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.
The most effective stair workouts in Calgary—and the only one that turns effort into a complete urban hiking experience. It isn’t just about getting steps in—it’s about turning the city’s stair climbs, skyline views, historic streets, and public art into something more rewarding.
Calgary is successfully preserving examples of its sandstone construction boom. This is achieved through the ongoing use and adaptive reuse of its historic schools built between 1894-1914.
Vote for which sandstone building is the best! 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. .
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.
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…
The City of Calgary maintains approximately 1000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails. These pathways and trails allow you to explore a mix of natural and curated landscapes. Nestled within city limits, Weaselhead Flats Natural Environment Park is hidden gem of urban wilderness.
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.
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…
The plaza at 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW is a great urban lookout. You can explore how Calgary emerged as an urban centre. After the railroad arrived, the city grew, and so did the structures. This story is reflected in the mirrored surfaces of a public art installation called Emergent (2017) by Jill Anholt.
The Urban Explorer 