Back to the land

The Star 6 Ranch, surrounded by the wilderness and beauty of Kananaskis Wildland District and Bow Valley Provincial Park, was founded by Fiona Mactaggart in 2015.

Inspired by her profound experiences in nature and her journey of personal healing, Fiona established the Star 6 Ranch with a vision to create a sanctuary where individuals will find balance, learn from wilderness, and connect with the wisdom of animals. The Star 6 Ranch has been a place of transformation for many, offering a space for self-discovery and healing. Fiona's experiences, including a pivotal moment during her recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained at the ranch in 2021, have shaped the mission of the Star 6 Ranch to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for all who visit.

Charitable vision

The Star 6 Ranch Foundation received charitable status in November 2023, with a mission to “address and prevent problems faced by youth, families and communities, by establishing, operating, and maintaining a Life Skills Learning Centre for those dealing with health and wellness issues.”

Our mission in action

The Star 6 Ranch Foundation partners with service providers like the Star 6 Ranch to design and deliver programs that address and prevent these issues for participants. The Star 6 Ranch Foundation plans to offer two subsidized activity streams:

1. Youth Programming

Youth learn from and interact with accomplished leaders and mentors in a rich, natural, ranch environment. Programs will include one or more components of Horsemanship, Leadership Development, Health & Wellness, Land-based Learning, Forest Play, Gardening & Ecology, Hiking & Backpacking, Craftsmanship, and the Arts.

2. Community Programming 

Whether a community of first-responders facing mental health challenges, Indigenous youth and elders, newcomer families working together to be stronger and more resilient, or groups looking for the opportunity to experience the natural environment who otherwise would not have access, the Star 6 Ranch Foundation co-creates public and custom programs to support shared goals.

Working together with other organizations that serve the needs of the community, we help plan and facilitate their charitable programs through programming tailored to their needs to serve their target beneficiaries. Examples include: wellness workshops, educational clinics, guest speakers, resilience retreats, empowerment weekends. Programs include focusing on areas such as the land-connection, the arts, life-skills, horsemanship, gardening, hiking, and mindfulness.

Are you inspired by the idea of making transformational, life-changing experiences possible at Star 6 Ranch?

The opportunities for growth and connection, with ourselves and with the land, are boundless in this special place. Help us bring dreams, and communities, to life!