Having waved to my friends on “the playa” at Burning Man 2017, it was now officially time to kick-off my next adventure, the Canadian Rockies.
Landing in Calgary, Canada YYC (Downtown Calgary is in the center of the photo)
Welcome to Canada!
This was my first trip to Calgary, and the Canadian Rockies for that matter, and I only had one day to check it out. I grabbed my rental car at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) and headed off into the city. First stop: check-in at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel and its M Club Lounge.
The 2nd most famous Calgarian Landmark: “The Bow”
It was also “pride week” in Calgary
I only had one day to spend in Calgary, so I drew up an itinerary to see some of the main spots in Downtown on a walking tour.
My plan (below) was to hit up the Calgary Tower, the Bow, 8th Avenue, the Art Walk, Prince’s Island Park, the Peace Bridge, and the Olympic Plaza.
Walking map of Downtown Calgary
The Calgary Tower:
First on the itinerary? Calgary’s most famous landmark, the Calgary Tower (which was literally just across the street from the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel). Admission was $18 CAD.
Built atop a train station in 1968, this tower rises 626 feet and boasts an observation deck (with glass bottom floor extension), a restaurant, and gift shop.
North side observation deck with glass bottom floor
Hey, there’s my hotel
South side observation deck
View North up Centre St S
View Northwest
View Southeast of the Victoria Arena AKA “The Saddle”
The Art Walk:
Downtown Calgary is nothing if not walkable. The city has set up a series of art displays and clusters throughout downtown, a guide to the artwork and their locations can be found here.
The lights turn on
Horse sculpture by unknown
“Wonderland” by Jaume Plensa at the base of the Bow
Another angle
Artwork or graffiti?
The Riverwalk:
The Artwalk continues down by the river where it joins a pedestrian walkway and bike path.
“In Search of Gold Mountain” by Chu Honsun
The sunset glows red from the Western forest fires
“Cracked Pot Foundations” by Katie Ohe (far left)
Prince’s Island Park:
The Riverwalk will give way to the Prince’s Island Park where you’ll find more artwork, ponds, bridges, and picnic areas.
The Peace Bridge:
Built in 2012. the Peace Bridge is also know as the “Finger Trap Bridge” for obvious reasons.
The Peace Bridge at the Western edge of Prince’s Island Park
The Peace Bridge
As you can see, it’s a popular attraction for the active set
Final Thoughts On Calgary:
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Calgary before I got there. Cow-town on the great plains? Gateway to the Rockies? What I found was a clean, modern and welcoming city that was rapidly growing economically.
The Downtown area is very walkable and vibrant, with many people out dining on 8th Street, and out walking/running/biking down by the Riverwalk. There is a trendy Chinatown area down by the river where you can find some great food and teas (try the avocado & kiwi milk shake at HI-Tea – AMAZING).
Although it may have a deep history rooted in oil and railroads, Calgary is a young and progressive city with many immigrants now calling it home. Calgary is one of Canada’s best kept secrets – but as its rapidly growing population and rising real estate prices confirm – not for long.
Cheers!
