Calgary is filled with famous landmarks that most residents can recognize instantly, but behind their familiar appearances are often overlooked stories and significances.
From historic buildings to modern icons, here are six famous Calgary landmarks that you probably overlook.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
oasisamuel/Shutterstock
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is easy to overlook as just “the zoo,” but it’s actually the most visited zoo in Canada. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors every year, it’s home to over 4,000 animals across 100 different species.
The Calgary Tower
oasisamuel/Shutterstock
While the Calgary Tower now hides behind newer high-rises, it once dominated Calgary’s skyline for 15 years, standing as the tallest building in the city until the construction of the Suncor Energy Centre West in 1968.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park/Facebook
For many Calgarians, Heritage Park Historical Village is just a place for field trips or events, but it’s actually Canada’s largest living history museum. Home to over 200 exhibits and attractions spread across 127 acres, the park brings Western Canada’s history to life.
The Scotiabank Saddledome
rybarmarekk/Shutterstock
The Saddledome is such a familiar part of Calgary’s skyline that it’s easy to forget how distinctive it is. Opened in 1983, its saddle-shaped roof was an engineering feat at the time — it even set records as the largest free-span concrete roof in the world. It remains one of the most recognizable arena designs in North America. For over 40 years, it has hosted NHL games, major concerts, and amazing events.
Historic City Hall
Shawn.ccf/Shutterstock
Right in downtown Calgary, the historic City Hall is easy to take for granted, but it’s actually the last sandstone city hall left in Western Canada. Built in 1911, the building has stood proudly for over a century. Its striking architecture and classic clock tower make it a unique piece of Calgary’s history.
Canada Olympic Park/Winsport
Habanero Pixel/Shutterstock
While many people just see Canada Olympic Park as a ski hill on the west side of the city, many forget about its Olympic legacy. The park was one of the primary venues of the 1988 Winter Olympics and remains one of the few Olympic facilities in Canada that is still used for training and public recreation.