We had non-stop fun at Spruce Meadows in Calgary and we’d do it all over again! Here’s why.
Growing up, I was one of those kids who asked their parents for a horse. I had fantasies of being a brave heroine, riding into battle with my loyal steed.
Alas, my parents never made those dreams come true despite me constantly bugging them up until I was a teenager. So when I heard about Spruce Meadows, I knew that I had to go.
After spending an entire day there, I felt like my childhood passions were reignited. Even though I never achieved my goal of being an equestrian, being here was as close as I was gonna get and I’m definitely going to be returning soon.
If you’re wondering what’s so special about the place, the answers to all your burning questions can be found here. Continue reading to find out what you can see and do at Calgary’s Spruce Meadows.
Where is Spruce Meadows?
Spruce Meadows is located at 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW. Spanning 505 acres, it can be found toward the southern end of the city, close to the neighborhoods of Bridlewood and Somerset.
How to Get to Spruce Meadows
Via Bus: There are no bus stations beside Spruce Meadows, but the stations at Briddlewood and Somerset are around a 15-minute walking distance away. Transport lines 14, 52, 75, 78, and 152 can get you there.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Hire a taxi or find one using your preferred ride-sharing app (such as Uber or Lyft). Let your driver know that you wish to go to Spruce Meadows and they’ll take you there immediately.
Via Private Car: Type ‘Spruce Meadows’ into your car’s GPS to get the best directions. The premises have paid parking, but it’s free if you have a ticket to one of their events.
What to Do in Spruce Meadows
Watch show jumping tournaments
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The number one thing to do at Spruce Meadows is to watch a show jumping tournament. There are several throughout the year and they all have different vibes.
The atmosphere mostly depends on the skill levels of the riders. Some are relaxed enough for amateurs to practice, while others are nail-bitingly tense.
We highly recommend going to the former if it’s your first show. The atmosphere is very supportive and warm. It’s also lovely to cheer on young, aspiring equestrians.
Some of these tournaments are free, such as the Spring Welcome, Winter Farewell, and Oktoberfest shows. Alternatively, tournaments that are sponsored by big brands like Rolex usually require tickets.
Whichever you go to, you can watch the show from comfortable seating and enjoy some of the food concessions stands available.
Enjoy seasonal festivals
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Besides the show jumping tournaments, Spruce Meadows hosts several other exciting festivals throughout the different seasons.
For example, there’s the annual International Christmas Market that has fun holiday activities, merchandise from local vendors, and plenty of entertainment options. The whole family will surely enjoy it, especially with the whole place decked out in decor.
Our personal favorite event is PetFest, where owners bring a variety of beloved animal companions. There’s usually a petting zoo, a horse jumping demonstration, an adoption corner, and the must-watch Corgi Races which usually get the loudest cheers.
To know more about their upcoming events, you can just keep an eye out on their official website for any announcements.
Plan big events
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Spruce Meadows is huge and it’s got an abundance of beautiful facilities. Lucky for us, some of these venues can be used for private events.
They’ve got a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that can fit a different amount of people. For example, the British House has a formal foyer that can accommodate up to 200 people.
On the other hand, the Equi-Plex has an area for a stage and is great for conventions due to its capacity of 5,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the Skyboxes are ideal for intimate celebrations of up to 36 guests, with its stunning views of the international ring.
Whichever you choose, the events team will collaborate with you to curate an unforgettable affair. Out of everything, we think you’re going to enjoy planning the menu the most because the food here is fantastic.
Where to Eat near Spruce Meadows
CattleBaron Steakhouse
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Address: 33 Sun Valley Blvd SE
Phone: +1 403 201 9000
Pricing:
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
CattleBaron is a casual steakhouse that takes its meat seriously. Each piece is locally sourced and carefully aged to get the best possible flavor.
Regulars can’t seem to agree on what the best steak is here, but almost everyone has the Steak Oscar in their top 5. The combination of the perfectly prepared steak and the fresh shrimp will have you coming back over and over again.
The service is consistently excellent as well. Even when it gets busy, they’ll make you feel like VIPs. This is why many people choose to celebrate special occasions here.
Just don’t forget to end your meal with one of their famous Creme Brulees. It’s proof that diets are never worth it if it means missing out on something this good.
Li-Ao Sushi
Address: 2335 162 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 719 9668
Pricing:
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
For more than a decade, Li-Ao Sushi has been satisfying Calgarians’ cravings for authentic Japanese cuisine. They have all the classic sushi rolls, along with a few creative ones that are worth trying out.
Despite not costing an arm and a leg, each roll is still prepared by the order. You also don’t have to be an expert to recognize that they only use fresh ingredients, especially with how clean their sushi tastes.
Our eyes also can’t help but go wide every time we see how generous they are with their sashimi pieces.
We like how different the place feels from your usual upscale sushi place. Even though they take the food seriously, the service is always lovely, warm, and welcoming.
Where to Stay near Spruce Meadows
Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre
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Address: 9030 Macleod Trail
Phone: +1 403 253 1101
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Even though the Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre is better known as a place for business purposes, it still has everything you need for a relaxing weekend getaway.
You can start each day right by taking advantage of their complimentary breakfast buffet. It’s got a great variety of hot items, pastries, and sweets to give you energy for the rest of the day.
If you don’t feel like going out, the hotel has plenty of options when it comes to entertainment. There’s a lively sports bar and a gaming lounge for those who are feeling lucky. The outdoor pool and hot tub are also there if you wish to destress.
The rooms are modern and simple, but who needs excessive decor when you can just look out the window? You’ll get a stunning view of the city without any of its noise.
Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
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Address: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr
Phone: +1 403 385 3777
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Grey Eagle Resort is popular among Calgarians for being a stellar entertainment venue. Plenty of world-class acts have performed here, including Ice Cube, Sabrina Carpenter, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Tony Bennett, and more.
The shows aren’t the only thing that makes it great though. The rooms are spacious and the beds are so comfortable that you’re likely going to sleep through your alarms the next day.
This is also a great hotel for kids because they’ll never get bored here. Besides the indoor pool, we bet they’ll love spending time at the fire pit, which comes with complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores.
The service is also so hands-on that you can be pretty hands-off throughout your stay — literally! It feels like the staff are determined to hold all the doors for their guests and they’ll do it with a smile and a friendly greeting each time.