People from across the country and around the world coming to the Calgary Stampede, to take in sights like the rodeo, as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is set to pass the one million mark in visitors.
Some Japanese tourists came for the rodeo but stayed for the poutine.
“I’m so excited,” said Kaido Saido, who’s visiting from Japan. “I never eaten the poutine but this is so good.”
The Calgary Stampede says their attendance numbers are tracking a little bit above last year, with a majority of people from the Calgary area, 11 per cent from other provinces and seven per cent international visitors.
“Just before today started we were sitting around 970,000, signs are probably positive that we will be passing the one million mark today [Thursday],” said Julie Forget, manager, Communications & Media Relations, with the Calgary Stampede.
One of those visitors included some Americans from Missouri checking out the rodeo.
“So far so good, we are waiting for the sun to come out in about an hour and a half and then it’ll be great,” Pat Leonard told CityNews.
As more people flock to the city, Airbnb says they’ve seen a nearly 150 per cent increase in searches for stays in Calgary during Stampede, with not only guests from across the country but around the world.
“We are seeing guests from Palm Springs, from Sydney, Australia, Seoul, from London, U.K., and it’s a real crowd pleaser and we are seeing that resonate,” said Airbnb spokesperson, Matt McNama.
For some Canadians looking to travel within our own backyard, the stampede is the perfect spot.
“The people are super friendly, it gives you Canadian pride that’s what it feels like. And if you have never come you should come,” said Laurie Crossett, who’s visiting from Ontario.
Calgarian Olivia Uyeschei has a recommendation for visitors taking in the spectacle.
“They should go on the rides,” she said.