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Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
Calgary is not located within the Rocky Mountains; rather, it sits in the foothills (the transition zone) and the prairies, in the western part of the province of Alberta.
Despite not being directly in the mountains, its proximity is crucial. Calgary serves as the main Gateway to the Canadian Rockies, especially to the famed Banff and Jasper National Parks. The iconic, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies are clearly visible from the city on a clear day, forming a stunning backdrop to its skyline.
This relationship makes Calgary an ideal starting point for tours, day trips, and journeys to explore the natural beauty of the mountain range, including famous sites like Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Wonderland Sculpture is an impressive and iconic piece of public art located in the plaza of The Bow Tower in downtown Calgary.
Artist: It was created by the acclaimed Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa (born in Barcelona).
Description: It is a monumental portrait of a young girl's head, standing approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall, constructed from a bent, painted steel wire mesh, which gives it a transparent and ethereal quality.
Meaning: The piece represents humanity and the "palace of dreams" of the province's young people. Plensa's intention is to link art, architecture, and society.
Unique Feature: Visitors are encouraged to walk inside the sculpture through an opening at the neck, allowing them to experience the artwork from within and view the city through the wire mesh.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Peace Bridge is an iconic and highly distinctive bridge located in the heart of Calgary.
Function: It is an exclusive pedestrian and cyclist overpass that crosses the Bow River, connecting the north side of downtown (the Sunnyside community) with the south bank. It is a key link for commuters and the city's vast river pathway system.
Design: It was designed by the world-renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, and opened in 2012.
Structure: Its design is an elegant, tubular double-helix truss structure, made of steel. It is distinctive for its red and white striped colour scheme, which is reminiscent of the flags of Canada and Calgary.
Impact: Calatrava’s minimalist design, which features no supporting piers in the water, has quickly become an architectural landmark for the city and a symbol of modern Calgary.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Reconciliation Bridge is a historic bridge spanning the Bow River in Calgary. Its significance lies in its recent renaming and the symbolism it carries.
Location and Type: It is a steel and concrete truss bridge (built in 1910) that connects Downtown Calgary with north-central communities like Bridgeland and Crescent Heights, crossing the Bow River.
Name Change: It was originally named the Langevin Bridge after Sir Hector-Louis Langevin, one of the Fathers of Canadian Confederation. However, due to Langevin's role as one of the architects of the Canadian Residential School system (a system of forced assimilation of Indigenous children), Calgary City Council voted to change the name in 2017.
Significance: The new name, Reconciliation Bridge, was chosen as a symbolic act, part of the City of Calgary's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Features: It is well-known for its nightly illumination, which uses 5,600 programmable LED lights to display special colours and patterns. These light shows are often run in consultation with the City's Indigenous Relations Office to pay tribute to significant Indigenous dates and stories.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor is a central point for Ukrainian religious and cultural life in Calgary, serving the city's large Ukrainian community. Since its founding, the parish has been a pillar for the faithful, particularly for Ukrainian immigration to the Alberta region.
The temple is notable for its traditional Orthodox architecture, featuring five distinct copper-clad domes ("banyas") that create a striking silhouette. Beyond being a place of worship, the Sobor operates as a Cultural Centre, housing various organizations such as the Ukrainian Women's Association, a Ukrainian school, a library, and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (Calgary Collection).
Recently, the Sobor has gained significant recognition for its active role in Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid, providing essential support (food, clothing, assistance) to Ukrainian newcomers and refugees in Calgary.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Calgary Tower is a free-standing observation tower and one of the main tourist attractions in downtown Calgary.
Height and Opening: Standing at 190.8 meters (626 feet) tall, it was opened in 1968 (originally named the Husky Tower) to celebrate Canada's Centennial. For a time, it was the tallest structure in the city and a major landmark.
Panoramic Views: It offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city, the foothills, and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west.
Attractions:
Observation Deck: Features a thrilling glass floor extension where brave visitors can look straight down at the streets 155 meters (508 feet) below.
