Are you and your family new to Cochrane, Alberta? I've created this post to try to bridge the gap of knowledge available to newcomers. For those who are new to Cochrane, welcome to this new chapter and your new community! Here is a lot of information and some incredible resources that will make the adjustment far more enjoyable!
Located on the outskirts of Calgary and positioned right at the doorstep of the picturesque Canadian Rocky Mountains, Cochrane's scenic and convenient location offers great recreational opportunities to families. With access to classic, great outdoor Albertan adventures, like hiking to the top of a mountain or horse back riding, the town offers a wonderful balance of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm without the price tag that neighbouring mountain towns demand.
New To Cochrane, Alberta Essentials
Cochrane is a rapidly growing town located in western Alberta, Canada. In 2021, Cochrane had a population of 33,399 in 2021, the 15th highest in the province, and increased almost 25% since 2016. Cochrane is the 4th fastest growing municipality making it is important that the community is equipped to handle this influx of new residents and keep up with its small town hospitality.
One of the key demographics in Cochrane is young, active families, with the 35-39 age range predominant. These families are looking for activities and opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoor environments that the town has to offer.
Cochrane, Alberta Family-friendly Activities
Due to the Cochrane's beautiful natural setting along the Bow River and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, many young families are choosing to move to the area making it important to find family-friendly activities within the town.
Visit the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site
Hike, bike or snowshoe around the grounds of the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site.
This historic site offers a glimpse into the town's ranching past and hosts some beautiful, natural trails. You can bike or hike to the top of the hill and converse with the cowboy, or venture on the small trail system in the park and take a grandfather tree selfie!
This is not a trail that I would take a stroller on. I would choose my MEC Shuttlecraft Kid Carrier and explore the trails this way or bike with him in his Thule Yepp Next Mini seat for a faster, free feeling option. This trail does link up with the paved trails in Cochrane making it a great option for a decent day of biking!
This is easily a viable family-friendly summer and winter option. And a great postpartum recovery activity before embarking on bigger easy hikes near Calgary.
This park also has a museum which a great source for getting to know the historic significance of the town of Cochrane. There is a nice size parking lot available if you choose to start here.
*Note: There's major construction ongoing close to this park so you may encounter detours - but the trail system is still accessible!
Cochrane, Alberta trail systems
Walking is my most frequent outdoor activity. When I move to a new area, exploring the local trails is some of my first major efforts.
There are 70 total kilometres of asphalt pathway in Cochrane, winding along riverbanks, twisting through parks and running through neighbourhoods. The trail system officially ‘begins’ in Glenbow Park, behind GlenEagles View, and runs through town up to Highway 22 and James Walker Trail.
If you're looking for additional great walking trails in Cochrane, here are a few other options to check out:
- Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park: This beautiful park just outside of Cochrane offers a variety of hiking trails that will take you through forests, along the Bow River, and up to stunning viewpoints. They also offer educational programming and interpretive tours guides.
- The Riverfront Park is one of the only trail systems that you can access right from the town of Cochrane. With trails that are perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading, they are stroller friendly and make for a great way to explore the town without having to drive to a trailhead. You do have the option to continue on the dirt trails at Cochrane Ranche. Enjoy roasting marshmallows or have a barbeque in one numerous firepits available for use.
- Take a hike in the Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park: This beautiful park offers a network of hiking trails, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Big Hills Spring Provincial Park is located north of Cochrane and preserves a large spring and associated small waterfalls.
Explore Cochrane, Alberta's Historic Downtown
Take the time to explore Cochrane's historic main street and check out some of these unique local shops. This not only supports the local economy, but it also reduces the amount of driving that is needed to access goods and services.
- Heavenly Outhouse. Unique and local options.
- Pure Anada Cosmetics. I have been a huge fan of their Canadian handcrafted, natural ingredients for years now. We when first strolled the downtown street and I stumbled across the store, I was ecstatic! I had been purchasing their products online for years and could now smell, touch and try them before purchasing.
