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3 minute read
See cochrane-tourism.ca for up to date event listings
Located 36 km west of Calgary, Cochrane is an ideal getaway, be it for an afternoon adventure or a weekend camping.
The town gets its name from Senator Matthew Cochrane, who established a ranch here in 1881. So, the town’s western roots run deep. This is cattle country, and it is home to both the Bert Sheppard Stockmen’s Foundation Library, and the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site. Full of western memorabilia, ask the staff about their 101 Hats Collection and the numerous examples of saddles, brands and barbed wire on display.
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Before World War I, Cochrane was home to a stone quarry, a saw mill, and four brick plants. Skilled artisans combined their talents to construct buildings of quality and style. Today, Cochrane is still noted for its artisans, western heritage, and its small-town hospitality.
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Tim Hall/ Cochrane Tourism Association
The Studio West Art Gallery & Bronze Foundry is a unique attraction. Don & Shirley Begg have operated this lost-wax bronze foundry since 1970, during which they have created dozens of public statues. Stop for a free tour of sculpting and see work in progress. They’re located on 2nd Ave East just two blocks south of Railway Street.
One of the big draws here is MacKay’s Ice Cream! They’ve been serving perhaps the best ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet in western Canada for the past 71 years. Some of their more innovative flavours include Purple Yam, Chai Tea, and Mayan Chocolate (with chili and cinnamon), although their best seller is Chocolate. What’s your favourite?
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In recent years, Cochrane has earned a glowing reputation as a centre of outdoor recreation for such activities as wind sports, paragliding, skydiving, water activities, golfing, hiking and cycling. If you crave water sports, the Ghost Reservoir is only 15 minutes west along the scenic Hwy 1A. Do you prefer rock climbing? Be sure to check out Mount John Laurie just 20 minutes west of the Ghost. And all along Hwy 1A, the birdwatching is terrific! There are numerous events throughout the year, such as Outhouse Races on Main Street during the Lions Labour Day Rodeo weekend.
Come here and be prepared for a warm, western welcome. It’s a great place for those seeking rest and relaxation in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy an easy hike at the Glenbow Ranch, or a round of golf at Glen Eagles and discover Cochrane’s many dining delights. Come make memories!
See cochrane-tourism.ca for up to date event listings
January
Kimmett Cup
February
Clubhouse Art Walk (Monthly event)
March
Cochrane Winterfest
Hunter/Jumper Show
Spring Farmers Markets begin
April
Foothills Art Club Show and Sale
Cochrane Brewfest
May
Cochrane and District Trade Show
The Cochrane Art Club Show and Sale
Celebration of Music Spring Concert
June
Open Doors Cochrane
Extreme Cowboy Show
July
Canada Day Community Festival
Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity
Celebrate Parks Day
Dressage Show
August
Shooting for A Cause
Cochrane Fair
Cochrane Classic Bull Riding
Calgary Police Rodeo Western
Dressage Show
September
Cochrane Rodeo
Labor Day Parade
Prairie Girls Vintage Market
Cochrane Outhouse Races
Bud Brewster Tournament in support of STARS at Brewster’s
Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course
October
Foothills Art Club Fall Sale
Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation
Annual Dinner & Auction
November
Cochrane Light Up
Winter Wonderland Sleigh Rides at Historic Cochrane Ranche
December
Christmas Farmers Market
Cochrane Street Market
June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, 2019: 1st Street West, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
The Cochrane Farmers’ Market and the businesses within the Historic Downtown Cochrane invite you to experience a unique shopping experience. Enjoy market vendors, artisans, food trucks, music, buskers and late night shopping. cochranefarmersmarket.ca