Tower Story
Located 191 metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor’s itinerary. On the Observation Deck you’ll experience a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills, and the prairies. Originally named the Husky Tower, the Calgary Tower was constructed to honour Canada’s centennial and promote the downtown core as a part of a Calgary urban renewal program. Today the Tower is a major tourist destination and popular dining spot.
Observation Deck
The observation deck is located 160m above downtown Calgary. It takes guests 61 seconds to reach the observation deck via two elevators. At the top, guests can enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the city and surrounding area including the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west. The observation deck includes a glass-floor balcony which brave guests can step onto for a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the streets below. The walls are decorated with several displays that offer guests informative glimpses into the Calgary Tower’s history. The observation deck also includes and multi-media tour and state-of-the art theatre room.
Address
101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Facts & Statistics
Architects
A. Dale and Associates
Inauguration date
June 1968
Construction time
Feb 1967 - June 1968
Construction xost
$3.5 million USD
Total height
191m
Weight
10,900 tons
Depth below ground
5.5 meters below grade
Height of restaurant
155 meters
Number of windows
5
Number of elevators
2
Elevators capacity
4000 LBS
Elevators speed
2.6 meters per second
Elevator manufacturer
Otis
Number of broadcasting facilities
0
Number of steps upto the top
802
Steel quantity used for construction
Continuously poured post tensioned vertical concrete shaft, with a structural steel top deck. The shaft of the Tower is constructed of steel reinforced concrete. The Tower weights 10,000 tons, of which 4000 tons are above grade.
Length of antenna
38 feet
Sway of antenna from core
16.5 cm
Unique features of the tower
Glass floor in the observation deck, A gas burning cauldron was installed at the top for the 1988 Winter Olympics making the Calgary Tower the world's largest olympic torch, Theatre Room with a unique widescreen aspect ratio