Calgary Stampede: What to Do and Where to Stay at Canada's Biggest Rodeo

Calgary Stampede

Bareback Rider

 Each year, millions of people from all across the globe head to Calgary, Alberta during July to be a part of the annual Calgary Stampede and Exhibition. The 'greatest outdoor show on earth' features a cornucopia of events designed to pay homage to the life of the cowboy. Some of the events include: a real rodeo, bull-riding and chuckwagon races, an Indian Village, an amusement park, concerts, a casino and much more. For ten fun-filled days, the city of Calgary is transformed into a cowboy town as the recommended dress is cowboy hats, jeans and boots.

Part of the allure of the Calgary Stampede is the rodeo competition where the world's top cowboys and girls compete

Each morning, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful pancake breakfast. After breakfast, enter the Calgary Stampede grounds and experience one of the many activities that are available. As you enter the grounds, you will step back in time- right into the Wild West. Enter an authentic Indian Village and walk down the streets of a recreated frontier town. Afterwards, why not stamp your feet while square dancing; enjoy the excitement of the midway; try your hand in the gambling hall and review the western art displays. The gigantic midway contains a many fascinating attractions, displays, country music performances, grandstand shows and dazzling fireworks.

The Stampede Parade is something that you will not want to miss. The parade shows off the chuckwagons, Indians dressed in traditional costumes, the rodeo and stampede royalty, marching band, floats and antique vehicles.

There are a variety of hotels available for you and your family to stay at near the Stampede grounds in Calgary. Within three miles of the Calgary Stampede, there is the Best Western Suites Downtown, Best Western Calgary Centre Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites South, and Quality Hotel and Conference Center.

• The Best Western Suites Downtown is perfect for family outings due to its spacious suites at single room prices. Amenities in the rooms include: cable television, telephone with voice mail, mini-fridge and a microwave. The hotel contains a fitness center, sauna, internet access and a convenience store.
  
• The Best Western Calgary Centre Inn also caters to families with its indoor and children's pools. Each room contains cable television, coffeemaker and a data port telephone. You can start your morning out with a complimentary continental breakfast and newspaper and then work out in the fitness center before heading out to the Stampede.
  
• The Comfort Inn and Suites South is a shopper's paradise. The hotel is located next to the largest shopping mall in Calgary. There are also many shops and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms themselves contain cable television, radio, coffeemaker and modem jack. The hotel amenities include: indoor pool with a waterslide, complimentary continental breakfast and newspaper.
  

The following hotels are all located within five miles of the Stampede: Best Western Airport Inn, Econo Lodge Motel Village, Quality Inn Motel Village and Econo Lodge Banff Trail.

If you have always wanted to see the Wild West before it was tamed, then head on over to Calgary, Alberta and join the Calgary Stampede.