Longview Spring, Longview, Alberta, Canada

## Overview Longview Spring is a roadside piped spring located along Highway 22 South in the foothills of southern Alberta, near the small ranching community of Longview. The spring has been piped for convenient access and, according to longtime locals, has been flowing and in use for over 20 years. Situated in the heart of Alberta's scenic ranch country — not far from the historic Bar U Ranch National Historic Site — this spring offers a welcome stop for travelers exploring the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22). The water emerges through a long pipe on the side of the road, making it easy to fill containers. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and fresh, though no official water quality testing data is currently available. The spring is always accessible, with no posted hours or seasonal closures. ## Directions From Calgary, follow these steps to reach Longview Spring: 1. Head south from Calgary and take the **Okotoks exit**. 2. Take **Highway 2A** onto **Deerfoot Trail / Highway 2 South**, then turn left (west) onto **Highway 7**. 3. Continue west on **Highway 7** through to **Black Diamond**. You will reach a stop sign in town. 4. At the stop sign, turn south onto **Highway 22 South**. 5. Continue south on Highway 22. You will pass the **Bar U Ranch National Historic Site** and its distinctive large cowboy signs — these are good landmarks confirming you're on the right route. 6. Continue south for approximately **10 more minutes** past the Bar U Ranch area. 7. Watch for the **Highway 786 junction** and the green **"William Coulee Rd"** sign on the right. 8. Shortly after this junction, the road climbs slightly. Look for a **cattle guard/ramp** — this confirms you are very close. 9. The spring will be on the **left (east) side of the road** as the road ascends. A **long pipe** protruding from the hillside marks the spring's location. **Nearest Intersection:** Highway 22 South & William Coulee Road, near Longview, AB. **GPS Coordinates:** 50.532688, -114.231941 ## What to Expect Longview Spring is a simple, no-frills roadside spring. The water flows from a long pipe that has been installed into the hillside, making it easy to fill jugs and bottles directly. There are no facilities, signage, or formal parking — just pull safely off the road shoulder. The surrounding landscape is classic Alberta foothills: rolling grasslands, ranch fences, and views of the Rocky Mountain front ranges to the west. The area is beautiful year-round but especially scenic in summer and early fall. In winter, be aware that the road may be icy and the pipe could potentially freeze. This stretch of Highway 22 is part of the famous **Cowboy Trail**, one of Alberta's most celebrated scenic drives. If you're making the trip, consider combining your visit with a stop at the **Bar U Ranch National Historic Site**, located just a few minutes north, which preserves the history of ranching in the Canadian West. The spring is always open and free to access. Bring your own containers for collecting water.