This tour begins on Stampede Park at the Spirit of Water art instillation on the east side of the BMO Centre. View the public art located in Stampede Park as your tour guide weaves the storey of Western Canada, the First Nations, and the origins of the Calgary Stampede. Art pieces include bronze monuments, murals, and other mediums. Hear the struggle and persistence of Guy Weadick, the founder of the Calgary Stampede and what has made it the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Learn why rodeos were started and how the First Nations became involved in the Calgary Stampede. Gain an understanding of what the future holds for Stampede Park.
The signing of Treaty 7 in the area affected the First Nations in a profound way. Learn how building a railway affected the First Nations and their culture. Walk the Park and discover why the Northwest Mounted Police arrived in Calgary and what their role was in acquiring land to build a railway in the area. View the settlers bronze monument and hear how they opened up Western Canada for all settlers. Surrounded by rodeo history you will view where the excitement of the Greatest Outdoor Show on earth place each July. View the murals and hear the storey of how the Calgary Stampede began…. and almost didn’t. Immerse yourself in the Western Culture as you interact with a life-size monument of 15 horses (pictures are a must). Your tour ends with admission into the SAM Centre where you can experience interactive exhibits that bring the Calgary Stampede history to life.