Name: Bow River Inn
Address: 3 West Side Drive, Cochrane, Canada, Cochrane, Alberta, CA
Price range: $63–$190 per night
Rating: 8.53

What guests think

At Bow River Inn, travellers describe a simple, no-frills motel with clean, spacious rooms, friendly staff, and easy drive-up parking in a quiet spot near the Bow River trails and walkable dining.

Guests frequently note recent room renovations, practical in-room extras like fridges or kitchenettes, and straightforward, efficient check-in, with many considering it solid value compared to staying in Banff or Canmore. Common trade-offs include no breakfast, an older exterior and grounds, occasional noise from neighboring rooms or HVAC, and a few maintenance or pricing frustrations during peak periods. Expect a straightforward, budget-minded base for exploring the area.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Drive-up parking is a consistent convenience, with many guests parking directly outside their rooms. The exterior and grounds look older and could use some upkeep; beyond parking and Wi-Fi, few additional amenities are noted.

Related guest reviews

8

Robert

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We came on a holiday weekend and all the hotels were sold out, overpriced or both. This one looks like a motor inn from 75 years ago on the outside, but the room was well updated, quiet, clean and comfortable with good bed and new fixtures and TV

10

Brenda

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rooms have been recently renovated and are clean and had everything I needed. It was quiet also. Staff at front desk as well as Maintenance folks were great to deal with. So overall good value. Outside/Grounds could use some sprucing up. And missed having fridge having freezer compartment to freeze my ice-pak. I enjoyed my stay.

6

Michael

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a very basic older motel. The room was clean and simple. The exterior needs work. The lawn was 8-10 inches high and unmowed, making me hesitant when I drove up. I like independent local places. This one could be much nicer.

10

Dale

Nov 28, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is an amazing place to stay. The rooms are super clean and spacious. We love their price point also. Being able to park outside our room is very convenient. The location is near Tim's, A&W, along with several other great eateries. The owners and staff are very accommodating. We have stayed at other hotels in Cochrane and they have all been great, but our favorite is Bow River Inn.

8

Colette

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Newly renovated. Able to park motorcycles in front of our room. No breakfast included.

10

Ivan

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean and comfortable. Professional staff. Drive up rooms are convienient

10

Donna

Jul 6, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Clean and quiet motel with parking right in front of our room. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. Beds were comfortable. Nice sitting area by the window with table and 2 chairs.

10

DYLAN

May 23, 2023

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Stayed 2 nights

Easy check in and check out, outdoor access for all rooms with guaranteed parking spot. Less then an hour from Canmore! Had a great stay!

6

Vernon W

Jul 9, 2025

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Stayed 5 nights

This a budget motel and met that level. Bed was just ok for comfort. However it was clean and was what we needed. The owners could clean up the grounds to make it more appealing. Grass not mowed, trees and shrubs very overgrown.

10

Dennis

Feb 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quick over night, I like the motel, park right in front of the door, quiet, close to gas, coffee, and breakfast. Really easy checkin, nice friendly young man up front. Great price, will definitely use again. The only suggestion would maybe up grade the shower towels, they were minimal size.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is a strong point across reviews, with many calling rooms very clean or spotless. A few guests reported issues like cobwebs, mildew, dust, or hair in bathrooms.

Related guest reviews

10

Ken

Nov 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One of the cleanest rooms I’ve stayed at.

10

Pauline

Aug 25, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Friendly and helpful reception staff. Spotless clean; quiet; comfortable; spacious; and well-equipped room. No additional charge for parking and internet. Good value!

10

Cathy

Oct 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, comfortable, enough space, pleasant staff and close to great walking trails.

10

Maria

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

One of the cleanest rooms i have stayed in. Great value and service. Would stay here again, thank you

10

Alison

Sep 30, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Cobwebs above curtains not the cleanest room

10

Laurie

Jun 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean

10

Julie

May 25, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great staff, clean rooms, and convenient to downtown and the bike path.

10

bryan

Sep 11, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

This motel is very clean and friendly. Well kept clean rooms and great staff

8

Diane

Sep 14, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Clean, but dated motel in a busy area. Our rooms in the back were remarkably quiet. Beds were comfortable, towels were small and thin. Also no fan in the bathroom and there was mildew on the ceiling. Staff was very pleasant.

10

Betty

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean and comfortable. Staff were polite and accommodating.

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Rooms

Rooms are spacious, often recently renovated, and generally comfortable, with practical touches like fridges or kitchenettes. Some guests mention thin walls, occasional HVAC or TV issues, sparse decor, or mattresses and pillows that didn’t suit their preferences.

Related guest reviews

6

Bong

Aug 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The receptionists were friendly, and the check-in process was quick and efficient. The room was clean, AC was appreciated. However, this establishment is a motel rather than an inn. The walls are quite thin, so you can hear everything happening in the neighboring rooms.

