Calgary Stampede The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

• Author: ClaireB
• Accommodation: Calgary Accommodations

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the first Calgary Stampede, an awesome event that’s synonymous with Alberta’s largest city and that attracts over 1 million visitors every year! The Stampede is an amazing spectacle that hosts one of the largest rodeo events in the world, making this one of those things that should definitely be on your bucket list! You don’t have to be a cowboy or a horse lover to appreciate this show after all, as the thousands of people who come to Calgary from all over the world to experience the Stampede will tell you.

The show isn’t just a rodeo; it’s a combination of numerous events that take place over a ten day period so most visitors pick and choose the events they want to see. Tickets can be purchased in packages so you get extra value for money, or you can just pay to enter Stampede Park and wander around hundreds of exhibits, enjoy attractions, and free entertainment. This way you get to soak in some of the Stampede atmosphere without paying out for major events.

Those major events can be well worth the ticket price though! The Rodeo takes place every day, so you have a number of opportunities to see one of the highlights of the Calgary Stampede, and each night the Stampede Grandstand is transformed into a live entertainment venue with a derby and show like no other. Major Canadian and international artists perform each year at the Stampede too, and you can buy individual concert tickets to see them.

During the Calgary Stampede the whole city gets involved in the fun so even on the days you’re not down at Stampede Park there are many different things to see. You’ll find many of the locals dressed up in their cowboy gear for example, and the pancake breakfasts held around the city are infamous!

Of course you can also visit Calgary‘s other sights while you’re here for the Stampede, including the Calgary Tower, Calgary Zoo, Prince’s Island Park, and the Telus World of Science.

The Calgary Stampede is held in July each year, and you can buy tickets online from CalgaryStampede.com.

Photo and article copyright Claire Bolgil. Claire is a freelance travel writer based in Beautiful BC. Find out more about her at www.clairebolgil.com.