Categories: Travel

Canada’s largest pro rodeo can be found in this small Alberta town

Photo via Town of Ponoka

Ponoka is home to many things, like fantastic trail systems and the world’s largest bucking saddle and rider monument. Most importantly, however, it’s home to Canada’s biggest professional rodeo.

According to the Town of Ponoka, this community originated in 1891 as a delivery point along the Calgary-Edmonton Trail. The place actually wasn’t incorporated as a town until 1904, growing as people arrived from Eastern Canada and the American Midwest. Now, it continues to be a growing community, offering urban amenities and quality living all in a picturesque, rural setting.

One of the things this town is most known for, however, is its Stampede. Having started in 1936, the Ponoka Stampede started as a “wild and wonderful western affair” according to the Stampede itself. After over 90 years of races, riding, and rodeos, this event acts as a staple in the community and a prime reason to visit the town itself.

What’s the Ponoka Stampede like?

The Ponoka Stampede is a continuing statement of the town’s Western Heritage. Featuring Chuckwagon races, beer gardens, dances, concerts, parades, midway and, of course, all of the traditional rodeo events. You’re a shoo-in for a good time.

Here, during the summer, the best cowboys and cowgirls in North America travel to the Ponoka Stampede. When they arrive, they compete on the finest rodeo stock for over $885,000 in prize money.

This event is staged each summer over the Canada Day weekend. The Stampede attracts thousands of rodeo fans and tourists who flock to Ponoka for world-class rodeo talent as well as the star-studded concerts on the mainstage.

Although it’s already passed this year, it’s never too early to start planning for the next iteration of the rodeo. In fact, the dates have already been set for next year: June 28 to July 4.

If you need more help preparing for your first rodeo in Ponoka, the Stampede’s website offers some good advice. You’ll be able to find a lot of good information about the event itself as well as the actual rodeo events themselves.

When you visit the Stampede, be sure to check out the Canadian Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame. This spot was built to honour the contestants, animal athletes, and builders who gave their all to professional rodeo in Canada. If you’re a fan of anything rodeo, this is definitely a worthwhile stop.

Mark your calendar for next year, because we have a feeling this next Stampede is one you’re going to want to visit.