After one last ride in Banff, we spent the last few days in Calgary, enjoying the spectacle that is the Calgary Stampede. Such a party atmosphere! We go to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo every year, but it’s got nothing on Calgary when it comes to partying. We’re exhausted!
The first afternoon/evening in Calgary, we wandered over to a nearby street where we were told there would be restaurants, bars and good people watching. It did not disappoint! The street reminded us of being in Europe – all the sidewalk cafes and people walking everywhere. We had a fantastic time just absorbing it all. One thing we noticed is that the Stampede seems to be an excuse for women (mostly) to wear their skimpiest clothing – short jean shorts, bandeau tube tops, cowboy boots and not much else.
Sunday was our day to go the the chuckwagon races, and Biker could not have been more excited! We had tickets for a really cool place – the Lazy S club level seats – which included dinner, drinks and amazing seats for the races and the show and fireworks that followed. Highlight of the trip for sure! We also saw a really cool motorcycle trick exhibit; these guys were talented!
Monday morning we bought new cowboy hats as souvenirs. Then we made our way over to the Stampede grounds cause we had tickets for the afternoon rodeo events. We had a great time watching the bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, etc. The overall event was different from what we’re used to, but the competitions themselves were very similar as I’m sure they’re regulated a certain way worldwide. Another point of difference between Calgary and Houston is that the Calgary venue for both events we attended is just so fantastic – it’s big, to be sure, but also feels really intimate. It made the whole experience!
All in all, Calgary and the Stampede showed us a GREAT time!! We definitely recommend it.
Today we re-entered the US of A and went through Glacier National Park again. We saw a black bear up close! Finally! Tomorrow is a moving day so don’t expect a post, but we’ll definitely get in at least one more before the trip is over cause Thursday is Yellowstone! One of my very favorites!
Maps:
The Biker's Wife 