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Cochrane and the Rocky Mountains. |
Cochrane and Area
Trail History
Nestled at the base of Big Hill in the Bow
River valley, Cochrane is situated in a truly picturesque location. Add the view of the foothills and Rocky Mountains to the west
and a prosperous mixed farming area, it’s only natural that an urban center developed here.
In 1881, Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane established the Cochrane Ranche at the base of the Big Hill. The site was selected because of the proximity to the Stoney and Sarcee Indian Reserves, Fort Calgary and the future plans for a railway line in addition to the wonderful grassland, regular winter Chinooks, the sunny southern exposure and shelter from northerly winds. After two devastating winters that covered the wintering grasses without enough hay, the herd was moved south. Additional lands were leased between the Belly and Waterton Rivers and the northern ranch was divided and sold in 1888 as pressure for homesteads increased.
The Canadian Pacific Railway created a townsite in 1885 and named it in honour of Senator Cochrane, but it seemed that Cochrane might never become much more than a railway siding. But Cochrane provided all the services necessary and the residents took advantage of the resources at hand. Before World War I, Cochrane was home to a stone quarry, a sawmill, and four brick plants. Within the community, skilled artisans combined their talents with local products to construct buildings of quality and personal style giving Cochrane a unique and special character.
Today, Cochrane is still noted for its western heritage, with its unique buildings and popular Main Street, as well as its small town hospitality.
Around Town
The ranching and western heritage is evident in Cochrane’s downtown district and among the many cowboys who live and work in the area. A stroll down the charming Main Street offers a unique blend of quaint shops, boutiques, dining establishments and an historic saloon.
Cochrane is also home to a diverse and established arts community. A number of recognized artisans, musicians and writers call Cochrane home and their influence is visible in the number and range of arts and cultural events that take place in Cochrane throughout the year. So, come to Cochrane and be prepared for a warm, western welcome.
The Cochrane Ranche Historic Site provides guided interpretive hikes on the Ranche site and the Cochrane RancheHouse hosts the Bert Sheppard Stockmen's Foundation Library
and Archives which is a wonderful collection of western heritage and information.
Cochrane's Labour Day Parade and Lions Labour Day Rodeo weekend also attracts many visitors for good, old fashioned hospitality with all the modern amenities you would find in a big city. The Outhouse Races are held on mainstreet during the weekend.
Side Trails
From Cochrane it is an easy jaunt back into Calgary to take in the Stampede celebrations, Glenbow Museum or Heritage Park or spend a night out dancing at the Ranchmans. It is also an easy drive to Banff or the Kananaskis to explore the mountain culture found there.
But there are also plenty of opportunities to see more cowboy country up and down the Cowboy Trail or on the rough and ready Forestry Trunk Road up to Waiparous or over to Water Valley.
The Stoney Nation reserve west of Cochrane provides many opportunities to explore aboriginal culture at the Nakoda Lodge.
Look for our Partner Logo at all participating venues in Cochrane & Area.
- Bow RiversEdge Campground
We are a newly developed 4 season campground that offers 145 full service campsites. Located in Cochrane.
- Canalta Family of Hotels
Let the Canalta Family of Hotels Be Your Guide Along the Cowboy Trail. Ramada Pincher Creek, Drayton Valley Ramada, Cochrane Super 8, Rocky Mountain House Super 8.
- Elements Emporium
A Global Bazaar Creating Sacred Space. Located in Cochrane.
- Spring Hill RV Park
Fully serviced RV park at the gateway to the rocky mountains. Located 7km north of Cochrane on the corner of Hwy 22 and Hwy 567.
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