Calgary is a city where nature and urban life meet in perfect harmony. Nestled at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the city boasts a range of scenic views that capture the essence of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From tranquil parks to towering mountain peaks, Calgary has something for everyone who appreciates natural beauty.
Calgary offers stunning views and vibrant surroundings for both residents and visitors. This guide will take you through the best scenic viewpoints in Calgary, showcasing the city's natural wonders and how to make the most of your trip.
The Calgary Tower, standing tall at 191 metres, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of downtown, it provides a sweeping 360-degree view of the city and its stunning natural surroundings. From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Calgary’s skyline, the nearby Bow River, and the distant Canadian Rockies. This tower is especially popular during the evening when the city lights create a glowing spectacle against the dark sky.
What makes the Calgary Tower unique is not just its height, but also the fact that it is a central point of access for many of the city’s scenic routes and parks. Visitors can enjoy stunning city views year-round, whether blanketed in snow during winter or glowing in sunlight during summer. For an added experience, the revolving restaurant at the top offers a perfect spot to dine while taking in the magnificent views of the city.
Prince Island Park is an urban escape in the heart of Calgary, offering a peaceful retreat with outstanding views. The park sits along the Bow River, with a lush landscape that includes walking paths, picnic areas, and various green spaces. This park is often described as one of the city's most scenic spots, offering stunning views of the river, the skyline, and the surrounding natural beauty.
The park bursts into a symphony of colours in the spring and summer, with blooming flowers and tall trees that provide shade during sunny days. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing walk, a picnic, or simply sitting and watching the boats glide on the Bow River.
Prince Island Park is also home to the Calgary Folk Music Festival, which takes place every summer, adding a lively atmosphere to the area. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to read a book or a place to catch some live music, this park offers something for everyone. A walk or bike ride along the Bow River Pathway will give you more opportunities to enjoy the views.
Tunnel Mountain is a must-visit for those who enjoy adventure and stunning mountain views. Located just outside of Calgary, this easy-to-moderate hike offers one of the best views of the Canadian Rockies, including a scenic panorama of Banff and the surrounding Bow River Valley. The trail to the top is just 1.7 kilometres long, making it an ideal hike for families and beginners.
Despite its short length, Tunnel Mountain delivers an incredible experience at the summit, where you can see expansive views of the Bow River Valley, the town of Banff, and the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The hike is well-marked, with plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the scenery. After reaching the summit, take some time to relax and take in the breathtaking landscape.
Nose Hill Park is one of Calgary’s largest urban parks, covering over 11 square kilometres. It’s the perfect place to escape the urban hustle and enjoy nature’s beauty within the city limits. This expansive park offers several viewpoints that allow you to take in magnificent views of the city, the surrounding prairies, and the distant Rocky Mountains.
The park has various trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. It’s a great place to enjoy nature while observing local wildlife, including birds, coyotes, and deer. Nose Hill Park is also home to many species of native plants, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. For the best views, visit the park's summit, where you'll get a panoramic view of the city below.
Located along the Bow River, Bowmont Natural Environment Park is a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the river, surrounding forests, and Calgary’s cityscape. The park is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for those wanting a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.
The park offers several walking trails that wind through wooded areas and follow the river's edge. These trails provide fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying a quiet walk in nature. The park is also home to a variety of plant species and wildlife, including beavers, deer, and various birds of prey. Bowmont Park is often quieter than other city parks, providing a more tranquil setting for outdoor activities.
Driving through the surrounding areas is one of the best ways to experience Calgary’s scenic beauty. Calgary is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with roads that lead you straight into the heart of nature. Here are some scenic drives you can take to appreciate Calgary’s natural beauty:
Bow Valley Parkway: This scenic route runs from Calgary to Banff National Park, offering spectacular views of the mountains, wildlife, and the Bow River. It’s a favourite among photographers and nature lovers alike.
Highway 1A: This quieter, parallel route to the Trans-Canada Highway takes you through small towns, open farmland, and beautiful countryside. It’s a great option for a more leisurely drive.
Canada Olympic Park: Located just outside of downtown Calgary, this area offers views of the city skyline against the backdrop of the Rockies. Take a drive through the Olympic Park area and enjoy the scenery.
If you're planning to explore these scenic routes, consider taking your time to make frequent stops along the way to soak in the views and capture photos of the stunning scenery.
Calgary’s extensive river pathways system is one of the best ways to explore the city’s natural beauty. The city is home to over 800 kilometres of pathways, many of which run along the Bow River and Elbow River. These paths provide a serene and scenic way to experience Calgary’s beauty while walking, jogging, or cycling.
The river pathways offer stunning views of the city, its bridges, and the surrounding natural landscape. While walking along the rivers, you can enjoy the sight of wildflowers, birds, and trees, with the mountains occasionally visible in the distance. Some sections of the pathways, such as the Bow River Pathway, even offer spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
If you want to explore Calgary’s river pathways, bring a bike or enjoy a stroll along the trails. The combination of city views, nature, and wildlife makes this an unforgettable experience.
The Glenmore Reservoir offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The reservoir is surrounded by walking and cycling paths, providing great spots to enjoy water views and the city skyline.
You can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing in the reservoir. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot where you can unwind, take in the view, and enjoy the natural beauty of Calgary.
To get the best experience of Glenmore Reservoir, take a walk or bike ride along the Glenmore Reservoir Pathway. It’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors surrounded by stunning views.
When exploring Calgary’s vast natural beauty, renting a car in Canada offers the freedom and flexibility you need. The city is rich in outdoor attractions, from scenic parks to mountain viewpoints, and having a car allows you to visit these places at your own pace.
Finalrentals makes it easy to rent a car in Calgary and across Canada. With a wide selection of vehicles, you can pick the one that suits your travel needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city exploration or an SUV for mountainous terrain, Finalrentals has you covered.
By renting a car, you can comfortably explore Calgary’s best scenic spots, including distant natural wonders such as Banff or Lake Louise. With easy access to the city’s highways and scenic routes, you’ll enjoy these beautiful locations without the hassle of public transportation. A rental car provides the flexibility to explore less-travelled routes, stop at hidden gems, or take spontaneous detours to discover something new.
Ready to explore Calgary and beyond? Rent a car in Canada today with Finalrentals and experience the city’s stunning views at your own pace!
