Activities
Discover exciting activities at The Crossing at Ghost River, plus nearby attractions in Cochrane that make this a truly special destination.
Things to Do at The Crossing
At The Crossing at Ghost River, we offer a variety of activities to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re looking to relax, connect with nature, or have some fun with family and friends, there’s something for everyone.

Nature Walks & Snowshoeing
Discover the serene beauty of Alberta’s foothills with nature walks and snowshoeing at The Crossing. Wander through 145 acres of rolling hills, peaceful forests, open meadows, and along the turquoise waters of the Ghost River, soaking in breathtaking views and reconnecting with nature.
In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland. With snowshoes or ice cleats—available for guest use—you can explore and enjoy the fresh mountain air with a leisurely stroll or an invigorating outdoor adventure.
Riverside Bonfire
Gather around the cozy glow of our riverside fire pit, just a short walk from the main building. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, swapping stories under the stars, or simply soaking in the peaceful sounds of the Ghost River, the fire pit is the perfect spot to unwind.
Stargazing
Experience the magic of the night sky like never before at The Crossing. With minimal light pollution, our location offers an unrivaled stargazing adventure. Gaze up and witness a breathtaking canvas of stars, constellations, and, if you’re lucky, the enchanting northern lights.
From October to March, the longer nights create the perfect backdrop for celestial wonders. Bundle up, step outside, and let the beauty of the cosmos leave you in awe. This is more than stargazing—it’s a moment to reconnect with the universe.
Games
Unleash your playful side with a variety of activities in our games room. Challenge friends to a lively game of pool, show off your skills at ping pong, or aim for the bullseye on the dartboard. Prefer something more nostalgic? Dive into our collection of classic board games.
When the sun is shining, take the fun outdoors with lawn games like bocce ball, croquet, and horseshoes. Enjoy some friendly competition and have a laugh, while creating unforgettable memories.
Movie Night
End your day on a cozy note with a movie night in our inviting lounge. Sink into comfortable seating and enjoy a film to unwind after a day of exploration. Grab some snacks, kick back, and let the cinematic magic add a relaxing touch to your stay.
Swimming
Cool off and immerse yourself in the pristine waters of the Ghost River. Our natural swimming area offers the perfect way to refresh your senses during the warmer months. The crystal-clear, turquoise waters invite you to take a leisurely dip or float along the gentle current.
Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and glide into winter fun at our outdoor skating rink. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely skate under the open sky or gearing up for a spirited game of ice hockey, this rink offers the perfect setting for making memories.
Located near a cozy fire pit, you can warm up between laps or cheer on the action from the sidelines. Enjoy a quintessential Canadian winter experience that’s sure to delight guests of all ages.
Sunset Picnic
Elevate your stay with a Sunset Picnic. Perfect for couples, families, or solo relaxation, this unique add-on offers a tranquil end to a long summer day. Contact us for more information about our Sunset Picnic add-on.
Fly Fishing
Try your luck with fly fishing for trout and rocky mountain whitefish in the Ghost River, directly from The Crossing, or experience a fishing adventure with Hunter Valley Adventures.
The Stirrup
Visit our cocktail bar, The Stirrup, for a delicious locally sourced menu and a variety of cocktails while enjoying the modern cowboy atmosphere.
Things to Do Around Cochrane
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, unique shops, or cultural experiences, Cochrane provides the perfect blend of small-town charm and scenic beauty. There’s plenty to see and do around Cochrane during your stay at The Crossing.
Kelsey's Caravan
Kelsey’s Caravan provides unique excursions for those who are looking to experience a fully immersive outdoor activity. Specializing in Rafting and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) experiences, anyone who is new to the outdoors can feel comfortable and confident booking any of my beginner and family friendly Adventures or Events. For more information and to book your adventure visit: Kelsey’s Caravan
Horseback Riding
Experience the ultimate horseback adventure! Saddle Peak offers a variety of trail rides from half day excursions to day long adventures. Whether it is riding up Pringle mountain or exploring the Ghost River valley, you will not be disappointed with the panoramic views and landscape of the Rocky Mountain eastern slopes.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
A short drive from The Crossing, the Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary offers a chance to connect with these remarkable animals. Learn about their conservation efforts and enjoy an up-close look at the sanctuary’s residents in a beautiful, natural setting.
Helicopter Tours
Alpine Helicopters offers the most spectacular sightseeing tours in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Their locations in Canmore (1 hour from The Crossing) and the Stoney Nakoda (40 minutes from The Crossing) offer unique and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Family Friendly Hiking at Jura Creek
This family-friendly hike is the perfect way to beat the heat in the summer. The smooth rock canyon walls provide some much-needed shade while you enjoy walking through the refreshing waters of the creek bed. Pro tip: Bring a second pair of shoes or a sturdy pair sandals for the creek section so you have dry shoes for the other parts of the adventure.
Jura Creek is also popular in winter and makes a fun ince walk when the creek freezes over.
Door Jamb & Loder Peaks
Accessed from the same parking lot as Jura Creek, Door Jamb and Loder Peaks offer some of the most stunning views of the Alberta Rockies. This challenging yet rewarding adventure is approximately 7 km round trip, with around 750 meters of elevation gain and some light to moderate scrambling.
Explore the Town of Cochrane
Discover the historic downtown of Cochrane, dating back to the 1800s when it began as a sprawling cattle ranch. You’ll find charming shops run by local artisans, culinary delights, art galleries and more.
Early Dawn Farm
Early Dawn Farm offers workshops and classes in their spacious shop and classroom, bringing in experts to share valuable homesteading skills and sustainable farming practices. Whether you’re eager to master cheese-making, learn about rotational grazing, or discover the art of beekeeping, their workshops provide a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Ghost Lake
Less than 20 minutes from The Crossing, Ghost Lake is the perfect setting for all kinds of water activities. On hot summer days, the lake is busy with canoes, kayaks, sailboats, windsurfers, and powerboats for water skiing. The Lake is also a popular spot for fishing with the chance to catch many different species of trout such as Bull Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and more.
Capture The Flag Paintball & Airsoft
With 116 acres, Capture The Flag is one of the biggest and best places for paintball and airsoft in the Calgary and Cochrane area. They offer experiences for all skill and experience levels, including private sessions and low-impact paintball for kids as young as six. While you’re there, make sure to also try their axe throwing, combat archery tag & target shooting.
Ready to Book?
Book online for a relaxing getaway at our charming inn, or contact us to start planning your event at our stunning venue.