Calgary Tower – Sky is the Limit

The Calgary Tower may no longer be the tallest structure in Calgary; yet, it remains the most distinctive landmark of the city. It was originally called the Husky Tower as it was conceived as a joint venture between Husky Oil and Marathon Realty Company Limited. This 626 feet high tower was part of the urban renewal plan that was meant to give a facelift to the whole city on the occasion of Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967.

Nearly $3,500,000 was spent on its construction and it opened its doors to the public in June 1968. Three years later it was re-christened Calgary Tower and it held the prestigious position of being not only the tallest structure in Calgary but also the tallest structure in Canada, outside of Toronto. Since it was one of the first towers of its kind, it’s not surprising that that Calgary Tower was the founding member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

Calgary Tower is an important entry on any tourist’s itinerary and a trip to Calgary is wasted if you don’t take out the time to ascend the heights of this very famous tower. And don’t make this trip without your camera. Apart from the panoramic views of the entire city, you also get to see a rare sight that not many other towers are likely to offer you – the majestic Rocky Mountains, the prairies and the surrounding foothills just 50 miles to the West.

If you are brave enough and not likely to panic at the illusion of standing mid air, 525 feet above the ground, make sure to visit the Observation Deck. Take tiny, baby steps into virtual nothingness (as it seems from up there) and watch the entire city dwarfed in front of your eyes, and cars and trucks whizzing around like something in the land of Lilliput. The whole city spreads out in front of you like a toy town and you experience the thrill of calling yourself the “King (or Queen) of the World”.  Don’t worry about the glass floor giving way under you; it’s strong enough to accommodate a herd of elephants. There are binoculars on the observation, if you wish to fine tune your vision and play the game of “Oh, there’s our hotel,” or “Isn’t that our car parked over there?”

The Calgary Tower holds yet another record – of being the largest Olympic Torch in the world. The 1988 Winter Olympic Games saw a flame burning at the top of the tower throughout the whole period of the event. The torch is lit occasionally even today on special events like Canada Day celebrations.

And the end of the trip, visit Sky 360, a revolving restaurant located at the top of The Calgary Tower. The food is great, the wine list impressive and the décor contemporary. The 360 Degree Corporate Lunch Menu available Mondays through Fridays is a huge hit where, for less than $25, you can take your pick from the soups, salads & pastas, and sandwiches. You have a long ride down. Might as well make it on a full stomach!