- Mackay's Ice Cream. This is the classic ice cream shop that has long line up's during the summer months.
- Sunny Side Up for breakfast or brunch. This is a family-friendly breakfast restaurant on Cochrane's main street that has the best eggs benedict.
- Found Bookstore. This is a neat bookstore where you can sit, read and drink coffee.
Visit Spray Lakes Sports Centre
Explore the Spray Lakes Sports Centre. This sports centre offers a variety of activities for everyone of all ages. The family-friendly options include skating, playing activities on the turf field, swimming, rock climbing and gymnastics.
There is daycare centre that you can include onto your family membership. The schedule does change but is typically Monday-Saturday 8:30am-1pm and closed on statutory holidays. Contact them for availability and questions: PlayCare@slsfsc.com Tel: 587-551-0039.
The gymnastics facility is operated by University of Calgary and are more focused on children programming.
The turf field is a wonderful option for smaller kids and the facility schedule can be found online.
Swimming Locations around Cochrane
The Spray Lakes Sports Centre offers a variety of swimming options, including a leisure pool and a lap pool. The leisure pool includes a lazy river, a water slide, and a hot tub, making it the perfect spot for families.
The Bow River is a beautiful river that runs through Cochrane and offers a variety of swimming options. There are several spots along the river where you can swim, and it's a great spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and SUP'ing.
Cochrane also has several local swim clubs for your littles to help out with navigating the cold lakes in Alberta!
Frisbee Golfing in Riverside Park
Along the beautiful bow river, Riverview Parks offers paved, accessible trails for walking and biking. In the centre of the park is an easy, 9 hole frisbee golf course. This is a wonderful course to do with the littles! It pretty open so they can have some freedom (if it's not busy with frisbee throwers) without getting too far our of site. It is also fairly accessible and able to easily navigate with a stroller.
If you are looking for more challenging and less windy frisbee golf courses, you will have to leave the area.
Farmer's Market & Special Events
Held every Saturday from May to October in the Spray Lakes Sports Centre parking lot, the Farmer's Market offers a chance to purchase fresh produce, crafts, and other local products.
Music & Art Entertainment
Cochrane House Concerts are intimate and great way to interact with musicians and neighbours.
Educational Activities & Programming
- Visit the Cochrane Public Library. Not only is there a great kids book selection, they have various items that you can loan like small tools, games, and sporting equipment. Great kid-friendly programming in place that currently operates on a drop-in basis.
- Cochrane Family Resource Network.
- Laura Lab offers new to Cochrane children sensory discovery and art play.
Grab a Coffee and Read a Book at Found Bookstore
Cochrane's Found Bookstore located downtown.
As a new resident of Cochrane, and someone who works remotely, I was thrilled to discover this quaint, little bookstore!
I have been looking for a relaxed, vibey location to sip coffee and work on my laptop and hadn't quite found my jam yet. When I walked into this bookshop, I almost missed the back seating area. Not only is the location conveniently located downtown and inviting, it also features a charming children's reading nook, perfect for future cozy book dates with my son, Sylas. It's a perfect blend of work and leisure that I'm so excited to make a part of my routine here.
Check out an Local Event at one of Cochrane's Event Hubs
- The Cochrane Legion branch No. 15 offers a variety of events including a Family Bingo at the Legion nights. Children ages 10-17 are now allowed to play general games when accompanied by a playing adult.
- Cochrane RancheHouse is a beautiful events facility that can accommodate up to 300 guests. It offers a variety of event spaces, including a ballroom, a conference room, and a garden terrace.
- The Event Centre at the Cochrane Lions Club is a beautiful event space that can accommodate up to 570 guests. This is one of the largest event space offerings in Cochrane.
- The Chamber of Commerce hosts events.
- Spray Lakes Sports Centre will host many exhibits including the largest annual event in town, The Cochrane Chamber Trade Show.
