Any walking tour in Calgary should include Downtown East Village. This area was the first settled region of Calgary, as evidenced by the presence of Fort Calgary. A highlight of Downtown East Village is the National Music Center.

Visitors might find some confusion over the museum's name. It is officially called the National Music Center, but the building that houses the museum is Studio Bell. No matter what name is used, it is a must-see attraction in Calgary.

Tourists can see permanent exhibitions at the National Music Center. The Music Mosaic covers the history of music in Canada. Along with musicians, visitors learn about inventors and broadcasters. The Power of Music is a permanent exhibit that lets visitors join in by singing in one of the vocal booths, watching live performances and learning how music affects the body and the brain. Making Music allows visitors to play different musical instruments. These range from drums to a baby grand piano.

Another permanent exhibit at the National Music Center is the Canadian Music Halls of Fame. The Halls of Fame honor those artists that have shown the world the prolific nature of music in Canada. Among the many artists who are celebrated are the Cowboy Junkies, Andy Kim, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Backman-Turner Overdrive, k.d. lang, Shania Twain, Bryan Adams, David Foster, Rush, Leonard Cohen, Guy Lombardo, Oscar Peterson and many others.

The National Music Center offers regular concerts and events. Those lucky Calgary tourists who visit during one of these special events may see a musical performance, a film screening or art on tour. The Studio Bell website has a full calendar of upcoming events that tourists can check when making their plans.

Why You Should Visit:
- To learn about music with hands-on exhibits
- To pay homage to some of Canada's greatest musical influencers

Tips:
Visitors should plan their trip to the National Music Center carefully. They must purchase timed tickets in advance and arrive at the time indicated on their tickets. Studio Bell is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM through 5 PM.

Ask any tourist back from Calgary and he will tell you that no matter what, one should not miss a visit to Burns Building. Located at 237-8th Avenue right across the City Hall and Olympic Plaza, this six storied edifice was constructed by Pat Burns, the meat baron, and was meant to serve as a flagship market and corporate headquarters for Burns Foods. Burns building was constructed during the historically significant year of 1913 when many prominent buildings, such as Lancaster Block, Palliser Hotel, Hudson’s Bay Store and Canada Life Building, came into existence.

Immediately after construction, the Burns Building housed a retail meat market on the ground floor. Enter this level and you will find a dozen towering Doric marble columns that are 25 foot high each. A variety of different tenants occupied the other 35,000 square feet of office space in the Burns.

Burns Building was constructed in Edwardian Classical architectural style. You will find ornamental sculpted moldings including lion heads on the terracotta exterior. The main corridors and stairways of the building are finished with green and white Italian marble. Even back then, this structure featured conveniences such as ventilation and steam heating. Every single office had natural gas lighting apart from electricity. Pay a visit to this historically significant building on your trip to Calgary.

When you visit the Olympic Park in Calgary, you cannot miss the Women are Persons! Monument. This statue specifically recognizes the role played by Canadian women in the growth of the country. It was also built to honor the Famous Five, five women who fought for their rights on behalf of all Canadian women.

Adrienne Clarkson, the Governor General unveiled this monument on 18th October 1999 at a special event. On 18th October 2000, another monument resembling Women are Persons was unveiled in Ottawa.

The right of Canadian women to fight for the senate came about due to diligent efforts of four women from Alberta. They fought to be recognized as “persons” constitutionally. The battle was led by Emily Murphy who was supported in her effort by four others.

Their plea was rejected in 1928 by the court. It was in October 18th 1929 that a decision was taken in their favour by the British Privy Council’s Judicial Committee. These ladies were popularly referred to as the Famous Five.

In Canada, October 18th is celebrated as the Persons Day. Be sure to visit the Olympic Park and view these famous sculptures that talk about the steely determination and consistent efforts of Canadian women to bring about change and progress in the country.

Downtown Calgary is where all the action is and this is the hub of Calgary shopping and sightseeing. On your trip to this city, you must not miss a visit to the major pedestrian mall Stephen Avenue.

This street features some of the best cafes, bars, pubs and finest restaurants. If you love shopping this is where you must be. Stephen Avenue is a shopper’s delight with its high end retail stores and exclusive boutiques.

Some of the major shopping centers here include The Bay Department Store, Scotia Center, Fashion Central, Bankers Hall and The Core Shopping Center. Other attractions located on this street include hotels such as Calgary Marriott and Hyatt Regency Calgary and the famous Telus Convention Center.

Stephen Avenue is also where you can find many ancient, historic buildings. In 1992, the Canadian government declared this street as a Canadian historic site. Stephen Avenue got its name from the first Canadian Pacific Railway president and the first Baron Mount Stephen, George Stephen.

