So you’re in town for the Calgary Stampede, but you want to see more than just the rodeo. Great news! There are tons of things to do in Calgary.
Each July, more than a million people flock to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for one of the largest rodeos and outdoor festivals in the world. The Calgary Stampede is touted as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” It’s a massive, 10-day party that includes bull riding, a midway, concerts, and more. Cowboy or not, the entire city gets into the spirit. Everyone breaks out their boots, squeezes into a pair of Wranglers, and sports a Stetson. Even local businesses get in on the fun, adorning their windows and doors with western décor.
But Calgary is so much more than “Cowtown,” as it’s also called. It’s the hub of the Canadian oil industry, making it one of the biggest, wealthiest cities in the nation. Next to Toronto , it’s home to more of Canada’s largest companies than any other city in the country.
Whether you’re in town to take part in the Stampede festivities or you simply want to see what one of “the world’s most livable cities” looks like, this jam-packed one-day itinerary will make sure you take in plenty of Calgary’s must-see attractions.
Early Morning
If you’re in Calgary for the Stampede, you’ll need to book your hotel well in advance. All accommodations sell out fast, and they jack up their rates as well. If you want to be in one of the hottest spots for the action, consider booking 8 to 10 months before you arrive. The Westin Calgary, Calgary Marriott Downtown, Sheraton Hotel Eau Claire, and Delta Calgary Downtown are luxury chain hotels within close proximity to the Stampede the grounds. Two local boutique hotels, Hotel Arts and Hotel Le Germain, are also nearby. For the ultimate in luxury, check out the Fairmont Palliser.
As with all my one-day itineraries, the earlier you start your day, the more you can take in. But if you’re stampeding, be prepared for this day not to end until the wee hours of the next morning. It’s important to pace yourself accordingly.
During Stampede, it’s common for businesses to host free pancake breakfasts. In fact, there are usually several happening each day in different parts of the city. For the true budget traveler, there’s nothing better than free…except maybe one of the local restaurants known for its breakfast fare. If you’re willing to cough up a few bucks, I suggest starting your day on Edmonton Trail at Diner Deluxe. I highly recommend the maple fried oatmeal. Alternately, venture a few doors down to OEB Breakfast Co. and try the soul in a bowl.
Morning
After breakfast, it’s time to take in some local culture. Head south on Edmonton Trail toward the downtown core. Your first stop of the morning is the Calgary Tower, which opens at 9 a.m. It may not be the tallest building in the prominent Calgary skyline, but it is easily the most recognizable. The tower, which stands more than 4,000 feet tall, was built for the sole purpose of giving people an unprecedented look at Calgary. You can ride to the top to see the impressive view from the world’s highest 360° observation deck.
Next, make your way to the Glenbow Museum, one of the city’s top attractions. It’s also located on 9th Avenue and opens at 9 a.m. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits before moving on to your next destination. And if you happen to be there on a Wednesday, you can take a free city tour.
Afternoon
Once you’ve wrapped things up at the museum, exit through the Stephen Avenue doors and start walking west. There are plenty of cute shops and restaurants along this pedestrian street. You may even see a few buskers and street vendors. Venture toward the Core, a massive shopping complex complete with designer brands, such as BCBG, and cheaper chain stores, like H&M. There are plenty of places to eat along Stephen Avenue, from Milestones to the mall food court. If you’re willing to walk a few blocks north, Boxwood Cafe in Central Memorial Park is a lovely option.
Next, grab yourself a Car2Go or hop in a taxi, and drive east along 9 Avenue into the Inglewood area. In this quirky community, you can find everything from vintage clothing to luxury home décor. My favorite shops include Adorn Boutique, Bamboo Ballroom, The Livery Shop, and The Uncommons. If skipped lunch downtown, grab a pizza from Without Papers or have the special at Kane’s Harley-Davidson Diner. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
After Inglewood, hop back in your car and head west toward the Kensington area. In this chic neighborhood, you’ll find one-of-kind clothing boutiques, such as Purr Clothing, Kismet Clothing, Splash of Fashion, and Silla Designs. You’ll also find several upscale restaurants, pubs, cafés, and bistros. I recommend trying a simple Canadian delicacy, poutine, from My Big Cheese. Traditionally made from French fries, gravy, and cheese curds, My Big Cheese serves up a variety of less conventional poutine options. For dessert, Crave is a must. The flagship venue of this cupcakery is located on Kensington Road, just around the corner from My Big Cheese. It’s known for its fun flavors and super sweet frosting.
If you give yourself only an hour in each of the three areas, plus an hour in any one of them for lunch, you could squeeze them all in. It’s a stretch, but not entirely unreasonable.
Evening
It’s already been a long day, but it’s far from over, especially if you’re in town for the Calgary Stampede. You should still be in the vicinity of your hotel, so now is the time to return for a quick change. Take a short break. Maybe even a dip in the pool. You’ll want to get back on the road by 7 p.m. at the absolute latest if you’re headed to the Stampede grounds, an hour earlier if you want to dine at one of Calgary’s premiere establishments. If you enjoy a good meal, I recommend MARKET Restaurant or Metropolitan Grill. And since Alberta is known for its beef, there are also several steakhouses in the downtown area, such as CHARCUT Roast House and Ruth’s Chris.
