After saying goodbye to the mountains this morning, I experienced a totally new side of Canada at Calgary. The growing city is in the midst of prairie country, so the region has long depended on ranching as one of its main economic staples.

 

To celebrate this, the city holds an annual Calgary Stampede rodeo every July. The famous event gives tours of the grounds and has a gift shop that stays open year round for those interested in everything from souvenirs to high end cowboy gear.

 

I had more retail therapy at downtown Calgary’s extensive Stephen Avenue mall before enjoying my final dinner at Mavericks. The Western-themed restaurant is on Calgary Stampede’s park grounds.

 

Now that I’ve just finished several helpings of the restaurant’s wonderful buffet, I’m sure I will sleep like a baby before departing back to the U.S. tomorrow morning.

 

calgary stampede

Calgary Stampede gift shop

calgary

Calgary

stephen ave

Stephen Avenue mall