All Blog Entries by Justin Havre

In Cochrane, you can find many of the artist Lewis Lavoie's influence. He created the process of a mural mosaic which is taking lots of smaller paintings and creating a larger painting. It’s amazing the amount of detail you have to pay attention to in order to create on large picture with lots of smaller ones. The artist truly had a unique vision when he first brought this type of art into being.

The Different Murals You Will Find

The first one was created in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada in the year 1997. In 2004, a painting contest went on for twenty four hours to raise money for charity using the mural mosaics. Lavoie created panels with different shapes and colors to help artists create something of their own style. The final mural mosaic is a

Pika-Adventures are your source for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures in Cochrane. They specialize in small and personalized guided outdoor recreational experiences including hikes, snowshoeing and backpacking adventures. Their programs are designed for small groups that are ready for a unique and enjoyable adventure. They will work with you to plan something that works for your personal interests and fitness level. Here is a look at what you can do through Pika-Adventures of Cochrane.

Adventure Options

Pika-Adventures offers several possibilities for you to experience and choose from. A popular choice is the Snowshoe Adventure through the snowy Rocky Mountains. It’s a winter wonderland on snowshoes where you’ll not only enjoy nature

Golf lovers need to check out The Links of Gleneagles near Cochrane, AB. Located on the edge of the Rockies, The Links of GlenEagles is a golfer's dream with serene courses and an excellent location being just minutes from the Calgary limits. It's an 18-hole golf course with challenging fairways, breath-taking views and exciting playability. Along with golf, The Links of Gleneagles offers a Pro Shop, practice facilities, dining and more. Here is a look at why this golf course is a top choice for golf near Cochrane.

About Gleneagles

The Links of Gleneagles' management team is committed to offering the best golf experience in Western Canada. The course offers a championship length par-72 18-hole course, practice facilities including chipping green and

If you enjoy horses and you want to see some of the best country areas near Cochrane, Saddle Peak is the right choice for your trail rides. With horseback riding by the hour, day or week, you can choose how much time you want to spend out on the trails. Saddle Peak also offers vacation tips into the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The company hasn't gotten too big in the over 30 years in business. They still provide a truly western experience and only run about 25 head of horses with on city frills. There are no bars or restaurants on these trail rides.

Hour and Day Rides

On Fridays and Saturdays from May to October, the company provides overnight trips, along with hour rides. You can get to the range around 4pm and head out on a one hour ride after

Whether you need to visit the Cochrane area or put up guests visiting you, it's important to know where you can stay. The city offers a few options ranging from hotels to camping. Here are some of the choices for your stay in the Cochrane area.

Hotels

Two major hotels serve the Cochrane area. Both provide plenty of access to the city. The two hotels you can choose from in this area are:

• Days Inn & Suites Cochrane - 5 Westside Drive
• Ramada Cochrane - 10 Westside Drive

Both hotels are worldwide chains and provide plenty of amenities.

Bed & Breakfasts

If you prefer a more intimate stay with plenty of perks, a B&B might be the right way for you to go. Cochrane offers two excellent B&Bs for your stay or for the stay of your visiting

Cochrane provides a location not far from a number of good restaurants. There are plenty of unique choices throughout the area and even more just a short drive away. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Cochrane.

Olive 'R Twist Bistro & Bar - 205 1st Street West

Update: Permanently Closed
This trendy bistro and bar provides plenty of excellent martinis and dishes on the menu. They offer a number if interesting dishes and use the freshest ingredients possible. Olive 'R Twist has been named as a gold award winner for the Best of Cochrane five times and a silver award winner six times. Some of the top menu items include the coconut shrimp, baked brie, grilled salmon salad and prime rib.

Texas Gate Bar & Grill - 304

The Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre opened in 2001 and offers indoor recreation to residents of Cochrane. They believe in a health history and a fit future. The Sports Centre has operated as a user pay model in which they are financially self-sustaining and run off of membership fees.

They offer drop-in programs, kid’s camps, a gymnasium and arena for the public to use. They offer birthday party facilities and even facility rentals. Here is a look at all you can enjoy at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Arena

The arena is used for a variety of purposes. Your kids can learn to play hockey, you can drop in for sticks and pucks to practice or try drop-in public skating for all ages. Play ‘n Sk8 for children will help them learn

The Inside Out Experience is an Alberta recreational activity that you won’t want to miss out on. It’s a fun, safe and memorable experience in the great outdoors of the Canadian Rockies. All ages and skill levels can participate in the Inside Out Experience in the mountains of western Canada. You’ll experience spectacular views, an unforgettable vacation and outdoor adventure. Here is a look at what you can enjoy at the Inside Out Experience.

What to expect

The Inside Out Experience is an outdoor trip for all ages and abilities. You’ll get to try adventures like mountain biking, day hiking, whitewater rafting and horseback riding. You’ll have a professional and knowledgeable guide making for a completely safe experience. The company has an

There's always something fun going on throughout the Cochrane area. The city is full of great facilities for all types of events and things to do. There are some unique things about the community and plenty for everybody. Here are some of the facilities and programs you may discover throughout Cochrane.

Facilities

The recreational facilities found throughout the area include plenty of parks with ball diamonds, outdoor ice rinks and soccer fields. There are more than 20 parks with playgrounds, trout ponds and so much more. Residents also enjoy more than 30 kilometres of pathways used all four seasons.

Along with the parks, Cochrane provides:

• The Big Hill Leisure Pool
• The Bow Centre
• The Nan Boothby Memorial Library
• Spray Lake Saw

The Cochrane Valley Folk Club is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization. They provide many authentic live concerts to the Cochrane area every year. The club started by performing in the Cochrane Boys and Girls Club back in 2000, but has since expanded into the Cochrane Alliance Church.

They provide stellar entertainment with some of the best productions in the area. Many of the performers fit the roots, blues and folk genres. The club provides monthly concerts for the community to enjoy.

Upcoming Shows

Even though the club is about half way through the season, there are plenty of great shows coming up including:

• Danny Schmidt & Carrie Elkin - Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - This duo was named to the Chicago Tribune's 50 Most significant