Arguably the most prominent heritage landmark in Calgary!
The Palliser Hotel has represented the pinnacle of hospitality for over a century. It has hosted the highest echelons of society, from world leaders to celebrities. It was the temporary home of the eleventh Prime Minister of Canada, Calgarian R.B. Bennett, who lived in room 760.
The Palliser Hotel was constructed for $1 million and cast in Edwardian Commercial-style architecture. The sandstone building material is a unique feature of the city. Follow the link to learn more about the Sandstone City Legacy and vote for your favourite building.
This was a break from the traditional Chateau-style hotels for which the Canadian Pacific Railway is famed. Said to be inspired by prairie grain elevators, it was referred to by locals as the castle by the tracks.
Exploring the West
The name Palliser was selected to commemorate Captain John Palliser. He led the famed British expedition, exploring Western Canada between 1857 and 1860. They collected astronomical, meteorological, geological and magnetic data. Describing the flora, fauna, and inhabitants to assess if the area was suitable for settlement.
Excavation for the new hotel began on May 12, 1911. The hotel opened about 11 months behind schedule in June 1914.
The location next to the railway station was no accident. Since many influential hotel guests travelled by train, this was the hub for the community.
The Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) built the hotel on the former railway garden and bandstand.
Explore the pathway system around the Glenmore Reservior | Recreation and Heritage Park. There you will find the train and a replica of the train station. Follow the link for a map and more information. Combine the self-guided tours from The Urban Explorer and experience the city’s vibrant culture and rich history.
Today, the site next to the hotel is home to the Calgary Tower. These two landmarks were featured on the 2024 Calgary Stampede poster.
The poster, by Lloyd Templeton, captures the iconic Stampede Parade that passes in front of the hotel every July.
The Emergence Of An Urban Centre
The plaza across the street at 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW is a great urban lookout. Artist Jill Anholt takes inspiration from the CPR in the public art installation Emergent (2017). Have a seat or picture yourself with the sculpture.
You are surrounded by some of the tallest buildings in Calgary at their completion.
Reflecting the city’s heritage and success as an urban centre.
Take a closer look at the first skyscrapers compared to the tallest building today, visit Emergent – Towers.
Already a prominent fixture on the city skyline. Three floors and a penthouse were added to the Palliser in 1929. This made it the tallest building in the city until 1958 at 196 ft (60m). In 1968, the train station was replaced by the 626 ft. (190.8 m) tall Calgary Tower.
A National Historic District
Steps from Emergent is the Hudson’s Bay on Stephen Avenue. Along with the Palliser, these were the most expensive buildings constructed at the time and renowned for their beauty.
This National Historic District demonstrates the central role that retail streets have played in the Canadian urban experience.
Follow the link to learn what’s Behind Stephen Avenue.
One of the many features is a mural painted on the back of the sandstone Hudson Block. The 100 x 40ft mural was created by artist Curtis Van Charles.
It is centred around George Stephen, 8th Avenue’s namesake and the first President of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
Explore the City on Foot or by Bike
Explore Calgary, the buildings and public art installations that create an Artistic Cityscape. Since the Calgary Tower was surpassed in 1983, three buildings have been the tallest in the city. They can all be seen from an urban art installation called Wonderland. Learn more about this space by visiting Wonderland – Tallest Buildings. Or try a monopoly-style adventure on the StoryCity App: Wonderland – Building a Legacy.
Follow the map to arrive at Centre Street Bridge. This iconic Calgary landmark is a historically vital transportation artery. It leads to the heart of the city.
This destination is part of a 900 km network of pathways. It includes the RiverWalk and the 29,000 km Trans Canada Trail. This system connects communities, people, and nature, making it a great place to explore on foot or by bike.
Try Biking Mohkinstsis | The Elbow River– Where Calgary Comes Together. This 9 km journey takes you along the Elbow River to the Glenmore Reservoir. It begins at the end of the RiverWalk at the confluence with the Bow. This is more than just a meeting of two rivers. This guide explores spaces where people have traditionally gathered. It demonstrates how the city’s culture developed through a connection to the land.
It explores where Calgary’s story began. Long before settlers established a community, it was a place of gathering and ceremony. Indigenous peoples called it Mohkinstsis or “Elbow” in the Blackfoot language. Bringing people together by the banks of the elbow is part of the city’s history that continues today.
The Urban Explorer 