10

Matthew

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was big and clean, it looked recently renovated. One bizarre thing was there is nothing on the walls of the room, not a single piece of art. It made the room echo a little, not a big deal but noticeable.

8

Selina

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check-in/check-out. Large rooms, seems to be recently upgraded. Some minor things-tv was really difficult to use and get going, there was a smoke detector removed from the ceiling and the wires were still hanging, the AC made the room very damp after running for awhile. Bed was comfortable, room seemed clean. Wouldn't have sat on or used the couch but I think that's just personal opinion - hotel couches gross me out. Parking was easy and available, easy to get to the Inn. Quiet area. Very small check in office with minimal drinks available for purchase. Price was ok, but I feel most places in the area are overpriced. It was a cheaper option for us attending a wedding in Canmore.

10

Vivian

Dec 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was at the back so views were of an open treed area. It was a great deal for what I paid. Beds are super comfy! I should have looked to see if it was the mattress or a topper because I want it for my bed at home!

8

Cara

Aug 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bow River Inn has easy check in and access to room space for mobility challenged guests. However the walls are thin and noise from other guests can be disturbing.

8

Robert

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We came on a holiday weekend and all the hotels were sold out, overpriced or both. This one looks like a motor inn from 75 years ago on the outside, but the room was well updated, quiet, clean and comfortable with good bed and new fixtures and TV

8

Rhonda

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Coffee machine didn't work and pillows have lost their fluff!

10

James

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

located beside a paved walkway with great views and a stocked fishing pond. Our room looks like it was resently redone and is very nice. The kingsize bed was not as comfortable as it could be. kind of harc.

8

Diane

Sep 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, but dated motel in a busy area. Our rooms in the back were remarkably quiet. Beds were comfortable, towels were small and thin. Also no fan in the bathroom and there was mildew on the ceiling. Staff was very pleasant.

8

Dan

Jun 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had been updated and was roomy. Bed was comfortable. No Continental Breakfast which is a bit of a drawback. Many places now provide a bag breakfast if they don't have an area for breakfast. Enough electrical outlets for my laptop and plug in electronics to recharge. They put in an oval toilet instead of an oval one so you had to push the door past the toilet seat to get it to open all of the way.

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Service

Service is widely described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with smooth check-in and occasional upgrades or quick fixes. Isolated complaints cite poor hospitality, overbooking, or feeling questioned about guest numbers.

Related guest reviews

10

Elizabeth

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk service was great, friendly, professional. Room was roomy and clean. Coffee available in the room and the office (tea, too) and cold drinks for a toonie. Hair dryer didn't work, but it was fixed. A relaxed, no worry stay.

10

Stephanie

Jul 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I don't think I've had a better experience staying away from home. Booked two rooms for two nights due to a surgery close by. Before we checked in our rooms were upgraded, we were given a wheelchair accessible suite which was such a convenience for the limited mobility I had. I ended up needing medical supplies from a surgical site opening and they were quick to help with what we needed to get that under control as well as bringing us extra pillows to prop me up in bed. Anytime we asked for help it was met with kindness, compassion and a quick resolution. Never had a stay with more helpful staff, couldn't have chosen a better place to stay. Despite the smoke and extreme heat, it was the most comfortable stay my family could have had. Will be back in the future and will absolutely recommend to anyone looking to stay in the Cochrane area. Thank you for the great experience!

8

jorge

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was great to accommodate early check in. The room was ok, not a 5 star by any means..lol! But it was fine, over priced for what you got. The water was super hot though and the bed was comfy. Just the cleaning staff was obnoxiously loud at 8am in the room next to ours, and the worker guys staying there were also ridiculously loud! But over all it wasn’t the worst ever.

8

Emily

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

He kept asking if we had more people when I added everybody from ny room. Asked me on the phone and when we checked plus when I went to get another key. Wasn’t trusted.

2

Ron

Oct 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Golfed in a tournament all day. Drove 2 and a half hours expecting a reserved room. Showed my reservation to the desk person and was told they were overbooked and couldn't do anything for me. Long weekend and couldn't find anywhere else for under 500.00 dollars. Ended up driving all night. Never staying there again. Even the manger when contacted by the desk clerk couldn't have cared less.

10

Annie

Feb 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We really enjoyed the helpfulness and friendliness of staff. The room was clean, quiet, beds comfortable and location handy to fast food outlets and Boston Pizza. We would definitely stay there again.

10

Jason

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had an excellent experience here, even when our take out was delivered without utensils and plates the manager didn't hesitate to supply us with everything. Definitely recommended

10

Wayne

Apr 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice people Room was ready before check in Asked for special things to be done when gone to do thing like put flowers in room I had delivered and they were very happy to help Asked for a later check in Upgraded room from original booking I will be going back the next time I'm in town

10

Matt

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic experience with some of the best customer service I've ever had at a small local hotel. Wouldn't ever stay any place else if I was in the area

6

Aleta

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was clean and staff helpful but the tv did not work and one evening the adjoining room was very loud keeping us awake until 3:00 am.