As you walk around the street, you will be impressed by the majestic, sandstone buildings that were built specifically to withstand fire following the 1886 fire that damaged most of the city. Remember to enjoy a visit to this popular street on your trip to Calgary.

Located in downtown Calgary, Calgary Tower stands 191 meter tall. Originally known as the Husky Tower, this observation tower came into existence in 1967 as a part of the urban renewal plan. It was constructed in joint cooperation between Husky oil and Realty Company Limited. The tower was also built to celebrate the 1967 centennial of Canada. It was in 1971 that this World Federation of Great Towers founder member was renamed Calgary Tower.

Calgary Tower was designed and constructed by W. G. Milne & A. Dale and Associates. It took fifteen months to complete building this tower. It can withstand winds up to 161 kilometers per hour and earthquakes.

On your visit to this tower, check out the column that was built in a unique manner by pouring concrete continually for 24 days. Enjoy a delicious meal at the revolving restaurant here. Called Sky 360, the restaurant offers an amazing view. +15 Skyway network connects the base of the tower to Fairmont Palliser Hotel, One Palliser Square and EnCana Place.

Calgary is indeed a city of surprises as any tourist to this city will tell you. There are numerous attractive and interesting tourist attractions that include many unique sculptures that speak volumes about the city and the country.

One of the popular sculptures that tourists never miss is called The Conversation. This is a sculpture that depicts two businessmen who have just met on one of the downtown streets. The sculpture is so realistic that you feel like shaking their hands and joining in the conversation. This sculpture was created by William Hodd McElcheran and was placed in Stephen Avenue in 1981.

It is made of bronze and is kept right on the Pedestrian Mall in Stephen Avenue. Visit this mall and you just cannot miss this Calgary’s most famous sculpture. You will find the businessmen wearing small felt hats and bulky topcoats talking business. They are definitely wheeling and dealing as you can see from their expressions. This artwork belonged to Norcen Energy Resources who in 1981 donated it to the City of Calgary.

On your trip to Calgary, do not miss a visit to the Pedestrian Mall in Stephen Avenue to view this wonderful statue that is certainly the pride of the city.

The Trees Sculpture is located on Stephen Avenue between Bankers Hall and the Core Shopping Centre. The sculpture was designed by the architect of the Bankers Hall building, The Cohos Evamy Partners, because trees are difficult to grow in Calgary. They also provide an excellent wind break in this busy walking area.

This sculpture goes by many different names. Some call it the Galleria Trees. Other call it the Ten Trees. Everyone who sees them agrees that they are stunning works of art no matter what they are named.

The metal structures are interesting during the daytime, but they should also be viewed at night when they are lit with vibrant, seasonally-themed LED lights. They are also outfitted with a sound system so that music can be played along with the light show.

The Peace Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist crossing over the Bow River, spanning about 130.6 meters in length and 8 meters across, with a tubular double-helix truss design that stands roughly 5.85 meters tall. Conceived by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in March 2012, this signature red-and-white structure - echoing both national and civic colours - bridges the southern Eau Claire/Downtown pathway with the northern Sunnyside community.

As a sculptural marvel, the bridge’s helical steel frame-comprising around 850 tonnes of steel-withstands without piers in the water, preserving the river’s natural flow and minimizing ecological impact. Covered with curved glass panels and well-lit at night, it offers a sheltered, barrier-free experience for walkers and riders alike. The interior width is split into a 3.7-meter pedestrian walkway and a 2.5-meter cycling lane, helping manage up to 9,000 users daily.

Beyond functionality, the Peace Bridge has quickly become one of Calgary’s most photographed landmarks. Its striking form-likened by many to a giant finger-trap puzzle-provides dynamic sightlines toward the downtown skyline and the serene Bow River, especially during sunrise or twilight. Despite initial controversy over cost and design, it earned accolades as a top architectural project and public space of 2012.

For visitors, the bridge offers more than just a crossing-it’s a walking art installation. The seamless glide between neighborhoods invites exploration of surrounding gems like Eau Claire Market, Prince’s Island Park, and the pathways that line the riverbanks. Whether you’re on foot or bike, crossing during evening illuminations or sunshine-dappled days, the Peace Bridge is a vibrant invitation to connect with Calgary’s urban pulse and riverside beauty.

A visit to any city is incomplete without a trip to its most popular park. Prince’s Island Park is one of the most famous parks in Calgary frequented by thousands of tourists and locals every day. This park is the ideal place for relaxing and people watching.

Catch some Vitamin D on hot summers at this 20 hectare park even as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere around. Prince’s Island Park is situated behind Eau Clair Market. The park is not just a hub of activity in summers. In winters, the pathways are filled with enthusiastic people enjoying whizzing around in roller blades and cross country skiing. You will find romance in the air at the quiet, charming River Café.

