Is there anything better than looking out your window and seeing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains right at your front door? There is no doubt that the area west of Calgary offers some of the most incredible opportunities for any outdoor enthusiast – hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, camping and more!
Cochrane offers gorgeous views of the foothills and mountains, a strong sense of community, history, a growing food scene, and so much more.
Cochrane is full of pleasant surprises, from the majestic landscape to the comfortable feel of the historic downtown. It is a harmonious blend of modern living and natural beauty. With its roots in western heritage, long list of amenities, and short drive to Calgary, this town is inviting for those looking for a taste of true Canadian culture.
Sports & Recreation
Great Things to Do
Cochrane is a charming town with a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions.
Take a walk through historic downtown Cochrane and explore unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Stop for a meal at one of the local restaurants or cafes.
Check out Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, a state-of-the-art facility offering a wide range of activities, including ice skating, swimming, fitness classes, and more. It’s a hub for community events and sports in Cochrane.
Visit Cochrane Farmers’ Market, which is held seasonally from June to October. This is a great place to browse fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. It’s also a vibrant community gathering spot.
There is no shortage of fun events and festivals in this town. Cochrane is home to a rodeo, winter festival, food festival, concerts, fairs, parades, and more throughout the year, so your family will never be bored.
Cochrane Library also hosts a number of events, programs, and classes for children and families.
Parks, Playgrounds & Green Spaces
Explore the outdoors on the many paths and parks that make up this gorgeous community, including Cochrane Ranche Historic Site. The Historic Cochrane Ranche site – located on Highway 1A, just east of Highway 22 – is the original site of Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane’s ranch, established in 1881. The public park is approximately 136 acres and has seasonal washrooms, picnic tables, an outdoor stage, and three fire pits (first come, first served). You can take in the views, visit the public art installations, and enjoy the landscaped gardens. The park has interpretive trails, historical markers, and beautiful scenery, making it a great place for a leisurely walk.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is 3,200 acres of native fescue grassland and an active cattle ranch just outside of Cochrane. Enjoy stunning vistas, rolling hills, and spot the occasional cowboy as you explore nearly 40km of paved and shale paths – all a stone’s throw from Calgary.
Within the town, Cochrane proudly maintains over 1,200 acres of land as parks and open spaces. Residents and visitors can explore over three dozen parks (many with playgrounds), summer fishing in trout ponds, outdoor skating in winter, and over 80km of pathways all year round.
Places to Shop
Cochrane offers a variety of shopping options that cater to both locals and visitors. Visit local artisans like Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery. In addition to stunning bronzes and monuments, the gallery also has an assortment of paintings, fine art, western prints, artifacts, and much more. Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery is located in downtown Cochrane; this gallery showcases a wide range of art from local artists, including paintings, sculpture, and photography.
Cochrane's historic downtown is home to a variety of unique boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores. You can find everything from handcrafted items, western wear, and home decor, to gourmet foods and artisanal products.
Cochrane has a vibrant community of local artisans and crafters who sell their goods online, at local markets, and in select stores around town. This is a great way to find unique, handmade items that reflect the local culture.
For those interested in home improvement or gardening, there are stores along Ranche House Road that offer everything from building supplies to plants and landscaping materials.
Food Scene
From delicious coffee and fresh-baked goods to upscale dining, Cochrane and area offers something for every culinary taste.
Cochrane Coffee Traders has been a locally-owned and -operated coffeehouse and roastery for over 20 years, with coffee that's a reflection of the community’s heritage and growth.
The Eagle's Nest at The Links of GlenEagles is the perfect place for lunch or dinner. They have a beautiful patio with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and the golf course.
Half Hitch Brewing Company is a family-owned and -operated microbrewery located in Cochrane. With four year-round craft beers and unique seasonals, they have something for beer enthusiasts and craft newbies.
Rocky View Brewing taproom has 12 rotational taps that feature the six Rocky View Brewing original craft beers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pair their beer with one of their three delectable burgers.