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Location

Quiet setting near the Bow River pathways with park or mountain views, plus easy walking access to coffee and restaurants. Convenient for road trips and visiting Canmore, Banff, or Calgary.

Related guest reviews

10

Debra

Oct 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

For an older motel it has everything you need for a comfortable night stay. No need for them to offer breakfast as there are several restaurant choices a quick walk away including Timmies. I really liked the easy access to walking trails through a community and along the Bow River. The price is right!!

10

Edward Tyler

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice and clean. Close to restaurants, great walking/jogging trails new by.

10

Stacey

Sep 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We were lucky to be able to do an early checkin at 1:30 pm. That was very nice. Great location next to a park on the Bow River with awesome trails along the river.

10

Sharon

Aug 31, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

It was nice, quiet, clean and friendly staff. Location also perfect!

10

Lynn

Sep 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, very clean, beautiful river walk nearby

10

Linda

Apr 26, 2024

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Stayed 8 nights

Perfect location within walking distance of everything. Beautiful view in the rear area

8

Eric

Jan 21, 2023

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Stayed 4 nights

Great location between YYC and the mountains.

10

terry

Aug 4, 2023

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Stayed 8 nights

A few minutes away from downtown Cochrane by car and easy access to the trans Canada highway #1 ( about 15 minutes) to travel to Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise and Beyond. More choices for restaurants on the outskirts of Calgary are about 20 minutes away.

10

manas

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location by the river, alot to walk around, some food places around too

10

Geoffry

Jun 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and quiet.

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Dining

No on-site breakfast is provided, which several guests missed. Nearby options like Tim Hortons and other restaurants are a short walk away, and in-room kitchenettes help with self-catering.

Related guest reviews

10

Debra

Oct 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

For an older motel it has everything you need for a comfortable night stay. No need for them to offer breakfast as there are several restaurant choices a quick walk away including Timmies. I really liked the easy access to walking trails through a community and along the Bow River. The price is right!!

6

Roger

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean but very basic. It served our purpose however the elevated price charged for it was not reflective of the level of accommodation provided. Front desk was friendly. Location is good. There are a few restaurants a short walk away which is good because the motel provides nothing extra.

10

Jeffrey

Sep 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It would be nice to have a breakfast for the price you pay. Even a quick grab and go breakfast would be better than nothing.

10

Beverly

Sep 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Close to Tim Horton’s and other fast food restaurants. Close to the golf course. Very, very, quiet.

10

Dale

Nov 28, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is an amazing place to stay. The rooms are super clean and spacious. We love their price point also. Being able to park outside our room is very convenient. The location is near Tim's, A&W, along with several other great eateries. The owners and staff are very accommodating. We have stayed at other hotels in Cochrane and they have all been great, but our favorite is Bow River Inn.

10

Annie

Feb 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We really enjoyed the helpfulness and friendliness of staff. The room was clean, quiet, beds comfortable and location handy to fast food outlets and Boston Pizza. We would definitely stay there again.

10

Richard

Jul 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was a nice place to stay for a couple of nights as we explored around the area. We knew there was not a breakfast provided which was fine. We planned ahead.

10

Evelyn

Aug 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This is an older property but it has been upgraded. A little bit bigger because it’s older. Pleasant staff. The only thing missing is a place to have breakfast. You have to drive to a restaurant.

8

Montana

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Rooms were clean. Staff was friendly. Location was great, right beside other hotels. Affordable. Only wish breakfast was included.

8

Dan

Jun 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room had been updated and was roomy. Bed was comfortable. No Continental Breakfast which is a bit of a drawback. Many places now provide a bag breakfast if they don't have an area for breakfast. Enough electrical outlets for my laptop and plug in electronics to recharge. They put in an oval toilet instead of an oval one so you had to push the door past the toilet seat to get it to open all of the way.

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Month	Average price
January	$53
February	$59
March	$67
April	$71
May	$102
June	$126
July	$152
August	$140
September	$112
October	$77
November	$62
December	$59

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19 $190
20 $126	21 $158	22 $126	23 $126	24 $126	25 $190	26 $174
27 $87	28 $94	29 $94	30 $94

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $78	2 $110	3 $110
4 $63	5 $79	6 $78	7 $78	8 $78	9 $110	10 $110
11 $78	12 $78	13 $78	14 $78	15 $78	16 $110	17 $110
18 $79	19 $78	20 $78	21 $78	22 $78	23 $110	24 $110
25 $78	26 $79	27 $78	28 $79	29 $78	30 $110	31 $110

Bow River Inn

Prices for Bow River Inn

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 1 Queen Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews of Bow River Inn

Who stays here?

What guests think

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Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Bow River Inn

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