Riviera Cochrane: The Riverside Community Like Canmore
Riviera Cochrane is one of those communities most people don't even know exists, and when they finally drive down the hill into it, they say exactly what I said: it feels like Canmore. Tucked along the river on the south side of town, Riviera checks nearly every box for families relocating to Alberta who want a larger home, mature trees, beautiful views, and real privacy, all while staying walkable to downtown. In this guide, I'm walking you through everything from my video: where it is, what's nearby, the home types and prices, options for downsizers, and the honest reasons it might not be the right fit.
Key takeaways
Location: south side of Cochrane, right on the Bow River across from the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre. Technically part of RiverSong, but it feels like its own community.
The feel: quiet, private, and mature, with a cohesive mountain town look. Kids play street hockey and ride bikes here.
Walkable: one of the only south side communities with a short walk into downtown, thanks to a pedestrian bridge.
Price point: one of Cochrane's higher end communities, with most homes priced well above CREB's September 2026 Cochrane detached benchmark of $657,600.
Downsizers: two pockets of bungalow villas, plus new villas being built.
Trade offs: no schools or shops inside the community, and a longer drive out of town for now.
Where is Riviera in Cochrane?
Riviera sits along the south side of Cochrane, just across the river from the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre. It's technically part of RiverSong, but I think of it as its own complete community. When you drive down the hill into the neighbourhood, you immediately notice how quiet and peaceful it is. Mature trees, nature all around you, and views of the river.
That was my very first impression when we moved to Cochrane. It's that rare blend of being close to everything Cochrane has to offer, yet tucked away enough to feel like your own little sanctuary.
What it's like living in Riviera
Riviera is the kind of community where everybody knows each other. Kids play hockey on the street, you can ride your bike safely, and you'll actually make friends with your neighbours. It's one of the more established communities on the south side, so the trees and pathways have had time to grow in, and you still get to benefit from all the growth happening nearby.
Here's the thing, home matters, and so does how a community makes you feel when you drive in at the end of a long day. Riviera has that feeling.
The rec centre, shops, and getting downtown
Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre: a short drive away, which is perfect for busy families with kids in activities or anyone who wants a gym close by.
Greystone: the commercial area being built in Greystone is planned to include a Co-op grocery store, pickleball courts, more shops, and even a hotel, all close to Riviera once it's built.
Downtown Cochrane: only a couple of minutes further for groceries and everything else in the meantime.
Golf and coffee: Cochrane Golf Club and WOW Bakery are close by too.
Pathways, trails, and the walk into town
Riviera is one of the only communities on the south side of Cochrane where you can easily walk into downtown. A pedestrian bridge takes you right across the river, so you can stroll to the grocery store, or do a big loop on your bike or a run. Trails wrap around the community along the river and connect into the trail system in the first phases of RiverSong. Lots of places to walk, explore, and soak in the views.
Want to see how Riviera compares to the rest of town? My guide to the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane walks through every community.
Schools near Riviera
There aren't any schools inside Riviera. If you want your kids to walk to school, communities like Fireside or Sunset Ridge might suit you better. That said, the south side schools aren't far. Bow Valley High School is close by, there's an elementary school in Fireside, and a new school is planned in Rivercrest at the top of the hill. School designations can change as Cochrane grows, so always confirm the current ones with the school division before you buy.
Getting in and out of Riviera
Some people find the drive out of Riviera a little long. Right now, you can head up River Heights Drive to Highway 22, or cross the other bridge and pick up Highway 1A on the north side of town. The Town of Cochrane is extending James Walker Trail, which will give you a more direct route to Highway 22 and make that drive easier.
If you commute into Calgary every day, we'll talk through whether the pros of Riviera outweigh the drive for your family. I have kids. I work. I totally understand how much your daily routine matters.
Riviera Cochrane real estate: home types and prices
Riviera started around 2013 and, apart from some new villas, it's fully built out. There are really just two main streets, Riviera View and Riviera Way, plus a few quiet cul-de-sacs on the south side. Homes are on the larger side, with a mix of custom built homes by builders like Jayman and Trico (often heavily upgraded), homes from smaller builders, and some spec homes.
The whole community was built with an elevated architectural style. The developer had strict rules on colours and stone, and every home has fibre cement siding or stucco. That's what gives Riviera its cohesive mountain town look.
As a whole, Riviera sits at one of the higher price points in Cochrane, because of the views, the size of the homes, and the upgrades inside them. Most homes here are priced well above CREB's Cochrane detached benchmark, which was $657,600 in September 2026. I like to think of Riviera homes in three groups.
