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. The developer takes good care of the community and even installed a temporary ice skating rink this winter, and they are hopeful to bring it back for future seasons, she adds.

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 and Slokker Homes. All are relatively new communities where buyers can find a home to fit their lifestyle at an affordable price.

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.

Discover

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Grpf.ca

Glenbow Ranch is 3,200 acres of native fescue grassland and 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.”

Shop

Horse Creek Heritage Candy and Gifts
Horsecreek.ca

This old-fashioned candy shoppe along Main Street is a quaint throwback to the town’s pioneering history. One certainly gets a “Little House on The Prairie” vibe when you go inside.
Horse Creek is now proudly serving Enceladus Chocolates! Gourmet Belgian chocolates, locally made in small batches.

Dine

Half Hitch Brewing Company
Halfhitchbrewing.ca

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 it spopular line of craft beer that includes the Papa Bear Canadian cereal ale, and the Fire ‘N Fury red ale. The dining section is closed currently to observe Covid protocols but they can’t wait to see you back when the situation returns to normal and they can once again serve their sumptuous sharing plates.