Spruce Meadows
Spruce Meadows
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. Spruce Meadows is also home to the Canadian Premiere League's Cavalry FC.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Neighbourhood: Southwest Calgary
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,119 reviews
Excellent
875
Very good
210
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
9
Gloria and Walt... H
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
I have made the comment during 23 straight years of attending Spruce Meadows tournaments twice a year, that SM is my favourite place. However, this has changed. The atmosphere is no longer the family focused welcoming venue that the Southerns created. Yesterday I was refused entry by surly gate attendants because I had my quiet, leashed, 8 lb Chiwahwah under my arm. Another family, who had driven from another province, renting a hotel room for this holiday, was treated the same, because of their darling leashed mini dacshund . All good things come to an end ‘, I guess, but I am so disappointed by the ‘we are big time now’ attitude. Will choose another, more accepting ‘favourite place’ and keep track of our super riders progress through televised presentations.
Written September 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noan S
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
The Spruce Meadows grounds were nice. To bring a family was to expensive. We honestly could have enjoyed a day in the park with better experience. Everything was over priced inside the venue. Expensive parking, food, tickets. Let's face it, horse jumping is boring for the kids.
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roothski
Calgary31 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
I've ridden a horse once in my life - not a great experience (sore butt and scared of where that maniac horse might pitch me!)
But Spruce Meadows is a beautiful facility ( a private family operation) that opens to the public several times a year when show jumping events are hosted.
The grounds are beautiful to stroll, the barns are open to visit the horses between events, there are great food fares during events and frequently craft or sales booths to explore. There are several show jumping events help during tournaments - even if you have no background, they are easy to follow and frequently quite exciting. The kids will love prairie dog shows - lots of fun when the pooches are put through their paces. Admission is reasonable ( area residents usually get free tickets with their utilities bill) but lots to do on a nice day, even if you pay to get in. WE prefer a visit to Spruce Meadows to going to the Stampede grounds - a great day out!
But Spruce Meadows is a beautiful facility ( a private family operation) that opens to the public several times a year when show jumping events are hosted.
The grounds are beautiful to stroll, the barns are open to visit the horses between events, there are great food fares during events and frequently craft or sales booths to explore. There are several show jumping events help during tournaments - even if you have no background, they are easy to follow and frequently quite exciting. The kids will love prairie dog shows - lots of fun when the pooches are put through their paces. Admission is reasonable ( area residents usually get free tickets with their utilities bill) but lots to do on a nice day, even if you pay to get in. WE prefer a visit to Spruce Meadows to going to the Stampede grounds - a great day out!
Written August 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PapaSteve OnTheMove
Johannesburg, South Africa128 contributions
Dec 2011
Been more than once. The Xmas market is really nice but the horses and sjows are unspectacular. Don't bother stopping. Keep driving up Hwy 22 to the mountains.
Written March 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
Calgary17 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The best horse show jumping location in the world--according to visitors-with world class riders/horses from around the world. Located on the southern edge of Calgary on Highway 22X. Well forested site of probably 500 acres or more with pleasant paved walk ways to a variety of seating locations, show rings and barns. Accessible washrooms with art on the walls--believe it or not. Snack foods/world foods usually available. Allowed to visit some of the horse barns. Largest ring will hold around 80,000--all with perfect views. Cost--reserved seats are available and prices can be found at their website, first come-first served are somewhat free--$5.00 per person. Come early for the scheduled event and place a blanket on the open seating to hold your site while visiting the beautiful location. Parking is free--some paved for those with purchased seats/or in attendance thanks to one of the many sponsors and the rest of the parking is on a well maintained grassland surface under the supervision of volunteers to keep good order. There is a good trade show with excellent products and the obvious stores for horse riding products. Marching bands will often be in attendance and play around the site during breaks. Plenty of children--(keep the dogs at home)--attend with parents. Buses run from the southern most subway station to the site--check web site for schedule. Wheel chair friendly. Golf carts every where to provide transportation on the paved surfaces to those in need. Walking distance can be 1/2km--flat surfaces from all parking sites.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freedom06
Vancouver Island, Canada109 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Even those not initiated into the horse world would enjoy a visit! This is an immense show facility in a beautiful country setting. Major equestrian shows are held here several times a year. The grounds are interesting and it is interesting and educational for children. Stadium seating is 35 dollars and grass seating is the five dollar entrance fee. I suggest stadium seats for busy events and possible rain days. A packed lunch would be helpful.
