Cochrane Rockyview Hotel

When Alberta joined Confederation in 1905, the Rockyview Hotel & Saloon was already going strong. An institution in Cochrane’s historic downtown, 37 km (23 mi) northwest of Calgary, the hotel revels in its Wild West past and could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood movie set. These days, there’s no sign of the sawdust that covered the floors when this was the go-to hitching post for cowboys and colourful characters—but the sense of frontier energy and hospitality remains. Step inside for a drink and a pub classic like beef dip or burgers and be sure to leave room for a slice of homemade pie, baked fresh each day. Play pool and darts, watch the big game on a big screen, and show what you’ve got on the dance floor or at karaoke. When you’re having this much fun, why leave? Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the hotel’s western-styled rooms.