Calgary Tower

Cross 9th Avenue from the Glenbow Museum [1] to reach one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Calgary Tower (101 9th Ave., at the corner of Centre St., 403/266-7171, daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m., until 10 p.m. in summer, adult $13, senior $11, child $5). Built in 1968, this 190-meter (620-ft) tower dominated the skyline until 1985, when the nearby Petro-Canada towers went up. Although it’s now only Calgary [2]’s fourth-tallest building, the ride to the top is a worthwhile introduction to the city.

Canadian Rockies

and the ski-jump towers at Canada Olympic Park [3] to the west; the Olympic Saddledome (in Stampede Park) to the south; and the city below, literally—a glass floor allows visitors to stand right over the top of 9th Avenue. The tower also houses two restaurants, a snack bar, and a gift shop.