Stampede Gate isn’t just an entrance—it’s the heartbeat of Calgary! This iconic archway marks the start of the world-famous Calgary Stampede, pulsing with Western spirit and wild celebration. Even outside festival season, it’s a must-visit: dramatic, bold, and endlessly photogenic. Stand beneath it, soak in the vibe, and snap a shot that screams adventure.








Everything you need to know about Stampede Gate
The Shawinigan Hotel Calgary is a top choice located just steps from Stampede Gate. This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk service. Guests enjoy easy access to the Canadian National Exhibition Stadium and Bowness Park, perfect for outdoor activities. Its proximity to Calgary Central Station makes commuting effortless via light rail to downtown or the airport. Ideal for both business travelers and tourists seeking convenience and comfort.
Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown is an excellent family-friendly option just a 5-minute walk from Stampede Gate. The hotel features a kid-friendly indoor pool, game room, and complimentary parking. Nearby attractions include the Calgary Zoo and Galleries of the Art Museum, perfect for family outings. On-site dining offers family meal packages, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Its central location also provides quick access to the Alberta Legislature Building and Downtown Calgary Business District, making it ideal for stress-free family travel.
Walk about 10 minutes from Stampede Gate to Calgary Central Station, then take the CTrain Light Rail (Blue Line) directly into downtown. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes with trains running every 10 minutes. Major stops include Georgia Street and Southland Station, allowing transfers to key landmarks like Calgary City Hall and Peace Bridge. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also readily available for short trips. The CTrain operates year-round and offers free shuttle access for visitors, making it a cost-effective and efficient transit option.
Don’t miss attending live events during the Calgary Stampede at Stampede Gate, immersing yourself in authentic Western culture. Stroll along the river pathway to Bowness Park, enjoying cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer. Try horseback riding or visit the Alberta Agricultural Museum to explore prairie history. In the evening, head to the Calgary Night Market for local favorites like grilled beef sandwiches and fried potato wedges—perfect for experiencing the city’s vibrant multicultural flavor.
Yes, several hotels near Stampede Gate, including Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown and The Shawinigan Hotel Calgary, provide complimentary breakfast. Breakfast includes hot and cold options, fresh fruit, and coffee, served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Some properties offer a healthy buffet breakfast featuring whole-grain bread, yogurt, and protein drinks for wellness-focused guests. Meals are served in the lobby or rooftop terrace, offering scenic views of the city skyline. Free breakfast is typically included with room rates that specify breakfast inclusion—recommended to confirm upon HopeGoo.
The Calgary Marriott Hotel is a top choice near Stampede Gate, located just a 5-minute walk away and ideally situated for access to downtown attractions, shopping, and dining. The hotel offers modern rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and excellent service for both business and leisure travelers. Its proximity to the C-Train light rail system makes it easy to explore major destinations like Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains. Guests can also visit nearby cultural highlights such as the Canadian Western Heritage Museum and the Calgary Art Gallery, enriching their stay with authentic local experiences.
Yes, highly convenient. Located in downtown Calgary, Stampede Gate is adjacent to the C-Train light rail system, providing quick access to major sites like the Alberta Museum, Banff National Park, and the Canadian Western Heritage Museum. A short 15-minute drive leads to Calgary International Airport, while scenic routes to Banff take about 30 minutes. Car rental services such as Hertz and Avis are readily available nearby, ideal for exploring the Rocky Mountains and prairie landscapes. During the annual Calgary Stampede, special shuttle buses are deployed to enhance connectivity and visitor flow.
Near Stampede Gate, visitors can immerse themselves in the annual Calgary Stampede held each July, featuring rodeo events, Western music concerts, and food festivals. Unique activities include horseback riding, cowboy hat workshops, and prairie bonfire nights that showcase authentic Canadian frontier culture. The Calgary Civic Centre Plaza hosts outdoor movie screenings and live street performances, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. For deeper cultural insight, the Indigenous Cultural Centre offers traditional dance demonstrations and craft exhibitions, highlighting the rich heritage of First Nations communities in Alberta.
See what other travelers say about Stampede Gate

This was hands down the best hotel of my entire trip across Canada—no exaggeration. Located right in downtown Calgary, it's super convenient with the 300 bus stop just steps away, making airport transfers a breeze. The hotel itself is brand new for a four-star property, and the room quality truly stands out—especially the bedding, which was incredibly comfortable and made it hard to leave the bed. I loved how modern and well-designed everything felt. Plus, there’s a top-rated steakhouse just around the corner, perfect for dinner after a long day of exploring. Everything about this stay was exceptional—from location to service to comfort. Definitely going to come back.

Staying at this Hilton Garden Inn near Calgary International Airport was a great choice for my quick layover. The room was spacious—way bigger than I expected—and the quality of the furnishings was consistent with what I’ve come to expect from Hilton. The free breakfast was a real highlight; it’s rare to find such a generous and well-rounded complimentary meal at hotels abroad, especially in airport locations. I appreciated the hot options, fresh fruit, and coffee bar. The location is super convenient—just a short ride to the terminal, making early flights stress-free. Pricing felt fair for the comfort and amenities offered. If you're looking for a comfortable, no-fuss stay close to the airport, I’d definitely recommend this hotel. It’s a smart pick for short stays or last-minute arrivals.

