Calgary Tower

About Calgary Tower

What is it?

Originally called Husky tower, Calgary tower was opened to public in 1968 as the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto.  It is a free standing, 191 m tall observation deck in the downtown Calgary allowing panoramic views of the city . There is a small section of glass floor 525 feet off the deck.  It also has a great restaurant on the top, which slowly rotates to give a full panoramic view as you eat your food. It is not the tallest building anymore and new high-rise offices in the downtown has obstructed the view to the North, so you now have a view of buildings close-up rather than far away. Stairs to the observation deck are not opened to the public, but have been used on occasions for publicity, as well as for an annual charity stair-climbing race. There are 762 steps.

Things to do at Calgary Tower

Why to go?

A must visit for the first time traveler to city  to get ones bearings, to get a birds eye view of the city, and to enjoy the views of the Rockies.

A glass floor allows one to stand right on top of the 9th avenue .

The observation deck features six high-powered binoculars , two touchscreens (one facing west and one north) highlight key Calgary viewpoints and a hurricane simulator.

An elevator takes you to the top in about a minute. The obersvation deck has panels explaining the views, like the stampede grounds.

During peak times, hosts are available on the Observation Deck to provide tours and information to guests.
The Calgary tower features a revolving restaurant (45 – 60 minutes for a revolution), Sky 360, that rotates so as to give customers a scenic view of downtown Calgary.

If the view of the Rockies were clouded the first time, comeback later if you can as admission is good for the entire day.  As the weather changes often in Alberta, the city looks different depending on the time of day.

Calgary Tower Location & Directions

How & Where to go?

Located in the 9th Avenue SW, it is accessible by Car, C-train or by walking. Downtown C-train serves the Tower and is in the free fare zone. The Calgary Tower is attached to the Plus 15 walkway system. The Tower is located in the section that connects buildings such as the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, the Glenbow Museum,and the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts.

GPS : 51.044507,-114.06313

Time Required to Visit Calgary Tower

How long will it take?

Twenty minutes to one hour.  SKY 360 is located at 155 metres and completes a full rotation every 45 minutes during lunch and every 60 minutes during dinner.

Calgary Tower Admission

How much will it cost ?

Verify Calgary Tower Rates / Calgary Tower Admission

Google for coupons. calgaryattractions.ca is a good place to check for coupons. Some may find it a bit pricey, for just a view. But, it is a good start for a new comer. Tip: If you go for Sunday brunch ( only for Early or Late Riser) ,the Tower admission is included in the brunch rate.

Calgary Tower Hours

When to go ?

The Calgary Tower is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day). Subject to occasional deck closures for private functions.

September to June : 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
July to August: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Amenities, Access & Parking Calgary Tower

 What about Amenities, Access & Parking?

Dining options – sky360 and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Rest rooms.
Cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and travellers’ cheques with personal identification are accepted.
Gift shops.Post box.
Tourism Calgary Information Centre is located at the base of the tower.Free internet is available at two computer stations. A password may be acquired from a Tourism Calgary representative. Access is limited to 30 minutes per visit.

Wheel chair accessible.

Paid parking at Tower centre parkade  located on 10th Avenue.

Buildings & Monuments Monument, revolving restaurant