We’re pleased to announce the winners of our 2016 Cowboy Trail Photo Contest. The photos were even better quality than last year, and many entries aptly captured the spirit of the western lifestyle. Thank you to everyone who entered and who voted!
Judges Category: First Place

“Sometimes you just have to stop what you’re doing, and admire the beauty around you.” – Royce Olsen
Royce Olsen won first place with his photo “Sometimes you just have to stop what you’re doing, and admire the beauty around you.” This vividly colored photo depicts stunning Canadian scenery, and the horse’s expression captures the serene feeling we would all experience in such a beautiful setting. Royce’s prize is an Anchor D mountain day ride for two people.
Judges Category: Second Place
Ella Michel’s entry “My Parents on Their New Homestead” won second place in the Judges Category. This photo’s balanced composition and framing of horses and riders adds artistry to this western scene. Ella will receive a Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino and Rockies Heli Canada getaway for her prize.
Voting Category
The voting category winner was chosen by our readers. Leonard Heinonen’s photo “Even snow won’t keep him away” received the most votes, winning him an authentic western 1 Night Getaway in Kananaskis! It includes accommodation in a Large Tipi or Trapper’s Tent at Sundance Lodges plus a “Ride and Lunch” package for two courtesy of Boundary Ranch.
We’ll announce the 2017 Experience the Cowboy Trail Photo Contest late this spring. Details will be published in our 2017 Cowboy Trail travel guide and on our website. In the meantime, you can still enter the Experience the Mountain Parks Photo Contest and the Experience Calgary’s Parks ‘n’ Paths Photo Contest!