Urban hiking is an active way to experience our everyday environment. It can involve exploring parks and green spaces. Hikers navigate city streets, sidewalks, and other areas within the urban landscape. Appreciating the spaces where we spend most of our time is important. It can contribute to a more positive mindset and improve mental health….
Author: The Urban Explorer
Old School
Calgary has had success preserving prominent examples of its sandstone construction boom. This is achieved through the ongoing use and adaptive reuse of its historic schools. This construction era followed a fire in 1886 that destroyed much of the wood building stock. These schools anchor some of the oldest neighbourhoods. This makes them a great place to explore or start a hike of a historic community.
Sandstone City Legacy
Calgary’s sandstone construction boom began after a fire roared through town in the early morning of Nov. 7, 1886. This building era left a legacy of unique buildings renowned for their beauty and character. So many that Calgary acquired the nickname Sandstone City. Place your vote for which building is best.
Artistic Cityscape
Murals transform Calgary’s cityscape into an expansive open-air urban art gallery. Two of the most iconic works are impressive for more than their longevity. They enhance the overall urban landscape and create a unique sense of place. They are recognizable for their bright colours and imagery that complements the surroundings.
Valuing our Urban Forest
The City of Calgary approximates that there are over 7 million trees. The canopy covers just over 8% of the city. The dry prairie, chinooks and unexpected snowfalls all work against building our urban forest. Riparian areas along rivers are one of the few places where they are a natural feature. Glenmore Park has the…
Best Urban Trail for Fall – Weaselhead Flats
The City of Calgary maintains approximately 1000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails. These pathways and trails allow you to explore the mix of natural and curated landscapes. With so much to explore, we feature a unique place to escape the city without actually leaving it. Tucked in the southwest, the Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park is a gem of urban wilderness.
Air Jordans – The Bounce
When urban exploring, the proper footwear is essential.
Before Jordan’s, shoes were something you wore to play sports. After they were launched and banned by the NBA, they became a part of urban culture.
Wonderland – Tallest Buildings
There have been three buildings that have had the distinction of being the tallest in the city since the Calgary Tower was surpassed in 1983. They can all be seen from an urban art installation called Wonderland (2012) by artist Jaume Plensa. This great urban lookout is in the plaza in front of The Bow on…
Emergent – Towers
The plaza at 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW is a great urban lookout. You can explore the emergence of Calgary as an urban centre. It is reflected in the mirrored surfaces of a public art installation called Emergent (2017) by Jill Anholt. Capture the city’s heritage and success as you’re surrounded by some of the tallest buildings in Calgary at their completion.
Behind Stephen Avenue
Learn what’s behind Stephen Avenue. One of only three National Historic Districts in Western Canada. Painted on the back of the sandstone Hudson Block is a 100 x 40ft mural by artist Curtis Van Charles. It is centred around George Stephen, 8th Avenue’s namesake, surrounded by symbols of his life accomplishments.
The Urban Explorer 