Spruce Meadows is Calgary's Equestrian legacy, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Alberta Rockies and bordering the southwest communities of Bridlewood, Evergreen, Shawnessy, Somerset, and Millrise. Spruce Meadows is a world renowned equestrian facility and a symbol of Calgary’s dedication to the sport of show jumping. Its sprawling grounds, filled with lush greenery, stables, competition rings, grandstand viewing, VIP suites and lounges, shopping and dining, are just some of the state of the art facilities you will find on this 360 acre property.
Five competition rings set the stage for both emerging worldwide talents and the world’s best equestrian athletes, attracting thousands of visitors to the events every year.
Spend The Day At Spruce Meadows
Check These Off Your List:
- Check out the live music and performances at Scotiabank Stage. Live marching bands, country music artists, line dancers, indigenous performing artist and fiddling bands.
- Watch the Blacksmith World Championships where skilled blacksmiths from around the globe come together to showcase their talents and compete for top honors. The event is known for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, attracting both seasoned professionals and passionate hobbyists. It is a sight to see!
- Kid's Zone - Popcorn, mini donuts, pony rides, mini goats and games!
- Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs - Enjoy the races of dogs who love to run and jump as they are led through obstacle courses in an attempt to win the prize for the fastest time. Hilarity can ensue when these adorable pets stop abruptly or become distracted.
- Food - Eatery & Beer Hall, Hammer & Anvil pub, Foothills Ice cream to name a few as well as many concessions.
- The Competitions, of course!
Homes For Sale Near Spruce Meadows
The Competitions
The National
Time of Year: Early June
Overview: The National is one of the first major tournaments of the outdoor season at Spruce Meadows, setting the stage for the summer series of competitions. Featuring international show jumping at its finest, riders compete in a variety of classes while building momentum as they head into the peak of the season.
The Continental
Time of Year: Mid-June
Overview: The Continental is another opportunity for riders to compete on the international stage. This tournament is crucial for those looking to fine-tune their performances and earn valuable ranking points.
The Pan-American
Time of Year: Early July
Overview: The Pan American tournament, known for its challenging courses and high level of competition is a key event in the summer series. Drawing top talent from North and South America, this tournament often features classes with significant prize money, attracting elite competitors.
The North American
Time of Year: Mid-July
Overview: The North American tournament is a thrilling competition in various divisions. Riders and horses compete in both individual and team events, showcasing their skills in front of large, enthusiastic, cheering crowds.
The Masters
Time of Year: Early September
Overview: The Masters is the crown jewel of the Spruce Meadows tournament schedule and one of the most prestigious show jumping events held in the world. Featuring the world’s best riders competing in the iconic International Ring. The highlight of The Masters is the CP International, presented by Rolex, which is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Winning this event is a career-defining achievement for any rider.
The Oktoberfest
Time of Year: Late September
Overview: This tournament marks the conclusion of the outdoor season at Spruce Meadows. The Oktoberfest offers a festive atmosphere with competitive classes that provide one last opportunity for riders to showcase their talents before the winter season.
The Champions
Time of Year: October
Overview: The Champions is part of the indoor series at Spruce Meadows. Smaller in scale compared to the outdoor tournaments, it still draws top competitors and provides a more intimate setting for fans who enjoy high caliber show jumping.
Viewing the Competitions in person
International Ring
The crown jewel of Spruce Meadows, and is one of the most famous show jumping arenas in the world. It features immaculate grass footing and state of the art jumps. The ring is surrounded by grandstands accommodating thousands of spectators while providing excellent views of the competitors and their jumps.
Meadows on the Green
A premier competition arena, Meadows on the Green, is known for its expansive size and top quality footing. This ring is often used for both high level competitions and for training and practice purposes.
All Canada Ring
This large grass arena is utilized for competitions and has excellent visibility for spectators. Designed to handle the rigors of top level show jumping while featuring challenging course designs.
North American Ring
A versatile arena, the North American Ring hosts a variety of competitions throughout the season. It offers a spacious and well maintained surface, ideal for diverse equestrian events.
Rocky Mountain Ring
An arena designed primarily for training and smaller competitions. An excellent space for riders to warm up or for events that require a more intimate and focused setting.
Viewing the Competitions online or live broadcasts
Spruce Meadows Livestream and Video On Demand Event Viewing
Available throughout the world, Spruce Meadows offers live and on demand coverage of FEI competitions across various rings. View the live action on your computer, mobile device, or cast using Airplay or Google Cast on a compatible phone and TV.
SportsNet - Available to Canadian Viewers
You can watch thirteen consecutive weeks of top international, world classs show jumping from Spruce Meadows on Sportsnet. These one hour programs will air a minimum of 3 times a week between Sportsnet1 (SN1), Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West & Sportsnet Pacific.
ClipMyHorse.TV - Available in the Continental US and Europe
ClipMyHorse, an online subscription service where live events are recorded and made available in their archive in quick fashion. Their videos are indexed to give you the ability to search for riders and horses in all recordings. Use the search feature to go directly to the horse or rider you would like to see competing.
