Cochrane homes and communities
A town on the Bow River with mountain views, a historic main street and quick access to Kananaskis and Banff.
Cochrane sits on the Bow River where the prairie meets the foothills, west of Calgary. It has grown from a ranching town into one of the area’s most popular places to live, while keeping a historic main street and a small-town feel.
What Cochrane is like
The town spreads across the hills on both sides of the Bow River. Older streets around the historic downtown give way to established communities like Heritage Hills and GlenEagles, and newer ones such as Sunset Ridge, Fireside, Heartland and Riversong. Many homes have views of the Rockies.
Homes you’ll find
- Detached homes, from older bungalows near downtown to new two-storey builds.
- Duplexes and townhouses in the newer communities.
- Condos, fewer than in Calgary, mostly near downtown and the main roads.
Getting around
Highway 1A connects Cochrane to northwest Calgary, and Highway 22 runs south to the Trans-Canada Highway toward Banff. The town runs local on-demand transit, but most people commute to Calgary by car.
Everyday life
The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre has arenas, a pool and fitness space. Cochrane Ranche historic site and the Bow River pathways are popular for walks, and Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park lies between Cochrane and Calgary. The Cochrane Community Health Centre provides urgent care. Public schools are run by Rocky View Schools, and Catholic schools by the Calgary Catholic School District.
Who it suits
Families and couples who want space and mountain views, people who spend their weekends in the mountains, and anyone working in northwest Calgary who’d trade a longer drive for small-town living.
Communities to look at
- Sunset Ridge
- A hillside community with views of the mountains, mostly detached homes with some townhouses.
- Heartland and Riversong
- Newer communities on the south side of town near the Bow River, with detached homes, duplexes and townhouses.
- Fireside
- A newer community on the east side of town with many recently built family homes.
- Heritage Hills and GlenEagles
- Established communities with larger detached homes; GlenEagles is built around a golf course.
Questions about Cochrane
Is Cochrane a good choice if I work in Calgary?
Many Cochrane residents commute to Calgary, mostly by car on Highway 1A. Northwest Calgary is close; downtown and the south take longer at rush hour. Test the drive before you buy.
What's special about living in Cochrane?
The setting. The Bow River runs past town, the foothills and mountains are in view, and Kananaskis and Banff are close for weekend hikes and skiing. The historic downtown keeps a small-town feel.
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