Calgary Tower, Calgary

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For about $10 US you can go into the Calgary Tower and take some pretty cool snapshots of the city. On clear days you have a great view of the Rocky Mountains to the West. I went up during Stampede and could clearly see the Stagecoach races taking place. There is also a restaurant in the tower, it seemed to be taking walk-ins, though you might want to make a reservation to be safe.

The tower also has a glass-bottom view deck on the North side- not for those afraid of heights!

Officially opened June 30th 1968, the 'Tower' has become the City of Calgary's most famous and identifiable physical landmark. One of the first Towers of its kind, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in Calgary.

Throughout the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, a flame burned at the top of the Tower, making the Calgary Tower the World's Largest Olympic Torch. The torch used during the Olympic games was designed after the Tower. The torch is still lit today for special occasions, like Canada Day and during the Calgary Flames race for the Stanley Cup.

At the top of the Tower is a revolving restaurant which serves great, if expenisve food.

The Calgary Tower was one of the musts on my to do list when I have family and friends visiting. They have a free internet cafe at the base and the tourism calgary information centre. The Glass floor was very exciting and the restaurant meals were reasonable priced compared to the other restaurants in close proximity. You get 50% off your admission when you have reservations in the dining room. Breakfast $9.00-$14.00, Lunch $13.00 - $22.00, Dinner $18.00-$55.00. The booths are very romantic and great for special occasions

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Well a trip to Calgary would not be complete without a small stop to the tower. That, however, will be all it is, a small stop for maybe an hour maximum. We went up on a very empty day, shared a lift up with just us 2 in. You do get some fantastic views of the city up there, you can clearly see parts of the Rockies on a nice day. The Dome stands out well on one side with the planes landing, and on the other all the tall buildings in downtown.

Yes the best bit is looking straight down on the glass part that you know will never break, but still can see the fear in most people as they gingerly walk out onto it... but well all the little kids just seem to run on it, jump a few times then lay down looking down at the cars below!

Was about $28 CAD for the 2 of us, and opens til late, would be different at night im sure!

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So I finally got around to visiting the Calgary Tower today, after nearly two years in Calgary. It was remarkably un-busy for a Saturday afternoon and our group of sixteen got an elevator to ourselves on the way up. It's not a glass elevator so all you've got to look at on the trip us is the other people you're with! Once you reach the observation deck you're treated to panoramic views of the city and a small area with a glass floor where you can imagine you're floating above the city. It would be great to visit on a clear day or a clear evening, but it might not be worth it on a very overcast day.

The tower is also home to a cafe, a revolving restaurant and two gift shops. It's open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Adult tickets cost $12.95, youth tickets cost $9.95, seniors pay $10.95 and children under five can go up for $5.00.

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A visit to the observation terrace is a must at the Calgary Tower. The views of the city are spectacular, look out for the Old City Hall and the statue of Robert the Bruce on horseback. From the top you can see for miles, spot the prairies stretching out beyond the city and the Rockie mountains in the distance.
The Calgary Tower was built between 1967 and 1968 designed by architect W.G. Milne the construction was carried out by Pol Construction Company the estimated cost on completion was around three million dollars.
Opening times are seven days 9.00 - 22.00 last ride up 9.30
Prices - kids 5 & under 5 dollars Youth 17 & under 9.95 dollars Adult 12.95 dollars

Calgary Tower is a tourist attraction in a city which seems to lack iconic tourist spots.

Unfortunately they tower is over priced at $13 Canadian. After all its only a tower in a city without more than the mountains in the distance to see.

To get value for money I'd suggest trying to make use of the second viewing allowed at night.

Of note I was told after the fact that my hostel card gives me something like 25% off.

Calgary is the financial capital (Edmonton is the seat of political power) of the booming oil province of Alberta, and they have got some money to spend! First opened in 1968, this 191-m (590-ft) concrete tower boasts the Tops Grill at its uppermost level. Just below this, is the Observation Deck, which allows you to wander around viewing Calgary from all angles. There are also interactive displays at the four points of the compass that explain the view that you are seeing. One level below this, is another row of windows that comprises the revolving Panorama Room restaurant.

Entry fee to the tower is US$7.50 per adult with group rates also available. We also had to park our car in the adjoining Tower Centre Parkade at Palliser Square. For 3 hours, this came to US$9.