Calgary Stampede Cruise Packages
Prepare for the holiday of a lifetime and witness “The greatest outdoor show on earth”! The Calgary Stampede is a world-class, 10-day Western-style extravaganza held every July in Calgary, Alberta. It is a celebration where everyone "lets their hair down and becomes a cowboy/cowgirl for a day or two", transforming the city into a bustling, world-class party that has "no equals". The atmosphere is often described as a unique cross between a real pioneer frontier town, the glamour of Las Vegas, and the "whoopla" of a New Orleans Mardi Gras or Munich Oktoberfest. Our luxury Paramount Cruise packages ensure you are at the centre of the action, including a 3-night hotel stay in Calgary alongside tickets to this iconic festival.
Seamless Access to Western Wonders
The Two-Day Thrill Package:
Your Paramount Cruises holiday secures the comprehensive Two-Day Thrill Package, guaranteeing a sensational two-day experience. Unlike standard individual tickets, this package ensures reserved seating for both the legendary afternoon Stampede Rodeo and the spectacular Evening Show. Furthermore, guests receive exclusive extras designed to enhance the experience: these include a souvenir programme, a tote bag, an authentic cowboy hat, and two WestJet Skyride tickets providing excellent views across Stampede Park. As an added benefit, you will also receive a 15% discount voucher for Lammle's Western Wear. Critically, acquiring the Thrill Package tickets in advance also grants your admission to Stampede Park on the days your events are valid.
Arena Action: Rodeo and Evening Show Highlights
A Display of Skill and Grit
The Stampede Rodeo
The Stampede Rodeo kicks up daily at 1:30 p.m. at GMC Stadium. This is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, showcasing a furious display of skill and grit between the world's best competitors and animals. You will witness top professional cowboys and cowgirls face off in key events such as the adrenaline-pumping Bull Riding, alongside Barrel Racing, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc, Bareback riding, and Breakaway Roping.
High-Octane Thrills and Firework Finishes
The Evening Show
The spectacular Evening Show follows, commencing nightly at 7:30 p.m. at GMC Stadium. The night is a unique entertainment doubleheader, featuring the high-adrenaline Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races. The excitement is swiftly followed by the fan-favourite Relay Races, featuring the best Indigenous teams. The grand finale is the Bell Grandstand Show, which "dazzles audiences" with elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics, and concludes with an iconic fireworks finale.
Live Music, Merriment, and Western Culture
Stampede Atmosphere
The Calgary Stampede is much more than the arena shows; it's a massive fairground experience, with the energy and joyful attitude radiating through the whole city. Your entry tickets give access to the whole park, where you can enjoy live music across four stages. Country fans must head to Nashville North, the original Stampede party tent, which is free with park admission. Here, you can "stomp your cowboy boots all night long" while listening to daily country music artists. Alternatively, the Coca-Cola Stage hosts daily headliners spanning rock, hip hop, pop, and EDM.
Daring Bites and Midway Thrills
Midway Culinary Adventures
Food is a central part of the Stampede experience. The Midway is the place to find classics or daring new concoctions. Indulge in classics like mini doughnuts, or try a deep-fried sweet treat such as the Deep Fried Cinnamon Buns. For daring bites, the Midway offers sophisticated fare like the Wagyu Exquisite Poutine, layered with cheese curds, truffle, and gold flakes, or unique global fusions such as the Spam-pede Bao or the savoury-sweet combination of the Maple Glazed Donut Grilled Cheese. If you need a break from the summer heat, The Range Food Hall is your go-to indoor hangout in the Big Four building, offering food, games, and classic ’80s arcade games like Pac-Man and Galaga.
Calgary Stampede Essential Info
Your package secures the highly-rated Two-Day Thrill Package, which ensures reserved seating for both the afternoon Stampede Rodeo and the spectacular Evening Show. Crucially, this package includes items that individual tickets do not, such as admission to Stampede Park on the days your events are valid, a souvenir programme, a tote bag, an authentic cowboy hat, two WestJet Skyride tickets, and a 15% discount voucher at Lammle's Western Wear.
The action is divided between day and night. The legendary afternoon Stampede Rodeo typically kicks off daily at 1:30 p.m. at GMC Stadium. The Evening Show is a unique entertainment doubleheader that begins nightly at 7:30 p.m.. The Evening Show features the thrilling Chuckwagon Races, followed by the Bell Grandstand Show and the spectacular fireworks finale.
The tickets provided in the Two-Day Thrill Package grant you access to Stampede Park, where you can explore food exhibitors offering an "unbelievable choice" of daring and classic cuisine. However, food and drinks themselves are typically not included in the event ticket price.
Stampede Park is located southeast of downtown Calgary. Public transit (CTrain) is recommended as the easiest way to travel. You can take the Red Line just a few stops to either Erlton Stampede Station (recommended for the quickest route to GMC Stadium) or Victoria Park Stampede Station (best for accessing the Midway and The Market). Alternatively, Uber is the Official and Exclusive Rideshare Partner, operating dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones.
Your Ultimate Canadian Package
This 3-night Calgary stay provides the ideal Western immersion, serving as the perfect complement to our wider Canadian journeys. Paramount Cruises offers packages that seamlessly blend this thrilling city experience with wilderness wonders. Many itineraries feature a breathtaking 7-night all-inclusive Alaska cruise through the majestic Inside Passage, featuring cruising to glacial areas such as Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or the icy majesty of Tracy Arm Inlet and Glacier Bay. Alternatively, for luxury seekers, select packages include a scenic extension aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, travelling through the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies in ultimate style and comfort.