Cochrane, Canada

Cochrane is a town on the outskirts of Calgary, Alberta, sitting about 15 km west of the major Canadian city. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Bow River, it is not just a visually beautiful location for residents and visitors alike; it has proven over recent years to be an idyllic place to live (across a number of metrics) and is one of Canada's fastest growing communities. This article delves into the scenic town, showcasing all it has to offer for both residents and visitors.

History of Cochrane

Cochrane is named after Matthew Henry Cochrane, a prominent Canadian senator, and rancher who, in 1881, owned a large swathe of ranchland in the Rocky Mountain foothills region where the town now sits. A few years later, in 1885, the town officially came into existence as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Beginning its life as a mere hamlet in a very underpopulated western Canada, its growth was slow. However, it was eventually upgraded to village status in 1903 and saw a boom in population, reaching nearly 400 residents by the next decade. At this time, Cochrane was home to a plethora of small businesses and industries, including brick plants, a sawmill, and a stone quarry. As growth continued after the First World War, Cochrane was finally inducted as a town in 1971.

Before European and Canadian settlers arrived, the land on which Cochrane now rests had been inhabited and traveled upon for thousands of years by various Indigenous groups, including the Blackfoot, Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney tribes.

Economy and Population of Cochrane

At the town's official incorporation in 1971, the population of Cochrane was around 1,000, and as of the most recent census in 2021, the number of residents has jumped to just over 32,000. While most residents are of European descent, Cochrane still has a fairly significant population of Indigenous citizens, accounting for about 5% of people living permanently in the town.

Due to Cochrane's quickly growing population, with many newcomers from nearby Calgary seeking out affordable housing, home development has boomed in recent times. Between 2016 and 2021, the town has increased its number of dwellings by a huge 24.5%, catering in large part to those looking to move out of the also rapidly growing (and rapidly more expensive) city of Calgary.

Cochrane is also a bit of a hub for manufacturing and natural resource processing, with lumber accounting for much of its income and labor force. Construction, retail, and even ranching continue to stand out as major players in the local economy as well. As of 2023, the town was home to 991 businesses, the vast majority of which were designated as "small businesses" by the government of Alberta. Cochrane also collects no business taxes, maintaining itself as one of the most business-friendly towns in Canada.

Tourism is a major part of Cochrane's economy, especially because it is one of the few highly developed towns on the way from Calgary to the Rocky Mountains. Attractions like Banff, Lake Louise, and world-class ski resorts, among many other outdoor wonders, draw millions of visitors every year.

Geography of Cochrane

Sitting at a lofty 3,800 feet in the Bow Valley of southern Alberta, Cochrane is notable for the rolling foothills around town and the Bow River that flows through it, a major source of water and hydroelectric power for both it and neighboring Calgary.

Its close position to the eastern slope of the Rockies means that Cochrane is notable for its "Chinooks" during the winter months, a unique weather event in which cold air coming from the west rapidly warms as it comes down over the town, ranging from a day up to a week at a time. This sometimes leads to spikes in temperature of 20 degrees or more from one day to another, giving residents of the area a temporary respite from the often frigid wintery conditions most of Canada is accustomed to.

Top Activities In or Around The Town of Cochrane

Parks

Like many towns in Alberta, parks in and around it are an integral part of the community. At the southern edge of downtown Cochrane is Riverfront Park, a municipal park that lines the Bow River and features picnicking areas, footpaths, and both a disc golf course and an off-leash dog area nearby.

The most notable wildland near Cochrane is probably Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. This former cattle ranch now has an extensive web of trails, a visitor center, and amazing views of the Calgary skyline to the east and the towering Rocky Mountains to the west. It is also a picturesque spot to visit during the fall when its numerous groves of quaking aspens simultaneously turn a vibrant yellow before shedding their leaves for the season.

Downtown

Downtown Cochrane houses numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. The main thoroughfare is 1st Street, which is home to the iconic Mackay's Ice Cream, a town staple for cold treats that has been in business since 1948. Another notable locale on this street is the Rockyview Hotel. One of Cochrane's original structures, this western-style building dates back to when the town was simply a stop along the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Explore the Mountains

Whether you're going to Kananaskis of Banff National Park, you will likely be arriving via the Trans Canada Highway, a major route that cuts just south of Cochrane. Given its number of stores and other amenities, many opt to fill up on gas and buy snacks for the day while passing through. For reference, the town of Banff is slightly over an hour's drive away. Those visiting Banff National Park can look forward to 6,600 sq. km. of wilderness, showcasing stunning mountains, glaciers, and ice fields. Some of the most notable landmarks are Moraine Lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Lake Louise, which is known for its skiing opportunities.

Biking

Due to the sheer number of paved trails within Cochrane and the hilly nature of its landscape, cycling is a very popular activity in the area. Big Hill, which is the name of the large slope much of the town sits on at the north side of the Bow River Valley, contains many challenging routes for those looking to train on the back of a bike seriously. The town's high elevation certainly doesn't hurt one's ability to get the most out of their ride as well. Moreover, plenty of stores like Big Hill Cycle sell bikes, offer servicing, and arrange group tours.

The newly constructed Bearspaw Trail is a scenic and convenient route allowing cyclists to travel from the western edge of Calgary to Cochrane. This ride can easily be completed within an afternoon along the beautiful and relatively untouched banks of the Bow River.