Showcasing world class rodeos, the legendary 10-day Calgary Stampede is an unforgettable, authentically Canadian experience. First hosted in 1912, this renowned event has continued to grow and now hosts visitors from across the globe every year. Held annually in July, the incredibly popular Calgary Stampede books up well in advance! With Calgary also known as a gateway city to the beautiful Canadian Rockies Mountain Range, visitors to the Stampede can enjoy an extended stay in the area, exploring Western Canada’s beautiful outdoors.

Once at the Calgary Stampede, we enjoyed a fantastic afternoon watching the action unfold from the comfort of our grandstand seats. In addition to the Saddle Bronc and the Bull Riding, the Rodeo entails various roping, wrestling, riding, and racing events featuring numerous cowboys, mostly from Texas.

What really capped off our experience was the awesome Behind the Chute VIP tour. Our stampede hosts led us through the bowels of the stadium, passing through the changing rooms where competitors pull themselves into their best pair of Wranglers and don their luckiest hat. Next, we were shown the medical room, demonstrating to us the lengths that it takes to perform on this extraordinary stage. We then emerged within touching distance of the cowboys mounting their appointed horses and bulls in the chutes. You could sense the excitement, anticipation, and fear in the moments before the gates open and things take off. The commentary team were in fine form, “Ladies and Gentlemen you are about to witness the exploits of the greatest cowboys on the planet”. We were so close to the action that the dirt from the hooves was landing on our hats. Amazing!

Trailfinder’s featured Calgary Stampede Extravaganza itinerary worked perfectly giving a great mix of all that the city and its surrounds have to offer. We absorbed the excitement of the rodeo, the food, music and fun available in the wider park, topped off with the iconic evening show which we were fortunate enough to enjoy from the comfort of our own box.

On our last day, we escaped the madness and headed for beautiful Canmore. An e-bike food tour was a first for me, but what a brilliant way to spend a day cruising, eating, and drinking our way around the spectacular valley.