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Some of the biggest names in entertainment will be performing live. It’s a key stop for politicians. Even newlyweds, Will and Kate will make an appearance. And Chris will be there too as the Travel Show broadcasts on location from the greatest outdoor show on earth …
The Calgary Stampede is a celebration of western values and heritage – and will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in 2012. The people and their stories make the Calgary Stampede a unique destination! It boasts the richest outdoor rodeo in the world - the best cowboys and the toughest stock go head-to-head for ten days and over $2 million in prize money.
The GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon event is a key must-experience event at the Stampede. During nine nightly heats, you’ll witness all the heart-stopping action as 36 drivers, 288 horses and their teams of outriders vie for over $1.15 million in prize money!
The Calgary Stampede is also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with some of the hottest entertainers on the charts performing on several stages throughout Stampede Park including the Pengrowth Saddledome. The 2011 Stampede Concerts lineup includes: New Kids On The Block & Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney.
There is also a spectacular theatrical presentation known as the Evening Grandstand Show that ends with nightly fireworks.
The Stampede also includes fascinating agriculture events throughout the 10 days. There can be as many as 4,000 animals on Park at any time during the Stampede. And the Stampede’s Indian Village offers a wide range of opportunities for visitors to get an insight into first nations’ culture. The Indian Village represents the five tribes of the Treaty 7 – the Siksika, T'suu Tina, Nakoda (Stoney), Piikani (Peigan) and Kainai (Blood).
There is a spectacular Parade through the city of Calgary, and the city embraces the Stampede with events such as pancake breakfasts. The Calgary Stampede is a city-wide celebration, not just a great event on Stampede Park – and what a city!
There is so much to see and do in Calgary – from zip lining at the Olympic park to shopping the eclectic neighbourhoods. Famed for juicy Alberta steak, Calgary offers diverse culinary delights. It has vibrant arts and culture, and over fifty Summer Festivals. And it’s close to the Rocky Mountains for outdoor adventure.
Calgary has a thriving culinary scene with award winning chefs almost literally on every corner. Of course, it’s famous for Alberta beef – or venture on the daring side and try some locally raised bison, elk or venison featured at several Calgary dining establishments. But don’t stop there, as Calgary’s cultural diversity shines through with fabulous Italian and French restaurants. And for nightlife, the Ranchmans is the place to be for a truly authentic western experience, where you can learn how to line dance every week or jump on the mechanical bull – if you dare.
The Calgary Tower is a landmark that many people will remember from the 1988 winter Olympics where the flamed burned – making the tower the world’s largest Olympic torch. The torch is still lit today for special occasions, like Canada Day and during the Calgary Flames race for the Stanley Cup.
Calgary offers local theatre, the Calgary Philharmonic, and the Alberta Ballet. For a western experience, how about horseback riding – or dare to take a turn on the back of a bull! For adrenalin junkies, how about a trip on the zip line at Canada Olympic Park – or if you visit in the winter, you can feel like an Olympian with a turn on the bobsleigh track.
Calgary Zoo is a must see. Visitors can discover the Canadian Wilds animals (grizzly, cougar, wolf, and more) – it’s a great preparation ahead of a trip to the Parks for the wild adventure in the Banff. Butterflies return to the Calgary Zoo in the ENMAX Conservatory – you will find them all through the summer… there will be 12,000 butterflies over the course of time. And Dinosaurs Alive! brings the dinosaurs to life, with 20 realistic, scary animatronic dinosaurs!
Calgary features over 40 festivals and events from May through September. Major festivals include, of course – the Calgary Stampede, and Globalfest which takes place in August which is an international fireworks competition that takes place over 8 evenings. Spruce Meadows in an international icon in the show jumping community - they host a variety of international show jumping events including the Spruce Meadows National in June.
Discover “How the West was Once” at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum. It includes the newly-opened “Gasoline Alley” – a hands-on, interactive museum that features a collection of one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles and oil and gasoline related artefacts. Fort Calgary is the original site where in 1875 the North West Mounted Police constructed a palisade fort with the aim of suppressing whiskey traffic along the Bow River.
Calgary Stampede Trip Showcase
- Fly to Calgary and stay at least 2 nights
- Get Rodeo tickets including Park admission – the best of the best saddle up each afternoon for a ground-shaking showcase of World Class rodeo action. Watch as top-ranking professionals compete for $2 million dollars in prize money. Its rugged rodeo excitement you’ll not soon forget!
- Be sure to see the Evening Show – Witness nine heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races explode in an all out dash for the finish line. Chuckwagon Racing is an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower ~ a challenge that ignites thousands of fans each night. Then as the sun goes down, the stars come out for high energy 90-minute outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians who dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. The show The show is brought to a fitting close with an awe-inspiring display of electrifying fireworks at Midnight.
- No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to the Calgary Zoo
- An easy way to get about is with Transit (Light Rail Train) pass booklets
Photos credits The Calgary Stampede and Tourism Calgary plus:
Home page Grandstand show, Cowboy spectating, Grandstand Show, First Nations Elder and Pancake Breakfast - Colin Bolin
Home page Chuck Wagon Race - Mike Ridgewood
Chuck Wagon Race and Chuck Wagon Wheel – Bill Marsh
Bears and Dinosaur - Calgary Zoo
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