What the Calgary Tower and Dome Tower Are
The Calgary Tower and Dome Tower are landmarks in downtown Calgary. The Calgary Tower was constructed for the 1967 Canadian Centennial celebrations and has become a symbol of the city’s progress and modernity. Its design by architect A. Dale Kenney has made it a focal point for celebrations and a hub for telecommunications. For more information, see Experience Calgary Tower.
The Dome Tower offers panoramic city views, interactive exhibits, and a revolving restaurant. Its exhibits explore Calgary’s past and present. More information is available at Visiting Dome Tower.
History
Calgary Tower
The idea for a distinctive tower in Calgary emerged in the early 1960s, as the city prepared to host the 1967 Canadian Centennial celebrations. The project, initially called “Project Calgary Tower,” was spearheaded by Marathon Realty Company Limited, a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Railway.
A. Dale Kenney, a partner at Downs/Arbogast/Architects, was commissioned to design the tower. He drew inspiration from the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.
Construction began in February 1967. The tower’s concrete foundation was poured continuously for 24 hours, setting a record for the largest continuous concrete pour in Canada at the time.
The Calgary Tower opened on June 30, 1968, originally under the name Husky Tower. It has since served as a civic landmark, a focal point for celebrations, and a telecommunications hub. In 1988, during the XV Olympic Winter Games hosted by Calgary, a natural gas-fueled cauldron was added to the top of the tower.
A significant renovation in 2019 included a new glass-floor observation deck, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays about the tower’s history, construction, and significance to the city. The tower has also undergone other renovations and upgrades to enhance the visitor experience and maintain its structural integrity.
What to See
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower stands 191 meters (626 feet) tall. Its structure consists of a reinforced concrete core surrounded by prefabricated steel latticework, with aluminum panels on the exterior.
The observation deck is 158 meters (518 feet) above the ground. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide 360-degree views of Calgary, the Bow River, and the Rocky Mountains. The glass floor offers a view of the ground below.
A revolving restaurant at the top of the tower offers panoramic views of the city and Rocky Mountains.
Dome Tower
The Dome Tower’s observation deck stands 162 meters (525 feet) above ground and offers 360-degree views of Calgary’s skyline, the Bow River, and the Rocky Mountains. The views also reveal the city’s architecture and growth over time.
Interactive exhibits explore Calgary’s history and culture, and the Dome Tower’s role in the city’s story. They include historical photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. A separate multimedia presentation uses archival footage, animation, and special effects to show Calgary’s evolution, pioneering spirit, and resilience in the face of challenges.
The tower has a gift shop with souvenirs, mementos, locally made crafts, apparel, accessories, artwork, and home décor. Its revolving restaurant offers a panoramic dining experience.
Events and Photography
The Calgary Tower hosts seasonal celebrations, exhibitions, and themed nights throughout the year. Its observation deck and revolving restaurant offer photographic spots with views of the city.
Practical Visiting Information
Calgary Tower Tickets and Hours
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. General admission prices are:
- Adults: $18
- Seniors (65+): $16
- Youth (13–17): $16
- Children (4–12): $9
- Children under 4: Free
The Calgary Tower is open daily:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM–9:00 PM
Hours may vary on holidays and during special events.
Guided tours are available and cover the tower’s history and architecture. Reservations are recommended.
Dome Tower Tickets and Hours
The Dome Tower is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. Hours may change for special events or maintenance; check the official Dome Tower website for updates.
General admission prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Children under 5 enter free. Discounts are available for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
Accessibility and Getting There
The Calgary Tower is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with elevators and ramps throughout the facility.
The Dome Tower has elevators to all levels, including the observation deck, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
The Dome Tower is in downtown Calgary. City Hall Station, a CTrain station, is a short walk away. Several parking garages and lots are also within walking distance; parking in downtown Calgary can be expensive, making public transportation a more economical option. The tower is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and attractions, and Calgary’s bike-path network provides another way to reach it.
Tips
- Check the Dome Tower’s official website for operating hours, ticket prices, and special events.
- Buying Dome Tower tickets online, especially during peak season, can help avoid long queues.
- Allow enough time at the Dome Tower to explore the exhibits, enjoy the views, and browse the gift shop.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as visiting involves a fair amount of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the views.
- Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable; check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Consider a guided tour at the Dome Tower for insights from knowledgeable locals. Calgary Tower guided tours are also available, and reservations are recommended.
Nearby Places
Both towers are in downtown Calgary. Nearby attractions include:
- Glenbow Museum A short walk from the Dome Tower, the museum has collections of art, history, and cultural artifacts, including material relating to Western Canada’s heritage.
- Stephen Avenue Walk A pedestrian-friendly street with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
- Prince’s Island Park A park in the heart of the city with walking trails, picnic spots, and views of the Bow River.
- Calgary Tower The Calgary Tower is a short distance from the Dome Tower and offers views of the city.
FAQ
What are the Calgary Tower’s visiting hours?
It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays and during special events.
What are the Dome Tower’s visiting hours?
It is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. Check the official Dome Tower website for updates.
How much are tickets?
Calgary Tower general admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and youth, $9 for children aged 4–12, and free for children under 4. Dome Tower admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children under 12, and free for children under 5; discounts are available for seniors and students.
Where can I buy tickets?
Calgary Tower tickets are available online or at the entrance. Dome Tower tickets can be purchased online through the official Dome Tower website or at the entrance.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Calgary Tower tours cover its history and architecture, and reservations are recommended. Dome Tower visitors can consider a guided tour for insights from knowledgeable locals.
Are the towers accessible to visitors with disabilities?
The Calgary Tower has elevators and ramps throughout the facility. The Dome Tower has elevators to all levels and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
