Latest news with #CalgaryStampede
The Australian
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Calgary Stampede 2025: Your ultimate guide to the city's biggest festival
The biggest event on Calgary's calendar kicks off on July 4. Here's how to experience the best the town has to offer. The world's most famous rodeo begins on July 4, launching 10 days of boot-scootin', bronco-riding, guitar-twanging good times. This fixture of the Calgary calendar attracts thousands of visitors plus cowboys and cowgals from all over the world to Stampede Park, a huge complex of exhibition halls, arenas and dining and drinking venues beside Elbow River, southeast of Downtown. The rodeo action starts at 1.30pm every day, and there's a packed program of other activities, from walking tours and comedy performances to magic shows and blacksmithing demonstrations. Superstar Shania Twain is the headline act this year and will fill the Saddledome stadium on July 5, while a special Australian icon will also be in the spotlight. Our favourite cattledog, Bluey, will be telling stories and meeting fans throughout the festival. 2 In the red Rouge restaurant is something of an institution, having been pleasing palates since 2001. Located on a half-hectare plot in the hip, historic Inglewood district, it has extensive gardens and two greenhouses that last year helped to put more than 1400 salads on plates. Menu highlights on my visit include pheasant breast served on squash risotto and a herb-crusted pork tenderloin. Food aside, the eatery's claim to fame is the 1891 abode in which it's housed, a heritage-listed gem that was the home of brewing tycoon AE Cross. It's here that Cross and three other business bigwigs cooked up the idea of the Calgary Stampede while sipping contraband whiskey. 3 Tall stories Once the tallest building in Canada, Calgary Tower may be overshadowed these days by its more modern neighbours but it still looms large for proud Calgarians. A brutal winter of minus 30C temperatures and freezing winds didn't hinder the ambitious 16-month building project on the site of the old Canadian Pacific Railway station. Husky Tower, as it was known, opened in mid-1968 and it has since welcomed more than 13m visitors up its 191m shaft. Its place in the city was further cemented by its role as an elevated Olympic torch during the 1988 Winter games. On one of Calgary's many bluebird days, the observation deck at the top affords 360-degree views across the city to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in one direction and rural plains in the other. Brave souls can stand on a glass floor and watch pedestrians and cars far below. 4 Retail therapy Aptly named, the mammoth Core shopping centre forms the epicentre of Calgary's retail scene. Sheltered under the world's largest suspended skylight, the Core is a retail and pedestrian sanctuary at the heart of downtown. It's a giant retail haven spread across four levels that's popular with shoppers, especially during the brutally cold winters. Meander through high-end Canadian retail icons such as Holt Renfew or Harry Rosen, or head to the top floor where sunlight beams through the expansive glass ceiling as children frolic in the Devonian Gardens, an impressive leafy playground with water features and a fishpond. After shopping, use the Core as a launch pad to explore the labyrinthine raised alleys that connect different buildings around the CBD. Named Plus 15s because of their height above the traffic, the skywalks form an network of temperature-controlled links so you can access most corners of the CBD, while oblivious to the plummeting mercury outside. 5 Boulevard of dreams Stately heritage buildings mark Stephen Ave, a cruisy pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Calgary. It's an outdoor shopping and dining strip marked with restaurants and bars behind historic edifices. Showcasing the character-filled Victorian and Art Deco architecture of early frontier Calgary, much of the strip was rebuilt after a fire in 1886. Snap up some cowboy attire at Lammle's Western Wear or head inside for lunch at one of the bars such as the grand Bank and Baron pub, an ornate structure that was once the Bank of Nova Scotia. Sadly, one of Calgary's best-loved buildings has shut up shop. The Hudson Bay Company, billed as one of the oldest commercial corporations in the world, went bankrupt in March. 'The Company', as it's known, was founded on the fur trade in 1670 and it was said that the retailer, and indeed the country, was built on beavers. 6 Island life Formerly home to a timber mill, Prince's Island was where felled trees could be sent from the wilds to be processed in the heart of what is now modern-day Calgary. Even in subzero winter the 20ha site on the Bow River seems to be a magnet for joggers and dog-walkers, but in summer the sun sets late in these parts and the pedestrian island springs to life to host musical festivals and other events, as well as becoming a picnic and outdoors hotspot. For a special treat book ahead for a seat at the River Cafe for lunch or dinner, consistently rated a highlight of the city's dining scene. Voted the most eco-friendly eatery in the nation due to its local suppliers and energy-efficient farming practices, the River Cafe prides itself on a seasonal, sustainable menu stemming from indigenous and foraged Canadian ingredients. Dine in with a view of the Bow River or in summer order a luxury pop-up picnic to enjoy under the open sky. 7 Hip district On Ninth Avenue, just east of the CBD is Inglewood, a hip haven of record shops, cafes, barbers and clothing shops with a trendy but slightly grungy vibe. The original high street of old Calgary, there's a whiff of wild west history behind the character facades. Spend an afternoon wandering along the street looking at vintage clothes, cafes, organic restaurants, and get lost in Canada's largest vinyl collection at Recordland. Don't miss Kent of Inglewood, a barber shop where the