Written June 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spicycaesar
London, UK61 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
What a strange place. As you arrive, pictures of international landmarks like Tower Bridge in London grace the divided highway (what is the connection?!). There are incredibly crude horse sculptures along the road alongside a huge school bus parking lot. Delusions of grandeur abound but miss the mark. Even if horse jumping is your thing, there is no need for all of these accouterments.
Written November 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pea_green_boat
Calgary, Canada5 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
I've been going to Spruce for 12 years and it's always an amazing experience. Easy parking, helpful staff/volunteers, good food, beautiful grounds, world class show jumping for $5 (which would be un heard of in Europe where people pay hockey ticket prices to watch the horses..) - a must visit for everyone, horse lovers and even non-horsey people!
Written September 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Z
Calgary, Canada133 contributions
Spruce Meadows is one of the nicest places to visit in Calgary! You have to go when there is a event taking place, which is mostly during the summer, but you will love everything it has to offer. Even if you are not a big fan of horse jumping, it is still a beautiful place to walk around and lots of great food and shopping. I loved walking through the exhibits and eating food from around the world!
Written June 4, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali W
63 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
I am not a "horsy" person, but Spruce Meadows has it all for people of all ages.
There are five major events each June through September and if the weather cooperate, then we are there.
Easy access, spacious parking, shuttle buses to get you closer. The facilities are modern, clean with wheelchair accessibility.
At other times, there is the Xmas Craft Show for 3 weekends and markets. The International days and markets are interesting and have great food and folk art.
All staff are attentive, and very accommodating.
There are five major events each June through September and if the weather cooperate, then we are there.
Easy access, spacious parking, shuttle buses to get you closer. The facilities are modern, clean with wheelchair accessibility.
At other times, there is the Xmas Craft Show for 3 weekends and markets. The International days and markets are interesting and have great food and folk art.
All staff are attentive, and very accommodating.
Written March 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One soccer. Online or with your provide. 980 on tellus.
Written August 19, 2024
aleolivares2
Mexico City, Mexico
Se puede visitar Spruce Meadows aunque mi día de visita no coincida con algún evento ecuestre? Mi hija es amante de los caballos y queremos saber si abre todos los días durante el mes de julio.
Written June 26, 2018
I was wondering any ideas, how much a taxi would cost from , Calgary airport to Spruce Meadows?, and are there taxis available at Spruce Meadows to make a return journey?.
Written March 14, 2018
Spruce meadows is far from.the Airport. It costs me 50.00 to take a taxi home from the airport and I am half way to spruce Meadows.
If you drive, you could rent a car or if you have uber account they may be able to give you an estimate. or depending if you are staying at a hotel during one of their events they may have a shuttle to Spruce Meadows. If you are a visitor to Calgary you would be better off staying down town where the action is as opposed to staying in the deep South of Calgary.
Written March 15, 2018
Hello :)
Could someone please describe the difference between these specific tournaments at Spruce Meadows for me? Nationals, Continental, North American, Pan American, Masters.
Thank you kindly!
Written February 19, 2018
Each has excellent caliber of International horses. Masters is the most busy - and harder to get hotels. one is during the Calgary Stampede so that is busy. The Nations Cup is my favorite
Written February 21, 2018
wyomingal95
Clark, Wyoming
Planning on going to the Masters in September. What is the weather like in that month?
Written July 22, 2017
I have experienced snow and cold and very hot. It usually rains when they have an event. Typically it is average fall weather.
Written March 14, 2018
How much does Spruce Meadows cost for parking and entry? Just wondering?
Written May 14, 2017
Seniors are free admission and parking. Anyone else usually
pays $5-10 for admission and parking free. Also there is a
shuttle bus (free) from Shawnessey Train/Bus Station. Reserved seating is more.
Written July 14, 2017
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