Getting around safely during the Calgary Stampede
Calgary Stampede is one of the busiest times of year in the city. With more people walking, driving and celebrating, how you choose to get around plays a role in keeping everyone safe. This reflects The City’s commitment to safer mobility and a goal of zero lives lost on Calgary’s roads.
Roads are busier, access can change quickly and demand increases across walking routes, Calgary Transit, parking, taxi and rideshare services. Stay alert, be patient, and look out for others as you move through the city. Small decisions, such as like giving yourself extra time or choosing how you travel, can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.
Driving and parking
Driving is an option during Stampede, but it requires planning.
Roads across the city are busier, access can change throughout the day and parking demand is higher—especially near Stampede Park and major event areas. You may also experience delays when arriving or leaving during peak times.
If you choose to drive:
- Allow extra time for travel and delays
- Consider parking outside high‑traffic areas and walking part of the way
- Check road closures and parking availability before you leave
Parking safely matters. Where you park affects visibility, access and the safety of people walking, cycling and driving. Follow posted signs to avoid fines and tows.
See the Stampede parking page for locations, availability and rates. Fireworks and evening events can affect access in nearby communities like Ramsay. Check local traffic controls and plan ahead if you are travelling to or through these areas.
Traffic safety
Stampede brings more people onto Calgary’s roads, pathways and public spaces and often late into the night when visibility, fatigue and impairment can increase risk.
Impaired driving is one of the most serious safety risks during Stampede. This includes alcohol, cannabis, other drugs, fatigue, and certain medications. These factors can reduce reaction time, awareness and decision-making.
Late at night, especially between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., is when the risk of serious collisions is highest, and people walking are especially vulnerable in busy, changing conditions.
What you can do:
- Plan your trip home before you go out
- Never drive impaired, instead use transit, taxi, rideshare or a designated driver
- Slow down and stay alert for people walking, wheeling and cycling
- Follow all traffic signals and signage, especially in busy areas
Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit offers extended service during Stampede, making it one of the most reliable ways to get around during busy periods.
CTrain service runs 24 hours a day throughout Stampede, helping you get to early morning events and home safely after late-night celebrations.
Downtown stations and nearby stops provide direct access to Stampede Park and major event areas.
Before you travel, check routes, schedules and service updates to plan your trip.
Taxi and rideshares
Taxi and rideshare services are available throughout Stampede and can be a good option during busy or late-night periods.
Designated pick-up and drop-off zones are located near Stampede Park. Follow posted signage when using these areas and expect longer wait times during peak periods.
Taxi (24 hours)
- 14 Ave S.E. east of 5 St S.E.
- South side of Stampede Park, north of 25 Ave S.E.
Taxi (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
- 12 Ave S.W. between 1 & 3 Street S.E.
Rideshares - Uber/Lyft (24 hours)
- 14 Ave S.W. between Stampede Tr & 5 St S.W.
- South side of Stampede Park, north of 25 Ave S.E.
Rideshares - Uber/Lyft (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
- 10 Ave S.E. between 1 St & Olympic Way S.E.
- 1 Street S.E. between 10 & 12 Ave S.E.
e-Bikes and e-Scooters
Shared e-Scooters and e-Bikes are a great way to make your way throughout the city. The City of Calgary has issued permits to two companies to provide access to these safe, sustainable methods of transportation
You can ride a shared e-Scooter city-wide on bicycle lanes, pathways, empty sidewalks and roadways with lower speed limits and lower traffic volumes (like 13 Ave S.W.). You can also ride in the temporary adaptive lanes that are set up around Calgary. E-Scooters are not permitted on busier roadways like Macleod Tr.
Shared e-Bikes are permitted everywhere regular bikes can be used and must follow the same rules that apply to bikes.
West Ramsay road closures
From Tuesday, June 30 to Monday, July 13, the following intersections are closed for access into west Ramsay:
- Maggie Street and MacDonald Avenue S.E.
- 11 Avenue and 8 Street S.E.
- 17 Avenue and 8 Street S.E.
- Margaret Avenue and Spiller Road S.E.
- Constance Avenue and Spiller Road S.E.
- 6 Street and Spiller Road S.E.
Residents who live west of the closed intersections will have vehicle access to their homes at two access points:
- Bellevue Avenue and MacDonald Avenue S.E.
- Burns Avenue and Spiller Road S.E
See other planned road closures listed on the traffic report page.