Revolving Restaurant: It houses the Sky 360 restaurant, which completes a full rotation every 45-60 minutes, offering a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.
Symbol: The tower is also known for the gas-fired torch atop its spire, which was lit during the 1988 Winter Olympics and is illuminated for special occasions.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
"Women Are Persons!" in Calgary, Canada, primarily refers to a monument that pays tribute to the "Famous Five" (Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards, and Irene Parlby). These five women from Alberta were pivotal in the landmark legal battle known as the "Persons Case."
In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not considered "qualified persons" under the law, and therefore could not be appointed to the Senate. The Famous Five appealed the decision to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (at that time Canada's highest court of appeal in the UK), which on October 18, 1929, overturned the ruling, declaring that women were indeed "persons" and eligible for the Senate.
The monument, originally located in Olympic Plaza, commemorates this crucial milestone for women's rights in Canada. The sculpture has been temporarily removed due to redevelopment of the area.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
Wonderland és una gran escultura de malla de filferro situada al centre de Calgary, davant de l'edifici The Bow. L'obra, creada per l'artista català de renom mundial Jaume Plensa, fa uns 12 metres (39 peus) d'alçada i representa el cap d'una jove (basada en el retrat d'una nena de Barcelona).
La característica més distintiva de Wonderland és la seva interactivitat: els visitants poden caminar per dins del cap de malla, experimentant l'art des d'una perspectiva única. Segons Plensa, l'escultura pretén representar "l'arquitectura dels nostres cossos com el palau dels nostres somnis", simbolitzant els somnis, les esperances i el potencial de la joventut.
És una fita molt fotografiada i un exemple destacat de l'art públic de Calgary.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The "Women Are Persons!" monument in Calgary is a crucial artistic and historical tribute to women's rights in Canada.
Subject: The sculpture commemorates The Famous Five: Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, all from the province of Alberta.
The Persons Case: This group spearheaded the legal fight to overturn a 1928 court ruling that women were not considered "qualified persons" under Canadian law and thus could not be appointed to the Senate. On October 18, 1929, the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council delivered the landmark ruling that women are legally "persons".
Sculpture Design: The bronze artwork, created by sculptor Barbara Paterson, depicts the women at a "pink tea" celebrating their victory. A notable feature is an empty chair, which encourages visitors to sit and interact with the group, symbolizing the ongoing fight for equality.
Location (Update): The monument was originally installed in Olympic Plaza in Calgary in 1999 (an identical monument is in Ottawa). However, it has recently been removed and placed in storage due to the redevelopment of Olympic Plaza, and a new permanent location is being sought. This process has also spurred a public discussion about the full and complex legacy of the Famous Five.
artist:DAX
PHOTOGRAPHOHOLIC
I born to capture |
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Unauthorised use prohibited!
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Calgary Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks and a major tourist attraction in downtown Calgary, Canada.
The Calgary Tower is a 191-meter (626 ft) tall free-standing observation tower located in the heart of downtown Calgary. Opened in 1968 (originally as the Husky Tower), it was conceived to celebrate Canada's centennial (1967) and encourage urban renewal.
While no longer the tallest building in the city, it remains a key attraction, offering:
360-Degree Panoramic Views: From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, the foothills, and the majestic Rocky Mountains in the distance.
The Glass Floor: A section of glass floor allows visitors to look straight down onto the city streets below.
Revolving Restaurant: A restaurant at the top (Sky 360) slowly rotates, offering a dining experience with changing views.
The tower is also illuminated at night with different colors for special events.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
8 Avenue SW (Eighth Avenue Southwest) is the most significant and iconic street in Downtown Calgary, widely known by its historic name: Stephen Avenue Walk.
Commercial and Historical Heart: The section between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE is the city’s historic commercial core and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002.
Pedestrian Mall: During the day (and 24 hours a day in the summer), this portion of the avenue is closed to vehicle traffic, creating a vibrant pedestrian walk filled with restaurant patios, high-end shops, and boutiques.
