The Calgary Stampede, often referred to as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is one of Canada’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated events. Held annually in Calgary, Alberta, this ten-day festival celebrates the city’s rich western heritage, culture, and community spirit. Featuring rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, concerts, parades, agricultural exhibits, and a vibrant midway, the Stampede attracts visitors from around the world. If you’re planning to attend, it’s essential to understand the various costs involved to budget effectively and make the most of your experience. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the expenses you can expect when attending the Calgary Stampede.
Admission Costs
General Admission
General admission tickets grant access to Stampede Park, where you can explore the midway, visit various exhibits, and enjoy the general atmosphere of the festival. Prices for general admission are typically as follows:
Adults (13-64 years): CAD $18
Seniors (65+ years): CAD $9
Youth (7-12 years): CAD $9
Children (6 years and under): Free
Special Admission Packages
Several packages offer a combination of admission, ride passes, and food vouchers. These packages can provide better value if you plan to take advantage of multiple activities within Stampede Park. Examples include:
Stampede SuperPass: Offers unlimited entry to Stampede Park for all ten days for around CAD $39.
Ride All Day Card: Includes general admission and unlimited midway rides for one day, typically priced at CAD $52.
Rodeo and Evening Show Tickets
Rodeo Events
The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is one of the festival’s main attractions, featuring world-class rodeo events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Ticket prices for rodeo events vary based on seat location and day of the week:
General Seating: CAD $20-$40
Reserved Seating: CAD $50-$150
Premium Seating: CAD $200+
Evening Show
The Evening Show includes the thrilling chuckwagon races followed by the Grandstand Show and fireworks. Similar to the rodeo, ticket prices for the Evening Show depend on the seating category:
General Seating: CAD $25-$40
Reserved Seating: CAD $50-$150
Premium Seating: CAD $200+
Combined Tickets
For those looking to experience both the Rodeo and the Evening Show, combined tickets are available at a discounted rate compared to purchasing tickets separately. Prices for these combined tickets typically range from CAD $60 to CAD $300, depending on seating categories.
Accommodation Costs
Hotels
Accommodation is a significant expense when attending the Calgary Stampede, especially as hotels tend to raise their rates during the festival. Average nightly rates for hotels in Calgary during the Stampede are:
Budget Hotels: CAD $100-$150 per night
Mid-Range Hotels: CAD $150-$250 per night
Luxury Hotels: CAD $250-$500+ per night
Alternative Accommodation
To save on accommodation costs, consider alternatives such as:
Airbnb: Prices vary widely but can offer more affordable and flexible options compared to hotels.
Campgrounds and RV Parks: If you prefer a more rustic experience, camping or staying in an RV can be a cost-effective option, with rates typically ranging from CAD $30 to CAD $70 per night.
Transportation Costs
Getting to Calgary
The cost of traveling to Calgary will depend on your starting location and mode of transportation:
Flights: Round-trip flights to Calgary can vary significantly based on your departure city, time of booking, and season. Domestic flights within Canada typically range from CAD $200 to CAD $600, while international flights can range from CAD $600 to CAD $1,500+.
Driving: If you’re driving to Calgary, factor in fuel costs, which will depend on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and distance traveled. Additionally, consider any potential accommodation costs for overnight stops if you’re coming from a distant location.
Local Transportation
Once in Calgary, you’ll need to consider transportation to and from Stampede Park:
Public Transit: Calgary’s CTrain system provides convenient access to Stampede Park. A single adult fare is CAD $3.50, with day passes available for CAD $11.
Parking: If you plan to drive, parking at Stampede Park is available but can be costly, with rates typically around CAD $20-$25 per day.
Rideshare Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available in Calgary, offering an alternative to public transit and parking. Costs will vary based on distance and demand.
Food and Beverage Costs
On-Site Dining
The Calgary Stampede offers a wide variety of food options, from traditional fair food to more gourmet selections. On average, expect to spend:
Meals: CAD $10-$20 per meal
Snacks: CAD $5-$10 per item
Beverages: CAD $3-$10 per drink
Budget-Friendly Tips
To save on food and beverage costs:
Bring Your Own Food: You are allowed to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages into Stampede Park.
Share Meals: Many food vendors offer generous portions, making it possible to share meals and reduce costs.
Look for Deals: Some days feature discounted food and beverage options, so check the event schedule for any special promotions.
Additional Costs
Souvenirs and Merchandise
No trip to the Calgary Stampede is complete without some souvenirs. Prices for official Stampede merchandise and other souvenirs can range from CAD $10 for small items like keychains and magnets to CAD $50+ for clothing and accessories.
Attractions and Activities
Beyond the rodeo and evening show, the Calgary Stampede offers numerous other attractions and activities, many of which have additional costs:
Midway Rides and Games: Ride tickets and game tokens can add up quickly. A ride pass is often the most economical choice if you plan to enjoy multiple rides.
Concerts and Performances: While many performances are included with general admission, some special events and concerts may require additional tickets, typically ranging from CAD $20 to CAD $100+.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Consider other potential expenses such as:
Tipping: Tips for hotel staff, restaurant servers, and other service providers.
Sunscreen and Hats: Essential items for protection from the summer sun.
Total Estimated Costs
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a rough estimate of total costs for a typical visit to the Calgary Stampede:
Budget Traveler (2 Days)
General Admission: CAD $36 (2 days)
Rodeo and Evening Show Tickets: CAD $60 (general seating)
Accommodation: CAD $200 (2 nights in a budget hotel)
Food and Beverages: CAD $60 (2 days)
Local Transportation: CAD $14 (public transit)
Miscellaneous: CAD $50 (souvenirs and other expenses)
Total: Approximately CAD $420
Mid-Range Traveler (3 Days)
General Admission: CAD $54 (3 days)
Rodeo and Evening Show Tickets: CAD $150 (reserved seating)
Accommodation: CAD $600 (3 nights in a mid-range hotel)
Food and Beverages: CAD $120 (3 days)
Local Transportation: CAD $30 (parking and transit)
Miscellaneous: CAD $100 (souvenirs and other expenses)
Total: Approximately CAD $1,054
Luxury Traveler (5 Days)
General Admission: CAD $90 (5 days)
Rodeo and Evening Show Tickets: CAD $400 (premium seating)
Accommodation: CAD $2,500 (5 nights in a luxury hotel)
Food and Beverages: CAD $300 (5 days)
Local Transportation: CAD $100 (parking and rideshares)
Miscellaneous: CAD $200 (souvenirs and other expenses)
Total: Approximately CAD $3,590
See also: Where Does Carnival Mardi Gras Leave From?
Conclusion
Attending the Calgary Stampede can be a memorable and exciting experience, but it’s essential to budget for the various costs involved. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a more luxurious experience, understanding the expenses for admission, accommodation, food, transportation, and additional activities will help you plan effectively. By preparing in advance, you can ensure that you make the most of your time at “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” while keeping your costs manageable.