Calgary, Canada, defies the common misconception that Western culture, with its cowboys and cowgirls, rodeos, and rich heritage, is exclusive to the United States. This vibrant city, situated on the doorstep of the iconic Canadian Rockies, offers an array of experiences that challenge this stereotype.
Calgary boasts lush urban parks like the Inglewood bird sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, a remarkable 75-acre wetlands park. The city embraces arts and culture, with numerous art galleries, historic parks, and theaters showcasing its creative spirit. Visitors can enjoy iconic attractions such as the Calgary Tower, immerse themselves in Indigenous experiences, and revel in the countless festivals and live music events that enliven the city throughout the year, particularly during the summer months.
As the third largest city in Canada, Calgary is a bustling metropolis deeply rooted in Western culture. It is renowned for hosting the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” a 10-day festival celebrating Calgary’s Western heritage that attracts over one million visitors from around the globe annually.

The jubilee commences each morning with a tradition of serving free flapjacks to all attendees. Legend has it that in 1923, the author of the jubilee, Guy Weadick, seduced callers by transferring chuckwagon motorists to Stephen Avenue to cook and serve pancakes from the tails of their chuckwagons.

Over the course of 10 days, more than 30,000 visitors are treated to mouthwatering flapjacks and sizzling bacon prepared on the backs of authentic GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagons. The Annual Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Breakfast in Fluor Rope Square is an unmissable event filled with live music and entertainment.

Celebrating its 110th year, the Calgary Stampede offers unforgettable entertainment, including live music performances and nightly fireworks. Visitors can immerse themselves in First Nations exhibitions and Powwow competitions, explore Western arts and culture, witness thrilling rodeo events like bareback bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, enjoy carnival rides, including the largest traveling Ferris wheel in Canada, marvel at adorable baby animals, and indulge in a variety of mouthwatering fair foods.
Each evening concludes with the Bell Grandstand Show, a captivating spectacle featuring a talented cast of performers, including multi-JUNO Award-winning Canadian Country Music Icon, Dean Brody, the dynamic song and dance group, The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, the mesmerizing trick roping of Loop Rawlins, and acts by Circus Concepts and Shawnee Kish.

While summer is an ideal time to visit Calgary, there is plenty to do even if you miss the Stampede. To fully embrace the Western experience, visitors must acquire the official white hat, a symbol of Calgary’s hospitality. Smithbilt Hats has been producing these iconic hats for over a century, using the same equipment since the company’s inception.

For those in search of cowboy boots, jeans, hats, and other Western apparel, Lammle’s Western Wear is the go-to destination. This family-owned and operated business, established in 1983, is ingrained in Canada’s Western identity, offering the finest Western wear along with traditional Western values. For unparalleled boots, a visit to the Alberta Boot Company is a must. Renowned for their handcrafted premium Western footwear, each pair of Alberta Boots is meticulously crafted in their Canadian workshop.
Calgary also offers a wealth of exciting activities for visitors. One standout experience is downhill karting by the Skyline Luge Company. This thrilling wheeled gravity ride allows riders full control as they descend on a purpose-built track. With over 50 twists and turns covering a distance of more than 5,905 feet on a continuous downhill trajectory, Downhill Karting Calgary boasts the longest track in the world.

A visit to the Calgary Tower is essential, offering panoramic 360° views of the entire city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills, and the expansive prairies.

For a comfortable stay in downtown Calgary, the Fairmont Palliser is an ideal choice. Situated in the heart of the city, this historical landmark is within walking distance of premier shopping, arts, culture, and entertainment venues. Guests can indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea at the Hawthorn Dining Room located in the hotel’s lobby.

Calgary’s dining scene is replete with incredible options, especially for beef lovers. For an authentic taste of Alberta beef, Modern Steak is a must-visit. This upscale steakhouse takes pride in owning its own prize-winning black Angus bull, benchmark Angus. Collaborating with various ranches, Modern Steak offers a variety of cuts on their menu, from grass-fed and grain-fed to wet-aged, dry-aged, and Waygu beef.
Rouge is another exceptional dining establishment, housed in the major Cross Home erected in 1891 byA.E. Cross, one of the West’s most prominent herdsmen and a launching member of the Rush. The house is now a designated external and parochial Heritage Site. Rouge showcases the Alberta region with its ranch- to- chopstick dishes, all served in a beautiful, rustic theater setting.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the stunning Bow River that flows through the heart of Calgary’s bustling metropolis. This river is a haven for various water sports, including rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. For a hassle-free excursion, The Paddle Station offers guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty Calgary has to offer.
Whether you seek Western adventures, outdoor recreation, live concerts, a vibrant dining scene, or a combination of these, Calgary is the ultimate destination to explore and discover