Calgary Tower : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is one of the most iconic structures in the city. Standing 191 metres (626 ft) tall, the tower offers views of the Rocky Mountains to the west, the downtown skyline to the east, and the prairie pathways to the south. Visitors to the city are drawn to the Calgary Tower for its remarkable vistas, and its unique architectural style. Not only does the tower offer breathtaking views of the city, but it is also an important part of the area’s culture and history. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some interesting facts about the Calgary Tower, its information and travel guide. We’ll also cover some of the historic moments and milestones the tower has seen throughout its long history. So strap in and come along as we scale the heights of the Calgary Tower!

Interesting Facts About Calgary Tower

1. The Calgary Tower stands 191 meters (627 feet) tall.

2. It officially opened on June 30th 1968.

3. The design of the Calgary Tower is based on that of the Stuttgart Tower in Germany.

4. It is the tallest structure in Calgary, Alberta.

5. The observation deck at the top of the Calgary Tower was declared one of the world’s greatest places by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

6. The Calgary Tower was the first tower in North America to employ the resistance box system form of construction.

7. The tower consists of an interior concrete pole with an outer steel tube providing the support for the observation decks and two restaurants.

8. During its construction in 1968, the Calgary Tower was the tallest structure in the Canadian prairies.

9. The tower was officially opened by Mayor Grant MacEwan and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

10. Calgary Tower has been declared a municipal historic resource by the City of Calgary, meaning that if anyone ever wishes to tear the tower down, the City of Calgary must first hold a public hearing to decide this.

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History & Information About Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower is a 198-metre observation tower located on 9th Avenue SW in downtown Calgary, Alberta. Originally built in 1968, it has become a major tourist attraction and landmark for the city. It was the tallest structure in Calgary until it was surpassed by EnCana’s Bow in 2012.

The tower was designed and built by Canadian Pacific Ltd. and cost $3.5 million. The designer of the tower was a Canadian architect, W.G.Milne, who named the tower after a Scottish mountain, Ben Lomond. The tower is currently owned and operated by Canada Lands Company. It is open to the public and offers observation decks and restaurant facilities.

The tower is the centrepiece of the annual Stampede which is held in Calgary every July. The tower is also open during the famous Calgary Tower Stampede Fireworks which is held the night before the parade. On this night, the tower is lit up with over 150,000 watts of colored strobe lights and over 600,000 fireworks are launched.

The tower also features a revolving restaurant at the top which makes a full rotation every 47 minutes. It is the second tallest such restaurant in the world. The tower is also a popular destination for weddings and romantic moments as couples carve their names on the wall at “Lovers’ Ledge” just below the observation deck.

The Calgary Tower is a popular landmark for Calgarians and serves as a symbol of the city’s pride and spirit. It is the city’s most photographed attraction and features regularly in postcards and local artwork.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Calgary Tower

Calgary Tower is one of the must-visit spots for tourists and locals alike in the city of Calgary. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and offers amazing views of the city and its stunning mountain ranges. Here is your travel guide for visiting Calgary Tower.

Getting Around:

Calgary Tower is very conveniently located in downtown Calgary. It is very easy to get to by car, bike, or public transit. If you are driving, simply use the Calgary Tower address (101 9th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta) to get directions to the tower. The nearest LRT train station is Centre Street station, about ten minutes away. To get to Calgary Tower on bike, bike paths are easily accessible from most sides of the tower.

Hours of Operation:

The Calgary Tower is open every day from 9am-10pm. During the summer months, June-mid-September, the Calgary Tower is open from 8am-10pm on weekdays and 8am-10pm on weekends.

Things to Do:

At the Calgary Tower, there is something for everyone. You can take in an amazing 360-degree panoramic view from the Observation Deck, visit the interactive heritage exhibit to learn about Calgary’s history, take a scenic ride up to the top on the Glass Elevators, or grab a bite to eat at the revolving restaurant or the café at the base of the tower. For those looking for a unique experience, there is also the Skywalk – a suspended glass walkway that takes you around the perimeter of the tower.

Costs:

The cost for visiting the Calgary Tower varies depending on the type of experience you would like. General admission to the Observation Deck is $19.99 (plus GST) for adults, $16.99 (plus GST) for seniors (65+), $14.99 (plus GST) for youth (13-17) and $9.99 (plus GST) for children (6-12). The Glass Elevator ride is $9.99 (plus GST) for adults and $5.99 (plus GST) for children (6-12). The Skywalk is $9.99 (plus GST) for all ages.

Special Events:

The Calgary Tower is also host to a variety of special events throughout the year. These can include live music events, paint parties, big-screen movie nights, and private parties. Check out the calendar on their website to find out more information about events in the tower.

Overall, Calgary Tower is a great destination for tourists and locals alike. With something for everyone and amazing views of the city, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Calgary.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary Tower

Q1. What time does the Calgary Tower open?
A1. The Calgary Tower is open from 9:00am-10:00pm MST.

Q2. Are there any age restrictions to enter the tower?
A2. Yes, children 5 and under are not allowed to enter the tower.

Q3. Does the tower offer any discounts?
A3. Yes, a variety of discounts are available including discounts for seniors, students, and special group tours.

Q4. Is there an observation deck available?
A4. Yes, the Calgary Tower offers an observation deck located at the very top of the tower.

Q5. Does the tower offer any food or beverage options?
A5. Yes, the tower offers a few dining and drinking options including snacks and drinks from the concession stand.

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