Stay at arguably the most prominent heritage landmark in Calgary!
This grand railway hotel has welcomed travellers for over a century. It has represented the pinnacle of hospitality, hosting 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 nicknamed the castle by the tracks by locals.
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 site was strategically located next to the original railway station. This was no accident as many of the first explorers, settlers and influential hotel guests travelled by train. This was the centre of the city and a hub for the community.
The Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) built the hotel on the former railway garden and bandstand.
You can explore this history by bike on the pathway system around the Glenmore Reservoir. Check out our guide: Glenmore Reservior | Recreation and Heritage Park. There you will find trains and a replica of the original 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, next to the hotel on the former train station site, is the Calgary Tower. These two iconic landmarks were featured on the 2024 Calgary Stampede poster.
The poster by Lloyd Templeton captures the Stampede Parade that passes in front of the hotel every July. This premier event kicks off the week-long celebration of the city’s culture and energy.
The Emergence Of An Urban Centre
The plaza across the street at 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW is a great urban lookout. There, you will find the public art installation Emergent (2017). Artist Jill Anholt draws inspiration from the CPR. It is a perfect spot to see the impact of the railroad’s arrival on the city.
The sculpture includes a seating area to relax. You can also take a picture in it, surrounded by four of Calgary’s tallest buildings, when they were completed.
Reflecting the city’s heritage and success as an urban centre.
Take a closer look at the first skyscraper and compare it to the tallest building behind it today. To learn more, visit our guide at: The Inception of Towers | Emergent.
If you’re wondering where the Palliser ranks among the tallest structures. In 1929, it was already a prominent fixture on the city skyline. That year, three floors and a penthouse were added, making it the tallest building in the city. That record at 196 ft (60 m) lasted until 1958. In 1968, the train station was replaced by the 626 ft. (190.8 m) Calgary Tower, becoming the tallest structure.
A National Historic District
Steps from Emergent is the Hudson’s Bay building on Stephen Avenue. Along with the Palliser Hotel, these were the most expensive buildings constructed at the time. Both were renowned for their beauty.
Stephen Avenue is a National Historic District. It demonstrates the central role that retail streets have played in the Canadian urban experience.
Follow the link to our guide 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 in our guide: Wonderland – Tallest Buildings. Or try our monopoly-style choose-your-own-adventure on the StoryCity App: Wonderland – Building a Legacy.
Follow the map to arrive at Centre Street Bridge. Click the link to our guide. This is not just a historically vital transportation artery. It connects the heart of the city to some of the best green spaces along the river.
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.
To explore more of the city, check out our guide: Biking Mohkinstsis | The Elbow River– Where Calgary Comes Together. This 9 km journey will take you from Centre Street Bridge along the Elbow River to the Glenmore Reservoir. It begins at the RiverWalk and takes you to the confluence with the Bow. This guide explores 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 