Stampede 101
Be prepared for Stampede this year! Here are some tips for getting around during Stampede.
Parade Day
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth officially kicks off with the Stampede Parade on Friday, July 4. Get there early to get the best seat in the house! CTrain service runs before, during and after the parade. All downtown CTrain stations are within one block of the parade route.
Bus route detours become effective at start of service, while the parade prelude will begin at 7:45 a.m. At 9:00 a.m. the main parade begins on 9 Avenue at 3 Street SE.
For more information about the parade, visit: calgarystampede.com/stampede/parade
About 350,000 float-fanatics line the streets downtown to watch over 170 entries take a 4.5 km route. When the parade lets out, thousands make their way to the Stampede Grounds. Here are some options to get you to the grounds:
Bus - Route 510 (PARADE DAY ONLY) - Hop on a shuttle bus at one of these locations:
- Northbound 4 Street SW at 7 Avenue SW
- Eastbound 7 Avenue SW at 1 Street SW
- Southbound 1 Street at 8 Avenue SE
Route 510 will begin service right after the parade. View map
CTrain – Take the CTrain to Victoria Park/Stampede or Erlton/Stampede Stations. Please be aware that Centre Street and City Hall/Bow Valley College Stations become extremely crowded between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. You may have to wait to get onto a CTrain, as they fill up very quickly.
Walk – From the end of the parade route on 6 Avenue and 4 Street SE, it is only a 10-15 minute walk to the main gates.
View the map of the different options.
Parade day detours will be posted soon.
All day long. All night long. All Stampede long.
24 hour CTrain service during Stampede! Whether waking up at the crack of dawn to get some pancakes, or going home after line dancing all night long, we’ve got you covered! ‘Round the clock service begins the evening of Thursday, July 3, and ends the morning of Monday, July 14.
CTrain Schedule:
- Every 10 min. - 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Every 15 min. - 9:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Every 20-30 min. - 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Stampede Express Routes:
- Route 511 – Stampede North Express with express service from North Pointe.
- Approx. every 10 - 15 min. until 1:00 a.m.
- View map
- Approx. every 10 - 15 min. until 1:00 a.m.
- Route 512 – Stampede SE Express with express service from McKenzie Towne terminal and Douglas Glen Terminal.
- Approx. every 15 min. until 1:00 a.m.
- View map
For the exact schedule and map, please use our Next Ride or Schedules feature on our home page.
Family Day Express:
Our newest express route can take you directly from downtown to the Stampede grounds on Sunday, July 6, helping you make the most of the Family Day festivities. View map.
- Route 513 – Stampede Family Day Express (Sun, July 6 ONLY) – with service between:
- Northbound Macleod Tr at 7 Avenue SE (City Hall/Bow Valley College Station)
- Southbound 1 Street at 7 Avenue SE (Centre Street Station)
- Northbound Macleod Tr at 14 Avenue SE (Victoria Park/Stampede Station)
- View map
Ways to Pay
Ride with us to the Stampede! My Fare and Transit both make it easy – just purchase your passes and fares through either app, and avoid the lines at the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs).
Day passes and the Weekend Group Day Pass are convenient and cost-saving ways to make transit your main mode of transportation around Calgary. You can pay for these passes at the CTrain station TVMs, or electronically via the MyFare or Transit app.
Day Pass:
Get a day of unlimited transit rides. Passes are valid for one full day (until 4 a.m. the following day)
- Adult - $11.95
- Youth - $8.75 (13-17 years)
Weekend Group Day Pass:
Share the fun with friends and family! One Weekend Group Day Pass covers groups of up to five, including two adults, and is valid for unlimited travel for one day on weekends. Learn more.
- Groups of up to five - $17.00
Cash Fares/Single Tickets
Single use tickets are also available for purchase directly on buses, at the TVMs on platforms, in advance from one of our vendors, or through the My Fare and Transit apps.
Cash/Single Ticket:
- Adult - $3.80
- Youth - $2.55 (13-17 years)
- Children – Free (12 and under)
Books of 10 Tickets:
- Adult - $38.00
- Youth - $25.50 (13-17 years)
- Children – Free (12 and under)
More information on passes, fares, and where to find them is available here.
Stay safe
Stampede is probably the liveliest time of the year so here are a few tips to ensure you have safe Stampede while using Calgary Transit:
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings
- Look both ways before crossing the CTrain tracks
- Only cross the tracks at the designated locations
- Stand behind the yellow line
- Hold your kids’ hands
- Call 911 or use the Help phones on the platforms or in the CTrain in case of an emergency
- If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, let any of our transit staff know
We’re doing our part to keep you safe too. We’ve hired security guards, enhanced our partnership with Calgary Police Service, and added Peace Officer patrols throughout the system. We’ll also have officers stationed at Erlton/Stampede and Victoria Park/Stampede stations at all times to help keep you safe.
Our Transit Watch program allows you to discreetly report concerns by texting us at 74100. Our staff will assist and dispatch officers, if needed.
Our stations, buses, and CTrains are equipped with cameras to enhance your safety. These cameras are monitored by security staff who can dispatch peace officers or other emergency responders.
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