Calgary Stampede is My Event of the Year
It has taken so long to settle down and write this post. I wish I could say it is because I’ve been out and about, having the best time of my life. But no. Like every non-trust-fund-having adult out there, I have been working hard. It has gotten so busy that I sometimes have work…
It has taken so long to settle down and write this post. I wish I could say it is because I’ve been out and about, having the best time of my life. But no. Like every non-trust-fund-having adult out there, I have been working hard. It has gotten so busy that I sometimes have work conversations in my dreams. I am not complaining, nor am I here to bore you about the fact that I need to work so I can afford the nice things I like. I am here to tell you about beautiful Calgary and the wonderful spectacle that is Stampede.
If you have been following this blog from the start (which you really should), you’ll know that I love a good trip with good food. Even more than that, I love it when I experience what ties a city or region together. So a couple of months ago, when I received an offer to go to Calgary for Stampede, I was excited. A bit apprehensive because I was not sure of what to expect, but excited nonetheless. I booked a direct flight from Ottawa to Calgary, booked a reservation at the Westin downtown, packed up all the denim pants and shirts I am still happy to wear and set off to Calgary. I’ll just tell you right now that I was grossly unprepared for what I was about to experience.
This hotel is in the downtown area, close to transit and restaurants and is a quick walk to the Calgary Stampede parade!
Stampede is no ordinary event. It is a cultural expression of pride, lifestyle, and identity. The fashion was the first bit that caught my eye. Cowboy boots, fashionable denim pants with fringe (I call them tassels), and of course, the hats. Before I left, I had declared to my friend that I could not see myself buying a cowboy hat, because “where on earth would I wear it to?” That declaration lasted all of the eight hours I was asleep in my hotel room the night I arrived. The moment I stepped out of the hotel and made my way to the CORE Shopping Centre, where, along the way, advertisements for free pancake breakfasts during Stampede week surrounded me, I was sold. Streetside stalls lined the streets with woven cowboy-style hats. Once I had my hat, I began to feel like I was part of something. I watched a group of beautiful women do their line dancing numbers, watched the parade through downtown where I got to see Shania Twain (Go Shania!). I was regaled by the well-coordinated music bands, the horses (oh so many horses), and the diversity of countries represented in Calgary, and of course, the main event, the Rodeo.
Before Stampede, I had never been to a Rodeo. In fact, I had never even bothered to watch it on TV. But at Stampede, it is part of the infectious experience. Having secured a ticket online, I made my way to the Stampede showgrounds, where I was yet again stunned by how big Stampede really is. I heard that Stampede is so big, more trucks are sold in a year during that week than at any other time of the year. Don’t quote me, though. I did not ask the truck salesmen to show me their books.
The Stampede showground is like being at a theme park for adults who have lots of money to spend. There was an indoor market where I realised you can really buy just about anything at Stampede. There was a company selling hot tubs. One of them was so big, I could fit my mum and everyone from her church in it. There were the trucks on display, great quality leather goods (I bought a bag and a belt because the hat was not enough embracing), and of course, outside, there were all the food stalls. There were so many food options, my head began to spin. But no worries, when in doubt, get some potstickers!
The Rodeo itself was quite the experience! The cowgirls, sitting elegantly on their horses while they competed, had me wishing I were a cowgirl. I texted my friend (the one I had told I was not going to get a cowboy hat), and told her I wanted to learn how to ride horses because the cowgirls look so elegant. She laughed and said, “Oh yea? I can take you. I ride sometimes.” Girl, what? They say you never really know people.
All in all, Calgary Stampede was a great experience. The city itself offered a very different atmosphere to Ottawa. The food scene was also excellent. I do not recall one bad meal, which is really something considering I was there for almost a week. If you have never been to Calgary Stampede and you are wondering what it is like, don’t hesitate. Book your tickets asap. The dates for 2026 are out, and everything gets sold out quickly. Get your denim style on lockdown (I really believe I could have done better) and get your itinerary locked down too (hint, hint: I have suggestions). And if you are wondering what the restaurant scene is like in Calgary, you have nothing to worry about. My photos on TikTok show that I had a good time with that too!
