Calgary is an amazing, vibrant city. Sometimes, a smaller town vibe is calling and a day trip is in order. The first fabulous day trip we’d like to share is to a place close to our hearts, the town where we currently live, Cochrane.
Cochrane is located about 15 minutes northwest of Calgary’s city limits. It’s also a popular stop on the way back to Calgary for those visiting Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis.
When you’re driving to Cochrane from Calgary, there is nothing like driving down the Big Hill into the town and seeing the stunning mountain views on a clear day. But Cochrane isn’t just gorgeous, it’s also packed with great activities. Here is our favourite way to spend a day in Cochrane - with or without kids!
Stop #1: Early Morning Hike at Cochrane Ranche
Location: 20 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane, Alberta, T4C 2K8, Cochrane, AB
The Cochrane Ranche is a historic site and beautiful park with lots to see and do. It’s the first stop of our day because it’s very easy to access. It’s right on Bow Valley Trail, a straight shot from Calgary. There is ample free parking on site and a quaint historical museum right beside the parking lot. The museum hours are limited so be sure to get in touch with them to check when they’re open before you arrive. The park itself offers multiple walking trails, a stream to play and cool off in in the warm months, and paths leading to other communities in Cochrane.
Highlights when we visit at the Cochrane Ranche are:
The hill right near the entrance that you can get up by climbing or taking a set of stairs. At the top, you can pose with the iconic Man of Vision statue with the mountains in the background.
The Grandfather Tree, which has been sitting beside the gorgeous trail for over 300 years. Kids can spend hours playing on the tree’s roots, and it makes for some epic photo ops for the grown ups too.
The interpretive trail where we learn about the history of Cochrane.
Biking. There is a diversity of terrain at the Ranche and it’s fun to bike through it all.
Stop #2 - Brunch at Sunny Side Up in Cochrane’s Historic Downtown
Location: 205 1 St W, Cochrane, AB T4C 1X3
There are lots of brunch spots in Cochrane, from traditional diner-style meals to more gourmet Sunday brunches. Our favourite spot is Sunny Side Up, which is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
We like it for the creative menu, especially their eggs benedict and mimosa offerings. Our kids like it for the Nutella hot chocolate and tasty kids French toast. The service is friendly, the outdoor patio is perfect in the summer, and the price is on par with the other breakfast options in town.
Be warned: it’s a popular place to eat! They don’t take reservations but do have an online waiting list that you can use to track your spot in line.
Stop #3 - Historic Downtown
Location: 1st St. West.
You’ve hiked, you’ve eaten, now it’s time to shop. Historic Downtown Cochrane is absolutely overflowing with cute boutique shops and the can’t miss Rockyview Hotel - a Western-themed hotel and restaurant that makes an excellent backdrop for photos and has a piano available out front for anyone to play. We love Horse and Creek Heritage for Cochrane-themed gifts and handmade chocolates, crafted by the shop’s owner.
Heavenly Outhouse is another fave store, loved for their offbeat, clever novelty items. Tony’s Work and Western Wear is a must visit to pick up your cowboy hat and boots - you’re in Alberta, after all! Finally, don’t miss Art Evolution Gallery, a stunning gallery that brings in world class art and is absolutely worth a visit.
Stop #4 - Riverfront Park
Location: Griffin Rd W, Cochrane, AB, Canada, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
You can’t visit Cochrane without spending some time at the Bow River, which runs right through town. There are lots of activities you can do from Riverfront Park, such as floating down the river in an inflatable raft or on a stand-up paddle board (bring your own). When we visit Riverfront Park we like to set up by the river with a picnic and just chill. We also love the natural playground right by the parking lot, and the paved walking/biking trail that you can take to explore both the east and west sides of town, and get on right from Riverfront Park.
Stop #5 - Ice Cream!
Locations: MacKays: 220 1 St W, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E7
Abbey’s: 519 1 St W, Cochrane, AB T4C 0A4
Cochrane is a very popular stop for travelers from Calgary on their way home from a day spent in the mountains. The main reason people stop here is…the ice cream! MacKay’s has been a popular staple in Cochrane since 1948. They make their own ice cream at a factory just a few blocks from the store, and they have a hugely impressive flavour selection. Our favourite flavour is Maple Bacon, but the kids prefer Birthday Cake.
If the line up at MacKay’s is too long (in the summer it can be hundreds of people long!) Cochrane has a hidden gem of an ice cream shop just down the street called Abbey’s Creations. Abbey’s is a small chain with a number of other locations in Calgary. The Cochrane Abbey’s has friendly staff and tasty flavours, including some Asian-inspired flavours. We love Abbeys’ plant based mango. The kids often pick Abbey’s because they offer unlimited FREE toppings and mix-ins.
Stop #6 - Mitford Pond
Location: 201 West Rock Road Cochrane, AB T4C 2K8
Mitford Park is located in Cochrane’s west end, a very short drive or 20-minute walk from historic downtown (you can get there by walking west on the pathway from Riverfront Park!). It’s a huge park with parking on-site. It is home to soccer and baseball fields, an open-air stage, a dog park and two pretty ponds. In the summer, both ponds are stocked with fish and fishing is encouraged. Adults catch and release, and little kids can keep their catches! In the winter, the upper pond turns into an outdoor skating rink and you’ll find many generations out on the ice at all hours.
Stop #7 - Dinner at Aama
Location: 100 Horse Creek Rd #2106, Cochrane, AB T4C 0E3
Before heading back to Calgary, you’ll want to make a stop at the most delicious Nepalese restaurant we’ve ever tried. What makes Aama special to us isn’t just the super tasty momos and Shyakpa, but the absolutely gorgeous decor and friendly owners. Each time we visit we are treated like family and the owners and staff take time to guide us through the menu (a tricky task with our dietary restrictions) and help us curate a perfect Nepalese feast. They get busy so be sure to visit their website and make a reservation online.
From Aama you’re a quick drive back to Calgary along Highway 1A. If this list seems impossible to accomplish in one day, you should see the stuff we left out. Cochrane is a fabulous, growing town with a completely different vibe to Calgary, so you may want to return for a second day trip if one wasn’t enough.
Happy exploring!
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