The Cochrane center point is about 9 miles northwest of Calaway Park and 13 miles northwest of Canada Olympic Park.
Cochrane's weather is usually best between late May and late September. You could have fine weather in April or October, but snow could also make it too cold to enjoy Cochrane's most popular activities such as hiking, golfing, and wind sports. Summer is the peak tourism season, and local hotels charge accordingly. For more affordable accommodations and pleasant weather, visit Cochrane during late spring or early fall instead.
Winter weather can be unpredictable. It's not uncommon for heavy snows to fall, only to have the white stuff melt away with a warm day and Chinook wind. This unpredictable weather can make planning a winter getaway difficult. While Cochrane isn't far from the skiing and snowfields of the Rockies, unseasonably warm weather can leave the area devoid of snow. Cochrane and other neighboring cities also tend to slow down during winter, which can frustrate travelers. The dry winter air can also take some getting used to for out-of-towners.
Whether you are on a tight budget or have a little more money to spend, you don't want to spend more money than you have to on your Cochrane accommodation. Thankfully the city has several great hotels offering discounts to selected guests. Simply present your valid identification when you check in to lock in your preferential rate.
Super 8 by Wyndham Cochrane treats AAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, government personnel, serving military and veterans, and large groups needing 10 or more rooms to special savings. These discounts make this already affordable pet-friendly hotel a real bargain. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed with creature comforts like microwave ovens, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. If you want to self-cater, ask for a room with a hot plate and slow cooker. You won't need to make your own breakfast, though; a generous buffet with hard-boiled eggs and waffles is laid out each morning.
Ramada Cochrane is a more upmarket alternative for travelers who love discounts. As it's also a Wyndham property, the same guests receive discounts. The hotel has more of a friendly, family feel to it, though, with BBQ grills for outdoor cookouts, a game room, and a swimming pool with a waterslide. The guest rooms also feel a little more polished. If you want to eat in, book one of the large rooms with a fully stocked kitchenette. Enjoy a sleep-in, then saunter down to the free breakfast buffet. With all your favorite morning indulgences, it's the perfect way to start the day.
Your dollar will always go further at the following hotels in the Cochrane area. These are just some of the local accommodation providers committed to offering guests great value for money.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cochrane delivers the sort of value-packed stay you'd expect from this popular accommodation provider. Its rooms are clean and comfortable with inviting beds, microwave ovens, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. You won't pay a cent more for the high-speed internet access or the cereals, pastries, and waffles on the Daybreak breakfast bar. There's a gym for intense workouts, but since the pool is inside and heated, you can also burn the calories swimming laps at any time of the year. Onsite laundry facilities make the Days Inn an excellent choice for long getaways.
Applause Hotel Calgary Airport is a more upscale hotel option, but some unique features make it worth a little splurge. Rather than a traditional buffet, the hotel's free breakfast is made to order. Early check-ins and late check-outs help you make the most of your vacation. Just like its nearby sister hotel, Hotel Clique Calgary Airport, there are two hot tubs on the SkyDeck. It also has a Tonic Kitchen + Bar serving cocktails until 1 a.m. If you'd rather have a quiet night in, choose a Blu-Ray movie from the lobby. The in-room 47-inch LED TVs are perfect for watching Hollywood blockbusters.
It might be a smaller town than nearby Calgary, but Cochrane still has some great annual events. These events attract tourists from across Alberta, so secure your accommodation early to lock in the best rates.
Cochrane knows how to celebrate Canada Day, with live bands and a family-friendly dance party bringing the whole community together. A fireworks display once the sun goes down caps off the festivities.
The rodeo comes to Cochrane every Labor Day weekend. The annual event is considered one of Canada's toughest amateur rodeos, so prepare for some serious thrills and spills! Live music and food vendors add to the fun.
Cochrane Light Up is one of the city's most beloved Christmas traditions. Held in late November since 1984, the event sees businesses decorating their shop fronts and choirs singing carols. It's so festive, even Santa Claus can't resist a visit! The Parade of Lights is always one of Cochrane Light Up's highlights.
Cochrane is a friendly city with a small-town feel and a booming population. Make Cochrane your home away from home, and discover why so many people are attracted to this Western city on your next getaway.
Below are reviews of the city of Cochrane, AB from an actual visitor's perspective.
It's absolutely beautiful and doesn't seem to hard to navigate.
Great scenery, friendly people, lovely golf course.
Enjoyed the Half Hitch brew house and Boston Pizza. Nice neighborhood
I only slept in town I was working on a film set as well as this time sleep and off to film set down the road.
The scenery is phenomenal! The city gives a small-town feel with full service.
The river was beautiful!
We were there for the wedding and never been to Cochrane. It's our first time and the town is gorgeous.
Beautiful spot in Alberta!
Very accessible from the highway in the center of my vocation plans.
I just loved the downtown and all the unique shops
Walking trails are awesome. Easy access to all businesses. The nine hole golf course is a great little facility.
The town was a good mix of the new and old. Well laid out and easy to find whatever you wanted or needed. Hard to beat a mountain view.