About Cochrane

The vision of the early ranching pioneers to the Cochrane area included a strong sense of community. That vision continues to unfold as Cochrane grows with pride and with a commitment to maintaining a lifestyle that all residents can enjoy.

Cochrane’s location in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, along the banks of the Bow River provides the community with spectacular views and great recreational opportunities.

Located at the intersection of the Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A) and the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) 18 km northwest of Calgary, Alberta, Cochrane is a vibrant, growing community with facilities and services for every need. We have the lifestyle desired by many families and businesses. In less than an hour, residents can travel to the Rocky Mountains and Kananaskis Country, as well as several other provincial parks and recreational areas. Calgary is only a 15-minute drive from Cochrane and has all the amenities a large city offers.

The main business sectors in Cochrane are construction, retail trade, agriculture and business services. There is a growing technology sector, and even manufacturing. Cochrane’s proximity to Calgary offers businesses resources and opportunities available in a larger centre, but in the context of a small community. The Calgary International Airport is only 45 minutes from Cochrane and there is easy access to major highways, including the TransCanada Highway and Highway 1A. Cochrane is an ideal environment to locate a business not only from a quality of life perspective but also because it has low non-residential taxes and no business tax. Economic development is funded directly through a business license fee and supports a variety of business retention and attraction activities.