A Guide to Cochrane’s Arts & Culture Scene

La Casita Coffee has just opened a new location in the Common Works, a Community Art space. What a perfect way to start your creative getaway! It’s clear how much Luis and Martha care about the craft of coffee, and you’ll taste it in your very first sip.

After you finish your columbian coffee, wander through the art gallery space at the Common Works. Or plan ahead and take a workshop at this new community arts space.

This gallery is a collaborative effort of over 100 artists. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and photography. And the neatest part? Everyone working in the gallery is an artist! Be sure to ask them what pieces they’ve created when you go in!

Studio West has been making bronze sculptures for decades – and they are featured around the globe! Call ahead and arrange for a tour of the workshop – Shirley and Don love to show off their process!

The Social Spot marketplace is filled with goods from Alberta artisans. You’ll find textiles, jewelry, handcrafted toys, prints, culinary ingredients, and home decor. This is the spot to get your perfect Alberta souvenir. .

Saffron Pottery Studios offers hands-on classes, and on the weekend, their pottery shop is open. This is the perfect stop to find a gift for the art lover in your life, or get just one beautiful ceramic mug!

This unique little museum is ideal for history buffs. You’ll find a huge archive of historical documents from the Canadian Prairies, as well as western art, sculpture, and furniture ( be sure to look at the piano!). There’s also a small mercantile with unique souvenirs.

For dinner, experience culinary art at the Fence & Post and choose from housemade dishes with local Alberta ingredients. Be sure to save room for dessert – the cake of the day is always delicious!

Found Books is a cozy indie bookstore-cafe stuffed with new and used books and comfy couches for reading. The Found stage features independent musicians and literary talent. Buy tickets early, grab a drink from the bar, and settle in for an evening of entertainment.

Rocky View Taproom also features live musicians and fun evening games like puzzle races and trivia. Be sure to check their Instagram feed for the most up to date events! https://www.instagram.com/rockyviewbrewco/

Spend the night right in the centre of Cochrane at the newly renovated Canalta hotel. This post it fantastic for families – the waterslide and games room are always winners!

Take a medicine walk right in Cochrane to learn about the abundance of native plants, OR head north up the Cowboy trail to experience a nature walk or workshop on their unique propery.

Take a moment and stop into the historic Bottrel General Store – this space is crammed to the roof with interesting artisan goods.

Learn about the art of bees. Take a tour and learn about beekeeping and how the family-owned business started making a craft mead beverage that is unique to our region. On summer weekends, be sure to arrive when the pizza oven fires up and spend some time lazing on the patio or in the hammocks nestled in the birch trees

Early Dawn Farm is a unique destination where you’ll be hosted by a farmer and a former zookeeper! They offer all kinds of creative workshops, from cheese and sausage making to basket weaving to eco-plant-based printing. When you book a workshop and Early Dawn, you’ll also get a chance to see the goats, sheep, and Clover, the resident dairy cow.

Spend a relaxing evening at the Crossing at Ghost River. You’ll be inspired by your creative getaway and the natural beauty at the Crossing, so bring a journal, sketchpad, or camera and find the perfect bend of the river to write, paint, or take photographs.

From half-day all the way to three-day workshops – learn the indigenous craft of hide tanning from Alberta Land Based Education.

Route 22 offers a variety of workshops, from painting to collage, sculpture to handicrafts. Look at the event calendar, or book a private session with your group.

Get out of your head and into your hands. Learn the art of soapstone carving, and leave this workshop with your own creation.

Get a group together and book the Branding Experience. This experience includes the region’s history and cattle branding in Alberta. You’ll learn about how brands are created, design your very own, and then burn your brand into a piece of barnwood to take home as a souvenir.

Spend an afternoon as an artist in Cochrane. Work with local painter Nicole Bahniuk to explore alcohol ink—a medium that surprises you at every step. No experience needed, just the willingness to let go and see what happens on paper. Great for groups, family gatherings and celebrations.

The Common Works is a new community art space with a woodworking shop, a pottery studio, and a big space for all kinds of art and creation. Check their website for upcoming workshops!

Saffron Pottery studio is a clay lover’s dream! Choose from multi-week workshops and partial-day workshops perfect for groups. Learn how to throw pottery on a wheel, or handbuild your very own creation.