Don’t miss Aama Nepalese Cuisine (they have some of the best momos we’ve ever tasted), Giga’s Pinoy Carinderia for all your favorite dishes from the Philippines, and DAON Korean Kitchen for an awesome bulgogi lunch.
Although there are a number of great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Cochrane is perhaps best known for its famous ice cream shop. MacKay’s Ice Cream, a long-running ice cream parlor with a retro vibe and a wide range of flavors. It has been in operation since 1948 and is a popular stop for locals and tourists to grab a scoop (or two)!
Things to Consider
Cochrane offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and community spirit, making it a wonderful place to explore for both residents and visitors.
There are many new developments in and around Cochrane that are the perfect place for a family to call home. It’s not hard to see why this town has been named Alberta’s fastest-growing community, with an estimated 2024 population of 36,732 and climbing.
In addition to being a great place to put down roots, Cochrane is perfectly situated for day trips to the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re heading to Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis, Cochrane is a great starting point for mountain adventures.
New communities
FIRESIDE
Fireside in Cochrane offers distinctive new homes with beautiful Rocky Mountain views. This vibrant community features a range of amenities including parks, sports fields, a community garden, an NHL-sized rink, and preserved wetlands. It also hosts two local schools, providing convenient access to education and outdoor activities.
GREYSTONE
“Avalon is excited to introduce our three-bedroom ZEN Net Zero and Net Zero Ready townhomes to the vibrant new community of Greystone in Cochrane,” says Rachael Roulston, Marketing Coordinator with Avalon Master Builder. “This charming neighborhood offers the ideal mix of modern convenience and natural beauty, with amenities like the SLS Centre, parks, pathways, and playgrounds just moments away.”
HEARTLAND
Situated near the mountains, Heartland offers ample opportunities for outdoor living while also providing a peaceful, serene environment where homeowners can truly relax and unwind. “Cochrane offers a wealth of amenities, from playgrounds and parks to schools, recreation facilities, and shopping amenities to support everything that families need,” says Janice Chiu, Marketing Manager of Akash Homes.
“Heartland is a warm and welcoming community. Whether you’re spending the day on the water at Ghost Lake or exploring the breathtaking mountains of Kananaskis, Heartland’s location offers easy access to some of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas just a short drive away,” adds Celeste Anderson Monk, Area Sales Manager with Prominent Homes. Heartland is the perfect choice for those seeking a friendly and active neighborhood.
HERITAGE HILLS
Nature and charm in northwest Cochrane. Heritage Hills, nestled in northwest Cochrane, offers scenic hiking trails, river walks, and the serene waterfalls of Big Hill Springs Provincial Park. Enjoy a local vibe with charming boutiques and nearby retailers, blending nature and convenience perfectly.
PRECEDENCE IN RIVERSONG
Live and play by the Bow River. Nestled along the Bow River, Precedence in Riversong is Cochrane’s newest community with a selection of brand-new homes for sale. Enjoy stunning ridge views of the Bow River Valley while being just minutes from downtown Cochrane, Calgary, and the Rocky Mountains.
RIVERCREST
Scenic Views and small-town charm. Nestled on the sunny side of town, Rivercrest combines stunning views, beautiful homes, and a welcoming atmosphere with big-city amenities. With the Rockies and Bow River just steps away, adventure is always within reach. The new Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge simplifies access to Cochrane's east side. Walkable and well-connected to Calgary, Rivercrest enhances your lifestyle with ease and enjoyment.
SOUTHBOW LANDING
Connecting People, Places, and Nature. Southbow Landing integrates seamlessly with nature by preserving key slopes, wooded areas, and lands along the Bow River. The community will focus on open spaces, schools, and pathways, ensuring a connection to the environment. Southbow Landing is committed to serving the needs of its residents throughout all stages of life.
SUNSET RIDGE
Welcome to Sunset Ridge, where the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains and expansive Alberta skies greet you each day. Developed by Melcor, this master-planned community is perfectly situated on a ridge overlooking Cochrane, offering picturesque views of the majestic Rockies and rolling foothills.
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