Trails & pathways

Cochrane has more than 80 kilometres of pathways, trails and public sidewalks. This pathway system helps connect our community.  

Use the interactive map below to find your new favourite trail or plan your next walk. It includes information on current and future paths and the type of pathway surface. 

Interactive map

Pathway & trail etiquette

Our trails are used for a variety of activities, so it’s crucial to share them responsibly. Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. 

• Maintain a safe distance — Whether you’re running, walking or biking, be mindful of others. Maintain at least two metres of physical distance from other users. Share the space responsibly and alert others to your presence with your voice, bell or horn as appropriate. 
• Be respectful of others — Keep to the right side of the pathway except when passing or turning left. Move off the trail to the right when stopping. Yield to slower-moving traffic: cyclists should yield to pedestrians, and joggers to walkers. Move to the right side of the trail for less mobile users. 
• Ring your bell — Using your bike’s bell is a courteous way to notify others on the trail that you’re approaching. 
• Wear the proper equipment — Follow provincial guidelines for safety equipment while riding your bicycle. 
• Exercise caution — Before hitting the trails, ensure you are familiar with proper skating and braking techniques. Maintain a safe speed so you can quickly brake or stop if needed. 
• Always shoulder check — Before turning or passing, look behind you, and use hand signals to communicate your intentions. 
• Share responsibility — Trails are for everyone. Lead by example and help teach others proper trail etiquette. 

By following these simple rules, we can keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all.

Sidewalk/pathway snow & ice clearing

Within 48 hours after a snowfall, Cochrane clears snow from sidewalks and pathways, including: 

• sidewalks adjacent to Cochrane-owned buildings, properties and Cochrane-maintained parks 
• sidewalks adjacent to public schools 
• municipally maintained stairway links within communities 
• bridge walkways across the Bow River and Jumping Pound Creek 
• asphalt pathways and sidewalks adjacent to roadways, allowing pedestrian access to the downtown core 
• asphalt pathways within parks and environmental reserves 
• asphalt pathway links 

Areas not designated to be cleared of snow: 

• residential sidewalks 
• unpaved pathways within parks and environmental reserves 

Pathway snow routes (PDF)

Sanding & salting

Sanding and salting of streets, lanes and sidewalks ensures a reasonable level of safety for motorists and pedestrians.