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Rumble Alberta Stories

Manyhorses Saloon: Where History Meets Hospitality

Renee Charbonneau Rumble Alberta Stories | Travel, Road Trips & Hidden Gems

Manyhorses Saloon: Where History Meets Hospitality

 

Historic Venue

Nestled in the 109-year-old Forestburg Hotel, Manyhorses Saloon stands as a living testament to Alberta's rich history.

 

Ownership

Owned by Kara & Bill Pearcey for 8 years—with Kara's connection spanning 10 previous years as manager and waitress—this beloved establishment earned a nomination as Best Pub in our previous Best of Alberta competition!

 

Building History

Built in 1916 by Sven Svenson, the building began as a pool hall before expanding to include a dance hall, barber shop, boarding rooms, restaurant, and tavern. During the 1918 flu epidemic, it even served as a makeshift hospital.

 

Local Legends

Local lore includes tales from the 1960s when residents Peter Shy and Reg Renfield famously rode horses inside the bar, earning $5 fines for their mischief!

 

Modern Amenities

Today's Manyhorses Saloon preserves its old-world charm while offering:
  • Four hotel rooms
  • Seasonal patio
  • Off-sale services
  • Entertainment: VLTs, darts, pool, ping pong, jukebox, crib boards, board games

Weekly Specials

  • Caesar Sunday
  • Martini Monday
  • Free Pool Tuesday
  • All Day Happy Hour Wednesday
  • Merchandise Raffle Thursday
  • Paralyzer Friday
  • Feature Slush Saturday

Community Focus

  • Supports local businesses
  • Pet-friendly patio
  • Monthly peanut shell traditions
  • Legendary Halloween parties with karaoke, XXX bingo, live music, and comedians

Owner's Philosophy

"We welcome all walks of life and love new faces as much as our regulars, whom many are like family." - Kara and Bill Pearcey

 

Links

See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist

Ivangies Outdoor Photos Studio: Alberta's Vintage Photography Experience

Renee Charbonneau Rumble Alberta Stories | Travel, Road Trips & Hidden Gems

Discover Unique Photography in Gibbons, Alberta

Located at 56213 AB-28A, Gibbons, Ivangies Outdoor Photos Studio transforms traditional photography into an immersive journey through Alberta's rich visual history.

 

Why Ivangies Stands Out

Our carefully curated outdoor studio offers more than photographs—we create memories with authentic, themed experiences that capture Alberta's diverse heritage.

 

Themed Photography Sets

Authentic Backdrops for Every Style

  • Wild West Saloon: Capture cowboy and frontier-era memories
  • Harley-Davidson Showcase: Perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts
  • Vintage Post Office: Nostalgic storytelling through historic settings
  • Classic Train Station: Timeless photo opportunities
  • Extensive Costume Collection: From period pieces to modern styles

Classic Car Photography Paradise

Ivan's meticulously restored vintage automobile collection provides unparalleled photo backdrops for car lovers and history enthusiasts. Our restoration 'bone' yard offers additional unique opportunities for automotive photography.
 

Stunning Location Advantages

Perched overlooking the Gibbons valley, our studio leverages Alberta's breathtaking natural landscapes as an additional photographic element.

 

Photography Services

Ideal for:
  • Family portraits
  • Engagement sessions
  • Wedding photography
  • Group events
  • Corporate team building
  • Social media content creation

Contact Ivangies

📍 56213 AB-28A, Gibbons, T0A 1N0 📞 780-690-7587 🌐 rumblealberta.com/ivangies
See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist

Two Hills, Alberta: Heritage, Highway, and Hospitality

Renee Charbonneau Rumble Alberta Stories | Travel, Road Trips & Hidden Gems

Two Hills, Alberta: Heritage, Highway, and Hospitality

 

Destination Overview

Nestled at the crossroads of Highways 36 and 45, Two Hills stands as a beacon for travelers in east-central Alberta, perfectly positioned along the Veterans Memorial Highway corridor that honours our nation's heroes.
 

Memorial Tribute

The town's crown jewel is the Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial, a poignant tribute that draws visitors from across North America. This sacred space honours those who've lost their lives on the road, creating a powerful connection between the memorial highway's tribute to military veterans and the community's remembrance of fallen heroes.
 

Event Highlight: Run to the Hills Rally

Two Hills truly comes alive during the legendary Run to the Hills Rally, a spectacular 10-day celebration that transforms this small town into a vibrant destination.
Key Rally Details:
  • Annual attendance: 700-900 participants
  • Features:
    • Organized tours through rural landscapes
    • Live entertainment
    • Celebration of Alberta's riding culture

Cultural Richness

The community's rich Ukrainian heritage adds another layer of cultural depth, with local festivals and traditions complementing the tourism that has become central to the town's identity.

