Celebrating 150 years of service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is embarking on its anniversary tour with a breathtaking display of equestrian prowess through the iconic Musical Ride.
RCMP Musical Ride
This year, RCMP Musical Ride will visit eight communities across Alberta and march in the Calgary Stampede Parade.
The Musical Ride, a significant symbol of Canada, evolved from early North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) members’ desire to showcase their horse-riding skills while providing local entertainment.
The performance, a harmonious blend of cavalry drills and formations set to music, features up to 32 riders and horses from the RCMP Stables in Ottawa.
The Ride’s majestic Hanoverian horses are bred at the Remount Detachment in Pakenham, Ontario. Standing 16 to 17 hands high and weighing between 523 and 635 kilograms, these horses start training at three and join the Musical Ride tour at six. They proudly wear saddle blankets, or shabracks, with the force’s regimental colours and a unique maple leaf pattern brushed into their coats.
Beyond the spectacle, the Musical Ride serves a greater purpose. Each year, it aids over 40 communities in fundraising for numerous causes. The tour team comprises 36 horses, 39 RCMP members, one farrier, one bus driver, and four contracted truck drivers, all dedicated to delivering an unforgettable performance that embodies a rich Canadian tradition.
2023 RCMP Musical Ride Schedule
1. Calgary
RCMP Musical Ride and Annual Tea Social
Emma Maternity House Society will be hosting the RCMP Musical Ride in conjunction with their Annual Tea Social.
- When: Sunday, June 4, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Fort Calgary National Historic Site, 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary
- How Much: $22.63 to $97.18
Calgary Stampede Parade
Calgary Stampede Parade showcases more than 150 western-themed entries.
- When: Friday, July 7, 2023 | 8:55 a.m.onwards
- Where: Downtown Calgary
- How Much: Free (and reserved seats)
Calgary Stampede
RCMP Musical Ride as part of Calgary Stampede entertainment.
- When: July 8 to 11, 2023
- RCMP Musical Ride Show Times and Locations:
Saturday, July 8, 2023 – 11:30 a.m. – Nutrien Western Event Centre – included with gate admission
Sunday, July 9, 2023 – 2:30 p.m. – Nutrien Western Event Centre – included with gate admission
Sunday, July 9, 2023 – 7:00 p.m.– GMC Stadium – included in Chuckwagon/Evening Show ticket purchases
Monday, July 10, 2023 – 12:45 p.m. – GMC Stadium – included in Calgary Stampede Rodeo ticket purchases
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 – 10:15 a.m. – Nutrien Western Event Centre – included with gate admission - RCMP Musical Ride horses and members in the Agriculture Barns:
- RCMP Musical Ride Show Times and Locations:
Thursday, July 6, 2023 – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, July 7, 2023 (Parade Day) – 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. *The RCMP Musical Ride will be in our Calgary Stampede Parade for the morning.
Saturday, July 8, 2023 – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 9, 2023 – 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday, July 10, 2023 – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 13, 2023 – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
- How Much: Calgary Stampede Admission
2. Rocky Mountain House
In support of West Country Family Service Association.
- When: Tuesday, Jun 6, 2023 | 6:00 PM
- Where: Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, Site 127 Comp 6 RR4, Rocky Mountain House
- How Much: $5 to $25
3. Grande Prairie
RCMP Musical Ride at Evergreen Park.
- When: June 10 & 11, 2023 | 1 p.m.
- Where: J.D.A. Raceway, Evergreen Park, 55051 Township Rd 710, Grande Prairie
- How Much: $5 to $20
4. Maskwacis
- When: June 13, 2023
- Where: Panee Memorial Agriplex, Maskwacis
- How Much: TBA
5. Strathcona County
RCM Musical Ride at Sherwood Park
- When: Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Where: Fultonvale Outdoor Arena, 52029 Range Road 224, Sherwood Park
- How Much: Free
RCMP Musical ride at Ardrossan
- When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Ardrossan Jr/Sr High Sports Fields, 53129 Range Road 222, Ardrossan
- How Much: Free
6. Vegreville
- When: Friday, June 16, 2023 | 4 p.m.
- Where: Vegreville Agricultural Society, 4753 45 Ave, Vergreville
- How Much: $5 / person 5yrs old and under FREE
7. Jasper
Jasper Community Spirit Celebration by Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce
- When: Monday, June 19, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Jasper National Park, 520 Turret Street, Jasper
- How Much: Free
8. Fort Macleod
RCMP 150 Celebration at Fort Museum
- When: July 12, 2023
- Where: Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre, 50 Barracks Trail, Fort Macleod
- How Much: TBA
View Comments (2)
It is sold out. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rcmp-150-musical-ride-tickets-646349748497 -- Wed, Jul 12, 2023 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. You can head to Calgary Stampede -- During select nights at the Rodeo and Evening Show, or at the Nutrien Western Event Centre on July 8 (11:30 a.m.), July 9 (2:30 p.m.) and July 11 (10:15 a.m.).
I absolutely LOVE the musical ride. I haven’t seen it in years but I’d like to go in Fort McLeod. Does anyone know what time it starts?