Near-Capacity Occupancy Drives Skyrocketing Hotel Prices for Stampede
With the Calgary Stampede just a month away, visitors who have not yet booked hotel rooms may face prices that are double or triple the normal rates. During last year's Stampede, some downtown hotels saw occupancy rates of more than 95 percent, while others sold out completely, according to industry advocates.
For example, a room at the Fairmont Palliser in June typically costs around $300 per night, but for the first weekend of Stampede, prices start at $900, with some rooms exceeding $1,100. Similar price hikes are seen at the Marriott Downtown and the Hyatt, with rates sometimes higher than comparable hotels in downtown Vancouver during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Limited Supply and High Demand
Myka Osinchuk, interim executive director of the Calgary Hotel Association, explained that the spike is largely due to limited supply and increased demand. Average rates for downtown hotels during the 2025 Stampede rose by about 58 percent compared to the rest of the year, while other parts of the city saw an increase of around 44 percent.
"Stampede does create one of the largest demand surges for hotels in Calgary in the entire year," Osinchuk said. During last year's event, some downtown hotels reported occupancy rates above 95 percent, while others were fully booked. In contrast, the average annual occupancy rate in 2025 was approximately 67 percent.
In terms of occupancy levels across Canadian markets, Osinchuk noted that Calgary ranks about sixth out of ten major cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Edmonton. "Stampede really helps to balance out the times of the year when our hotels may not be as busy, like in winter or shoulder seasons," she added.
Operational Costs and Staffing
Near-capacity occupancy also increases operational costs, which factor into room prices. Hotels may hire temporary staff, enhance service levels, and invest more resources to accommodate the influx of visitors while maintaining a high-quality guest experience.
Matt Squires, director of sales and marketing for Hotel Arts, noted that Stampede week bookings began filling up in December, and now, a month before the event, the hotel is nearly sold out. "Being that we're very probably the closest hotel to the Stampede grounds, we tend to be very popular," he said. Bookings are currently about 14 percent ahead of the same time last year.
Price Trends as Event Nears
Prices are typically set in advance based on historical demand, but Squires explained that it is common for rates to increase as the event approaches and room availability decreases. "If you were to see us fill up, maybe the Hyatt's got more space, so maybe they can bring their rates up accordingly because there's obviously demand there," he said.