 

Local Hospitality

Local businesses have embraced their role as a welcoming destination, offering:
  • Hearty meals
  • Comfortable accommodations
  • Genuine prairie hospitality

Destination Essence

Two Hills proves that sometimes the smallest communities create the biggest impact, where the Veterans Memorial Highway meets authentic prairie spirit.
It's no wonder they are in the running as Alberta's Most Welcoming Community in the Best of Alberta Competition
 
See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist – and discover why this memorial corridor stop has become essential on every traveler's map.

Athabasca County: Wheels, Wilderness & Wonder

Renee Charbonneau Rumble Alberta Stories | Travel, Road Trips & Hidden Gems

Northern Alberta's Gateway to Adventure

Nestled along the banks of the historic Athabasca River, the town of Athabasca and surrounding Athabasca County offer travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and genuine northern hospitality.
 

Destination Highlights

This charming region serves as an ideal launching point for exploring Alberta's pristine wilderness while providing all the amenities adventurers need.
 

Historical Significance

The town of Athabasca, home to Athabasca University, seamlessly blends educational heritage with outdoor recreation. The community's roots run deep in Alberta's fur trading history, with the Athabasca River serving as a vital transportation corridor for centuries.
Today, this same waterway provides stunning scenic backdrops for exploring the region's countless trails and historic sites.
 

Landscape and Adventure

Athabasca County expands the adventure possibilities exponentially, encompassing:
  • Vast wilderness areas
  • Pristine lakes
  • Endless exploration opportunities
From the rolling hills of the Athabasca Sand Dunes to the peaceful shores of countless fishing holes, the county offers diverse landscapes that showcase Alberta's natural splendour.
The region's extensive network of rural roads provides perfect touring routes for both seasoned travelers and those seeking gentler scenic drives.
 

Local Business Spotlight: Trackers Pet Supply

What truly sets this region apart is its traveler-friendly business community, exemplified perfectly by Trackers Pet Supply.
Located in the heart of Athabasca, Trackers understands that many of today's adventurers travel with their four-legged companions. This exceptional local business has embraced the tourism community, recognizing that great journeys often include our furry co-pilots who add joy to every mile.

Contact Information

Services

They go beyond typical pet store offerings, providing:
  • Specialized travel gear
  • Nutritious road-trip treats
  • Expert advice for pet-owning travelers
Whether you need a secure travel carrier, portable water bowls, or comfort items to keep your companion happy during long trips, Trackers ensures both traveler and pet are well-equipped for Alberta's grand adventures.
Trackers Pet Supply 

Community Spirit

Athabasca and Athabasca County represent the best of rural Alberta hospitality, where local businesses like Trackers Pet Supply demonstrate genuine care for the traveling community.
See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist – and discover why Athabasca County has become an essential destination for exploring northern Alberta's endless possibilities.

Vilna Alberta – First Best of Alberta Winner & 2025 Nominee

Renee Charbonneau Rumble Alberta Stories | Travel, Road Trips & Hidden Gems

Historic Vilna – From First Winner to 2025 Nominee

The Village of Vilna holds a special place in Alberta’s story. In 2022, Vilna became the very first winner of Alberta’s Most Friendly Community in the Best of Alberta Awards. Since then, the awards have been revamped and expanded, but Vilna continues to shine — and is nominated again in 2025.

Founded in 1907 and incorporated as a Village in 1923, Vilna quickly grew around the CN Railway, a general store, and its most iconic landmark: the Vilna Historic Pool Hall. Opened in 1920, the Pool Hall is still Alberta’s oldest operating pool hall and barber shop — where you can get a hot shave, sip free coffee, and grab a Saturday burger between 11am and 3pm.

Vilna’s name means “peace” in Ukrainian — an ironic choice in 1919 when the world was gripped by war, revolution, and prohibition. Moonshining was as common as farming, and Vilna’s beginnings were anything but quiet. Today, the Village blends that spirited past with modern amenities, making it one of Alberta’s most charming boomtowns.

🌟 Things to See & Do in Vilna

  • Vilna Historic Pool Hall & Barber Shop – Alberta’s oldest, still in operation.

  • Vilna Giant Mushrooms – quirky roadside photo stop.

  • Vilna Farmers Market – generally held the 1st Sunday of every month.

  • Boomtown Days Parade, Fair & Farmers Market – generally held in mid-August.

  • Historic Vilna Show N’ Shine – generally held the day after Boomtown Days.

📸 Pro Tip: Visit on a Saturday in summer — the Pool Hall serves up fresh burgers, cookies and coffee are always free, and the market scene is a local favourite.

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