Day Trip to Cochrane, Alberta: Things to See, Do & Eat

If you’re looking for a fun and easy getaway from Calgary, a day trip to Cochrane, Alberta is the perfect choice. This charming little town has so much to offer – from cozy coffee shops and local boutiques to delicious eats and scenic views. Whether you’re craving a relaxing day with good food or some time outdoors surrounded by fall colors, Cochrane makes for the perfect small-town escape.

Vine Coffee Roasters

My first stop once I got to Cochrane was Vine Coffee Roasters for a mug of tea. It was my first time there, and I’m so glad I stopped in. They had a great selection of teas – I went with the fruit harmony blend, and it was so good.

The coffee shop is much bigger inside than it looks from the outside, with plenty of cozy seating without feeling crowded. I loved that there was enough space to relax and enjoy my tea before exploring more of Cochrane.

After finishing my tea, I grabbed my coat and decided to spend some time exploring the heart of town before lunch. There’s something about small-town main streets that always feels so welcoming.

Downtown Cochrane and Found Books

Once I was warmed up, I walked along the main street in downtown Cochrane. The town isn’t very big, so the downtown area is perfectly walkable. It was especially beautiful with all the fall leaves changing colors.

I popped into a few local shops, including Found Books, a charming bookstore that carries both new and used titles. Everything was so well organized that it was easy to find what I was looking for. There were cozy sitting areas throughout the store, plus a little coffee shop inside – such a perfect spot for a book club meetup! They also host community events, which made the store feel even more welcoming.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, take your time wandering in and out of the shops. There are lots of locally owned boutiques and unique spots worth exploring. It’s such a relaxing way to spend part of your day trip to Cochrane, Alberta.

Fence and Post for lunch

For lunch, I had a few restaurants on my list, including Half Hitch Brewing (which I’ve been to before and loved) and The Texas Gate inside the Rockyview Hotel. The last time I was at The Texas Gate, they had live music playing, which made for such a fun atmosphere.

This time, I decided to try Fence and Post since I hadn’t been there before. I ordered the noodle salad from their lunch menu and added chicken. The salad included rice noodles, bell peppers, carrots, sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, and peanuts, with a delicious Vietnamese-inspired dressing on the side. Adding chicken was definitely the right choice – the addition of protein made the meal more filling and satisfying.

The service was great and the atmosphere was cozy, making it a nice spot to slow down for a bit before continuing the rest of my afternoon in Cochrane.

McKay’s Ice Cream

Of course, no day trip to Cochrane, Alberta is complete without a stop at McKay’s Ice Cream. It’s such a local favorite that people drive out from Calgary just for a cone. During the summer, the line stretches out the door and down the sidewalk, but luckily there was no line when I visited.

They have tons of flavors to choose from, but I went with caramel apple pie – perfect for fall! It actually tasted like apple pie and even had real pieces of apple in it. Absolutely delicious.

I’ve written about McKay’s before because it’s truly one of my favorite spots in Cochrane. If you want to read more about my past visits (and my favorite flavors), you can check out this post all about McKay’s Ice Cream.

After finishing my ice cream, I took a quick stroll around downtown to soak up the sunshine before starting the drive back toward Calgary. The scenery between Cochrane and Calgary is beautiful, especially in the fall.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

On the drive back to Calgary, I made one more stop at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, which is located just off the highway between Cochrane and Calgary. It’s one of Alberta’s newer provincial parks and still operates as a working ranch. When I visited, there were signs showing where the cattle were grazing that day, which was such a unique touch.

While the park is only open for day use, there are plenty of walking and biking trails to explore. My favorite time to visit is in the fall when the changing leaves are at their peak. The visitor centre sits at the top of a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. I always leave feeling so grateful to live somewhere with so much natural beauty.

Back in 2012 I shared a full post about Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. It’s such a hidden gem just outside of Calgary and worth visiting year-round.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a day trip to Cochrane, Alberta, you’re in for a treat. Between the charming local shops, delicious food, and beautiful outdoor spaces, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the day. Whether you’re sipping tea at Vine Coffee Roasters, browsing books at Found, or soaking in the views at Glenbow Ranch, there’s something for everyone in this little town.

It’s such an easy and quick getaway from Calgary. You’ll come home feeling like you’ve had a mini vacation without the long drive.

If you visit any of the spots I mentioned, I’d love to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @getfitfiona so I can follow along on your Cochrane adventures.