massive head of Blueberry the Bison is mounted on the wall. The store stocks every lotion and potion a man might need for his old-style shave, and hirsute types can step into the chair for a slice of classic cutthroat pampering with the local barber. If facial hair doesn't do it for you, they have an impressive array of axes, hatchets and hunting blades for sale. 8 Where to buy cowboy boots The aroma of leather, the din of hammers and hum of light machinery greets you as you step into the Alberta Boot Company workshop. It's the engine room of an iconic Canadian firm established in the 1970s that is now the Canadian equivalent of RM Williams. It takes about four weeks to make a pair of the handcrafted clodhoppers, and if straight cowhide isn't your style try ostrich leather, python or alligator with the different materials coming in myriad colours. Computer-aided embroidery adds artistry to the traditional craftsmanship. This small factory on the edge of the city brings together traditional Mexican and Canadian skills to produce footwear for anything from farm work, to a rodeo or night-time line-dancing. 9 Must-see museum Ageing hippies, metal heads, prog-rock fans and jazz aficionados can all find their perfect pitch at Studio Bell, a museum devoted to all things music. Even the extraordinary building, which is shaped like a guitar, is noteworthy. Exhibits include an early synthesiser used by Stevie Wonder, one of Elton John's pianos, a virginal dating from 1560 and the extraordinary Kimball Theatre Organ from the 1920s, a giant contraption with a bizarre array of bells, whistles and xylophones. Visitors can try their hand at some of the musical items that are on display – theremin, anyone? Take the Behind the Glass tour, $C11.50 ($12.90) on top of the $C24.50 general admission ticket, to see some of the rarer instruments in action. A must-see is the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio, used by the legendary rock band. And a word of warning: if you come for an hour, be prepared to stay for the whole day. 10 Where to stay British royalty may favour the Fairmont Palisades, but for a less traditional option consider The Westley, a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel conjured four years ago from a former oil and gas office block. Interiors have a Mexican-chic aesthetic, enhanced by pale adobe-esque arched walls, succulents and abundant tequilas and mezcals at the bar, and modern Mex meals at restaurant Fonda Fora. The suites are spacious, with king beds, generous storage, separate living area with desk, sofa and smart TV plus a small kitchenette with Smeg kettle (but no coffee machine). But it's the bathrooms that are the standouts, featuring geometric-patterned tiles giving off a 1970s vibe, double vanity, bathtub and capacious shower cubicle plus high quality brushed gold tapware. Smart and snazzy. Rooms from $C312 a night. Damian Haarsma was a guest of Tourism Calgary and Air New Zealand. If you love to travel, sign up to our free weekly Travel + Luxury newsletter here.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Calgary airport limiting access to two hours before flight through U.S. customs
Travellers bound across the U.S. border will have to keep their eyes on the clock come travel day; Calgary International Airport will now be denying access through American customs any earlier than two hours before takeoff. In a statement about said changes, the Calgary Airport Authority referenced implementing the metering measures in December 2024, attempting to manage flow 'during specific peak travel times.' The statement further described the time restrictions as being 'used at several major Canadian airports to improve efficiency and minimize bottlenecks during high volume periods, as needed.' No specific period has been described for the new measures, and the changes appear to be indefinite. The shift in timing was officially announced on the airport's blog in mid-May, but a notification announcing the change has since been displayed across the top of the entire website. The red banner coincides with several large-tourism events in Calgary, namely the Rotary International Convention, and the upcoming Calgary Stampede. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Passengers are still encouraged to arrive three hours before their flight time, 'to account for travel conditions and to allow sufficient time for check-in with their airline and check their bags,' according to the original announcement post. Should guests make their way through check-in and still have time to spare, the announcement points to the pre-security dining options as ways to wait. Impacts to businesses within the post-security area are as of yet unclear. The airport's statement said they were offering support to businesses on both sides of customs clearance by introducing a pre-ordering method through their online store directory. However, only two of the 13 food and beverage locations in the area after customs currently have the online function available. Neither of those two are any of the several sit-in dining restaurants — like Vino Volo or the Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar — businesses that may be impacted more than others by the constrained timeframes. A July 2024 study in the Journal of Air Transport Management researched the correlation between time and dollars spent within an airport. The study found that 'a 10 per cent increase in dwell time is associated with an increase of 8 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, in food and beverage as well as retail revenues.' According to the airport's 2024 earnings report, non-aeronautical sales were a large driver of the wider 4.3 per cent increase in total revenue. It is unclear what segment businesses within the U.S. departures gate represent of the $100.6-million in concession sales across the airport. Despite those increases, the airport still operated at a $30.5-million net accounting deficit.
