Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, had a population of approximately 1.3 million in 2021 and offered us plenty to see during our visit in September 2022. One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is the Calgary Tower, designed by W. G. Milne and completed in 1968 at a cost of $3.5 million.

We paid $20 Canadian to take the elevator to the observation deck, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city. The highlight—and one of the scariest moments—was stepping onto the glass floor added in 2005. Measuring approximately 6 feet by 4.5 feet, the see-through section made me gasp! I conquered my fear of heights long enough to step onto it for a quick photo. The revolving restaurant and observation deck both provide spectacular views of Calgary.

The city is also famous for the Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo and festival that attracts more than a million visitors. Unfortunately, we missed it because we visited at the end of September, but it would certainly be an exciting event to experience. We drove to Rotary Park for a beautiful view of the Calgary skyline from Mount Pleasant Viewpoint before walking into downtown for lunch.

The park is also home to one of Calgary’s historic Centre Street Bridge Lions. The original lions were installed in 1916 and quickly became symbols of the city. They were removed in 1999 and replaced with replicas, but in 2017, one of the original lions was relocated to Rotary Park, where it was preserved in its weathered condition. Today, it continues to watch over the city.

We wandered through downtown, exploring the gardens surrounding historic Lougheed House, built in 1891 by Senator James Lougheed, and stopped to admire Family of Man, a striking collection of 21-foot-tall statues designed by Mario Armengol.

After lunch, we visited the Chalk Wall, an outdoor chalkboard encouraging people to dream big by completing the sentence, “Before I die… I want to…” A message nearby reminded visitors, “In the end, we only regret the chances we did not take.” That really resonated with me. I wrote, Before I die… I want to see more of the world and Before I die… I want to see Lebanon thrive.

As the day came to an end, we drove to Skyline Lookout to watch the city’s skyline light up after dark. During our visit, the Queen of England had recently passed away, and the British flag was illuminated on one of the buildings. Against the night sky, it was a spectacular sight.

Our day gave us a wonderful mix of history, culture, iconic landmarks, and spectacular city views. From conquering the Tower’s glass floor to exploring downtown and watching the skyline glow at sunset, every stop offered something memorable. The city surprised us with its vibrant character and beautiful scenery.

If You Go

• Calgary Tower: Allow time for the observation deck and glass floor. Bring your camera for panoramic city views.
• Rotary Park: A great spot for Calgary skyline views and to see one of the historic Centre Street Bridge Lions.
• Lougheed House: Explore this beautifully preserved historic landmark and its gardens.
• Family of Man: Look for the towering sculptures downtown—they make for an interesting photo stop.
• Calgary Stampede: If you’re visiting in July, consider planning your trip around Calgary’s famous annual rodeo and festival.
• Skyline Lookout: Visit around sunset to enjoy Calgary’s skyline during both daylight and after dark.
• Getting Around: Calgary’s downtown attractions can be combined into a walking itinerary, while viewpoints such as Rotary Park and Skyline Lookout are easier to reach by car.

References Best scenic Viewpoints in Calgary, The Calgary Stampede, The Family of Man

Calgary Photos

Canada Hiking and Attraction Map

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