Architecture: It is known for its unique juxtaposition of historic sandstone buildings (many of which survived the Great Fire of 1886) alongside massive, modern skyscrapers, such as Eighth Avenue Place.
Activity: This stretch acts as a hub connecting the Financial District with the Arts District (Arts Commons) and Olympic Plaza, making it a focal point for festivals, events, and downtown nightlife.
Revitalization Project: The avenue is currently undergoing a major revitalization project to modernize the streetscape, add more green space, and ensure it remains a vibrant and accessible year-round destination for residents and visitors.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The intersection of 5 Avenue SW and 4 Street SW is located in the commercial and financial core of downtown Calgary. This area is known for its high density of Class 'A' office buildings and its connection to the city's elevated pedestrian walkway system (+15 Skywalk).
Key aspects of the area include:
Development Hub: The location is close to buildings like 500 Fifth and is an area currently undergoing a significant wave of downtown revitalization.
Urban Connection: It is well-served by transit (LRT), making it a high-traffic spot for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Office Conversions: This part of downtown is a key target for the city's program to convert older or vacant office buildings into residential housing to boost the inner-city population. In short, it is a location that symbolizes the transition and modernization of downtown Calgary.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Calgary Skyline is one of Canada's most recognizable, often celebrated for its striking blend of modernity and natural setting.
Energy Hub: The majority of the skyscrapers reflect Calgary's historical role as Canada's energy capital. The tallest buildings, such as Brookfield Place and Eighth Avenue Place, are massive office towers that dominate the view.
Rocky Mountain Backdrop: Calgary's most distinctive feature is its spectacular backdrop. The city is located close to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, providing a unique panoramic view where modern skyscrapers meet snow-capped peaks to the west.
Key Landmarks:
Calgary Tower: While no longer the tallest, it is the city's iconic symbol. Built in 1968, it offers an observation deck with 360-degree views of the city and the mountains.
The Bow Building: Easily recognizable by its crescent shape and south-facing façade designed to maximize natural light.
Bow River: The skyline is often photographed from the north, with the Bow and Elbow Rivers winding through the city and urban parks, such as Prince's Island Park, creating a green contrast to the steel and glass.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
4th Street SW is a lively urban corridor located in the Mission neighbourhood, in the southwest area of downtown Calgary. This area is one of the city's oldest communities, originally a Francophone Catholic settlement known as Rouleauville.
Dining and Shopping Hotspot: Today, 4th Street is a trendy hub with a high concentration of restaurants, cafes, bars, and independent boutiques. It is a popular destination for both residents and visitors seeking diverse dining options and a vibrant nightlife.
Pedestrian Vibe: It is known for its high walkability and neighbourhood feel. People live, work, and socialize here, thanks to its close proximity to the Downtown Core and the famous 17th Avenue SW.
The Lilac Festival: The most famous event held here is the Lilac Festival, a massive one-day street festival in the spring that closes the road to traffic. It draws hundreds of thousands of attendees with live music, street vendors, food, and art.
Nature Connection: The street is also within walking distance of the Elbow River and Bow River pathways, providing easy access to green spaces and parks.
The beautiful aging room at Chateau Pontet- Canet in Bordeaux, France.
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Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The "Conversation Statue" is a popular piece of public art in Calgary, officially known as "The Conversation."
Artist and Year: Created by Canadian sculptor William Hodd McElcheran and installed in 1981.
Description: The bronze sculpture depicts two businessmen from McElcheran's "The Businessman Series," dressed in overcoats and felt hats, standing mid-street engrossed in an intense conversation. They are often noted for their somewhat comical, bulky appearance that pokes fun at the corporate world.
Location: It is situated on Stephen Avenue Walk (8 Avenue SW), the main pedestrian mall in downtown Calgary.
