A Wild Dream
Our story, like all good stories, begins with a dream. The dream of a young boy, growing up in 1930s Paris, who fantasized about becoming a cowboy. This boy came of age amidst the roar of war, became a member of the Resistance, fought for many years, and went on to live a meaningful life—but he never forgot his dream of the Wild West.
A Ranch Is Born
Years later, in 1972, now a successful businessman, the man took a journey to the Canadian Rockies. There, he found what he had been searching for all his life—vast stretches of untamed land, nature at its purest, the most beautiful scenery in the world. And so, he went on to realize his dream: he acquired a vast domain, and, with the help of skilled local cowboys, transformed it into a thriving working ranch, reaching up to 1,000 head of cattle. He even tried his hand at raising bison, a bold project that echoed the untamed spirit of the land itself.
A Wild Sanctuary Takes Shape
The ranch was more than just a place for cattle; it was a sanctuary, for man and wildlife alike. Taking to heart his stewardship duty, the man made sure to preserve the land and all forms of life that roamed on it: in 50 years, these 3,300 acres of land became one of the most richly populated nature reserves in this part of the world that is so justly called The Crown of the Continent by National Geographic. For all those who had the privilege of visiting, they found something rare and precious: a place like no other, adorned with untouched beauty. A wild Eden.
A Family’s Heartland
That is how the ranch quickly became the family’s centre of gravity, a magical place where generations gathered year after year, where children and grandchildren not only learned the lessons of the land but could also practice the values of resilience, connection, utter freedom, and adventure.
A Gathering Place
The blessings of this place extended far beyond the immediate family. The man’s strong sense of friendship soon transformed the ranch into a haven for his many diverse circles of friends, each reflecting a facet of his intense and extraordinary life. Over the years, it welcomed a constellation of guests—from former presidents and world leaders to renowned movie stars and intellectuals—people who had achieved great success but were then offered the greatest riches of all: a true retreat, not just to escape the bustling world, but to forge a profound connection to the land and to their own nature.
A Living Legacy
This is the tradition that we seek to carry forward, and we invite you to be part of this evolving story. Eden Wilds was born out of the profound love of his widow for this man and envisioned as a testament of the family’s commitment to his ideals. At Eden Wilds, our mission remains clear: to preserve the legacy of a man who dared to dream boldly, while offering you the chance to create your own memories in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
