24 hours in Cochrane: a must-do on your Alberta itinerary

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Cochrane is more than a quaint small town near the Canadian Rockies. It’s an essential Alberta itinerary stop for any traveller looking to experience western heritage, warm hospitality, and incredible landscapes.

Whether you’re heading west to Banff for a mountain adventure or east to Calgary after exploring the Rockies, spending a full day and night in Cochrane, a special place many travellers overlook, is an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

Where is Cochrane and how can you get here?

Cochrane is a convenient 20 minutes west of the city of Calgary. It’s also close to several world-famous mountain destinations. Cochrane is just 45 minutes east of Canmore, 75 minutes east of Banff and an hour and a half east of Lake Louise — an ideal gateway to the Rockies. Simply put, Cochrane is one of the best places to go in Alberta.

Getting here is straightforward. With taxis, tours, and car rentals available (including airport transfers), you’ve got lots of options. You can travel to Cochrane on the Trans-Canada Highway, or head off the main route to get here via scenic Highway 1A instead. Choose your own adventure!

How to spend 24 hours in Cochrane on your Alberta itinerary

Visiting Cochrane is one of the most underrated things to do in Alberta. After 24 hours here, we bet you’ll agree!

12:00 pm: arrival and lunch

There’s no better way to experience a warm Prairie welcome than settling into town with a delicious lunch.

Treat yourself to a serving of Cochrane’s signature hospitality and amazing Greek food in a cozy atmosphere at My Greek Plate. Or, for a more casual meal, enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes in a welcoming space at the Farmers’ Leaf Market & Cafe.

Early afternoon: explore historic Downtown

Take a stroll through Cochrane’s charming downtown streets and add a wide variety of local gems to your Alberta itinerary.

Found Books & Cafe: An independent bookstore filled with literary treasures.
The Social Spot Marketplace: A perfect spot to find locally-made accessories, bath products, and clothing.
Route 22 Artist Collective: A vibrant art gallery with paintings, ceramics, and more showcasing homegrown talent.
Kitchen Boutique: A home cook’s idea of heaven, where you’ll find every kitchen gadget you could possibly need.
Still Water Tea: A cozy cafe where you can sample and shop for premium loose-leaf teas.

A room in an Art Gallery. Colourful nature paintings stand out against black walls. There is
a white cube display table in the middle with carved wooden pieces on it. The photo is taken straight on, and you can see three walls.

Late afternoon: outdoor adventure time!

Leisurely outdoor fun is calling! Book a tee time at the pet-friendly Cochrane Golf Club for 9 holes (or 18 holes of mini golf), and enjoy the fresh air and foothill views.

Or, if you’re looking for a truly memorable adventure, see the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in a way you never thought you’d experience them on a helicopter tour with LR Helicopters.

5:00 pm: check into your hotel

Stay right in town at one of these conveniently located hotels.

Ramada by Wyndham Cochrane: Find spacious rooms, an indoor pool with a waterslide, a games room, and free continental breakfast — perfect for families and their pets.
Super 8 Cochrane: Get budget-friendly and pet-friendly comfort with a gym, a business centre and free continental breakfast. Rooms feature essentials like a fridge and microwave.

Evening: dinner and a walk

Go for classic comfort food at The Boot, a hidden gem at the end of Cochrane’s main street offering authentic Italian cuisine. Or, try award-winning Nepalese dishes like traditional yak momos (dumplings) at Aama Nepalese Cuisine.

After dinner, unwind with a peaceful walk along Cochrane’s river pathway, where the Bow River and mountain views will treat you to a taste of nature before you turn in for the night. Start your stroll at Riverfront Park.

POV eating pasta. Saucy linguini is being rolled up with a fork and spoon, the plate and some others sit on a red and white gingham tablecloth. There are two glasses of red wine on the right.

9:00 am: fuel up with breakfast

A Cochrane, Alberta itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a hearty breakfast at Sunny Side Up, one of our town’s most-loved local spots. (Pro tip: plan ahead and check the wait list, because this place is often busy!)

Morning: experience cowboy culture

One of the best things to do in Alberta for culture buffs, learn about Cochrane’s rich past and its connection to Alberta’s ranching legacy at the Cochrane Historical Museum.

Right outside of the museum, take a stroll through the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site on your way to Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, where you can dive deeper into Alberta’s western heritage with fascinating ranching exhibits.

Three men are on a wooden deck outside, under a blue sky with puffy clouds and mountains in the background. One of them is branding a piece of wood, and they've got more irons in fire.

Heading west?

On your way to the mountains, finish off your Cochrane visit with these exciting activities.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary: Meet these incredible animals and learn about conservation efforts at one of the most interesting places to go in Alberta.
Bar Jo Ranch: Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through rolling foothill trails.
Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft: Try paintball, airsoft, axe throwing, archery tag, and more!

A woman leans on a wooden fence. Her and a friendly looking wolf dog behind a fence are looking at each other. It's a summer day with green grass and sunshine.

Heading east?

On your way to Calgary, have lunch at the Eagle’s Nest Lounge, then play a round at the Links of GlenEagles, which offers expansive views of Cochrane and the Rockies.

Download the Explore Cochrane app to plan your very own 24 hours in our fun-filled Alberta town.

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