Ranch Rider launch escorted Calgary Stampede & Ranch Stay Tour

According to Ranch Rider, the Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth,” should be billed as every city slicker’s rite of passage to the west. A regular visitor, the riding holiday specialist will be sharing its expertise at the 2013 event (05 – 14 July), the tour operator's new 11-night escorted tour including a two-day ticket to the extravaganza.

Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider, says, “While there will be a “Stampede on-the-go” App, our guests will have access to countless insider tips we’ve discovered over the years. For example, if it’s pinning down the best seats and rodeo events or timing pit stops to avoid lengthy queues, we’ll have the answers, and with western food, culture, music, fireworks, a fun fair and the aptly titled “Outlaw” rollercoaster on offer, the Calgary Stampede can often overwhelm even the most conscientious planner.”

Starting with a parade led by the World Champion Calgary Stampede Showband, floats, riders, Native Americans and even the occasional celebrity blaze a trail down a two and a half mile stretch – the bold performance setting the stage for what lies ahead.

The ten-day celebration leaves practically no stone unturned when it comes to variety, barrel racing complimented by surf boarding – a beach complete with palm trees located at the Stampede Market. But according to Daly, "The afternoon rodeo and the evening chuckwagon races are what make the whole event unmissable."

Ranch Rider’s new 11-night escorted tour includes a two-day ticket to the Calgary Stampede and 7-night stay at La Reata in Saskatchewan – a working cattle ranch. Situated on 5,000-acres of rolling pasture, guests will be rounding up the herd and riding across historic trails that were once the hunting grounds of the Blackfoot and Crow tribes.

From £2,985pp (two sharing) including all accommodation (full board at the ranch), two-day ticket to the Calgary Stampede, ranch activities, taxes, all transfers and internal and return flights. Excludes ranch gratuities. Departing 04 July.

For more information, visit ranchrider.com.