- The Rockyview Hotel offers a variety of local events such as learning how to line dance (Tuesday nights) and karaoke nights.
- The TapHouse.
- Rocky View Brewing.
Unique Experiences in Cochrane
Cochrane offers lots of unique experiences. These aren't necessarily for the entire family. But I know how important it is for parents to have some fun experiences on their own!
- Vibe High offers a sound therapy sessions.
- Found Bookstore hosts a variety of events in town from poet reading nights to friend speeddating. Some of the events here are hosted by quirk social so ensure to check in occasionally for their ongoing opportunities for socializing and networking.
- Curling date nights at the Sports Centre. Limited availability so contact directly to learn more.
- Take a 7hr day tour with Brewz 'n Booze tours.
- SUP tour on the Bow River offered by Kelsey's Caravan. The tours starts at Riverfront Park and goes to the Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge by the Sports Centre.
- Take a paint class at Final Touch Art Studio.
- Enjoy a pint at locally owned and operated, Half Hitch Brewing Co. or check the Rocky View Taproom, a recently established business in the downtown core opened in December 2021.
- Visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Note that the minimum age requirement to visit the Sanctuary is 6 years old.
Neighbourhoods
The intent here is to give a brief, general overview of the developed neighbourhoods without any sales affiliations. Contact one of the many realtors in town if you have specific questions regarding builders and sales.
Whether you're a homebuyer or a renter looking for a quiet place to settle down, these neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. Some has mountain views and are close proximity to amenities, but everywhere in Cochrane is accessible within 15 minutes.
- Cochrane Heights & Sunterra Heights - Cochrane Heights is a mature neighbourhood, situated on a hillside overlooking the town of Cochrane. It offers residents views of the surrounding mountains and foothills, and is known for its tree-lined streets and spacious, well-maintained homes. Quick access to Cochrane Historic Ranch trails and downtown.
- Downtown - Downtown is the perfect destination for anyone new to Cochrane. Whiling strolling down Main Street, you'll notice the charming, historic buildings that line the street. These buildings, many of which date back to the early days of the town, offer a glimpse into Cochrane's past and showcase the town's western heritage. Along the main street, you'll find an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.
- Fireside - Fireside is a vibrant and growing neighbourhood. Known for its newer homes, schools, and beautiful natural setting, it's a popular choice among families and young professionals. It's located in the west side of Cochrane, and offers easy access to the highway 22. The area has a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, and designed with families in mind, with playgrounds and parks that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, residents can enjoy the proximity to the nearby shopping area which includes coffee, liquor store, dental, restaurants.
- Glenbow - Glenbow is the heart of Cochrane. Older home with larger lots and mature trees. Access to trail system. Many of the homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1970s and 1980s, and have been well-maintained over the years, giving the area a sense of continuity and stability.
- GlenEagles -
- Greystone -- undeveloped land near Sports Centre and currently under construction.
- Heartland - Family-friendly, fun-loving community. Enjoy the outdoors with two playgrounds, outdoor workout equipment, and areas for future sports programming.
- Heritage Hills -
- Industrial & East End - The main business sectors in Cochrane are construction, retail trade, agriculture and business services.
- Jumping Pound Ridge & Bow Ridge -
- Precendence - Many new homes being built here. Access to paved trails. River side pathways, easy accessibility to highways. You can see the mountains, the river, the train. It’s pretty quiet. Future plans for a playground to be built. Can get a bit windy - but that’s Cochrane as a whole anyways. Don’t forget Spray Lakes Rec centre just down the hill to keep the kids busy!
- Rivercrest - This is continuing to be developed and future home to a new school. Very accessible to hwy 22, about 7 minutes from the TCH. Has a few stores close by.
- River Heights -
- Riversong - On top of the hill. Family oriented, suburbs. High school and track and field space. Access to paved walking trails. Close proximately to Highway 22 and Sports Centre. Little mountain views. No stores or amenities within walking distance other than High school.
