Join the cowboys at the Calgary Stampede

Situated at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is the largest city in Alberta. It's a popular destination for fans of winter sports and active summer holidays. The big event is The Calgary Stampede, which runs from 3 July until 13 July and attracts some 250,000 visitors every year.

The festival begins with a parade of horses and riders, and continues with some very masculine activities. The rodeo is made up of events including wild pony racing, bull riding and cow tackling. Afterwards, cowboys, cowgals and visitors meet in Stampede Park, an open space with bars, restaurants and an amusement park. There are also music venues where stars like Nelly Furtado, the Jeff Healy Band and top country-and-western artists have performed. With plenty of activities for the kids as well, the Calgary Stampede is definitely an action-packed festival with something for all ages.

While you're there...

A few hours from Calgary is the town of Fernie. With its spectacular scenery and wildlife, the area offers lots of outdoor activies. Try a wilderness adventure. Enjoy fly fishing on the Elk River. Take a guided tour of the Elk Valley, where you can see elk, moose, bald eagles and, if you're lucky, even black bears and grizzly bears.