A Guide to Calgary Stampede: Everything You Need to Know
Calgary Stampede is one of the greatest annual events happening in Calgary, a city in Alberta Province, every July. In this Calgary Stampede travel guide, we share everything you need to know before visiting this event. From how to buy tickets, how to get, what to wear to what you can expect, we've got you covered.
Calgary Stampede is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth that takes place in Calgary, Alberta every July.
No matter how pompous this sentence sounds, can you imagine what it means, and have you ever heard of Calgary Stampede? If not, and you plan a trip to the Canadian Rockies in July, you should start planning your trip with Calgary Stampede in mind. It is definitely an event that is worth visiting at least for one day.
Well, to be honest, we could hardly imagine what this rodeo celebration is about, but today we are grateful that we could be in the city for ten days when the event took place, and we could personally find out what visiting Calgary Stampede means and how deeply it is connected with the city's history.
It was for sure nothing we could experience before.
For ten days in July, this traditional festival transforms the otherwise modern city of Calgary into a large fair, celebrating western heritage, cowboy culture, rodeo, and everything that is closely connected with such a lifestyle.
To be completely honest with you, we'd never heard about Calgary Stampede before spending a year on a Work and Travel Visas in this very city.
Not sure if we were ignorant, but the cowboy culture is simply not that popular in the Czech Republic and overall in Europe, where we come from.
That's why it took us by surprise, that the event has more than one million visitors every year and what was more interesting, we could observe how local people are proud and excited about the festival.
Only later we learned that Calgary's nickname is Cowtown, so the cowboy roots are really deeply rooted in the culture.
We both worked in hotels in Calgary, and from January, the subject of Calgary Stampede was our daily bread.
We did not only deal with people who wanted to travel to Calgary during this certain time of the year (accommodation is booked out soon and rates are high), but also our coworkers started planning their outfits, and they could not wait to buy tickets for their favorite show.
As the event was getting nearer, we really enjoyed the lift-up atmosphere in the otherwise cold city, and in the end, we decided to purchase a ticket ourselves.
If you are wondering whether it is worth it to visit Calgary Stampede, we can only encourage you to do so.
It is a truly unique event that transforms not only the official grounds but the whole city into a large western village.
Calgary is a gateway to the Canadian Rockies, so if you plan on exploring this beautiful part of Canada, and if you happen to be in the area in July, make sure Calgary will be on your Western Canada itinerary.
This event's dates slightly vary every year, so check out the up-to-date information via this official site, when planning your visit.
For us personally, spending the evening at Calgary Stampede was very special because the next day in the morning, we had a booked flight to Colombia, and we were leaving Canada for good.
There was probably not a better, more traditional way to say goodbye to this city.
In this travel guide, we've decided to put together everything you need to know before visiting the Calgary Stampede.
So put your cowboy hat on, and get ready to spend a few moments surrounded by people dressed like cowboys, rodeo, unforgettable shows, concerts, food trucks, and of course, cattle.
WHERE TO STAY
If you plan on visiting the city during Calgary Stampede, it is good to know that making your hotel reservation well in advance is essential.
The capacity fills up quickly not only in Calgary itself but also in towns nearby.
Put this event together with the high season in the Canadian Rockies, and it is probably more than clear that you should try to secure your room as soon as possible.
Calgary Stampede is one of the events during the year when rates in the city skyrocket, as the number of hotels barely satisfies the demand.
We've handpicked the best hotels in Calgary for every type of traveler and every budget.
Budget | Aloft Calgary University - Modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with great service.
Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook.
Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - Newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.
CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE
The Calgary Stampede would not be complete without the proper kickoff, which is the Calgary Stampede Parade.
This parade has a more than 100-years long tradition, and you can expect marching bands, horses, and plenty of people who walk through the center.
It is possible to watch the parade, but you can sign up and be a part of the parade itself as a volunteer if you want.
We know how hard it is to plan your time in Calgary during the Stampede and decide which day is the best for your visit.
If you are looking for something special, Parade day is actually the most sought-after time to be in Calgary among international visitors.
WHAT TO EXPECT
So what exactly is Calgary Stampede, what can you expect, and what could persuade you to buy a ticket?
Most of the action takes place on the official ground, which actually carries the same name as the event.
However, budget travelers might find it interesting that the whole city during those ten days in July is very much alive, and it is possible to enjoy the atmosphere without having to buy the ticket.
Restaurants and bars are open until the late hours. The city center around Stephen Avenue is packed with people, and you cannot miss the Calgary Stampede Parade, which is the official opening for the whole festival.
We found it very interesting that during the Stampede, most of the restaurants and food corners serve pancakes for free for breakfast - this tradition dates back to 1923, and it is a great thing how to bond with people over the food.
Small concerts or dance shows take place around the city as well.
Overall, the atmosphere is very lively, and this is something we appreciated the most - it is not only about a festival that takes place in one particular spot, but we could see that the whole city lives for the Stampede.
Calgary Stampede is also a perfect occasion to get to know the locals.
What else can you see on the official grounds?
Many food trucks, so it is necessary to say that Calgary Stampede is not for people on a diet. Or you must have a really strong will.
