region |calgary & area
Quintessential
Cowboy Experiences
AIRDRIE
N
TR
CALGARY
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
CR
OW
CH
ILD
TO:
BANFF, CANMORE and
KANANASKIS VILLAGE
AVE
NW
9
NW
RE
TR
S
W
MO
EN
TO:
DRUMHELLER
MEDICINE HAT
CITY CENTRE
GL
8
16 AVE NW
CHESTERMERE
GLENMORE TR SW
22
RNE
F LO
22
TO:
LETHBRIDGE
2
7
TURNER VALLEY
22X
E
TR S
UIS O
MARQ
SPRUCE MEADOWS TR
BRAGG CREEK
GLENMORE TR SE
BLACK DIAMOND
OKOTOKS
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
16
TR
36
COCHRANE
68
40
Y TR NW
NE
STONEY TR NW
40
72
If you arrive at the Calgary International Airport,
one of the first things you’ll notice is the
white cowboy hats the greeters are wearing.
Smithbilt Hats (smithbilthats.com) has been
creating the iconic white cowboy hat, a symbol
of western hospitality, since 1946. These
white hats have been presented to celebrities,
dignitaries, and visiting guests from all over the
world. The “real deal” is made from white felt,
but you can choose a less expensive (and still
authentic) straw version.
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall
(ranchmans.com) is especially popular over the
ten days of Stampede, but anyone can get their
country fix at this authentic saloon year-round.
Live performances by country bands happen
regularly and the menu is full of cookhouse
classics with daily food and drink specials.
Drop-in dance lessons occur throughout the
week so that you can learn to two-step like a
real cowboy, and hats and boots are always
encouraged. Knoxville’s Tavern (knoxvilles.ca)
and Cowboys Dance Hall (cowboysnightclub.
com) are two other iconic country-western
themed bars, though they cater to a younger
audience with pop-country music.
Get a proper cowboy souvenir at Alberta
Boot Company (albertaboot.com), where you
can purchase some ready-to-wear genuine
cowboy boots, or order some custom-made
cowboy boots in cowhide or exotic materials
including stingray and ostrich. This is the go-to
place in Calgary for boots.
Visit Glenbow (glenbow.org) gallery and
museum to view the display Mavericks: An
Incorrigible History to learn about Calgary’s
history as a Wild West outpost, and the men
and women who embodied the spirit of Alberta.
Also view the gallery Niitsitapiisini: Our Way
of Life, which explores the history of Alberta’s
Blackfoot peoples.
Since 1912, the annual Calgary Stampede
(calgarystampede.com) has been a captivating
experience that celebrates Calgary’s western
and Indigenous histories with exciting rodeo
Smithbilt Hats
competitions, chuckwagon races, crazy midway
food and games, live music, pancake breakfasts
Thunder Alberta (countrythunder.com) music
and festival events throughout the city. With
festival stampedes into town with some of
something for everyone, the Calgary Stampede
country music’s biggest stars. Headliners include
truly is “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!”
Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith and Eric Church,
Check it out July 6 - 15, and don’t miss the kick-
supported by other acts including Midland, Dean
off parade in downtown Calgary the morning
Brody and Chad Brownlee.
of July 6.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Country music fans won’t want to miss
(heritagepark.ca) is a living history museum
Nashville North at the Calgary Stampede —
that lets guests immerse themselves in how
a series of country music concerts that are
the west was once. Visit the blacksmith’s
free with general admission. The Scotiabank
shop, Drew’s Saloon for a cold one (beer for
Saddledome, Calgary’s largest indoor concert
the adults, soda for the little ones), Botsford
CROSSFIELD
venue, has previously hosted Johnny Reid,
Harness Shop and Livingston House and Farm
Brooks and Dunn, and many other famous
for some authentic ranching and cowboy
country stars. From August 17 - 19 the Country
experiences.
Calgary’s cowboy roots, tied to
the ranching history of farmers
in the area, were celebrated
at the first Calgary Stampede
in 1912 and have had a strong
and steady influence on the
city ever since. The spirit of the
Wild West is alive year-round
for visitors looking for a unique
experience.