The ultimate guide to Instagram-worthy spots around Calgary

Jul 7 2020, 6:00 pm

COVID-19 still presents a very real and dangerous threat to public health. While much of Calgary has been reopened to visitors, it is recommended to plan ahead, check local restrictions and current public health measures, and avoid any areas that may be too crowded. 

Calgary is a gorgeous city overall, but there are a few specific places that are picture perfect for your next Instagram post.

There are, of course, some famously popular spots — think the Peace Bridge or the Wonderland sculpture — but there are others that you may just need to hunt down in the little-known corners of this city.

We’ve got all that and more in this ultimate guide to Instagrammable spots around Calgary.

Luke’s Drug Mart

While the Drug Mart is pretty stylin’ in itself (and has some great soft serve), it’s the wall around back that makes our list. The gigantic mural makes for a perfect backdrop, whether you want to keep it simple with black and white lines or add a pop of colour by zooming out just a bit.

Where: 112 4th Street NE

Calgary Tower

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Obviously, this one had to make the list. Located a whopping 191 metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower is a great place to get a few shots if you’re looking to do something a little different. You can stand on the glass floor to get a great photo of the city below – just make sure you wear a cute pair of shoes if you want to get your feet in.

Where: 101 9th Avenue SW

Scotsman’s Hill

 

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One of the best viewpoints for snapping a pic of downtown Calgary, Scotsman’s Hill stands above the rest by providing the perfect vantage for a shot of the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome.

Where: 6th Street SE Calgary

The Rundle Ruins

The Rundle Ruins are aged but a photo here will never get old given the striking composition of the jagged ruins that are guaranteed to keep your followers’ eyes open.

Where: 623 12th Avenue NE

Prince’s Island Park

 

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With plenty of bridges, fountains, and greenery to choose from, there are countless photo opportunities spread throughout the park. Get creative and take a picture you haven’t seen done before!

Where: North of downtown

Peace Bridge

Yes, it’s overdone, and yes, everyone who has ever lived in or visited Calgary has already taken a photo of this thing, but for good reason. The bright red colour, the interesting design, and the way it stretches out across the gorgeous Bow River all make for a great pic. If you want to avoid being cliche, do something different to stand out on that Instagram feed.

Where: West of Prince’s Island Park

Wonderland sculpture


It’s big, it’s weird, and it’s an iconic Calgary landmark. This piece of public art draws the eye like no other, and with the ability to take photos from both outside and inside the giant head, we’re sure you’ll figure out how to find an interesting perspective.

Where: 110 6th Avenue SE

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

 

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If you’re hoping to get some great nature pics but don’t want to make the drive all the way out to the Rockies, then the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is for you. The lush trees, cool waters, and abundant wildlife make for some great shots — and all right here in the city.

Where: 2425 9th Avenue SE

Central Library

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This place has become a go-to for Calgary photographers, and for good reason: the lines on this building are SHARP and the sides are seriously shiny… and that’s not even getting into the scenery on the inside.

Where: 802 3rd Street SE

Stephen Avenue

Or, more specifically, that one corridor right beside Hudson’s Bay. The continuous arches make for the perfect backdrop to any portrait.

Where: 207 8th Avenue SW

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