5 Best Parks in Cochrane AB: Playgrounds, Parks, & Trails

Take a walk in the park, stroll in the sun, and explore the natural beauty of Cochrane, Alberta. From Riverfront Park to Mitford Park, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park to Matt Krol Park, and Sunset Ridge Playground, the town of Cochrane has great green spaces for you to enjoy. So grab your hat, camera, and favourite walking shoes, and be ready for an adventure in the best parks in Cochrane.

Riverfront Park

With its natural playgrounds, boat area, extensive network of pathways, disc golf course, and off-leash dog park, Cochrane's Riverfront Park is a nature-lover's paradise just south of the Glenbow neighbourhood. Kids can explore the wooden slides and log climbing structures for hours. Parents can relax or have a picnic while their kids play. The riverfront location also offers the chance to go rafting, boating, or trout fishing. At the end of the day, visitors can sit around a fire or barbecue with friends.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the park connects to the 70-kilometre paved path system that winds throughout Cochrane. Heading west, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains. Heading east, the path winds through lush flora and shrub species native to the area. 

Riverfront Park is conveniently located next to Highway 22, just off Griffin Road. There's plenty of parking to make a visit easy. With its natural playgrounds, boat area, and winding paths, Riverfront Park is the perfect park in Cochrane to explore nature and have fun.

Mitford Park

Experience nature's beauty and a range of outdoor activities at Mitford Park in Cochrane’s West Valley neighbourhood. This stunning park offers two baseball diamonds, a covered stage, and a nearby soccer/rugby field, making it the perfect spot for community events. Relax at the picnic tables or benches while admiring the views of the Bow River. 

Kids can explore the skateboard park to their heart's content, and hikers or bikers can explore the paved paths. You can even try your luck at fishing in one of the two ponds, which are stocked with rainbow trout. During the winter, the upper pond is maintained for skating and skiing. Mitford Park is a hidden gem in Cochrane, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Discover the stunning vistas and rolling hills of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, less than 10 kilometres southeast of Cochrane. Located on 3,200 acres of native fescue grassland, this active cattle ranch offers plenty of exciting sights and activities to explore. With over 25 kilometres of well-maintained paved pathways, you can take in the views of the Calgary skyline and the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, you'll find interpretive signs that offer insight into the park's history and diverse flora and fauna.

When planning your trip, remember to give yourself adequate time to explore the pathways, as they can be quite lengthy and cover various types of terrain. Make sure to dress for the weather and bring along some water for your journey. You may even get lucky enough to spot a few cowboys at work along the way!

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and adventure. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or an exciting cycling journey, you'll be sure to find plenty of fun in this beautiful park.

Matt Krol Park

Come explore the nearly 4-hectare Matt Krol Park, with its natural beauty, playground, and sports amenities. Take a stroll and admire the natural beauty of the park or set up a picnic with your family. If you're looking for more active activities, this park in the Riverview neighbourhood has a soccer field and a baseball court. Or, visit the Cochrane Golf Club next door! They have nine holes of standard golf and 18 holes of mini-golf.

Kids will love the playground, and you'll appreciate the convenient parking facilities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or an active game of soccer, Matt Krol Park has something for everyone. So come and enjoy all that this park in Cochrane has to offer.

Sunset Ridge Playground

Sunset Ridge Playground is a highlight of the Sunset Ridge community and a great place to spend an afternoon. Explore the playground and its imaginative equipment, substantial rocks, and dedicated sections for all ages. Toddlers have their section, while older kids can enjoy the rocks and logs. You'll also find a serene pond and winding pathways. Picnic areas and substantial rocks provide plenty of opportunities for play and exploration.

The landscape is picturesque, and the atmosphere is peaceful. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a spot for the kids to burn off energy, you'll find it here. Enjoy the shade of the trees or take a stroll along the pathways.

Enjoy the Best Parks in Cochrane

You can't go wrong with any of the parks in Cochrane. From Riverfront Park to Sunset Ridge Playground, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to get in touch with nature or just enjoy a sunny day, these parks will leave you feeling refreshed. All in all, it's hard to beat Cochrane's parks for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, take a break and take a walk—you won't regret it!