The Architecture and Skyline of the Stampede City
Rising 190.8 meters (626 feet) above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower has been the city's most recognizable symbol for over half a century. Opened to the public in 1968 as the Husky Tower, it was constructed as a joint venture between Husky Oil and Marathon Realty to celebrate Canada's centennial. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in North America outside of Toronto.
During the historic 1988 Winter Olympics, a massive natural gas cauldron was constructed at the top of the tower. The flame burned brightly throughout the games and continues to be lit today for special occasions, including Canada Day and during Calgary Flames playoff runs.
Today, visitors can step out onto a breathtaking glass floor observation deck extending out over 9th Avenue SW, offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the rolling prairies. The tower is also home to Sky 360, a revolving restaurant that completes a full rotation every 45 minutes, offering diners a constantly changing view of the YYC skyline. (For a complete timeline of the city's architectural growth, see our 101 Facts About Calgary pillar guide).
Designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this striking pedestrian and cyclist bridge spans the Bow River. Its complex, tubular steel structure contains no internal supports and is painted in the red and white of the Canadian and Calgary flags.
At 236 meters tall, this massive crescent-shaped skyscraper changed the city skyline in 2012. Sitting directly in front of it is Wonderland, a stunning 12-meter-tall wire mesh sculpture of a young girl's head created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.
Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Scotiabank Saddledome is famous for its reverse hyperbolic paraboloid concrete roof, designed to look like a western saddle. As of 2026, it is preparing to pass the torch to the state-of-the-art Scotia Place event centre currently under construction.
A triumph of modern design by Snøhetta and DIALOG, the new Central Library in the East Village features a sweeping facade of geometric glass and a massive archway lined with western red cedar. It was named one of the most beautiful libraries in the world by Architectural Digest.
Home to the National Music Centre, this architectural wonder is clad in subtly reflective terra cotta tiles. Its nine interlocking towers were designed by Allied Works Architecture to reflect the acoustic curves and internal mechanics of a musical instrument.
A hidden oasis located entirely indoors on the top floor of the downtown CORE Shopping Centre. This massive urban botanical garden features over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, koi ponds, and a living wall, offering a green escape even during the coldest winter Chinoooks.
Which Calgary landmark is your favorite?