4 minute read

Calgary Stampede

Next Article
VIA Rail

VIA Rail

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Hosted annually in early July

The Calgary Stampede invites you to dust off your boots, put on your cowboy hat and join in for a ten-day, city-wide western celebration. From the two-and-a-half-mile parade and the Stampede Rodeo’s Richest Afternoon to free pancake breakfasts, five stages of live music and adrenaline-pumping midway rides, there’s something for everyone at the Calgary Stampede.

Every afternoon 20,000 fans gather to see the toughest cowboys and cowgirls face off in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding, barrel racing and more. In the evening, the Stampede puts on the world’s most unique double header, starting with the GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races. Once the last wagon thunders across the finish line, the Grandstand Show will dazzle crowds with a star-studded lineup of feature performers, including The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede – a group of energetic youth performers with world-class vocals and precise choreography. To top it all off, a spectacular fireworks finale lights up the sky.

Did you know that the Stampede is one of Canada’s largest music festivals? Catch worldrenowned headliners at the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series, country music favourites at Nashville North and North America’s hottest young artists at the Coca-Cola stage. A Stampede experience is not complete without a visit to Elbow River Camp where guests experience Canadian First Nations culture and traditions.

While you’re exploring agriculture exhibits, playing midway games, checking out the marketplace or the Western Art Showcase, make sure to taste the famous mini donuts, wood-fired BBQ and anything and everything deep-fried, bacon-wrapped or on a stick.

Canadian Rockies

Witness the world-famous Calgary Stampede. This ten-day festival combines a world class rodeo with best in western entertainment, live music, unique food options and countless exhibitions.

Highlights (included):

• Reserved ticket to the Afternoon Rodeo (North or South Centre level 1)

• Reserved ticket to the Evening chuckwagon races and Grandstand Show (North or South Centre level 5)

• Event tickets above admit you to Stampede park on the day of event.

• Calgary Stampede Souvenir Program

• Calgary Stampede cowboy hat and tote bag

• Two Skyrides over Stampede Park

• 20% discount voucher Stampede Store

• Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre admission

• Calgary Zoo Admission

Day 1: Arrive Calgary & Sightseeing options

Day 2: Calgary Stampede & Rodeo

Day 3: Calgary Stampede & Chuckwagon Races/Grandstand Show Day 4: Sightseeing options & depart Calgary

Package includes: 3 nights accommodation, return LRT (light rail transit pass) for two days, package items as included above.

Please refer to website for dates and prices.

Town of Banff – nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a vibrant community of artists, athletes, families and outdoor enthusiasts. It truly celebrates heritage and lives and breathes mountain culture.

Banff Gondola – ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s-eye view of six mountain ranges. The 360-degree view from the upper gondola terminal, view decks and Summit Ridge Interpretive Boardwalk offer the very best vantage points in the area.

Hiking Trails – you can hike along the shores of dazzling blue lakes, up to quaint mountain teahouses, through carpets of wildflowers and up high to spectacular viewpoints for any level of fitness.

Lake Louise – this alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base of impressive glacier-clad peaks. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise overlooks the lake, providing a luxury resort experience.

Ice Explorer Ride – a unique Ice Explorer vehicle takes you right up onto the Athabasca glacier with the help of an experienced driver-guide.

Glacier Skywalk – a brand-new attraction in the Rockies, explore the immense powers of glaciology from a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 280 metres (918 feet) in the air.

Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake – at 22 kilometres long, the majestic Maligne Lake is the second- largest glacier-fed lake in the world. While its azure-blue waters can be cold for swimming, there are plenty of other activities to do in the Maligne Valley such as hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boat tours to Spirit Island.

Dark Sky Preserve – in 2011, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Jasper National Park as a dark sky preserve, an area where almost no artificial lighting is visible at night. Enjoy the tranquility and awe of looking up into the night sky filled with countless stars.

Jasper townsite – provides the perfect basecamp for local exploration with a quaint small town charm surrounded by towering mountains, glacier lakes and an abundance of local widlife. Explore Jasper’s culinary scene from friendly pubs and cafe’s to elegant dining experiences.

Maligne Canyon – the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. Popular with hikers who cross the six bridges across the canyon at some points 50 meters above the water with dramatic waterfall views along the route. The canyon can also be accessed from the first and second bridges for those with less mobility.

Jasper SkyTram – after boarding the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, prepare to be amazed by unparalleled views of Jasper National Park, all from a comfortable and safe compartment 2,277 metres above the ground. On a clear day, you can even see the white pyramid of Mount Robson in nearby British Columbia. Along the way, your fully trained and knowledgeable flight attendant will be on hand to point out the many sights and answer your questions. Spring conditions at the top of the mountain provide a great environment for snowshoeing, rentals are available.

Marmot Basin – Jasper’s ski resort is known for its spectacular views, varied runs and laidback atmosphere. Marmot lays claim to the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski areas. Ski or snowboard 1,675 acres, 86 runs and 3,000 vertical feet of diverse terrain.

This article is from: