Calgary to Cochrane and Area
Explore Alberta’s foothills, take a walk on the wild side with a wolfdog, and hit a bull's eye with a bow and arrow.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
A short drive west of Calgary off Highway 1A is the only privately-run provincial park in Alberta. It’s all part of a working ranch. Book a tour and learn about its ghost town, sandstone quarry and the plants and animals that live here. See the ribbon of the Bow River to the south and enjoy the vistas of prairieland rolling toward the Canadian Rocky Mountains on the western horizon.
A Local Favourite Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
For a one-of-a-kind experience, book the interpretive tour where you have a chance to interact with these magnificent creatures. Learn the stories of wolfdogs Grizz and Freya or any of the sanctuary’s 55 rescued residents. At the visitor centre, pick up more information on wolfdogs and wolves and find a souvenir. All proceeds go to their care and upkeep. Please follow sanctuary guidelines to keep both you and the animals safe.
A Local Favourite Lunch at Half Hitch Brewing Company
Head back to Cochrane and have lunch and a local pint on the patio of one of the area’s finest craft breweries. Start with a tour behind the scenes to see how they make their award-winning lagers, pale ales, porters and IPAs. With names like Fire N’ Fury, Farmer’s Daughter and Shotgun Wedding, how could you go wrong? Try their famous “burnt ends” brisket bites smothered in Fire N’ Fury BBQ sauce.
Painted Warriors Ranch
Reconnect to the land and experience the ways of the Ojibway, Mohawk and Cree cultures. Learn archery from an Indigenous perspective through certified coaching from the owner/operators. Book the one-hour basic archery target practice or learn traditional bow and arrow hunter-gatherer skills.
A Local Favourite Fallentimber Meadery
Pre-booked private tours are available summer weekends at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (or by appointment). Learn about the operations of the Ryan family farm (run by three generations). Tour the Meadery and enjoy tastings of their most popular beverages. All are made from honey harvested on their own land. Finish up on the patio with a cold one (ask about the pizza!) and pick up some tasty treats for the road.
Dinner and Overnight at the Rockyview Hotel
The Rockyview Hotel is one of Alberta’s oldest operating hotels. Dine on the patio or inside at the Texas Gate Bar & Grill, drop into the lounge for a game of pool (free on Sundays) and a nightcap, then head upstairs to bed in your cozy wood-panelled Old West-themed room.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Make sure you stop at McKay’s Ice Cream for an afternoon pick-me-up. This popular spot often has a lineup, but the original flavours like Nanaimo Bar and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle are worth it!