The Horses
These horses are athletes! It is incredible to watch, not only their show of strength but their show of intelligence as well. Watching horse athletes in show jumping is nothing short of breathtaking. Sheer power, grace, and precision are required to navigate a course filled with towering obstacles and a true testament to the extraordinary bond between horse and rider. As these majestic creatures soar over fences in effortless elegance, every jump is a display of trust. Split-second decisions, synchronicity of movement, and the seamless communication between rider and horse are mesmerizing and a spectacle that will leave you in awe. Every successful leap is a celebration of skill, partnership, and the unparalleled beauty of equestrian sport.
Getting There
Spruce Meadows is easily accessible by car and located about 30 minutes from downtown Calgary. Ample parking available on-site. During major events, golf cart shuttles are often provided from nearby parking lots to the main entrance and other areas on the property. Calgary Transit offers bus services that stop near the venue, leaving a short walk to the main entrance.
Parking Facilities:
Extensive parking facilities are available for both day visitors and overnight guests. The parking areas are well-organized and provide easy access to the main entrance and various parts of the venue. Parking during most events is typically free, including major tournaments like the Masters. Some high attendance events may incur a small parking fee to help manage the volume of visitors. Check specific event details on the Spruce Meadows website.
Accessibility:
Spruce Meadows remains committed to accessibility, offering facilities designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges, including wheelchair-accessible viewing areas and accessible washrooms.
THE HISTORY OF SPRUCE MEADOWS
Spruce Meadows began in 1971 when Ron and Marg Southern purchased a swath of land just southwest of Calgary. Initially intended as a family retreat, they quickly saw the potential to create something extraordinary inspired by their passion for horses, equestrian sports and a commitment to community and excellence.
Officially opening in 1975, and from the very beginning, a high standard for equestrian competing was set. They invested not just in the physical infrastructure but also in fostering a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and family values. These have been the guiding principles in the development of Spruce Meadows over the decades, making it a beloved and respected institution both locally and internationally.
The Legacy
The Southern family’s influence on Spruce Meadows is profound. Ron Southern, a successful businessman and co-founder of ATCO Ltd., brought his visionary thinking and leadership to the development of the venue. His wife, Marg, played an equally crucial role, focusing on the details that would make Spruce Meadows a welcoming place for families and spectators. Their combined efforts have created an environment where the love of horses and the thrill of competition thrive.
Their daughters, Nancy Southern and Linda Southern-Heathcott, have continued their parents’ legacy. Linda, a former Olympian in show jumping, has been instrumental in maintaining Spruce Meadows' reputation as a world-class facility. Under her guidance, the venue has expanded its reach, hosting prestigious events such as the Masters Tournament, attracting top competitors from around the globe.
Global Stage, Local Roots
Spruce Meadows is more than just an equestrian venue; it is a cultural and economic pillar of Calgary. The events held here, especially the annually held Masters Tournament, bring significant economic benefits to the region, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. Despite its global reach, Spruce Meadows remains deeply connected to its local roots. The Southern family’s commitment to Calgary is evident in the countless community events, educational programs, and charitable initiatives hosted at Spruce Meadows.
The Future
The same values that have guided it since its inception: a commitment to excellence, community, and the love of the sport are how the Southern family continue to honor the vision set forth by Ron and Marg, ensuring that Spruce Meadows remains a beloved and cherished institution for generations to come.
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian, a local resident, or a visitor from afar, Spruce Meadows offers an experience like no other. It is a place where history, sport, and community come together, creating memories that last a lifetime and for some of us attaches to a piece of our heart.
You may be missing Ian Miller and his legendary Belgian Warmblood gelding partner, Big Ben, but do not fret, the magic is still there. Check out Spruce Meadows for yourself and don't forget to wear your fascinator! When the excitement is over and winter has arrived, remember to do some shopping during the holidays at the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market.
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
Experience the Magic of the Christmas Market!
Step into the festive spirit at the Christmas Market of Spuce Meadows held mid November to early December, where holiday shopping and seasonal delights come together. Explore over 300 local vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts and holiday treasures. As you browse, indulge in delicious treats like warm mulled wine, sticky toffee pudding, bratwurst, and the signature Holiday Dinner Stuffing Ball.
On Friday evenings, guests can enjoy beautifully themed Long Table Dinners, with options like Rustic Italian Winter, Cozy in the Rockies, or Elegantly English Winter. Saturdays feature the Après Market, offering cocktails or mocktails alongside mouthwatering small plates like French Onion Beef Dip Poutine, Raclette, and Pork Ribs.
For a touch of elegance, guests can also enjoy High Tea on Saturdays and Sundays at noon, providing a perfect festive escape. And families won’t want to miss visits with Santa in Candy Cane Lane, as well as special appearances by Santa’s reindeer every Sunday.
With delicious food, unique gifts, and plenty of holiday cheer, the Christmas Market is the perfect place to celebrate the season and support local businesses!
Learn more: Spruce Meadows
Location:
Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Phone: (403) 974-4200