Olympic Plaza is one of the popular tourist attractions in Calgary. This plaza was constructed during the 1988 Winter Olympics exclusively as a venue for medal presentation. Here you will find a legacy hall that commemorates the winners through display of plaques. Today, Olympic Plaza is used for hosting festivals and concerts.

Olympic Plaza is abuzz with activities during the cheery summer months. There are festivities and music in the air and sparkling water fountains. During lunch hour, downtown patrons frequent the park. The Stampede breakfast and the exciting Latino-fest are held at this plaza. If you think this park is deserted during the chilly winter months, think again. The wading pool is converted to a skating rink and people come in large numbers to enjoy skating.

Many popular events continue to be held at the Olympic Plaza on a regular basis; among them are Canada Day fireworks, New Years Eve celebrations, Pride celebrations and a public thank you rally that took place in June 2004 after the Calgary Flames reached the NHL finals.

Olympic Plaza is the epicenter of Calgary’s culture. Epcor Center of Performing Arts hosts many shows here throughout the year. On your trip to Calgary, do not miss a chance to visit this wonderful tourist attraction.

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.

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.

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.