Calgary Stampede
 

Is it worthwhile to go to the Calgary stampede?

Well, I wouldn't suggest it if you're a cow! Only kidding, haven't been, but it sure sounds like fun. Beware though to now receive the wrath of the animal rights' activists!

Hi Jackie, <BR> <BR>If you're into that sort of event, it is worthwhile. We lived in Calgary for a couple of years, and went one year and did the whole Stampede thing. Rodeo, chuckwagon races, etc. Boring after while, but if you're interested in that kind of thing, it's good. If I were you, I'd visit Calgary during the Stampede, attend some of it, then tour the city and spend a day or two in the mountains.

It is a popular event and hotel/motel prices go up sharply for at least a week. <BR>I never went to Calgary's ritual cow mugging because I don't like that sort of thing. So I have avoided being in Calgary during that time. <BR>The Royal Museum of Paleontology in Drumheller is much more interesting and the Icefields Parkway is much more beautiful.

It's a fun time to be in Calgary as a tourist. Everyone's in a party mood and there's a laid-back, friendly atmosphere during Stampede week. Everyone dresses down, even office workers, and it's rare you'll see anyone in a suit. If you do, they're probably from out of town and don't know the Stampede dress code! <BR> <BR>As mentioned above, accommodations are extremely expensive during the 10 days that Stampede is on and you have to make reservations in advance if you want to stay at a decent hotel. <BR>

If you are a serious rodeo fan,this is as good as it gets. Buy tickets early. <BR> <BR>There's midway, etc., much like a very good US county fair. Most importantly, the city itself is transformed. Horses on the streets, pancakes breakfasts on the sidewalks, bankers and lawyers dressed like cowboys, etc. <BR> <BR>If you can time things so that you catch part of the STampede and then a few days afterwards, and can get to a small town rodeo too, you have a great time. <BR> <BR>BAK

Went last year with 2 children (9,11) and saw Chuck Wagon races which inlcudes grandstand show. It was well worth doing. Wish we had time to see the rodeo which is in the aftrenoon. The rest of the action on Stampede grounds is like any other midway. Book tickets early for the shows. Hotels are expensive so we planned our visit at the end of Stampede "week" to get cheaper hotel rates and saw the Chuck Wagon finals. In short, yes, it is worth doing.

I was looking at www.ticketmaster.ca for tickets to a theatre production in Calgary and realized that you can also book your stampede rodeo tickets through them. If you are planning on going to the rodeo or to any other big names that are in Calgary that week, just go to that site and type in calgary stampede for your search. It would probably be a good idea to ensure that you get good seats.

The first Friday in July is the start of the Calgary Stampede and the day of the Parade through downtown Calgary which lasts over 2 hours. It's billed as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and millions come to Calgary to experience it. <BR>Calgary is affectionately known as Cowtown because of the many ranches raising beef. Cowboys really do exist in the old Wild West style and the Stampede is an excellent way to get to see traditional Western entertainment.

Chuckwagon races are always a big hit with people who've stayed with us during the Stampede. As a "local" we find the most happening places are the pubs etc. around the city. It's party time and not much work gets done. Cowboys, Outlaws, Ranchmans are busy spots but you have to get there early! <BR> <BR>Enjoy!