While the Calgary Stampede is notorious for its rodeo events, it’s also known for its superb midway. Games, rides, and food are a big part of the fun. If you want to skip dinner, you can fill up right on the Stampede grounds instead. There are always off-the-wall delicacies, such as mac-and-cheese stuffed burgers and toffee bug balls. And of course, you can find traditional carnival fare, including corn dogs, cotton candy, and everyone’s favorite, mini donuts.
While you’re at t Stampede grounds, be sure to check out the Coca-Cola Stage and Nashville North. Both offer free concerts from top entertainers and up-and-coming musicians.
Enjoy the rides and entertainment for a while before heading over to the rodeo grounds for the chuck wagon races. These are a fan favorite and sell out fast, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Pay the extra few bucks so you can stick around for the grandstand show afterward. It’s filled with music, fireworks, and other entertainment.
Late Evening
By now, it’s late into the evening. If you’ve got your second wind, you can take in a few more activities. Cowboys is the place to be for dancing, drinking, and classic Stampede carousing. You may even catch a concert by one of the many top artists who jump at the chance to take part in the Calgary Stampede festivities, including Thomas Rhett, Flo Rida, and Ice Cube. Tickets for these shows, which take place in the infamous Cowboys tent, go for top dollar, so be prepared to pay through the nose.
If Cowboys doesn’t tickle your fancy—and believe me when I say you may actually be tickled or otherwise by a complete stranger—I recommend getting off the grounds. Take a westbound taxi along 17th Avenue, and make your way to one of the dozens of pubs and bars that line this incredibly active street. National, 1410, and The Ship & Anchor are three popular options, but there are no shortage of places to choose from.
If you’ve made it after midnight, congratulations! You’ve survived an entire day and night in Calgary during one of the most outrageous festivals in the world. Have a Calgary Stampede story to share? Head over to our Facebook group and tell us about it.
I really would love to visit Calgary for the stampede and then I could check out your other recommendations. So far I have only passed through on the way to the ski resorts but they were awesome.
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The skiing just outside Calgary is amazing. Banff is beautiful, but Calgary–and especially the Stampede–are worth checking out. It’s so much more than just a rodeo. I think you’ll have fun!
Reading this post brought back some good memories. I went to Calgary for a couple of days back in 2015 and went to the rodeo which was an awesome experience (I am from the UK). Also has my favourite Indian restaurant in the world located here 🙂 Fantastic read.
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So glad you enjoyed your time in Calgary–it’s actually my hometown! It’s a great city with lots of fun things to do.
I had no idea there was such a cowboy and rodeo scene in Calgary! If I just looked at the photos I would have swore you were in Nashville or something! We actually haven’t been up that way but would love to check it out!
Calgary is definitely cowboy country. It’s world renown for its country and western scene.
Though I don’t think we will make it to the stampede, Darc & I will be in Calgary this July! We are heading to Calgary, Banff, Red Deer for a Spartan Race and Edmonton! So very excited to explore all the beauty that Alberta has to offer.
Thanks for those food tips…I will definitely eat the Fried Oatmeal & the Crave Cupcakes!
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July is the month for Stampede–definitely a must-see activity. In fact, it will be impossible to avoid some of the festivities since it permeates the entire city! Be sure to check out my post on One Day in Banff for exciting ideas, too.
I’m so glad your one day in Calgary didn’t include a hockey game, that would be so stereotypical. Though a cowboy event comes a close second…
Peter Korchnak recently posted…Bite-Sized Travel: Things to do in Augusta, Maine
If you’re visiting Calgary in the summer, a cowboy event isn’t stereotypical, it’s a way of life. And contrary to popular belief, not all Canadians love hockey.
I didn’t even know about this stampede in Calgary! It looks like so much fun. I would love to visit sometime in the future.
It’s a massive event that draws more than a million people each year. The entire city practically shuts down to cater to the festivities–something to see for sure! Think Mardi Gras of the West!
I’ve never been here but I;d love to go!… and check out some cute cowboys as well haha 😛
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It’s a great city–one of the largest in North America–and there are so many great things to do nearby too. You should check it out!
I had no idea there were cowboys in Canada! This sounds like great fun, and a super busy day if you manage to fit it all in!
Alberta is known for its Angus beef, so Calgary is all about the cowboys. It’s a fun place!
I have never ever associated alberta with western stuff and a rodeo. learn something new every day right? But really that’s so cool. I would love to go and experience it one day
You bet! In fact, aside from oil and gas, it’s what the city is bet known for. Alberta is all about western culture. It’s in the DNA.
I haven’t really seen a rodeo but sure is curious to see one in Calgary! But if do get bored, I’ll take your word for it on getting a taxi and hitting the pubs instead. 🙂 Thanks for sharing these tips.
Rodeos are very common across Alberta, and it’s a major part of the local culture.