Life in a Western town! Things to see and do in Cochrane

Fireside of Cochrane

Life in a Western toWn!

things to see and do in CoChrane

by PePPer rodriguez

With its blend of authentic western heritage and modern amenities, sitting on the gateway to Kananaskis and all the recreational opportunities it presents, as well as the everyday majestic views of the Bow River and Rocky Mountains that never get old, the Town of Cochrane is truly like no other.

Throw in an ever-increasing variety of new housing options and you’ve got the makings of a great little community to live in. Which makes it easy to understand why so many new residents – already close to 30,000 - and businesses are flocking here year after year.

But despite its rapid growth, Cochrane’s small-town charm and tight-knit community spirit are what residents love so much about it. Nichole Holden, who moved to Cochrane’s young community of Heartland in 2013 says this is what drew her here.

“I come from a small town in central Alberta and I grew up with this strong sense of community, and this is exactly what I found here in Cochrane, particularly in Heartland. This is where I want to raise my family,” she tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

Heartland by Apex Developments is just one of the dynamic, young communities that have made Cochrane so appealing to new home buyers, especially young families. There is also La Vita Land’s Fireside and The Willows in south Cochrane; Precedence at Riversong by Tamani; Sunset Ridge by Melcor Developments; and Rivercrest by Qualico Communities. All are relatively new communities where buyers can find a home to fit their lifestyle at an affordable price.

CoChrane living

Fireside was designed to please the family. There are 32- acres of parks and pathways connecting the community, drawing people together. Flagstone Park is a getaway for families, with a full playground for the kids and benches and picnic areas for parents to keep an eye on young ones while talking with friends

and neighbours. Families will find the community has their future in mind. Laned, front-drive, duplex and townhomes are available.

While the master-planned community of Heartland on Cochrane’s west side has grown rapidly with new amenities adding to its easy-living nature, and the addition of more home types and a new homebuilder means a greater range of choices for buyers.

Daytona Homes is the latest to join Heartland’s homebuilder group and they will be offering frontdrive homes with their signature innovation and flair they are known for. They will be opening their showhome early next year.

One of the newest communities in Cochrane is Rivercrest. It is jointly developed by Slokker Communities and Qualico Communities and boasts some of the best views in town.

“Rivercrest offers a community that is both beautiful, and in a great location,” Slokker Homes president Peter Paauw said. “You can see the Rockies from the community, and some homes will even have views of the Bow River and Rocky Mountains.”

WesTern lifesTyle

Cochrane’s Main Street in the downtown is perhaps its most famous landmark, but for those unfamiliar with it, Nichole says there is more to enjoy in this Western Heritage town than just McKay’s ice cream.

One of its most beloved landmarks is the Glenbow Ranch, which has 3,200 acres of native fescue grassland and is also an active cattle ranch. Enjoy stunning vistas, rolling hills, and spot the occasional cowboy as you explore nearly 40 kms of paved and shale path.

But Nichole says enjoying nature in Cochrane is even easier. “You can just go out your backyard and hit the pathways and trails around the neighbourhood and you’re already surrounded by nature,” she says. “The recent opening of the pedestrian crossing to the river from Heartland makes this even much easier and enjoyable.”

Cochrane’s Main Street has a vast array of quaint local shops, but one of the most easily recognizable is the Horse Creek Heritage Candy and Gifts shop. It is a quaint throwback to the town’s pioneering history. Horse Creek is now proudly serving Enceladus Chocolates! Gourmet Belgian chocolates, locally made in small batches.

Every Western Heritage town needs a saloon, and you can’t be anymore homegrown than family owned and operated Half Hitch Brewing. It’s a restaurant that has become known for its popular line of craft beer that includes the Papa Bear Canadian cereal ale, and the Fire ‘N Fury red ale.

Horse Creek Candy Shop Heartland

Half Hitch