City Centre, Calgary

Near the Stampede Buildings is the Olympic Saddledome, known now as the Pengrowth Saddledome, probably one of the most unique ice-arenas in the world. This giant hall, built in the shape of a saddle, reflects the spirit of the Wild West. In 1988 the Olympic ice-skating competitions were held here. Built in 1983, the Saddledome holds 20,000 spectators and is the home of the world-famous ice-hockey team, the "Calgary Flames".Large scale concerts and other premier events are also held at the Saddledome.The Avison Young Club is an upper end on site restaurant that is usually open during most events. It can also be booked for private functions.

The place from which to set out on a tour of the relatively small inner city of Calgary is the Calgary Tower on 9th Ave./Center Street. At the top of the Calgary Tower is a viewing platform and revolving restaurant. Being 191 m (627 ft) high it is the city's landmark and was, until 1985, its tallest building. In 1988 a giant torch on the tower bore witness to the spirit of the Olympics.From the top there are views out over the city and beyond to the mountains. It is particularly beautiful at sunset or in the evening.

Prince's Island Park is a large green space in downtown Calgary, set on an island in the Bow River. The park is adjacent to Eau Claire Market and many visitors make a joint visit to the market and park. The park offers walking and biking areas, as well as outdoor concerts and plays during the summer months.

The Eau Claire Market, located on the river in the downtown area of Calgary, features shopping, dining, and crafts. There are walking trails along the river in front of the market as well as a recreational area for young people, and the adjoining Prince's Island Park. In summer this is a particular popular area with some of the restaurants offering outdoor dining.The Eau Claire Market offers a variety of unique stores not found in other malls throughout Calgary.

A footbridge leads from the municipal theatre to the Calgary Convention Center and to the Glenbow Museum. In the museum can be seen some rare exhibits illustrating the historical development of western Canada, covering the time of the early fur-hunters and the arrival of the North West Mounted Police, as well as the Métis uprising under Louis Riel. The development of the oil industry is also catered for. As well as personal effects belonging to the pioneers who came here from all over the world there are artistic and everyday items left by the Indians, including the Ojibwa, the Cree and some prairie tribes and the Inuit. Particularly impressive is the leather tepee of the Blackfoot tribe.The Glenbow Museum also hosts Temporary Exhibitions from around the world.

The "Plus 159 System", linked to the Municipal Building, provides access to the modern 1985-built Epcor Centre for Performing Arts on the south side of the square at 205-8th Ave. S. E. Comprising three stages and the John Singer Concert Hall, the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts is connected to two older buildings, Calgary Public Building (1930) and Burns Building (1913).This is where many of Calgary's stage performances are held. The Epcor Centre for Performing Arts is home to Alberta Theatre Projects , the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Calgary International Children's Festival, Theatre Calgary, as well as other companies.

The historical old sandstone town hall built in 1911 had become too small, so in 1986 a triangular and highly modern office complex was built; its glass front is visible from a long way off. The City Council meets here.The old sandstone Town Hall still houses the mayor's office and has been declared a historic landmark. It was designed by W. Dodd in a Richardson Romanesque style. At the time it was built it was considered one of the most modern city halls in Canada.

On the third floor (4th level) of Toronto Dominion Square at 2nd/3rd St. the visitor will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the Devonian Gardens, a floral paradise covering about one hectare/two and a half acres with ponds, fountains and a small waterfall. 20,000 tropical, sub-tropical and native plants thrive here under glass.The Devonian Gardens are open for the public to wander through and are also sometimes used to host private events.This "indoor park" also features art work, sculptures and changing exhibits.

Stephen Avenue, Calgary's main shopping street, is a pedestrian zone between 1st. St. S. E. and 4th St. S. W. Here still stand a large number of old buildings built in a variety of styles from local sandstone. In the former Imperial Bank of Canada at 102-8th Ave. the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation has its headquarters; this foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and monuments of the province of Alberta.Stephen Avenue is a nice place to spend a few hours shopping or have lunch.

In front of the City Hall lies the Olympic Plaza, where medal award ceremonies were held every evening during the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is now a popular meeting-place in summer, and various events, such as open-air concerts, cabarets, firework displays and laser shows, are held here.In winter Olympic Plaza is open to the public for ice skating. The plaza can be found at the corner of McLeod Trail and 7th Avenue.

In theTELUS World of Science, previously known as the Alberta Science Centre, there is the opportunity to enjoy a "hands-on" experience of the natural sciences. There are numerous themes of popular interest with which the visitor can himself experiment.Telus World of Science features unique temporary exhibits as well as the Creative Kids Museum. Visitors can buy tickets to either exhibit.

Located in downtown Calgary the Vertigo Theatre, in the Vertigo Theatre Centre is an important arts centre in the city. Two main auditoriums, The Playhouse and the Studio, host a variety of productions. The Vertigo Mystery Theatre presents mystery style performances and the Y Stage offers productions targeted and younger audiences. The Vertigo Theatre also offers workshops and has a gallery space for visual arts.The facility is available to the public for rental space.

A footbridge leads to Palliser Square. At the foot of the lofty Calgary Tower lies Calgary's main railway station.Palliser Square has seen more development in recent years with new towers and business space.

ATTRACTION PERMANENTLY CLOSEDThe little museum in the main office buildings of the West Canadian Gas Company illustrates the development of the gas industry from July 17th 1912, when Calgary was first provided with natural gas.