Located in the heart of Alberta's cattle country, Cochrane is situated at the base of the Big Hill in Bow Valley River, 37 km (23 mi) northwest of Calgary's city centre and less than an hour's drive from the spectacular Rocky Mountains. This rapidly growing town isn't shy about its ranching heritage, which is demonstrated in many forms. The Cochrane Ranche Historic Site is proud of its heritage as the first large-scale cattle operation in Western Canada in the late 1800s and exhibits this pride through interpretive trails and displays. Country and western themed shops in Cochrane's downtown further the tribute to its heritage and cowboy hats can be found in both shop windows and on the heads of real cowboys who live and work in the area. While in town, try some famous ice cream or stop in at a saloon for a pint and some Alberta beef, ordered medium-rare for an authentic western experience.