- Summit of Riversong & Southbow Landing is currently a large mound, farmers field and a gravel road. There are plans to continue the James Walker Trail at some point. South Ridge is a quarry. A lot of development on this section of town. *Locals tip who loves to run but hates pavement - a gravel road that is closed to traffic on evenings and weekends. Return trip = 4km. Contradictory to the above map, the James Walker Trail is connected and open to traffic.
- Sunset Ridge -
- Willows - The Willows of River Heights has a uniquely compelling neighbourhood plan with easy access to all of life’s necessities. A 450 home boutique community that boasts small town charm while keeping you close to all amenities. Close to 7/11.
- West Valley, West Terrace & West Pointe -
Alberta Home Utilities
New to Alberta (I see you Ontario ex-pats!)? I highly recommend that you reach out utility companies as soon as you finalize your possession date or rental lease agreement (if utilities aren't included) to allow for a relatively smooth and stress-free process.
You will need to set up electricity and natural gas service for your new home. The majority of Alberta utility customers are served by AltaGas Utility, Direct Energy Regulated Services, ENMAX Power Corporation, and EPCOR Energy Alberta. Enmax seems to be the primary provider of these services in the Cochrane area, but you can contact other providers customer service departments.
Water and wastewater and waste and recycling services is combined in one bill and sent out by the Town of Cochrane. You will need to set up an account with them and can do this through their website or by contacting their customer service department. However, garbage, recycling and compost removal is done by Cochrane Eco Centre.
Yes, Cochrane composts! You will have a black, blue and green bin when you move in and removed weekly or bi-weekly.
Telus and Shaw are the primary providers of internet services in the Cochrane area, and both offer a variety of plans and options to choose from. It's a good idea to compare plans and prices from both providers to find the best deal for your needs.
Oh, that fire that you're seeing on top of the hill? That's true 'Berta there -- burn off at the gas plants. There's no need to call the fire department!
New to Cochrane Health & Fitness
Health Services
When you are new to Cochrane, it's important to familiarize yourself with the available health services in the area. Unfortunately, access to family doctors can be limited and there are typically no walk-in clinics. There is the Cochrane urgent care facility that is open from 8am-10pm daily but no 24-hour emergency room.
To stay informed about the current availability of health services, it's recommended to join Cochrane social media groups and call local doctor clinics to inquire about waitlists.
Fitness Services
The main fitness facility in Cochrane is the Spray Lakes Sports Centre.
Others are F45, Anytime Fitness.
Home, Auto & Miscellaneous
There's a lot to consider when you are new to Cochrane, and especially true if you purchased a new home. As a rental tenant, your landlord usually takes care of the details. These are services that you may need to access from time to time.
- Home Security - Telus, AlarmTek, Ring
- House Cleaners - Lemon Fresh
- Air Ducts & Furnace
- Electricians
- Plummers - Royal Mechanical,
- Air Conditioning
- Appliances - Drake's appliances,
- Landscape
- Snow removal
- Bike and Ski/Board Services - basementtechshop.com located in Fireside
- Bike Cochrane
Education
Cochrane has a strong sense of community and a commitment to education. For families new to Cochrane, choosing the right school district can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it's important to understand the different school districts and what they have to offer to your children.
The Rocky View Schools district serves the majority of Cochrane and is the fifth-largest school board in Alberta. The district is made up of more than 50 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs, as well as its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that includes athletics, the arts, and other extracurricular activities.
Another district that serves Cochrane is the Calgary Catholic School District. This district offers a Catholic education to families in Cochrane and the surrounding areas. The district is made up of more than 50 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs and its commitment to providing a faith-based education that emphasizes the values of respect, responsibility, and compassion.