On your visit to Prince’s Island Park, do not miss the experience of watching the geese in the wetland. Gaze at the amazing natural surroundings that include a lagoon, water fountains and flower gardens. During summers, paddle along the sparkling river.

During summers, you will find the park filled with frantic activities as it is a host to various summer festivals and events. Learn how the wetland serves as an important support for the habitat, wild life and water quality by taking a stroll along the environmental learning pathway.

This enchanting park is definitely the highlight of Calgary. Locals and visitors from around the world flock here to enjoy the serene ambience.

Chinatown is a district in Calgary located north of downtown and south of the Bow River. Much of the district is located on Riverfront, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenues from east to west and 1st and Centre Streets north and south. The area has many restaurants, shopping and interesting sights.

A walk of Chinatown can take as much or as little time as the visitor wants. A half hour of walking will cover all of the must-see spots in this district. However, visitors may want to stop to dine, shop or enjoy some of the area's entertainment.

Sien Lok Park hugs the riverfront and pays homage to the first Chinese settlers in the region. Across 1st Street from Sien Lok Park is the Calgary Chinese Cultural Center. The building includes a museum and art exhibition. Festivals, like the Chinese Lunar New Year, take place at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Center as well.

The Bow is a crescent shaped skyscraper in Calgary. It is a groundbreaking structure that has been ranked as one of the top 10 architectural projects in the world by "Azure Magazine." A walking tour of Calgary assuredly includes a stop by the Bow, but the reason is more for a sculpture in the plaza than for the skyscraper itself.

Wonderland is a 39-foot tall (roughly 12 meters) statue in the shape of a young girl's head. The bent wire sculpture was created by artist Jaume Plensa. It is meant to represent the dreams of the young people of the province.

Unlike most sculptures, Wonderland has an entrance that allows visitors to view the artwork from the inside. They can view the city from the perspective of all of those who are represented by this sculpture.

Wonderland is prominently displayed on 6th Avenue. It is a short walk from Olympic Plaza, making it a quick yet meaningful part of a walking tour of the city.

Family of Man is a 21 feet tall set of sculptures that were created exclusively to be displayed at the British Pavilions at Expo 67. These sculptures were designed by Mario Armengol to portray they way Britain handles international responsibilities specifically challenges in the form of world problems.

Mario Armengol expertly depicts two different moods through these sculptures namely the dominating nature of man and a feeling of dependence and insignificance, a completely contradictory mood.

In spite of being 21 feet tall, these sculptures reflect raceless, naked and expressionless human women and men. All sculptures are combined in groups and each one of them extend their hands in gesture of goodwill and fellowship.

After the Expo 67 concluded, the sculptures were bought on behalf of Maxwell Cummings and Sons by Robert Cummings. It was donated to Calgary by this company later. The City of Calgary appointed a special committee to review and identify the best site for these statues. A suitable location was then identified. Today the Family of Man statues stand in front of the Calgary Education Center.

Many tourists come to see these unique and interesting sculptures. Do not miss a visit to this education center and see these sculptures on your trip to Calgary.

Constructed in early twentieth century, Cathedral Church of the Redeemer is one of the major tourist attractions in Calgary. This building is built with rusticated sandstone and is located in downtown Calgary close to the Olympic Plaza.

The church has one and a half stories and has attractive features such as stained glass windows, red metal roof and stone walls. Many interesting landscape elements surround this charming church.

Cathedral Church of the Redeemer holds the distinction of being a standing example of Gothic Revival architecture skillfully integrated with other styles and influences. In Alberta, this church is also associated with early Anglican Church presence.

Some of the most significant elements that define the character of this church include its massing, form and size, buttresses that are non-load-bearing, usage of rusticated Paskapoo sandstone from the famed Oliver quarry, separate articulating gable roofs, gallery on the West end, lower side aisles, first metal roofing in the city, fish-scale roof cladding, heavy timber cross bracing and roof rafters and much more.

At the cathedral, you will also find the 1906 original Casavant Freres organ with refurbishments. You will certainly be impressed with the elaborate and intricate woodwork. Do not miss out the stunning oak reredos in the sanctuary.

The Calgary City Hall has been used as a municipal building since it was constructed in 1911. It was designed in a Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style by William M. Dodd. The revivalist style of architecture draws inspiration from 11th and 12th century Romanesque buildings with recessed windows, stone arches and a symmetrical structure.

The building has undergone a number of restoration projects. The most recent took place in 2014 when bits of the stone walls began to crumble from the Old City Hall's exterior. The building was designated as a Provincial Historical Resource in 1978. It was given National Historical Site status in 1984.

The Old City Hall remains in use. It is home to the Calgary mayor's office as well as members of the city council. The Old City Hall is the site of Calgary City Council meetings as well. Visitors to the city can see for themselves how the city has grown around this site. Nearby areas of interest include the Central Library and Olympic Plaza.