Calgary became one of the most popular Canadian cities in the last couple years. I visited this bustling city in the mid June and I’ve immediately realized why. Except for being a gate to the famous Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers many activities and sightseeing to travelers and is very popular among passionate photographers. Now you can explore this amazing city through my favorite photography spots in Calgary.

My number one is the Peace bridge. Designed by Spanish architect, it was opened in March 2012 for pedestrians and cyclist crossing the Bow River in Calgary. With its length of 130 meters, the Peace bridge connects downtown with residential areas. Thanks to its simple yet unique design it became not only a favorite subject for street photography. In December 2012, it ranked 3rd place among the 10 top architectural projects according to Azure Magazine.

If you are a passionate traveler, photographer or instagramer, make sure you visit this spectacular bridge. You will be nicely surprised how many great spots to take photo of the Peace bridge there are. I couldn’t decide which photo to post 😉

If you are not a hockey fan, there is quite nothing that special about the Scotiabank Saddledome. However, allocate some time during your visit in Calgary to climb couple stairs leading to the Scotsman Hill and turn back to look at the city. The view of the Scotiabank Saddledome in the forefront and the skyscrapers rising tall in the background is outstanding. No matter what time of the day or season of the year, you will fall in love with this popular photo spot and its picturesque view of the city. When I was visiting, it was cold and raining whole day, therefore I checked it out once it stopped. It was dark, quiet, magical.

One tip for you! If you are visiting the city during the famous Calgary Stampede, make sure you watch the fireworks from Scotsman Hill 😉

A 190-meter tall observation tower opened to public in June 1968 and was the tallest structure in Calgary. Calgary Tower got its name three years later after being renamed from the Husky Tower. Strategically situated at the corner of downtown it offers a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the whole city as well as the magnificent Rocky Mountains in the back. Those brave ones can enjoy a birds-eye view of the city life below by standing on the glass floor. I spent couple minutes sitting there and enjoying that “nothing” beneath me 😀

To find your way around, check the opening hours and admission rates, visit the Calgary Tower official website.

Popular Wonderland Sculpture is yet another artwork in Calgary designed by a Spanish artist. This bent-wire head of a young girl is 12-meter tall. You can go inside through the entrance in the neck and enjoy the view from a different perspective. The Wonderland Sculpture creates together with the Bow Tower an amazing photo spot. As well as the Peace Bridge, the Bow Tower made it to the 10 top architectural projects in 2012 according to Azure Magazine. You can also see it from the Calgary Tower (the Wonderland Sculpture is no longer visible) and of course from the Scotsman Hill’s viewpoint too.

If you are familiar with the big headline “Wake me when I’m famous,” there is a high chance you’ve already heard of Voltage Creative Garage. Originally, it was a temporary project for artists offering them affordable room rentals and co-working space. It quickly became inspirational and motivational place to all artistic souls not only in the Marda Loop neighborhood, but in the whole Calgary. The garage closed at the end of August. As much as I keep my fingers crossed for them and look forward to their new location, I am happy I could visit the first original Voltage Creative Garage. If you are eager to learn more about this project, visit the Voltage official website.

Prince’s Island Park is located on an island on the Bow River, close to the downtown Calgary. With its vast area of 20 hectares, it offers many activities to its visitors. You can take a stroll, bike, roller blade along its pathways or enjoy a picnic and relax. During the summer months, canoeing on the Bow river is very popular. Throughout the year you can attend many events taking place in the Prince’s Island Park. Except for these activities, Prince’s Island Park offers many beautiful corners and photo spots. It is also home to typical Canada geese, so watch out 😊

What else should you see/visit when in Calgary? Get inspired by our visit, read our Canadian Rockies Itinerary: From Calgary to Vancouver in 2 Weeks.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions that popped up in your head during reading, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below 😉