The Calgary Stampede! #SierraDrive

Taking up where I left off last Travel Tuesday!  End of Day 2 of the #SierraDrive! (Day One)

The second half of this adventurous day saw us dropping off our GMC Sierra and checking into the fabulous Arts Hotel in downtown Calgary.  It. Was. Stunning.  (and I was tired…

…so so tired!)  A morning of adventure and horseback riding with Cowboys can really take it out of a girl!  Oh how I wanted to have a hot shower and crash for a little while in that great big bed.  But no, there was too much to do.   I somehow managed to find a second wind, dusted myself off, donned my “Cowboy” apparel, and we were off again!

To say Dear Hubby and I were looking forward to all the things The Calgary Stampede had to offer would be an understatement.  There was no way it was going to live up to our ridiculously high expectations.  You know what?  It did, and then some. 

We took a short walk down the street from our hotel and entered the gates with a huge crowd that was literally buzzing with excitement.

The GMC presence was strong and beautiful, here I am getting my Vanna White on!

The size of the Calgary Stampede was almost overwhelming.  Where to start?!  The rides, the cars, the barns or just checking out the people?

The people watching was supreme.  Where else can you see a Goth girl with 14 piercings in her face holding hands with a Cowboy? Awesome!

The fair style food choices; from double bacon wrapped corn dogs, to fresh squeezed lemonade, to deep fried Oreos were obscene. (and kind of delish)

The rides were kitschy and expected.

The crowds were friendly and fabulous! 

The show, The GMC Chuck Wagon Races were a riot!  It really was “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”, and we loved every single minute of it!

The stage show featuring singers, dancers, acrobats, children and adults were surprising and thoroughly entertaining!

We cheered, gasped and sang along to the most eclectic show I’ve ever seen!

The evening allowed for time with my Husband, laughs with new friends, picking new favourite Chuck Wagon Race Teams and cheering them on, and indulging to the max.  It was a night I will never forget.  More than that, it was an adventure I will cherish forever. 

Before we knew it, the night was coming to a close, and it was time to head back to our hotel. 

Our time in Calgary was swift and action packed.

Thanks to @GMCCanada and the introduction of the brand new Sierra Truck, we had the opportunity to knock some items off our bucket list.  We conquered the Calgary Stampede, we rode horses on a real working ranch, saw a cattle drive, tested  a truck through some breathtaking country, and camped at the base of a mountain. 

Feeling thankful, alive and blessed. 

Thanks GMCCanada!

Disclosure: I was provided a trip to Alberta to test the 2014 Sierra.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  Please follow GMCCanada on Twitter.