status.
- Cell coverage drops fast west of the village toward the Highwood.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Alberta road conditions
- 511
- Parks Canada (Bar U Ranch)
- +1 403-395-2212
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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LongviewLongview, Alberta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Alberta road conditions511
- Parks Canada (Bar U Ranch)+1 403-395-2212
Embassy
No embassies in Longview. The US consulate general is in Calgary; most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Calgary or Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- YYC → Longview, car: about 75–90 min, about 100 km (62 mi)about 75–90 min, about 62 mi (100 km)
- Longview → Bar U Ranch, car: about 12 km (7.5 mi), 15 minabout 7.5 mi (12 km), 15 min
- Longview → Calgary, car: about 1 h, 64 km (40 mi)about 1 h, 40 mi (64 km)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
English is the working language here; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Longview. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (Bar U Ranch open, warm days); late Sep for foothills colour · avoid Nov–Mar (Bar U Ranch closed, cold and icy roads) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYC: drive times field-checked, winter fallback, one-night rung.
- Walking cluster for the village centre: Morrison Road beds, jerky shop, cafés.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Bar U Ranch, Longview Jerky Shop) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and wildfire fixtures so gates A–D can go green.