The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day, and there’s no need to let the winter doldrums keep you cooped up! The picturesque town of Cochrane is full of winter fun just waiting to be discovered, and we know all the best snow activities to partake in when the temperature dips.
Here are 5 of our favourite outdoor activities to inspire your winter bucket list with local adventures.
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoe your way through the pristine drifts at Cochrane Ranche for an afternoon of rolling meadows, frozen creeks, and quintessentially wonderful winter views. Just 30 minutes south of Cochrane, West Bragg Creek Trails features trails through the forests, wetlands, and vistas of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Or, make a day of snowshoeing in beautiful Kananaskis Country. The wild backcountry provides nothing short of stunning scenery for your winter fun—the towering peaks will distract you from the physical work you’re putting in.
2. Dog sledding
photo credit – Andrew Penner
Watch the stunning scenery of the Kananaskis Valley fly by as you’re carried along by your own pack of huskies. Dog Sledding Tours at Boundary Ranch are a key winter bucket list item to experience the history and heritage of Alberta while getting outside and connecting with beautiful working dogs.
Ride with a musher or go solo after a meet and greet with the dogs and a crash-course in driving the sled. Then, head out on the snow-covered trails to explore the glistening valley, learn about the importance of dog sledding to the Indigenous people who call our area home, and see the incredible Canadian Plains bison herd.
3. Meet the wolfdogs
photo credit – Jo-Anne Oucharek
Get a little wild at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary with an outdoor tour. The tour offers a front row seat to view the wolfdogs from a platform—no trying to look over heads, and only clear shots to photograph the majestic creatures.
While you take in the sights, a guide explains the wolfdogs’ history and significance, so you can better understand the importance of the sanctuary. This is a must-do for dog lovers! The tour takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for all weather.
4. Fat biking
photo credit – Jo-Anne Oucharek
Don’t let the dreary days of winter keep you cooped up inside! Pedal the trails from the seat of a fat bike at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. With plenty of paths to choose from, you can spend all day rolling along next to the Bow River.
While heading out into the cold might not sound like fun, the sturdy mount allows you to bike on terrain you might not ride otherwise. Keep your head, hands, and feet warm for optimal comfort, and you’ll be ready to ride for hours!
5. Winter hiking
photo credit – Jacquie Matechuk
Take an exhilarating hike in your own backyard. Cochrane’s extensive trail network and neighbouring green spaces make for the perfect powdery day wandering 60 km of trails. Go as far as you like, or keep it short and sweet on the paths that wind all over town.
Each trail offers delightful views with the chance to see local wildlife like birds, coyotes, deer, bears, and more. Always remember to properly dispose of trash and take only pictures of your snow activities.
There’s snowplace like Cochrane!
Chase the winter blues away as you tick off your exciting winter bucket list items in Cochrane. Plan your day of adventure with us—you’ll be saying, “Let it snow!”
