A Quiet Weekend Retreat in Alberta: The Crossing at Ghost River
There’s something about the winding roads and tall pines that slows you down before you’ve even arrived. Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, The Crossing at Ghost River felt like stepping into a forgotten time, equal parts tranquil retreat and nostalgic summer escape.
Outfit Details: a vintage Laura Ashley dress, paired with Thursday ballet flats, a vintage Polo Ralph Lauren knit, and Sézane belt.
A welcoming reception.
First Impressions
From the moment we pulled up, I was flooded with a sense of calm. The sun filtered softly through the trees as we followed the road toward a stately white inn framed by flowers in bloom. It reminded me of the Kellerman’s Resort in Dirty Dancing - charming, timeless, and immersed in nature.
The sound of the river echoed in the background, and the scent of pine hung in the warm summer air. Just before we reached the entrance, a deer appeared between the trees. It was the kind of arrival that instantly grounds you.
Check-in was friendly and relaxed, and our room - like the rest of the property - was cozy, yet spacious. A quilted bedspread gave it an old-fashioned charm, and the bathroom was stocked with Rocky Mountain Soap Co. products, one of our favourite local brands.
The cozy great room in the main house.
My luggage for the night.
Stairs off the main veranda.
Views of the 145 acre property.
Inside one of the few outbuildings on the property available for meetings and other events.
A very peaceful yoga setup.
Summer day views!
One of the outbuildings.
I’ve been told I’m outstanding in my field.
My husband Calin and I posing for one of our rare photos together as photographers by the banks of the river.
Enjoying the lovely light streaming through the trees.
The vintage games room.
Calin and I enjoyed a round of darts and ping-pong later that evening!
This image gave me the most nostalgia.
Slowing Down the Pace
We kicked off our stay with a welcome cocktail in the lounge. It was the perfect mix of rustic and elegant, with a glamorous bar, warm lighting, and inviting seating. Later, we joined a tour of the property, where we had the option to explore on foot or take a Polaris ride. We chose to wander slowly, soaking it all in.
The yoga studio was serene, with soft natural light filtering in to the wooden board walls; and every common space, from the vintage games room to the back deck, was designed to make you feel right at home. There were cozy nooks for reading, a pool table, a dart board, and plenty of quiet corners to sit and just be.
Off for a swim!
Outfit Details: I am sporting a knit head scarf done by my sister, an Abercrombie swimsuit, Gap jeans, Gardenheir clogs, and a vintage basket bag.
I’m ready for country life.
The current was a bit too strong that day to swim out to the natural swimming hole, so we stayed in the shallows.
Loving my new swim shoes by Plasticana!
A campfire is the perfect way to warm up.
Wild Swimming & Fireside Moments
The weather was hot, making the river’s natural swimming hole an irresistible stop. Dipping into the cool, clear water was the kind of thing I dream about during long workdays—wild swimming at its finest. We warmed up afterward beside a crackling campfire and spent some time in the riverfront sauna, letting the tension melt away.
Dinner was thoughtful and delicious, with accommodations made for our dietary preferences and a lovely wine pairing. Dessert was a light, not-too-sweet cake that felt just right.
That night, a summer hailstorm kept us from joining the group for s’mores around the firepit, but we didn’t mind. We stayed cozy in our room, curled up under the softest sheets and pillows.
Lovely light in the dining room.
Grab a book and some tea.
A Slow Start to the Morning
The next morning, we were treated to a beautiful breakfast buffet: everything hot and fresh, with tasty juices and a surprisingly robust tea selection. It was the perfect send-off after such a restful stay.
Final Thoughts
The Crossing at Ghost River is a place I know we’ll return to. It’s a retreat in every sense of the word - quiet, immersive, and grounding. Whether you’re in search of wild swims, peaceful forest walks, or simply a place to slow down, this charming riverside inn offers it all.
All of my best,
Cate
