Since opening in 1976, Spruce Meadows has captured the imagination of Calgarians and visitors alike. Its pristine grounds play host to international horseback riding tournaments, Cavalry FC soccer matches, and Calgary’s most-visited Christmas Market.
Learn what to expect from your visit to this unique-to-Calgary attraction.
Every year, between June and September, Spruce Meadows attracts 500,000 spectators to its Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Tournaments. Three of these tournaments bring together the top athletes from across North America and feature a diverse range of horseback riding competitions:
There’s plenty to do in-between competitions, with local vendors on-site, activities for kids, live music, and delicious food & drink options.
The ‘Masters’ is the marquee event in the Spruce Meadow’s calendar and the third Major of the year for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Every September, the top horse and rider combinations from around the world compete for five days at Spruce Meadows ending with the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, on the Sunday.
First time going to a horseback riding event? Spruce Meadows has put together a helpful Show Jumping 101 guide.
Incredible competitors grace the rings at Spruce Meadows (Photo Credit: Travel Alberta)
Spruce Meadows provides a pastoral backdrop for horseback riding (Photo Credit: Travel Alberta)
The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market has marked the start of the holiday season in Calgary since 2001. It’s the closest thing Calgary has to an authentic German Christmas Market.
For three weekends in November and December, the grounds are transformed into a holiday wonderland with over 300 unique vendors, carollers, a petting zoo, and plenty of fire pits to warm up next to. Santa's Reindeers even make an appearance on certain days in the Riding Hall Circle.
Once the sun goes down, Spruce Meadows sparkles with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights totaling over 50 km (31 mi) in length strung up around the grounds. You can walk through the lights on the indicated walking paths or enjoy the lights from the comfort of your vehicle for free.
A concession tent carrying hot chocolate, coffee, food, and treats will also be open in Founders Plaza each evening of the Christmas Lights Drive Through for guests to enjoy.
Fire pits and hot chocolate keep guests warm during breaks from shopping (Photo Credit: Roth & Ramberg)
Thousands of bright lights make Spruce Meadows glow leading up to the holidays (Photo Credit: Justin Hayward)
The Cavalry FC have become a huge fan favourite in Calgary since their first season with the Canadian Premier League in 2019. The season runs April to October with all the home matches taking place outside at Spruce Meadows.
Matches are loud, energetic affairs and the fan base is equal parts passionate and welcoming. The atmosphere extends beyond the field with food options like ‘Cork & Cleats’ and ‘Corner Kick Bar Tent’.
The home of the Cavalry FC is ATCO Field, and it is beautiful. Imagine a collection of traditional grandstands surrounded by perfectly manicured grounds and stately trees. The field is natural grass and in pristine condition as per the excellence that Spruce Meadows is known for.
The atmosphere at Cavalry FC games is electric (Photo Credit: Alison O’Keefe)
It is hard to imagine a more beautiful location for a soccer field (Photo Credit: Calin Charles)
Spruce Meadows is on the southern edge of Calgary and needs to be accessed by car. You can enter the grounds in one of three ways:
General parking is included in the ticket price for Spruce Meadows tournaments, Cavalry FC matches, and the Christmas Market.
Accessible parking is available, with a government-issued pass, in Lots 7 & 8. You can access these lots via Spruce Meadows Green and then turn south on Tournament Lane.
Limited assigned wheelchair and companion seating is available in the Southwest Grandstand for Spruce Meadows events. ATCO Field provides wheelchair and companion seating at all price points for Cavalry FC Matches
Accessible washrooms are in Founders Plaza, behind the East Grandstand and west of the South Grandstand.
There are no hotels right at Spruce Meadows, but you don’t have to go far to find a great place to stay. Here are some fantastic south Calgary hotels, listed in order by driving distance from Spruce Meadows:
