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Top 6 Adrenaline-Pumping Rides at the Calgary Stampede

June 13, 2025

By Cody Battershill

Scariest Rides at the Calgary Stampede

One of the best summer events in Calgary is just around the corner! The Stampede, also known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is a fun-filled, historically charming rodeo and midway event ready to thrill visitors with its insane rides!

If you’re looking for some of the most adrenaline-inducing rides at the grounds, you’ll want to take note of these we’ve listed below. Also see:

#1 – Mega Drop

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Be brought to new heights on Mega Drop, one of the scariest rides on the Calgary Stampede Midway.

This short (length-wise) but extremely tall ride brings you up to about 40 metres above ground, where you’ll quickly see some amazing views of the grounds and the surrounding city. But don’t be too distracted, as in an instant, the ride drops to the ground, putting more than four units of G-force on your body.

If you love thrilling rides, then you’ll want to check out the Mega Drop ride at the Calgary Stampede! The great thing about Mega Drop is that it is family-friendly, letting you go on the ride with your loved ones as long as they reach the height limit.

#2 – Skyscraper (Cash Only)

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If you love adrenaline-pumping rides, then the Skyscraper ride will be right up your alley.

The cool thing about this G-forcing ride is that it makes you feel like you’re flying. For Marvel lovers, you can experience what it would be like to be Thor or perhaps Iron Man for a few minutes.

One ride goes for $50 per person, so make sure you bring some cash so that you don’t give up your spot in line to go get some. Find it close to the Saddledome, or if you aren’t sure just look up into the sky as this towering beast is hard to miss.

#3 – Slingshot (Cash Only)

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The slingshot is another one of the scariest rides at the Calgary Stampede that will get the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Like Skyscraper, it also gives you an incredible G-force experience as you are slung into the air at a crazy speed. At the top, for a split second, you experience a moment of weightlessness, then fall back down to the ground while spinning around every which way.

This is another ride that doesn’t take coupons – only cash – so be prepared to have $50 per person for whoever wants to go. This ride seats only two people, making it an adrenaline-packed experience for couples of all kinds.

Find the slingshot near the north end of the grounds, close to the Saddledome. Like Skyscraper, it too is hard to miss, standing out on the Midway like a sore thumb with its blue steel.

#4 – Zipper

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The Zipper is another fast and flippy ride located on the south side of the Midway area.

One cool thing about Zipper is that there are three motions all happening at once. While the passenger compartments flip up and down and around, they are moved along a belt roller on the outside of the ride’s frame, which is also moving in a circular fashion.

Warning: this ride is not for the faint of stomach. Try at your own risk, and make sure the person you’re going on with is feeling just as good as you are… for apparent reasons!

#5 – Merry-Go-Round & Ferris Wheel (Kids)

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Young children and teenagers looking for a thrill but nothing too intimidating should check out the air merry-go-round at the Stampede! This ride gently lifts the rider into the air, approximately 10 to 15 feet, then swirls around, offering riders incredible views of the grounds and a mild to moderate thrill as they swoosh through the air.

Besides the merry-go-round, the Ferris wheel is also an excellent ride for the whole family. It’s relaxing for adults, but could be a bit scary for kids. Not to worry, as the carts accommodate entire groups, although there is a limit on the number of people who can get into one cart.

We highly recommend both of these rides for visitors who are scared to go on the more thrill-seeking rides at the Calgary Stampede!

#6 – Mach 3

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Just in case you don’t feel like paying cash for a ride on Skyscraper, you can always head over to Mach 3 for a similar experience.

Located on the south side of the Midway area, Mach 3 will give you the “flying” experience that everybody should have at least once in their lives. It’s almost scary watching riders come down right above you and then quickly swoop back towards the centre of the platform.

You’ll be happy to know that Mach 3 has double the ride capacity compared to Skyscraper, but the lineup can be pretty long. The best time to catch a ride on Mach 3 is on weekdays right after the grounds open, or as early as possible on weekends.

More Things to Do at the Stampede

Our list of scariest rides at the Calgary Stampede in 2025 is by no means all-inclusive. With so much to do, we encourage all visitors to explore the midway’s dozens upon dozens of rides that cater to a wide range of people from all walks of life and age groups.

Apart from rides, the Stampede has many other fun activities and events to enjoy. From the live music and shows to the rodeo and food, we hope you love this exciting annual event that brings out the best in Calgary!

I Love the Stampede!

What are your favourite rides at the Calgary Stampede? Leave us a comment below and let us know, we will do our best to add them to one of our lists!

Until next time, check out more of these great articles on the “greatest outdoor show on earth” and join us at Calgaryism on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates today!