Cochrane Tourism promotes six ways to reduce stress

It’s well established that spending time outside is crucial for physical, mental and emotional well-being.

And Albertans (or others) looking for access to nature don’t need to travel any further west than Cochrane or the surrounding area to get their fix of the great outdoors.

In an effort to highlight the benefits of ‘outdoor therapy’ (and attract more visitors in the process) Cochrane Tourism recently launched a promotional package called “Top 6 Stress Relief Activities.”

Cochrane Tourism executive director Jo-Anne Oucharek said getting west-bound travellers to stop in Cochrane was one of the main goals of the project’s idea.

“If you're looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of life and experience the beautiful nature of the Bow Valley, we have amazing things to help you get outside because it's crucial right now for your physical and mental and emotional well-being,” Oucharek said.
“Those people looking for something to do on a more laid-back, like a chill approach, we have great things to do here in Cochrane.”

Campers looking to sit back and chill out around the campfire have a couple of local alternatives, such as the Bow RiversEdge Campground, which has full hook-up facilities and easy access to local trails and the Bow River, or Spring Hill RV Park, which has all the amenities for RVing right on site, as well as a massive playground.

Saddle Peak Trail Rides offers horseback rides featuring basic skills and the chance to get up close and personal with the horses over a one to two-hour ride. Alternatively, riders can truly learn about the equestrian guides with a half or full-day journey with mountain views.

They offer lodge rides to The Crossing at Ghost River, Ya Ha Tinda and Panther Dormer Region, which feature beautiful trails through picturesque grasslands and forests framed by the mountains.

For more information go to saddlepeaktrailrides.ca.

Great White North Guides offers a guided hike through the Historic Cochrane Ranche area, which is a sort of combination nature and archaeology tour.

Great White North promises that “abundant wildlife and fascinating cultural artifacts provide photo opportunities you’ll cherish forever, and your experienced guides will share all the secrets to this wonderful place.”

Fishing may be one of the most well-known stress relief activities. Nestled in the heart of Cochrane, Mitford Pond is home to stocked rainbow trout, as well as other fish species like yellow perch and bullhead.

It’s a 20-minute drive from Cochrane to Ghost River, where anglers have the chance to net rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Or, a brief 30-minute ride to Winchell Lake presents the opportunity to reel in a trophy-sized northern pike or walleye, among other fish. 

Kelsey’s Caravan Adventure Hostel’s water boarding experience offers a combination of breathtaking views and expert instruction. They promote stand-up paddle-boarding (SUPing) as Has the best way to get a unique perspective of the Bow River and beyond.

Oucharek personally vouches for “SUPing” the Bow.

“I've been on the water and the Bow River is a beautiful float,” she said.