If your boots are made for walking, the Retail and Entertainment District or RED Mile on 17th Avenue is a great place in Calgary for urban exploring. It is an easy 1.6 km connected by urban art, heritage buildings and green space. There are plenty of options to enjoy pit stops and grab something to…
Category: Destination
Van Gogh Observes Fourth Street
Next to the Masters Gallery on 4th Street is a notable attraction. This vividly coloured, 8 x 8-foot “painting in bronze” is by Joe Fafard. The portrait of Van Gogh appears to be observing you, turning his head as you pass by on the street.
Benefits of Urban Hiking | Evamy Ridge -Stepping it Up
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….
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.
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 