Experience Canada’s Western heritage in Cochrane

If you want a taste of the Canadian West with a modern twist, you’ll love Cochrane, Alberta. Here, cowboy culture, outdoor adventure, and Indigenous traditions intertwine to create a rich sense of Western heritage that’ll make you want to stay a while in our small town.

We’ve curated four unique ways to immerse yourself in Cochrane’s Western heritage, no matter your travel style. There’s a small town welcome waiting and an experience for every person in your group.

Your gateway to Western heritage

Connect with culture hands-on through activities

Saddle up for a Western adventure on horseback in the mountains of Kananaskis Country with Boundary Ranch. The views will take your breath away — and make you feel like you’re in a classic Western film. Day rides (with a cowboy cookout-style lunch) and overnight pack trips are available.

Or, check out the riding packages with overnight stays offered by Saddle Peak Trail Rides in the Ghost River, Ya Ha Tinda, and Panther Dormer regions. Saddle Peak also runs longer trips where you can live like a cowboy on a three, four, or five-day ride and stay overnight at rustic wilderness cabins. 

If you’re interested in equine culture, but horseback riding isn’t your speed, book the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Branding Experience for private groups. This activity will give you a taste of history plus a takeaway of your chosen brand imprinted on a piece of wood.

Visit attractions steeped in Western heritage

Although a lot has changed since the town of Cochrane began in the 1800s as a cattle ranch, you can still experience Old-West charm when you visit our historic downtown. Stroll the quaint streets and pop into the local shops (more on that later!), or sample delicious homemade food at our independently-owned restaurants.

Next, head to the Cochrane Historical Museum for a deeper dive into Western heritage. Learn about a time when transportation was limited to horse carriages, buses, and passenger trains, and see Cochrane through the eyes of settlers, ranchers, and farmers. Note that the museum is closed in winter.

Prefer spending time outdoors? Get some fresh air at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, just east of Cochrane. Walk or cycle the trails (most of which are suitable for kids) as you take in stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.

Join in some laid back, small town fun at local events

Every summer, locals and visitors alike head to the Cochrane Fair for a weekend full of Western heritage. The whole family can experience mini chuckwagon races, mutton bustin’ (a fun event where children ride sheep), and learn about farm life. Kids will love the pony rides, too!

Or, country music fans will love the Bow Valley Boot Stomp, featuring live music, dancing, and good ol’ country fun. This festival also offers delicious food, a curated marketplace, games, and more. You can even camp on-site and stay all weekend long!

The September long weekend, which falls on the first Monday in September, is THE weekend to experience Western Culture and Indigenous heritage in Cochrane. Cochrane’s newest festival, Cochrane Discovery Days will feature living history actors and musicians strolling the historic downtown, an old-fashioned kids carnival, a tipi village, a wood branding experience, and a natural history discovery station ( just to name a few things).

Looking to learn about Indigenous traditions? Attend the Stoney Nakoda Pow Wow, a multi-generational Indigenous gathering where dancers in Indigenous regalia showcase cultural dances alongside drummers and singers. Enjoy traditional cuisine and a deep sense of community. This event takes place just outside of Cochrane in Mini Thni, on the Labour Day weekend.

Also on Labour Day weekend, don your finest cowboy hat for the annual Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo. Considered one of Canada’s toughest amateur rodeos, expect to see many of the same riders and stock showcased at the world-famous Calgary Stampede, but in an intimate small-town setting.

Visiting in winter? Check out the Bunkhouse Bonanza, a family-friendly Western celebration presented by the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation. Learn about the rich history of agriculture in Alberta, and stop by the photo booth where you can dress up in classic Western attire for a photographic keepsake of the event!

Find the perfect Western souvenir or gift

Want to look the part of a cowgirl while in Cochrane? Head to Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack. This Canadian-owned brand has been in operation since 1983, and it’s where fashion and cowboy culture merge. You’ll find clothing, boots, hats, and accessories for adults and kids from top Western lifestyle brands. 

If you’ve never been to an old-time candy store, you need to visit Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts. And if you have been to one, you know how charming it is — and how they’ve always got the best candy. Located in Historic Downtown, Horse Creek radiates Western heritage. The store’s look, feel, and products celebrate Alberta’s Prairie and ranching culture. Here, you’ll find delicious candy and gourmet Belgian chocolates, locally made products, and Cochrane-branded souvenirs.

Cochrane also has an incredible local arts scene. A visit here isn’t complete without stopping by Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery. This multidisciplinary visual arts gallery is a collaboration of many dedicated local artists. And the talent on these walls is impressive. You’ll find landscape art, wildlife photography, ceramics, and so much more to take home a piece of the West.

Looking for more ways to explore the new West? Download the Explore Cochrane app to discover activities, attractions, dining, and shopping.