Visiting Calgary Tower, one of Calgary's most iconic landmarks, is among the best thing to do in the city. Read our Calgary Tower travel guide to plan your visit. We share things to know, how to get, opening hours, entrance fees, and basically all practical info you need to know to enjoy amazing views from above.

Every city has its iconic landmark. In Calgary, it is undoubtedly the Calgary Tower.

Over centuries, humankind has been fascinated by heights, and all famous architects in history racked their brains to figure out how to construct more impressive and higher buildings that would become an inseparable part of the city's skyline.

As we lived in Calgary for more than a year, we wandered downtown streets every now and then, seeking photo opportunities, and there was hardly a day when we missed walking past Calgary Tower.

And when we did not make it up close, we at least admired it from our favorite viewing point, Sunnyside Park.

As it usually is with top attractions that are so easily accessible, we left the actual visit of Calgary Tower to one of the last days we were about to spend in the city before hitting the road and heading first to Drumheller and then, finally, to the world-known Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

It actually does not matter if Calgary is your final destination and you want to see all the best things this city has to offer, or if it is only a gateway for your well-planned road trip. Either way, we think Calgary Tower should be on your itinerary.

Even budget travelers who are often reluctant to pay for entrance fees should make this time an exception because the views from the observation deck are hard to beat, and who knows, when the weather plays along, you might even see the glorious snow-capped mountains rising abruptly from the prairie.

We've put together this Calgary Tower travel guide because we consider it a must-see site that will give you the much-needed experience to start liking the largest city in the Alberta Province.

The glass floor at the observation deck in Calgary Tower.

CALGARY TOWER FACTS

What should you know about Calgary Tower? Well, there's actually a cool exhibit inside the tower, where you can read everything about the construction and some facts, so we'll only sum up here the essential info.

We've already mentioned that when visiting Calgary, it is impossible to overlook the towering structure in the city's downtown.

And even though the Calgary Tower is not Calgary's highest building anymore as surrounding skyscrapers grew higher since 1968 when the tower was completed, Calgary Tower still draws attention.

It is sometimes awesome to look at old photographs to see how a place has developed and changed in a span of only a few decades.

Canadian and the US cities are definitely a great example as the trend of developing high buildings started in the 20th century with an idea to get as close to the sky as possible. But back to the point.

The fact that Calgary Tower is not the highest building in the city is not a disadvantage, and you simply cannot miss going up to get some views from the architectural achievement, which has graced the Calgary skyline forever.

The construction of the tower began in 1967 and was completed in 1968.

And at that time, it was one of the first towers of its kind in the world, as the boom of building super-high towers in the city's modern downtowns all around the world started a bit later.

At first, the tower was named Husky Tower (to honor original owners Husky Oil Limited), only three years later, after completion, it was renamed as a tribute to Calgary citizens.

During the year, Calgary Tower was several times renovated; one of the biggest improvements so far has been an installation of a glass floor that provides visitors with a unique, almost dizzying view of the street below.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

You can climb the stairs to the top of Calgary Tower.

VIEWS FROM CALGARY TOWER

While the Calgary Tower isn't one of the world's highest towers, it is 'only' 191 meters high; the structure can still boast about one thing. It features the highest observation deck in the world, thanks to being 1228 meters above sea level.

Do you ask how that is possible?

Well, let's mention that Calgary's elevation is 1045 meters, and you can fill the gaps.

Calgary Tower is a perfect attraction for both first-time visitors and locals as it offers an excellent 360-degree panoramic view as Calgary stands on a flat plain and nothing blockade landscape views. This is a view you'll never get tired of.

Once you reach the viewing platform, you can observe the bustling city down below, prairie, foothills, and even the famous Canadian Rockies.

The tower is not interesting only from above but also from the outside.

Its surface is covered with LED panels, and every day when it gets dark, it changes colors.

HOW TO GET TO CALGARY TOWER

It is not hard to find the tower as you can see it almost from everywhere. If you've already picked up the rental car, we recommend you to leave it safely parked as it is much better to get around Calgary's downtown by public transport or on foot because of the traffic.

If you decide to use public transport, take a C-Train and get off at Centre Street or 1st Street SW. From here, the Calgary Tower is within walking distance.

When you reach the tower (and in the harsh weather, you don't even need to walk outside as the Calgary Tower is attached to the Plus 15 walkway system), enter the vestibule, go to the counter on your right and buy a ticket.

WHERE TO STAY IN CALGARY

Calgary is a considerably large city, and there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation.

Thanks to the dense competition, it is much easier to find a reasonably priced hotel in the city (compared to the Canadian Rockies), but it does not apply for the period around Calgary Stampede and overall for the whole summer season.

As you'll most likely rent a car at the airport, it is not that important where's the hotel located, and you can instead look for accommodation that is close to the C-Train station that will safely take you to downtown and back.

We've selected the best hotels in Calgary for every type of traveler; feel free to get inspired.

Budget | Aloft Calgary University - Modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with excellent service.

Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook; this is a reason why to stay in this moderately priced hotel.

Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - Newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.

Olympic Plaza is only two blocks from Calgary Tower.

VISITING CALGARY TOWER

Once you buy the ticket, you have two options. The more convenient way how to reach the observation deck is to take an elevator, but you can also walk the stairs.

Every year, there's even a race to the top of the Calgary Tower called Calgary Tower 802 Challenge (usually every Tuesday in March), so if you visit the city when this event takes place, you can join, and what is even best, you can do something for your health, plus the admission is lower for all climbers.

The name of this challenge also answers your question about how many stairs lead to the observation deck - it is 802.

It is also necessary to mention that within the tower is located a rotating Sky 360 Restaurant, and if you've made a reservation or simply want to have a cup of tea, in that case, you don't need to pay the entrance fee.

No matter if you've opted for an elevator or stairs, you'll soon emerge on the viewing deck.

Even though the views are the main reason you've put this attraction on your itinerary in the first place, do not skip a fascinating exhibition explaining the evolution of the population in Calgary.

Then, move to the glass windows, walk around, truly appreciate the 360-degree view, and enjoy this extraordinary experience.

And of course, you must try standing on the glass floor, which initially causes a feeling of dizziness, but once you get used to it, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of 9th Avenue SW and Centre Street below.

Packing for the Calgary Tower is not tricky; wear whatever feels comfortable for sightseeing in the city (always think about the ever-changing weather).

If there's the gear we would recommend, it is a travel camera to capture those beautiful views from the top.

When you're finished observing the surroundings, the elevator will take you down to the main floor, where the visit ends with an obligatory walk through the souvenir shop.

If you want to buy a souvenir, feel free to spend here a couple of minutes. If you continue sightseeing, find an exit sign, and you'll soon emerge on the pavement in front of the Calgary Tower.

WHERE

101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1J9

OPENING HOURS

Calgary Tower is open from 9 AM to 9 PM September to May & 9 AM to 10 PM June to August.

ENTRANCE FEE

The Calgary Tower ticket cost C$18 + GST per adult person.

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.

Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

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A Guide to Visiting Calgary Tower