Riverfront homes with views
Homes along the river are typically the most expensive in the community, and some of the most sought after in Cochrane. Most are fully finished walkouts with unobstructed views of the river, the sports centre, and across to Greystone and Riverview. Most of these backyards face north, so if you want a sunny yard, that's something to weigh. If you want privacy and a pathway out back, they're hard to beat.
Homes backing the environmental reserve
On the south side of the community, homes back onto the environmental reserve along the hill below Ridgeview. These are south backing homes without walkouts, with less of a view but really great privacy and good sized yards. They don't come up for sale very often, and they also sit at the higher end of the community's price range.
Interior homes
Along Riviera Way and Riviera View, you'll find what I call the interior homes. They back onto neighbours, but they're still a great size with really nice yards, and they're usually the most approachable price point in Riviera. You'll also find a couple of cul-de-sacs near the entrance with a mix of walkouts and homes backing nature.
Bungalow villas for downsizers
If you're looking to retire in Cochrane, don't think I forgot about you. Riviera has two pockets of bungalow style villas, plus new ones being built.
Jayman's River's Edge Villas: right at the entrance. Duplex bungalows, each with its own double garage, some with river views and some backing green space. No condo fees, and they don't come up for sale often.
Condo style villas on Riviera Way: a lock and leave lifestyle, with a condo fee.
New villas by Renova: bungalow and two storey villas at the edge of the community, close to the pedestrian bridge, at the upper end of the price range.
I'd love to walk you through the villa options if this is your next chapter.
Why Riviera might not be right for you
The price point. Riviera is one of the pricier communities in Cochrane. If you're shopping closer to the town's average price, those homes simply don't exist here, and we'll find you a great fit elsewhere.
It can feel far. It's a drive down into the enclave by the river. The James Walker Trail extension will help, but if you want the most direct commute or something more central, we can look at other areas.
It's small. If you want schools, shops, and lots of parks inside your community, Riviera isn't the one.
But if you're looking for private, peaceful, and a little bit of Canmore right here in Cochrane, Riviera should be at the top of your list.
The Cochrane market right now
Cochrane's overall benchmark price was $575,400 in September 2026, according to CREB, and the market is balanced, leaning toward buyers, with more homes to choose from than last year. In a small, built out community like Riviera, the right home may only come up a few times a year, so it helps to be ready when it does. Every month I break it all down in my free Monthly Cochrane Market Report. Already own in Riviera? Start with a free home evaluation.
Watch the full Riviera tour
You really have to see the drive in. Watch Inside Riviera, Cochrane: The Community That Feels Like Canmore on YouTube. Then here's what I'd watch next:
More reading: Heritage Hills Cochrane guide and the honest pros and cons of living in Cochrane.
Free resources for your move
Moving to Cochrane? Grab my free Moving to Cochrane Guide to see which neighbourhood fits your family.
Already own a home? Get your free Cochrane home evaluation.
Want to watch the market? Get the Monthly Cochrane Market Report in your inbox.
Ready to chat? Book a call with me. I'd love to help your family find the perfect place to call home. I've got you.
Riviera Cochrane: FAQ
Where is Riviera in Cochrane?
Riviera is on the south side of Cochrane along the Bow River, across from the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre. It's technically part of RiverSong.
How much are homes in Riviera, Cochrane?
Riviera is one of Cochrane's higher end communities. Most homes are priced well above the town average, and riverfront walkouts are among the most expensive homes in Cochrane. For context, CREB's Cochrane detached benchmark was $657,600 in September 2026.
Can you walk to downtown Cochrane from Riviera?
Yes. A pedestrian bridge crosses the river, making Riviera one of the only south side communities with a short walk into downtown.
Are there schools in Riviera?
No. Bow Valley High School is nearby, there's an elementary school in Fireside, and a new school is planned in Rivercrest. Always confirm designations with the school division.
Is Riviera good for retirees?
Yes. It has bungalow villas at the entrance with no condo fees, condo style villas on Riviera Way, and new villas being built near the pedestrian bridge.
Why does Riviera feel like Canmore?
The developer used strict architectural rules on colours, stone, and siding, so the homes share a cohesive mountain town look, surrounded by mature trees and river views.
Market figures are CREB® benchmark prices for Cochrane for the month noted, shared for general information only. They are not an appraisal or valuation of any specific property. Prices, schools, and community plans change, so please confirm current details before making decisions. Lauren Crouse, REAL Broker.
