Rodeos in west Canada?

Question

I am coming from Ireland and going on holiday to Canada, starting in Calgary and making my way to Banff, Whistler, Jasper and finishing in Vancouver.

I would really like to see a rodeo while I am there and I am wondering if anyone out there can point me in the right direction?

Thanks a lot

Answer 1

The biggest rodeo in western Canada by far is Calgary Stampede.  Its in mid-July.  The second largest is in Surrey (Cloverdale Rodeo) is May,24th weekend but you'll not see it listed under the "Pro circuit" as they no longer allow calf roping due to animal rights concerns.  

Also, your route would be more practical if it was:

Calgary out to Banff, then north thru the Columbia Icefields to Jasper then into BC south down to Kamloops and from there to Vancouver then up to Whistler.   If your not in a hurry from Kamloops to Vancouver leg try taking Hwy#1 thru the Fraser Canyon...outstanding scenary

Your actual drive time from: (approx)

Calgary to banff  1.5 hours

Banff to Jasper  4 hours

Jasper to Kamloops  6 hours

Kamloops to Vancouver  3 hours via Hwy#5 (express) and about 5 hours via Fraser Canyon (Hwy#1) Vancouver to Whistler 1.5 hours.

http://www.hellobc.com for ideas here in BC.

have a good time

Answer 2

Rodeos.. well in BC you can go to Cloverdale.. they are more of a country town and have a Cloverdale Rodeo every so often.

Or the Calgary Stampede.

Google them for official times.

Answer 3

Are you hoping for THIS year or next?   Calgary is already over,.  It was mid-july.

Link Below to Canadian Professional Rodeo Assn.  They have a full schedule>  You can still catch Jasper this year.  

Oh and there is so much more to do than rodeos!!  Explore Athabasca falls, hike up to the glacier lake on Mt. Edith Cavell.   Walk on the icefields at Athabasca glacier.  See Moraine Lake with it's startling not from this world Teal water.  Soak in the hot springs at Banff.  

Have a great time!