Cultural Significance: Its popularity stems from the fact that the statue is placed directly on the ground, with no pedestal, making it highly interactive (locals often dress the figures up) and symbolizing the business atmosphere and everyday life of the city centre.
artist:DAX
PHOTOGRAPHOHOLIC
I born to capture |
(C) DAX ☆
All rights reserved!
Unauthorised use prohibited!
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Calgary City Hall (often called Historic City Hall or Old City Hall) is an iconic government building and one of the city's most significant landmarks in downtown Calgary. Constructed between 1907 and 1911, it is the oldest surviving city hall in Alberta.
The building is a prime example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style and was built using Calgary's distinctive local Paskapoo sandstone, which gave Calgary its "Sandstone City" nickname. Its most notable feature is the central clock tower.
Although most municipal administration moved to the adjacent, modern Calgary Municipal Building (built in 1985), the historic City Hall building still houses the Office of the Mayor and City Councillors. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its heritage value.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
La 8 Avenue SW (Vuitena Avinguda Sud-oest) és la via més important i emblemàtica del centre de Calgary, coneguda oficialment com a Stephen Avenue Walk des que es va convertir en un carrer de vianants.
Cor Comercial i Històric: La secció entre 4 Street SW i 1 Street SE és l'antic cor comercial de la ciutat i va ser designada Lloc Històric Nacional del Canadà (National Historic Site of Canada) el 2002.
Zona de Vianants (Pedestrian Mall): Durant el dia (i 24 hores a l'estiu), aquesta part de l'avinguda es tanca al trànsit, creant un passeig vibrant ple de terrasses de restaurants, botigues d'alta gamma i boutiques.
Arquitectura: Es distingeix per la seva combinació única d'edificis històrics de gres (que van sobreviure al Gran Incendi de 1886) al costat dels grans gratacels moderns, com l'Eighth Avenue Place.
Activitat: Aquest tram actua com un centre d'activitat que connecta el Districte Financer amb el Districte Artístic (Arts Commons) i l'Olympic Plaza, sent un punt focal per a festivals, esdeveniments i la vida nocturna.
Projecte de Revitalització: Actualment, l'avinguda està sent objecte d'un important projecte de revitalització per modernitzar-la, fer-la més verda i assegurar que segueixi sent un espai vibrant i accessible durant tot l'any.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
8 Avenue SW is a major east-west thoroughfare in downtown Calgary, but it is most famous for its central section, known as Stephen Avenue Walk (running between 4 Street SW and 1 Street SE).
Stephen Avenue Walk: This portion of the avenue functions as a daytime pedestrian mall and is the social and commercial heart of the downtown core. It is designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Heritage and Architecture: The avenue is lined with a high concentration of late 19th and early 20th-century commercial and office buildings, many of which were built using Calgary's iconic sandstone after the Great Fire of 1886.
Activity: It is a vibrant hub for restaurants, cafes, pubs, retail shopping (including major shopping centres like The Core and Bankers Hall), and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
Calgary, CANADÀ 2024
The Fairmont Palliser, often simply referred to as "The Palliser," is Calgary's most iconic historic luxury hotel, known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and central location.
History and Ownership: It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) company and opened in 1914, forming part of their prestigious chain of grand railway hotels. It was named after Captain John Palliser, a 19th-century explorer.
Architecture: The building is a prominent example of the Edwardian Commercial style with Chicago School influences. When originally completed, it was the tallest building in Calgary (and on the prairies) until 1958. It is constructed of local sandstone and features a characteristic "E" shape designed to ensure outside light for all guest rooms.
Location: It is centrally located in Downtown Calgary on 9 Avenue SW, right next to the Calgary Tower and the Stephen Avenue Walk (8 Ave SW) pedestrian mall.
Cultural Significance: The hotel has been a social and cultural hub for Calgary since its opening. It has hosted royalty, including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and numerous other notable figures.
Offerings: Part of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts chain, it offers luxury accommodations, elegant ballrooms (like the Crystal Ballroom), and sophisticated dining venues such as the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar.