Experience the real Wild West in Calgary

The Calgary Stampede came to life back in the summer of 1912: Just as Annie Oakley was hanging up her guns and Wyatt Earp was riding quietly off into the sunset. The world famous event has been keeping the legend of the Wild West alive ever since. Billed as the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo regularly attracts over one million visitors – decked heel to toe in western attire and TV audiences in excess of two million viewers.

For a 10-day period, from July 4 – 13, Calgary will be transformed into a town of the great frontier with all the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era. Cowboys from around the globe will go head to head, for what is believed to be the biggest prize money in the sport.

Visitors can mosey on down and enjoy the thrills, spills and crashes from the saddle, bareback and bull riding events – the bull riding always pulls a huge crowd! However, ensure you don’t miss the timed events, which showcase the incredible speed, accuracy and horseman skills of cowboys competing in the Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling and tie-down. You will also be able to see the famous Chuckwagon Races, wild cow milking event, agricultural competitions, exhibitions, stage shows, concerts and so much more.

Travelsphere (travelsphere.co.uk) feature a full day trip to the Calgary Stampede with an included ticket to a rodeo as part of a 14-day tour of the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver on July 3 from £1,924. The price includes return flights from Heathrow and Manchester to Calgary returning from Vancouver, transfers, 11-nights’ accommodation on a room only basis, tours of Calgary Banff and Vancouver and the services of a tour manager.

The tour gets under way in Calgary with a full day trip to the Stampede, before continuing on its Rockies adventure with a three night stay in Banff National Park. It then heads north climbing to nearly 7,000ft above sea level, along the famous Banff-Jasper Highway to Jasper for a three night stay. From Jasper there will be the opportunity to visit beautiful Lake Maligne and enjoy a two hour rapids ride.

Yellow Head Pass is next – the highest peak in the Rockies, continuing south for an overnight stay in Kamloops. The tour then heads into British Columbia travelling through Fraser Canyon to Vancouver for a final three night stay.

For further information visit Travelsphere.co.uk.