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Calgary airport limiting access to two hours before flight through U.S. customs
Article content Travellers bound across the U.S. border will have to keep their eyes on the clock come travel day; Calgary International Airport will now be denying access through American customs any earlier than two hours before takeoff. Article content In a statement about said changes, the Calgary Airport Authority referenced implementing the metering measures in December 2024, attempting to manage flow 'during specific peak travel times.' The statement further described the time restrictions as being 'used at several major Canadian airports to improve efficiency and minimize bottlenecks during high volume periods, as needed.' No specific period has been described for the new measures, and the changes appear to be indefinite. Article content Article content Article content The shift in timing was officially announced on the airport's blog in mid-May, but a notification announcing the change has since been displayed across the top of the entire website. The red banner coincides with several large-tourism events in Calgary, namely the Rotary International Convention, and the upcoming Calgary Stampede. Article content Article content Passengers are still encouraged to arrive three hours before their flight time, 'to account for travel conditions and to allow sufficient time for check-in with their airline and check their bags,' according to the original announcement post. Should guests make their way through check-in and still have time to spare, the announcement points to the pre-security dining options as ways to wait. Impacts to businesses within the post-security area are as of yet unclear. The airport's statement said they were offering support to businesses on both sides of customs clearance by introducing a pre-ordering method through their online store directory. However, only two of the 13 food and beverage locations in the area after customs currently have the online function available. Neither of those two are any of the several sit-in dining restaurants — like Vino Volo or the Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar — businesses that may be impacted more than others by the constrained timeframes. Article content Article content A July 2024 study in the Journal of Air Transport Management researched the correlation between time and dollars spent within an airport. The study found that 'a 10 per cent increase in dwell time is associated with an increase of 8 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, in food and beverage as well as retail revenues.'
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Brookman: Global events show the best of Calgary, but also highlight our problems
Article content The Rotarians are leaving, and the cowboys are arriving! Visitors from one of the world's largest conventions are being replaced by visitors for the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth, and millions of dollars will continue to pour into our city for weeks ahead. Article content What did we hear from visiting Rotarians? Without hesitation, the comments were about the warm welcomes, the friendliness, and the sincere enthusiasm of Calgarians. Article content Article content Article content The local Rotary clubs and other organizations were lauded for the amazing preparation and hospitality that was extended for people from Uganda to Utah and from Nigeria to Niagara on the Lake. People enjoyed themselves and will leave Calgary with great memories. Article content Article content Well, the weather gods didn't exactly co-operate. When one lady from Alabama asked on Sunday, 'Is your winter colder than yesterday?' I told her it can be, but that we really wanted our guests to have the full, four-season experience. Article content She had a good laugh about that. We have to commend the thousands of people who stayed to the bitter end of the Saturday night Grandstand Show. Major congratulations to everyone who participated in that show in the face of cold and wind. It was the talk of the town Sunday morning, and the Calgary Stampede pulled everything off with flying colours. Article content Article content However, the toughest comments were about our safety and security issues and vagrancy downtown. Article content Article content One man from New York commented to me, 'We had this great dinner at the Calgary Tower, but when we left, there were people right on the sidewalk shooting up drugs. We were nervous walking back to our hotel.' Article content Another man from Seattle told me that while walking under the First Street underpass, his family encountered a man defecating on the sidewalk. His remark to me was, 'We've got big problems in Seattle, but I see now that you have them, too.' Article content A wonderful, long-time Calgarian who is a close friend of mine adopted a phrase years ago that he likes to use. When confronted with an issue or a challenge, he simply says, 'Well, what are you going to do about it?'
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Retirement home residents make Twain tribute video ahead of Calgary Stampede
This year's Calgary Stampede parade marshal has some dedicated—and active—fans at the Whitehorn Village Retirement Home. This year's Stampede parade marshal has some big fans at a Calgary retirement home. The ladies from Whitehorn Village Retirement Home created a reel of themselves dancing to Shania Twain's music while wearing their best western wear. They also showed off their moves for CTV News on Thursday. This year's Calgary Stampede parade marshal has some dedicated—and active—fans at the Whitehorn Village Retirement Home. This year's Calgary Stampede parade marshal has some dedicated—and active—fans at the Whitehorn Village Retirement Home. The women want the video to go viral—and maybe get Twain's attention. The idea came from the facility's recreation director to stay active and have fun. 'She just asked if we'd come and do this. We're doing it for Shania Twain, to her music, and she teaches us what to do, and we just have fun doing it,' said Sharon-Ann Miner. 'None of us are always the same direction or anything, and we know that, but we're just having fun and being active and being together.' This year's Calgary Stampede parade marshal has some dedicated—and active—fans at the Whitehorn Village Retirement Home. This year's Calgary Stampede parade marshal has some dedicated—and active—fans at the Whitehorn Village Retirement Home. You can find their video on Whitehorn Village by Origin's Facebook and Instagram pages.