One of the most popular things to see at Calgary Stampede is the rodeo, but we enjoyed more the evening show, which features chuckwagon races and an amazing concert that follows after that.
The event would not be complete without more music, and agriculture corner, and many stands, where you can actually learn about western heritage, culture, arts, and many activities for all. That's probably very important to say.
Calgary Stampede is a perfect event for couples, families with kids, elderly; simply, every person will find here something interesting and entertaining.
Since it was our first visit, everything was very new, and our senses were attacked in the positive sense of the word.
Everything was very visual, but once we got used to the grounds, we could only appreciate how diverse and thought-through this unique event was.
We spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening at the Stampede and thought it really opened our eyes. Calgary Stampede is not here only to have fun but also to keep the tradition of rodeo and western alive.
It educates people, and we must say we have only respect for this culture and are happy to spread the word about such a wonderful tradition that takes place every year in Calgary.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
TICKETS
What else should you know before visiting Calgary Stampede? Probably how does it work with tickets for Stampede.
The general admission costs 18 CAD per adult, seniors and children pay half, while children under seven do not have to pay anything.
The general admission entitles you to enter the Park, visit the stands, play games, taste food (it costs extra), and basically visit the agricultural fair.
The general tickets can be bought both online or at the gate. Then there are tickets for the rodeo and horse races or music events.
These special tickets are the hot stuff, and they are usually gone soon, so make your reservation well in advance.
The ticket price varies, depending on the day and seats, so prepare to pay anything between 20 CAD and 170 CAD per person. The ticket for an event includes admission to the grounds.
You can choose between seeing a rodeo that takes place every day at 1:30 PM and an evening show that includes the chuckwagons race and then the absolutely amazing show.
This program starts at 7:45 PM, so you'll come home late.
We haven't visited the rodeo, only the evening show, but we must admit that we had a blast, even though at first our expectations were pretty low.
If you are traveling on a budget, check out the value days - these deals usually offer a reduced admission altogether with a few more promotions to make your day better.
On the other hand, if you do not mind paying a few bucks more, consider purchasing a ticket that entitles you to sit under the roof - the show is happening when the sun shines or when it rains, and it is more pleasant to sit under the roof.
If you are a super-fan, consider buying a super pass that gives you unlimited entries for all ten days.
HOW TO GET TO CALGARY STAMPEDE
Even though it is possible to park your car for a fee downtown near the Stampede grounds, we recommend a different transport method because the city center is really crowded during these top ten days, and traveling by car can become a nightmare.
According to us, the best way on how to get to Stampede is to either walk from the city center or to use Calgary's public transport, CTrain, to be specific.
CTrain in Calgary has two lines, blue and red.
Stampede is located on the red line, and here you have to get off either on Victoria Park/Stampede or Erlton/Stampede station.
We had a monthly pass for public transport, but you can purchase a discounted day pass for only 7 CAD that is specifically designed for visitors.
During the event, CTrain runs 24/7, and even though it is pretty packed during peak hours or when the show ends, it is still the best way on how to get to your hotel room.
In case you decide on walking, or if you are lazy to switch lines, get off at City Hall, and walk from there. It is actually a very pleasant walk, especially when the weather plays along.
CALGARY IN THE SUMMER
If you are a traveler like us, we believe that once you are in Calgary, you would like to explore it a bit as well.
Summer is actually one of the most wonderful times in the city, and there are so many things to see and do that you can easily kill time before a rodeo or the evening show begins.
To get an idea of what are the best things to see and do in Calgary in the summer, read our more comprehensive travel guide, but here we would like to highlight a few places you should not miss.
First of all, it is the iconic Calgary Tower. This 191 meters high top attraction and the views from the tower are must-do in Calgary.
If you are craving to escape crowds, we really liked visiting Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Visiting downtown is a chapter on its own - during the Stampede, the atmosphere will be very relaxed and cheerful, so enjoy your time walking around.
If we should name one thing we liked the best about Calgary, it was photographing its stunning skyline.
Our two favorite viewpoints were McHugh Bluff or ENMAX Park, so make sure you climb there.
The best light is either early in the morning or then later in the afternoon.
Calgary is also famous for its zoo, Olympic Park, or interesting museums. Simply put, it is impossible to get bored in Calgary, especially during the Stampede.
As we've already mentioned, it is easy to make day trips from Calgary.
Either to the Rockies, but it is not the limit, as another attractive option is the town of Drumheller, which features a Royal Tyrrell Museum (Dinosaur Museum), Horsethief Canyon or Horseshoe Canyon.
CALGARY STAMPEDE OUTFIT
When you start searching for things to know about Calgary Stampede, the question of what to wear starts to pop up.
What should you wear for Calgary Stampede? Well, personally, we think it does not matter, but many people like to dress thematically, to better fit in the western atmosphere.
The perfect Calgary Stampede outfit usually consists of jeans with a leather belt with buckle or black leather leggings, a cowboy hat and boots, and a button-up shirt.
Of course, ladies can opt for a dress as well.
Even though Calgary at the beginning of summer is usually warm, some days can bring colder temperatures and rain as well.
As you will most likely spend the whole day out, pack a warm jacket, umbrella, or rain poncho.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
