Calgary Tower
Soaring tower with panoramic views from a glass-floored observation deck & a revolving restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning mountain and city views
Calgary Tower
Best Time
Stunning mountain and city views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soaring tower with panoramic views from a glass-floored observation deck & a revolving restaurant.
"The Calgary Tower provides amazing scenery and a fair price point that makes it easy to recommend."
🌅 Sunset is a Must-See
Visiting at sunset provides the most magical views of the mountains and city lights.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Observation Deck
Top of the Calgary Tower
Experience unparalleled panoramic views of Calgary, the Bow River, and the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Glass Floor Experience
Observation Deck
Stand on a transparent floor for a thrilling, birds-eye view straight down to the streets below.
Sky 360 Restaurant
Top of the Calgary Tower
Dine with a view as the restaurant slowly revolves, offering a constantly changing cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Stair Challenge for the Adventurous
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset is a Must-See
Visiting at sunset provides the most magical views of the mountains and city lights.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Especially if you plan to tackle the 802 stairs for the '802 Challenge'!
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The glass floor and panoramic views offer fantastic spots for memorable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset is a Must-See
Visiting at sunset provides the most magical views of the mountains and city lights.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Especially if you plan to tackle the 802 stairs for the '802 Challenge'!
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
The glass floor and panoramic views offer fantastic spots for memorable photos.
🍽️ Consider Dinner with a View
The revolving Sky 360 restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Calgary Tower offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset, with the glass floor providing a unique thrill. While some feel it's less grand than other iconic towers, many appreciate its fair price point and the memorable scenery, making it a worthwhile stop for a different perspective of Calgary.
"Wow stunning views. And going at sunset is highly recommended! The mountains are a perfect with the sun setting behind them! Food was fantastic! It's so beautiful to see the lights of the city light up below! We went after a long day of travelling and sightseeing so we were casually dressed, but you can dress up super fancy too! It was great!"
Denika Degazio
"The Calgary Tower is worth visiting once, but it feels underwhelming compared to other iconic towers like the CN Tower in Toronto. The glass floor section is neat, but much smaller than expected, and the viewing deck gives a decent view of downtown Calgary — though the surrounding skyline isn’t as dramatic.
The CN Tower, by contrast, offers a far more immersive experience, with multiple observation levels, a larger glass floor, EdgeWalk, and sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the city. If CN Tower is a 4–4.5 star experience, Calgary Tower feels more like a 2.5–3 star one.
It’s fine if you’re already downtown and want a quick attraction, but not something I’d go out of my way for or revisit."
Vishaka Pillai
"The Calgary Tower turned out to be an excellent stop on our trip. Admission is roughly half the price of Toronto’s CN Tower, and since the Calgary Tower is about half the height, it feels like a perfect trade-off—great value without compromising the experience.
We timed our visit for around sunset and it couldn’t have been better. The views of downtown Calgary, the Bow River, and the Rockies glowing in the evening light were absolutely stunning. From the glass floor to the 360-degree panorama, every angle offered something memorable.
Overall, the Calgary Tower provides amazing scenery and a fair price point that makes it easy to recommend. If you can, plan your visit for sunset—you’ll catch the city at its most beautiful."
Kenneth Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Calgary Tower is centrally located in downtown Calgary at 101 9 Ave SW. It's easily accessible by public transit, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several parking garages in the vicinity.
Yes, there are multiple paid parking lots and parkades surrounding the Calgary Tower. Rates can vary, so it's advisable to check in advance.
If you are staying in downtown Calgary, the tower is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.
From Calgary International Airport (YYC), you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to the tower, which takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transit options are also available but will involve transfers.
