The Palliser Hotel has been a symbol of hospitality for over a century, welcoming dignitaries and celebrities. Built in 1914, it features Edwardian architecture and was once the city’s tallest building. This guide examines how this site has enriched Calgary’s urban heritage. It also stands among the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue and other notable landmarks.
Tag: explore
Reimagining Glenbow
The Glenbow Museum closed its doors in 2021, beginning a massive transformation that will redefine its role in downtown Calgary. The museum opened in this concrete box in 1976. When it reopens as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts and Culture, it will welcome visitors with a dramatically different look and experience.
Exploring Arts Commons
This guide examines the history of Arts Commons and explores this destination on Stephen Avenue. Significant for its role in the development of the arts and culture in the city. Its imminent transformation will impact more than the city block it occupies.
Exploring An 802-Step Art Gallery | Calgary Tower
The 802 Challenge is back again every Tuesday in March 2026. Whether you’re looking for a unique activity or taking your fitness goals to another level. There is more to see than just the view from the observation deck. Explore the murals painted by young amateur artists on the landings of the stairways of the Calgary Tower.
Red Mile
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…
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.
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…
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…
The Inception of Towers | Emergent
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.
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 