Pedal your way through the best of Alberta bike routes

The wheels on the bike go ’round and ’round! Cochrane has some of the best Alberta bike shops to get your gear, and everything from mountain bike trails to road riding opportunities to keep you outside all day.

Cruise around Cochrane and discover new routes that will thrill and entertain you for hours. Here are the 4 main types of cycling you’ll find in town, and our favourite places to get behind the handlebars.

4 ways to ride your bike in Cochrane

1. Road biking

Experience flying without wings! A lightweight bike designed for road cycling handles with ease and will have you zipping along, taking in beautiful scenery as the wind whips through your hair.

Check out the Horse Creek/Grand Valley Loop for a great time. Beginners and advanced riders alike will love the breathtaking two-hour ride, covering approximately 50 km. Work hard on the uphill ride leaving town, and coast your way downhill coming home.

Cycle for transportation, recreation, or competition at Cochrane’s mecca of paved routes. Visit Bike Cochrane for a updates on events and projects or download the Explore Cochrane app or map your next day of cycling with the Trip Planner.

2. Gravel biking

Test your endurance skills! Somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike, the gravel bike is designed for longer rides at a slower pace, and will give you the comfort you need to travel over longer distances on bumpy roads.

Cochrane is full of gravel options to rip along. You’ll find loops ranging from 20 to 100 km or more, that allow for a fun way to explore the area. Don’t forget to grab your map to add new avenues to your riding roster.

Whether you’re a competitive or recreational cyclist, don’t miss out on Rogelli’s Cochrane Crusher on August 21, 2022. Pedal-push your way through the fondo endurance challenge, races, and e-bike events, including Alberta’s first e-bike gravel ride.

 3. Mountain biking

Take it off-road with Alberta mountain biking! Challenge yourself with rougher terrains and obstacles, practice your technical skills, and soar down trails surrounded by nature. Check out the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site area for a wide variety of flow and jump trails just waiting to be ridden.

To encourage ethical planning and maintenance of our wonderful cycling options, Bike Cochrane is working to become the town’s trail stewards. This will allow Cochrane to add to its extensive network of mountain bike trails and ensure accessibility to Alberta mountain biking through actively managed, mapped, and maintained routes with appropriate signs.

 4. E-biking

Electric bikes offer accessibility and extended use for a plethora of rides. Whether you’re travelling longer distances, or carrying heavy bags like groceries or shopping, e-bikes can make your trip easier and allow you to ride longer.

Stop by Bike Bros. to pick out the perfect e-bike for the kind of biking you’re looking forward to. Then, hit the Mitford Park Loop via Riverfront Park for an easy and scenic ride along the Bow River, or take a longer tour on the Glenbow Outer Loops Trail a 9.7-km loop at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. There’s so much to discover on two wheels!

Cruise on skinny tires, or race along Alberta mountain bike trails. Pedal casually along the river, or commute to work. Grab your ride or die, and head out for Alberta bike adventures.

We know all the top spots—plan your next ride with us at Cochrane Tourism.