Absolutely! The Calgary Tower is well-served by Calgary Transit. Several bus routes stop within a short walk, and it's also accessible via the CTrain system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission is around $25 for adults. It's significantly less expensive than the CN Tower in Toronto.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Calgary Tower's ticket counter. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak hours or for special events, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. It's best to check the official Calgary Tower website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, the '802 Challenge' allows visitors to climb all 802 stairs to the top. This event is typically held on Tuesdays in March from 4 PM to 7 PM for $10. +1
While not always advertised, checking the official website or local tourism sites for potential package deals or seasonal promotions is a good idea. Children and seniors may also have reduced rates.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the 360-degree observation deck with a glass floor, and the Sky 360 revolving restaurant. You can also enjoy the views and take photos.
A typical visit to the observation deck can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you spend taking in the views and photos. Dining at the restaurant will extend your visit.
The glass floor offers a unique perspective and can be thrilling! It's designed for safety, but if you have a fear of heights, it might be an intense experience.
On a clear day, the views from the Calgary Tower extend to the Rocky Mountains, offering a spectacular backdrop to the city.
The Calgary Tower is shorter and offers a more intimate experience, often at a lower price point. The CN Tower is taller, has more observation levels, and offers additional attractions like EdgeWalk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Sky 360 restaurant offers a revolving dining experience with panoramic views. While some find the food good and the experience unique, others suggest it can be pricey.
Reservations are highly recommended for the Sky 360 restaurant, especially for dinner or during peak times, to ensure you get a table and a good view.
The Sky 360 restaurant typically serves contemporary Canadian cuisine. The menu can change, but it often features locally sourced ingredients.
Yes, the Calgary Tower is located in downtown Calgary, which has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering diverse culinary options.
Absolutely! You can purchase separate tickets for the observation deck and enjoy the views without dining at the Sky 360 restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
The glass floor offers a unique perspective, and the 360-degree observation deck provides stunning panoramic shots of the city and mountains.
Yes, photography is encouraged on the observation deck. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disrupt others.
The Calgary Tower is excellent for night photography, offering views of the illuminated city skyline. Drone shots of the tower at night are also popular. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require special permits. Always check with the venue if you have specific needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for clearer views of the city and mountains, or during sunset for a magical experience. While the tower itself is the main attraction, the surrounding downtown area also offers other family-friendly activities and parks. The admission price is generally considered reasonable for families compared to other major attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when crowds are thinner. You can also skip dining at the Sky 360 restaurant and opt for more budget-friendly food options in the downtown area before or after your visit. The '802 Challenge' stair climb is also a very affordable option if available.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The glass floor is a unique element for creative photography, offering dramatic perspectives. For stunning night shots, visit during or after sunset to capture the illuminated city skyline. Drone photography enthusiasts also capture impressive aerial views of the tower and its surroundings.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Calgary Tower's Iconic Status
+1Beyond its height, the tower is known for its panoramic observation deck, which provides breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, visitors can see the vast urban sprawl of Calgary, the winding Bow River, and the distant, majestic Rocky Mountains. This expansive vista offers a profound sense of the city's geography and its relationship with the surrounding natural landscape.
For those seeking an extra thrill, the glass floor section of the observation deck offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to look directly down to the streets below. This feature adds an element of excitement and provides fantastic photo opportunities, making the Calgary Tower experience memorable and engaging.
Experiencing the '802 Challenge'
This special event is typically held on Tuesdays in March, transforming the tower into a vertical racecourse for a few hours each week. It's a fantastic opportunity for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for a memorable and challenging experience. The cost for this unique activity is usually around $10, making it an affordable adventure.
Participants often describe the climb as demanding but rewarding, offering a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. It's a chance to connect with the tower on a more intimate level and to truly feel the scale of this iconic structure.
Dining with a View at Sky 360
Guests can enjoy contemporary Canadian cuisine while taking in the spectacular views. Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply want to treat yourself, dining at Sky 360 is an experience that combines culinary delights with breathtaking scenery. It's particularly magical during sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.
While the views are a major draw, the restaurant also aims to provide a quality dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for evening or weekend visits, to ensure you can secure a table and fully enjoy the revolving panorama.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit