2019 Experience Calgary

Imagine walking down a path past a strand of multi-coloured poplars in the fall as the leaves feather to the ground, backdropped against the pure blue, big Alberta sky. One cannot help but become fully immersed in nature, and that is what Cochrane’s Riverfront Park encompasses, nature.

The park reflects the lovely natural setting that surrounds it, with natural amenities provided in the children’s playground. Beautiful wooden slides and climbing apparatus will keep the children busy for hours while parents interact with their kids or visit the area and have a picnic.

One of the featured attractions in the park is that it borders the beautiful Bow River. There is a boat launch and many people spend an afternoon rafting or boating down the Bow River, or casting a line into the liquid jewel that has become worldrenowned for trout fishing. Cap the day with a barbeque in one of the half-dozen firepits provided.

Photo courtesy Cochrane Tourism

If people don’t want to get their feet wet, there are plenty of paths, close to 60 km throughout Cochrane for the landlubbers either on foot or on wheels. Regardless of which direction one takes, or which path they choose, people are in for a visual treat. Head west on the paved path and experience the snowcapped mountain view when you rise out of the valley. The stunning vista will literally take your breath away, or the loss of breath may be due to the long hill that climbs out of the valley and into Mitford Park.

Or head east and soak up the stunning flora. Hike along the river winding paths that are walled with Wolf Willow, Wild Gooseberry, Canadian Buffalo-Berry and several other shrub species that populate the southern Alberta river valleys.

The paved path heading east leads visitors to a frisbee golf course. This popular game that can be played year-round. If frisbee golf isn’t your thing, keep following the path east until you encounter a forested area that is reminiscent of a Brothers Grimm story. One must then make a decision, take the path north into the overhanging trees, or continue east along the river to the nearby off-leash dog park and a world beyond.

Riverfront Park is ideally located next to Hwy 22, on the south side of the bridge and is easily accessed from Griffin Road with plenty of parking.

By: Patrick Price