Urban streetscapes, unique architecture combined with proximity to the Rocky Mountains make Calgary a dream destination for tourists from all over the world. Here are some picturesque locations. More on the website calgary-future.
An observation deck in the Crescent Heights area
Crescent Heights is an area located in the city center. Bounded to the north by the Trans-Canada Highway, to the east by Edmonton Road, to the west by 4th Street NW, and to the south by the massive Memorial Drive and the Bow River. Crescent Heights was once a village and was incorporated into Calgary in 1911.
Climbing the 167 steps up the hill in the area offers great views of the city itself, the Bow River and the mountains. Near the stairs leading to the observation deck, there are rest areas. For those who cannot or do not want to climb stairs, there is an asphalt path with benches nearby. It also leads to the final destination.
It is interesting that local residents use these stairs for cardio training. They also like to watch Canada Day fireworks from here.
Hillcrest Avenue Observation Deck
This tiny piece of land boasts one of the best viewing spots in the city. With unobstructed views of downtown Calgary’s skyline, it’s also the best place to catch a variety of shows during the city’s festivities.
The site is located in a park in the Mount Royal area, with beautiful gardens and several benches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Calgary scenery.
Cranston Hill Observation Deck
This wide open space is unlike the bustling Southeast Cranston area. On a clear day, the scenic observation platform overlooks the Bow River and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There are several benches and places for a picnic.
East Village
The East Village is a lively area filled with trendy cafes, private music venues, galleries and clothing stores. Here, century-old brick buildings and beautiful parks are organically combined with glass skyscrapers. The East Village, tucked between the Bow River and downtown, has become one of the favorite spots.
Tourists especially love the shimmering National Music Center, which changes color depending on the sunlight, and the historic Simmons Building.
Rundle Ruins
Despite its appearance, the ruins of Rundle are not the remnants of a former civilization or the remnants of the destruction caused by wars. These ruins are all that remains of Calgary’s great hospital. This is one of the earliest examples of sandstone construction in the city. The ruins are a reminder of the importance of heritage preservation in Calgary.
The hospital was built in 1894 with funds donated by the citizens of Calgary. This building served as a vital resource for a large number of poor and disadvantaged farmers in the province of Alberta. The facility had 35 beds, an operating theater, and a nursing school. They even installed electric lighting and a telephone. The hospital grew and developed along with the development of the city. When the new Third General Hospital was built on the other side of the Bow in 1910, it was used as an isolation ward for the chronically ill for 44 years.
In 1953, the building was rented out to the United Church of Calgary, which two years later opened a residence for the elderly. In February 1971, the property was purchased by the Metropolitan Calgary Foundation.
Alberta authorities proposed to build a new hospital by demolishing the original building. In Calgary, one of the most heated disputes about this structure broke out. However, the authorities decided that the building was not of regional importance, and the demolition did take place, despite an attempt by a local protest group led by architect Jack Long to lobby for the restoration of the building.
Shaganappi Point Golf Course
Whether you’ve played golf or not, the Shaganappi area is sure to impress with its spaciousness and beauty. The block itself is located between 17 Jewelry Avenue and the Bow River. The golf course at Shaganappi is just north of the trail along the river.
Tom Campbell’s Hill
This scenic spot is close to the Calgary Zoo. The hill was originally used by Europeans as a ranch and for a short period as a home for many exotic zoo species. Afterwards, it was proposed to turn this place into an industrial park. This proposal met with sharp opposition, so the area was turned into a nature park.
In the park, a double row of northwest poplars was planted, creating a “grand avenue” that leads to a place where you can look out over the city. Old-growth Northwest poplars provide ideal habitat for insectivorous birds, including downy and hairy woodpeckers. The meadows are home to many species of invertebrates, but the permanent residents here are butterflies. During the summer you can come across checkered skippers.
The Bow River Pathways
The Bow River Pathways is a trail system developed along the banks of the Bow River in Calgary.
The paths are used for cycling, walking, running, as well as rollerblading and skateboarding. The network spans 48 kilometers (30 mi) from Bearspaw Dam to Fish Creek Provincial Park, connecting Calgary’s major parks and green spaces.
Construction of The Bow River Pathways began in 1975 to mark the city’s centennial. The project was financed by the city of Calgary itself, the province of Alberta and the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations. The paths were consecrated on June 25, 1977.
Rotary Park
It’s a popular spot for views of downtown Calgary from the north side of the city. The park is located on a hill north of Memorial Drive and east of Center Street.
The park is a barrier-free place for meetings and resting, accessible to all people, regardless of their age or abilities. Located on 23 acres of land provided by the Calgary Airport Authority. The park consists of baseball fields, softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, tennis courts, 400-meter running track, special event space, administration building, picnic area, playground, parking lot, etc.
In the southern part of the park there is a beautiful lookout called “Jim Fish Ridge”. It was named after Jim Fish, a longtime visionary and park supporter. The observation deck offers views of the city skyline, the Center Street Bridge, the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park, and the distant Rocky Mountains.
Tyndale Park
It is worth coming here to see the Calgary Observation Tower, which is visible between the skyscrapers, or to enjoy the Stampede fireworks.
True peace and quiet reigns in Tyndale Park. They come here to read a book, arrange a date, meditate, play with the dog, in a word, relax.
7th Avenue
The city of Calgary is so beautiful that one of the avenues – 7th Avenue – should be included among the picturesque places. There are covered bridges that connect neighboring buildings to each other through their second floors. From these bridges, you can view the office towers and train lines that pass through the city center.
7th Avenue was originally called McIntyre Avenue. It was renamed only in 1904. In the 1970s, the avenue became a transit corridor in downtown Calgary when part of 8th Avenue was converted into a pedestrian mall and renamed Stephen Avenue.
