Calgary and Area

Cochrane Main Street Boardwalk, photo courtesy of Travel Alberta and WorldWeb.com Bronze from the Foundry, photo courtesy of Travel Alberta and WorldWeb.com

Cochrane, located about 20 minutes northwest of Calgary, became a village in 1903. The town was home to a stone quarry, a sawmill, and four brick plants. The community took advantage of these local products and many of the heritage buildings are still there giving this Alberta town a unique and special character.

The Rockyview Hotel is located in the centre of Cochrane. It is hard to miss with its boardwalk and 1905 facade. A clean simple stay with good food and usually awesome homemade pies available in the Canyon Rose Restaurant downstairs. There is also an amazing carved antique bar in this building, rumoured to have been left behind in the 1920's by the Wild West shows that Calgary and area were known for.
The Studio West Bronze Foundry, just over the tracks you will find the studio and artist Don Beggs. This is a truly Albertan experience. Check out the gallery, home to many of the bronzes you will see in your trek around the province.

Good coffee for the road can be found at Cochrane Coffee Traders on 2nd Avenue around the corner from the Rockyview Hotel. The bookstore next to the coffee shop is a nice stop to - usually offering a glimpse of local artwork too. And of course, what would a trek to Cochrane be without a stop at McKays Ice Cream shop!

The Arts are alive and well in Bragg Creek. The community centre hosts art shows and music nights. First Nations artist Dale Auger brings together a weekend of artists 'Dale Auger and Friends' - definitely worth the 1/2 drive southwest of Calgary. It is also the entrance to Kananaskis Country - a component of the 'Circle and a bit Tour'.

The Steak Pit is a great place for dinner. And if you want to spend another day - the Steak Pit has some funky condos! During the summer breakfast can be found at the Millarville Farmers Market - Alberta's largest outdoor market!

If you have room for more food after a morning at the Market - we recommend lunch at Route 40 Soup Company in Turner Valley. Amazing food, some of the best we have found on our treks. According to the locals you might want to spend a day or two here - live music, picturesque countryside and good food. Does it get any better?

The Leighton Art Centre, Gallery and Museum is only 15 minutes southwest of Calgary. This 80 acre site in the foothills is the historic home of AC and Barbara Leighton. The centre offers adult and children's workshops. Unleash your creative potential!

And these foothills are no stranger to music, the Foothills Acoustic Music Institute offers two annual camps.

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