Adventure in the Valley: Experience Cochrane, Alberta

Praised as one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta, this charming town has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. A historic downtown, alpine landscape, and full Western vibe collide, making this  municipality so much more than its previous identity as a “bedroom community”. 

Originally known for its stone quarry, CP Rail Station and brickworks plants, Cochrane has since evolved to include bustling lumber, construction, retail, and tech industries. With a 2021 population of more than 32,000 people, this lovely community along the Bow River is an idyllic location.

Image via Steve Young on Flickr

Many First Nations groups, including North West Métis and Inuit peoples, originally inhabited the land on which Cochrane exists today. Cochrane falls within the boundaries of Treaty 7 lands, which include Iyethka peoples of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney Bands; the Tsuut’ina; and the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples of Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Bands.

With such a rich history and legacy of land use, Cochrane became known as a rural ranching community. By 1903, Cochrane was officially named a village, with a modest population of less than 200 residents. A construction boom in 1971 increased the population to more than 800 people and solidified the municipality as an incorporated town. 

Today, Cochrane boasts a beautifully revitalized downtown core and welcomes tourists to explore its unique blend of mountain sports and cowboy culture.

Image via Jan Mosimann on Flickr

What to know about Cochrane, Alberta

At an elevation of 1,186 metres, the Town of Cochrane is found at the base of Big Hill, serving as an appealing alpine adventure destination for many. Set across the two main arteries of Highway 1A and Highway 22, the town is conveniently located for visitors passing through, although Cochrane is definitely deserving of a longer stay… 

The Cochrane Ranche historic site and park offers a nod to one of the first large-scale cattle ranches in Alberta. The ranch operated for just seven years, from 1881 to 1888, as harsh winters and poor decisions led to its demise. Spot the Ranche in the 1954 Corral documentary by Colin Low—an award-winning piece named Best Documentary at the Venice Film Festival.

Further history is captured in bronze with The Cochrane Legacy statue of a pioneer woman feeding chickens, created by Studio West Bronze Foundry & Gallery. This statue commemorates the prairie women whose work was a monumental contribution to Cochrane’s farming history.

Industry in Cochrane is currently blossoming, with 2023 marking a momentous year in the tech sector when Garmin Canada Inc. announced 200 new jobs at its Cochrane headquarters.

What to do in Cochrane, Alberta

The section of the Bow River from Ghost Lake to Cochrane is a paddler’s favourite (fishermen, too!). Named after a First Nations legend about an uncatchable rogue horse that ran through the region’s foothills, Ghost River has a rich legacy and offers fabulous birding, particularly in the months of May through October. In addition to stellar views of the Foothills and Rocky Mountains, the Bow River splits through Cochrane and offers a slice of the wild in the city with several access paths to the valley trails.

Looking to grab a breakfast bite before heading off on an adventure? Sunny Side Up serves “simply delicious” breakfast with Italian and Romanian flair. Enjoy Monte Cristo french toast, breakfast poutine, or a smoked salmon bowl with homemade champagne hollandaise sauce.  

Cochrane is also home to what many consider the best ice cream in Alberta. MacKay’s Ice Cream was established many, many scoops ago in 1948. The family-run company woos customers with the likes of Avocado, Maple Bacon, Haskap berry (fruit of the local honeysuckle) and Barn Floor (chocolate and vanilla ice cream swirled with chunks of brownies, cookie dough, nuts and other surprises!). 

There are several places to chill with a cone. Cochrane has two off-leash dog parks, Mitford Pond, and the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site. There are also an additional 60 kilometres of pathways and public sidewalks. 

Just 15 kilometres west of town, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is an adoption and educational facility offering interpretive sanctuary walks about wolf conservation and wolfdogs. The sanctuary has more than 55 permanent rescued wolfdogs split into 23 different packs.

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Image provided by Mackay’s Ice Cream

The great outdoors are made to be explored in and around Cochrane! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker eager to learn paragliding with Mueller Windsports at the top of Big Hill, or a mountain biker ready to roost some hero dirt , adventure certainly awaits. 

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, why not opt for a round of golf at The Links of GlenEagles or an afternoon (or overnight adventure) on horseback with Saddle Peak Trail Rides?

Aligning a visit with one of Cochrane’s many festivals and fairs is always worthwhile! Depending on the time of year, you can participate in:

• the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show in early May;
• the Canada Day Family Concert on July 1;
• the Labour Day Rodeo and Parade throughout Labour Day weekend; and
• the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration on December 31.

Looking for a unique place to rest your head during your stay? At Hereabouts B&B, you can live large in a 247-square-foot space surrounded by permaculture gardens. The passive solar design is the lovechild of local high school sweethearts Jackie and Bryan Skrypnek and offers a delectable breakfast menu and beautiful surroundings.

Housing market stats and where to live

The Town of Cochrane appeals to a diverse group of buyers, whether you’re looking for a home in an established residential neighbourhood, a brand-new housing development, or a family ranch.

Employment opportunities are just as varied within the arts community, natural resource industries and the expanding technology and knowledge industry. For those contemplating moving their business to Cochrane, it’s worth noting Cochrane is one of several communities in Canada with no business tax. To learn more about relocating your business, resources are available via the Cochrane Business Centre.

Recent community improvement initiatives further the appeal for prospective home buyers. Initiatives like the new $53 million Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge, the Highway 1A Improvement Project, the Highway 1A/22 Interchange project, and the $23 million RCMP and municipal enforcement detachment mean greater accessibility, and more employment opportunities in the community. 

Newcomers will be satisfied by schools, trendy eateries and recreational facilities throughout the many hamlets within the community. From Heritage Hills to Bow Meadows, Riversong to Sunset Ridge, there are more than 18 charming neighbourhoods to rest your head–many of which have volunteer-run community associations to support residents. 

Cochrane is one of many communities supported by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). Statistics from CREB’s June 2024 report show sales activity rose compared to last year’s levels, contributing to a year-to-date increase of 7%. The growth is consistent with the elevated number of new listings coming available in June. 

Reporting shows an unadjusted benchmark price of $571,100, with the bulk of the price growth existing in apartment-style units. CREB reports that this trend indicates a continued seller-favoured market. 

The active market is reflected on REALTOR.ca, where as of July 2024 there were more than 200 local properties listed for sale, with prices starting at $252,500.

If a home on the range is calling your name, contact  

Michele Gale-REALTOR®

This article was first published on Realtor.ca