Birch Bay Ranch, tucked beside the serene shores of Cooking Lake, Alberta, is a cherished retreat where adventure meets tranquility. Surrounded by whispering Birch trees and wide-open skies, the ranch offers horseback riding, high ropes courses, archery, hiking trails, and cozy cabins—perfect for camps, family retreats, and youth gatherings. With its rustic charm and peaceful atmosphere, Birch Bay Ranch is a place where hearts are refreshed, friendships are built, and unforgettable memories are made.

What sets Birchwood apart isn’t just our bows and arrows—it’s the heart behind every shot. Our archery programs are rooted in faith, guided by biblical values that shape how we teach, lead, and grow together. We believe archery is more than a sport—it’s a tool for building character, practising patience, learning discipline, and drawing closer to God. Every lesson, every arrow, every quiet moment on the range is an opportunity to reflect, grow, and aim our hearts toward something greater.

At Birchwood, archery becomes a journey of purpose—where faith, focus, and fellowship meet.

Our beginner archery lessons are more than just learning to shoot—they’re guided by faith, values, and a heart-centered approach to growth. Rooted in Christian principles, each lesson not only teaches range safety, form, and foundational skills, but also encourages patience, perseverance, and character-building. Through scripture-inspired mentorship and gentle guidance, new archers learn to aim with purpose—both on the range and in life.

Our competition training is designed for archers who strive for excellence—both in skill and in spirit. Rooted in Christian values, these sessions blend advanced technical coaching with faith-led mentorship, emphasizing discipline, focus, humility, and integrity.

Archers are challenged to refine their form, sharpen their accuracy, and build mental strength, while also growing in character and purpose. It's not just about hitting the target—it's about aiming your heart toward something greater.

Equipment We Use At Birchwood, we provide a variety of quality equipment to suit every archer’s journey—from beginner to competitive athlete. Our lessons and programs primarily use traditional takedown recurve bows, offering a timeless feel and perfect balance for learning proper form and technique.

For advancing archers, we also offer Olympic-style recurve bows, helping students refine precision and prepare for higher-level shooting.

Compound bows are reserved for our competition training students, offering advanced power, accuracy, and performance for tournament settings. We also provide select Genesis bows, a popular choice in competitive and tournament circuits, especially for youth divisions. All equipment is carefully maintained and fitted to the individual, ensuring a safe and comfortable shooting experience for all ages and stages.

- Always follow the instructor’s directions. Safety and structure come first.
- Treat all equipment with care and respect. Only handle gear that’s been assigned to you.
- Never nock an arrow unless you’re on the shooting line and cleared to shoot.
- Point your bow downrange at all times—never at people or sideways.
- Wait for the 'All Clear' signal before retrieving arrows.
- Be aware of others on the line—give space and avoid distractions.
- Keep talking to a minimum while others are aiming. Focus matters.
- No running on the range—walk calmly and stay alert.
- Return equipment to the designated area when finished.
- Encourage others and lead by example—respect builds community.