The gift-giving season is upon us, but no need to worry—Cochrane’s got the perfect present to make shopping merry. Whether you’re buying for a nature lover, artist or creator, or someone who has everything, visit an enthralling Cochrane art gallery or wander a bespoke craft market. For an unforgettable outdoor encounter, book a tour with an Alberta adventure guide to give a gift that will leave them speechless.
Here are our top 3 categories to find enviable gifts at a local business this holiday season.
1. Adventure gift cards for memorable outdoor experiences
Gone are the days of boring vouchers. Alleviate the pressure of giving the perfect present by letting the recipient choose their own Alberta adventure—with a gift card!
Give your loved one the gift of an escape to the great outdoors, even if it’s in their own backyard. Get off the grid with Hunter Valley Adventures gift cards—they never expire and are good for any of the company’s offerings. Your person can reconnect with nature in exhilarating ways, like whitewater rafting, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, or hiking. Discover what really lies in our breathtaking locale!
Or, get an altitude adjustment with Great White North Guides. Gift a voucher to brush up on avalanche safety training, get a professional introduction to ski touring or split boarding, or experience the thrill of a brisk day skiing powder in Lake Louise. The expert guides will ensure your pal has the experience of a lifetime crossing wild mountain adventures off their bucket list, like scenic multi-day traverses to cozy lodges, rustic huts, or tents.
Fun in the sun should be on everyone’s wish list! Kelsey’s Caravan Adventure Hostel gift cards can go toward any outdoor activities or gift shop items. Share a trip on the water with a River Raft Adventure featuring Class 1 and Class 2 waves, and time in nature with a lunch break on a secluded island. For a more relaxed outing, Kelsey’s offers stand up paddleboarding sessions ranging from short and sweet to longer tours. If getting wet isn’t on your friend’s list, they can see what dry land has to offer with a picturesque guided hike.
2. Locally made indulgences for all tastes
Surprise and delight your nearest and dearest with a high quality gift made right here in Cochrane.
Turn an artistic vision into a 3D reality! Alberta Metal Works creates personalized and seasonal decorations for homes and businesses. You’ll find unique fire pits, signs, metal renderings of beloved pets, and creative designs to add finishing touches to any room or outdoor area.
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting beside a roaring fire on a cool night? Coulee Outdoor makes smokeless fire pits that are compact and portable for camping trips, with larger versions for bonfires and backyard grilling. Everything is crafted with durable and sustainable materials, including their fire pit accessories like gloves, screens, lids, and grills.
After a BBQ, make sure the bar is stocked with everything your giftee needs for a joyous celebration or a quiet night enjoying a quality drink. Stop by Krang Spirits for craft liqueurs, vodka, and gin, and don’t forget to personalize the bottle with custom etchings. No bar setup is complete without glassware, coasters, and bar towels. Cheers!
3. Art galleries for one of a kind showstoppers
Give a meaningful gift from the art. For art collectors and enthusiasts, visit the Cochrane art gallery Art Evolution to find a piece that encapsulates your loved one’s style and taste. The gallery showcases stunning original paintings, sculptures, photography, and fine art reproductions by well known artists like Alexey Slusar, Salvador Dali, Toller Cranston, and many more.
Bring the wild west home with a trip to Studio West Bronze Foundry and Gallery. The gallery showcases the work of the internationally renowned bronze sculptor Don Begg alongside other celebrated western artists. A reflection of Cochrane’s deep western roots, the art displays the rich historical impact of ranching and farming on our area. Take in the extraordinary bronzes and monuments, as well as paintings, prints, and artifacts that any cowpoke will tip their hat to.
4. Markets and Collectives for beautiful handmade goods
Be amazed by what Cochrane’s talented makers are producing at a local craft market or collective!
Cross off what’s on your friend or family member’s wishlist with a trip to the Cochrane MADE Artisan Markets! Peruse over 60 vendors to discover delightful artisanal products like beaded bracelets, hair accessories, and cozy knits. Or, make any foodie’s mouth water with fresh baked buttery croissants, handcrafted dips and spreads, and decadent desserts they’ll be thrilled to sink their teeth into.
Then, don’t miss out on the unique offerings at Quirk Social: The Pop-Up Holiday Market. Featuring small businesses from the Cochrane community and their beautiful wares, there are many gems to discover. Explore everything from melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and small batch roasted coffee to essential oil-infused candles and artful hand-blown glass creations.
Operated by local artists, Route 22 Artist Collective is the perfect place to ‘Gogh’ for original artwork! Many of the creations are inspired by the area’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, depicted through myriad mediums. Art lovers will be in awe of the paintings, photography, woodwork, sculptures, glasswork, and mixed media that are ready to call a new wall home. Or, kickstart someone’s creative journey with a beginner’s acrylic landscape painting class.
A new favourite mug will help keep your buddy fueled while they work or relax, and Saffron Collective has just what they need! The collective specializes in practical and usable art, created in-studio by talented ceramicists. Amongst the distinctive pottery, you’ll also find wonderful paintings available for purchase. For a hands-on experience, classes showcase the art of wheel throwing and hand building with clay.
Give the gift of local spirit
Don’t wait until the snow falls to shop for the season—let your favourite businesses deliver the holiday magic for you. Keep your eyes peeled for more ideas in the Town of Cochrane Gift Guide, hitting your mailbox the week of November 14, or shop with us today and beat the crowds.