My stay at Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown was absolutely excellent. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from the C-Train station, making it super easy to get around the city without needing a car. There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes nearby, so everything you need is within reach. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the indoor pool and hot tub—perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my visit. Overall, the value for money is outstanding, and I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Calgary. It’s a top pick for both business and leisure travelers.

The room was surprisingly spacious and well-equipped, almost like having a mini kitchen with all the essentials for cooking. It made our stay so much more comfortable and convenient, especially when we wanted to whip up something quick after a long day. The location in downtown Calgary is excellent—walkable to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Everything about this stay was top-notch, from the clean, modern design to the friendly staff. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the city.

I absolutely loved this hotel—such a great value for the price! The check-in process was smooth, and the staff were quick and friendly. There's a small convenience store on the first floor, which is super handy for grabbing snacks, drinks, or even ice in the evening. The heating system is incredible—so warm and cozy, perfect for Calgary’s chilly weather. Plus, the parking lot is huge and easy to navigate, which is a big plus if you're driving. I’d definitely stay here again if I ever come back to Calgary. Highly recommend it!

We arrived late at night, but the front desk staff were incredibly courteous and made us feel welcome right away. The room was spotless and well-maintained—cleanliness was obvious from the moment we stepped in. We opted for the breakfast-included package, which offered a decent selection of options. That said, there could be more variety, especially for guests who prefer less sweet or lighter morning meals—some items were quite sugary, which didn’t quite hit the mark for my taste. Still, the hotel’s location is excellent for airport travelers, with easy access to transit and shuttle services. Overall, it’s a reliable, comfortable stay with great value, and I’d definitely recommend it to fellow travelers looking for a stress-free experience.

Staying here was a fantastic experience overall! The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Breakfast was enjoyable with a good variety of options, especially the hot items which tasted fresh and satisfying. The only hiccup was on the first day when it got busy early and eggs ran out, but they were fully stocked for the rest of the stay. I appreciated that they managed to keep up with demand after the initial rush. The underground parking garage is secure and easy to access—great for travelers driving in. What really stood out was the housekeeping staff: friendly, attentive, and always going the extra mile with a warm smile. Their professionalism made a big difference. This hotel offers excellent value for money and is definitely worth recommending to friends or colleagues traveling to Calgary.

I've stayed at several airport hotels, but this one truly stands out. The location is incredibly convenient—just a quick walk from the terminal and easy access to public transit. What really impressed me was the exceptional service. I had a slight wait during check-in, and instead of just apologizing, the staff upgraded me to a spacious suite for free! The room was modern, clean, and super comfortable—the bed was perfect for a good night's sleep after a long flight. Everything about the property felt fresh and well-maintained. If you're flying into Calgary, this is definitely my top pick. A fantastic experience from start to finish!

I stayed here during a layover in Calgary, and overall it was a solid choice for airport travelers. The hotel is no luxury property—facilities are basic, and the atmosphere is simple—but everything was clean and functional. My room was compact but comfortable, with a good-quality bed that made for a restful sleep despite the short stay. What stood out most was the location: just a 10-minute walk to the airport terminal, which saved me time and stress during check-in rush hours. The front desk offered smooth check-in and check-out, and there's a self-service kiosk for added convenience. While it’s not fancy, this place delivers exactly what you need when you're in transit—affordability, proximity, and reliability. If you're flying through Calgary and just need a quick, no-fuss place to rest, this hotel hits the mark. A practical, no-nonsense option that works well for budget-conscious travelers.

Staying at Aloft Calgary University was a fantastic experience! The hotel is quiet and peaceful, making it perfect for a good night's sleep. The room was spotless and well-maintained—every detail felt clean and fresh. All the amenities were available: a fridge, microwave, and ice machine, which made my stay super convenient, especially for quick meals or snacks. The only small downside was the lack of a water dispenser, but that didn’t really affect my overall satisfaction. The location is great—it’s close to the airport, so getting there by car or public transit was easy and stress-free. With its modern vibe, excellent cleanliness, and smart layout, this place offers incredible value. I’d definitely recommend it to students, business travelers, or anyone looking for a comfortable, no-fuss stay in Calgary.

Staying at the Residence Inn Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for both short stays and extended visits. I especially appreciated having a full kitchenette with a refrigerator, which made preparing meals easy and convenient, especially when traveling with family or staying longer. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from downtown attractions, shopping areas, and public transit, making getting around the city a breeze. On top of that, the complimentary fitness center and in-house laundry facilities were a huge plus, saving time and money. Breakfast was surprisingly diverse—classic Western options like eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit, but also a welcome touch of Chinese-style savory porridge, which added a nice cultural twist. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully curated. Excellent value, great service, and a truly comfortable home-away-from-home. I’ll definitely return.

I was thoroughly impressed with my stay at Alt Hotel Calgary East Village—this place truly exceeded my expectations. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from downtown attractions, shopping spots, and an amazing variety of restaurants. The hotel itself feels brand new, with a modern, sleek design and spotless cleanliness throughout. From check-in to check-out, the staff were friendly, professional, and always ready to help. My room was spacious, well-lit, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the city. The bed was cozy, the bathroom had excellent water pressure, and everything felt high-end. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches, like the local artwork and quiet, efficient HVAC system. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel offers a fantastic balance of style, comfort, and convenience. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends.
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