To help families new to Cochrane, here is a list of schools along with their age ranges and denomination information:
- Bow Valley High School (Grade 9-12, Rocky View Schools)
- Cochrane High School (Grade 9-12, Rocky View Schools)
- Fireside School (Kindergarten-Grade 8, Rocky View Schools)
- Glenbow Elementary School (Kindergarten-Grade 4, Rocky View Schools)
- Manachaban Middle School (Grade 5-8, Rocky View Schools)
- Mitford Middle School (Grade 5-8, Rocky View Schools)
- Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School (Kindergarten-Grade 4, Rocky View Schools)
- RancheView School (Pre-kindergarten-Grade 8, Rocky View Schools)
- RVS Community Learning Centre (Grade 9-12, Rocky View Schools)
- St. Timothy Elementary School (Kindergarten-Grade 6, Calgary Catholic School District)
- Holy Spirit Academy (Kindergarten-Grade 12, Calgary Catholic School District)
- Cochrane Christian Academy (Kindergarten-Grade 8, Rocky View District)
Cochrane offers a wide range of options when it comes to schools and education. With a mix of public and private schools, as well as a variety of denominations, families new to the area can find a school that aligns with their values and educational goals. By researching the different school districts and their offerings, families can make an informed decision and ensure that their child receives the best education possible.
Children Programming
There are great amenities for children new to Cochrane. This is a bustling family-friend town and with lots of young families.
- Visit the Cochrane Public Library. Not only is there a great kids book selection, they have various items that you can loan like small tools, games, and sporting equipment. Great kid-friendly programming in place that currently operates on a drop-in basis.
- Cochrane Family Resource Network.
- Laura Lab offers new to Cochrane children sensory discovery and art play.
- Musical Journey with Connie Kearns - intergenerational music and movement classes.
- Cochrane has several swim club options for your littles: Cochrane Comets - year round swim team (Sept-May or June), Cochrane Piranhas - Summer swim club (May-mid August), Cochrane water ninjas - lifeguard club, Cochrane Sparks - Triathlon Club.
Dayhomes & Daycares
In Alberta, subsidies are available for families who qualify. The subsidies are based on family income and are intended to help families who may not be able to afford the full cost of child care. The facilities that are subsidized must be licensed. Can include family day homes that are overseen by a licensed family day home agency
New to Cochrane families can check with Devar, Big kids or something,
Helpful Social Media Groups
Check Cochrane Eco Centre's facebook page for the latest updates on household waste removal.
Being an adult in a new city has its challenges and trying to find like minded people to hang out with is hard. Cochranes "friends wanted" ad! is a space where people can try to make friends.
Cochrane & Area Recommendations
Cochrane Community Discussions
Family-Friendly Activities
Our town's scenic and convenient location offers great recreational opportunities for new to Cochrane families. With access to classic, great outdoor Albertan adventures, like hiking to the top of a mountain or horse back riding, the town offers a wonderful balance of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm without the price tag that neighbouring mountain towns demand.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for new to Cochrane families to get involved in their community and make a positive impact. Not only does it provide an opportunity to make new friends and network, but it also allows individuals to give back to their community and make a difference in the lives of others.
There are many local volunteer opportunities in Cochrane for families to get involved in. Here are just a few examples:
- Cochrane Humane Society: Help walk puppies!
- The Cochrane Food Bank: The food bank is always in need of volunteers to help sort and distribute food to families in need. This is a great opportunity for families to work together and make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to make ends meet.
- The Cochrane Public Library: The library is always looking for volunteers to help with various tasks such as shelving books, assisting with children's programs, and more. This is a great opportunity for families to spend time together while also helping to promote literacy and a love of learning in the community.
- The Cochrane Activettes: The Activettes is a local organization that helps to support various community initiatives. They are always looking for volunteers to help with events, fundraisers, and other projects. This is a great opportunity for families to get involved in the community and make a positive impact.
- The Cochrane Ranche Historical Society: The historical society is a great way to learn more about the history of the Cochrane area and help preserve it for future generations. They often looking for volunteers to help with events, projects and other initiatives.
