It’s a fact: even negative publicity is a great marketing tool.  When such publicity surrounds a controversial public structure you can almost be guaranteed that this will either become a monumental success or failure … no middle road.  This seems to have been the precise sentiment that shrouded the design, construction and unveiling of Calgary’s Peace Bridge.  Designed for pedestrian use, it would seem that the structure attracted negative publicity from the get-go.  Awarded to a non-Canadian Architect, partly constructed overseas, imported and installed at immense cost with little or no respect of budget, this landmark was birthed in turbulence, contrary to its name: Peace.  Following its 2 year construction, when it was finally opened in March 2012, Calgarians began to warm to their new city landmark despite the preceding furore.

The fluorescent glow of the Bridge against the illuminated Calgary skyline [DD]

Now, synonymous with the Calgary skyline, it attracts visitors who marvel at its unique construction and alluring beauty. The red helical design was constructed of steel with perspex roof panels, protecting pedestrians from the weather elements while allowing in natural light during the day and facilitating attractive internal lighting at night.

Spanning 130m across the Bow River it is double the width of any other pedestrian bridge in the City at 6m, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the space together with ease.  All who pass her by are afforded memorable photo opportunities of the bridge and from the bridge.  She has even become the central focus of Calgary and Canada events, including the touring giant red ball project that formed part of Canada’s 150^th birthday celebrations in 2017.

The Bridge spanning the Bow River from Memorial Drive on the right to Downtown on the left [DD]

River and fall foliage views from the bridge deck [DD]

A view of the steel, helical belly of the bridge photographed while floating down the Bow River [DD]

For other similar insightful content refer to the following articles:

• Our top five recommended city skyline vantage points;
• Visit two of our favourite downtown city parks, Prince’s Island Park and St Patrick’s Island Park;
• If you have very limited time to explore Calgary, check out our recommendations for a two-hour of half-day detour through downtown;
• Are you into exploring by bicycle?  Then consider one of our popular recommended cycle circuits (and coffee shops!) and enjoy some diverse, local neighbourhoods within easy reach of the city;
• Interested in outdoor art?  Discover some of our favourite downtown wall art and graffiti?  Or explore some of our favourite city sculptures (and ice cream shops!) on your bicycle?

Overview information about the Peace Bridge:

• Location:
  • Straddles the Bow River connecting the northern Bow River Pathway and Memorial Drive to the southern Bow River Pathway and Downtown Calgary
  • GPS: 51.053885, -114.078903
  • Google Maps
• Access: Family-friendly; disabled access; pet-friendly
• How to get there:
  • LRT: disembark at the westbound 7^th St SW LRT station or eastbound 8^th St SW station then walk north on 7^th St SW
  • Bus transit: numerous bus stations and routes are available in the vicinity; visit Calgary Transit to plan your trip
  • Cycle / walk: access via the northern and southern Bow River Pathway west of Prince’s Island Park
  • Car: up to 3hrs of paid street parking is available on 3^rd Ave and 8^th St SW
• Cost: no access charge; payment for parking may apply
• Hours of operation:
  • Always open unless closed for maintenance
• Amenities: no public washrooms available; public benches for seating are available in the area
• Nearby attractions, activities & services:
  • Calgary Curling Club
  • Memorial Drive
  • McHugh Bluff
  • Centre Street Bridge
  • Chinatown
  • Prince’s Island Park
  • Memorial Drive’s Field of Crosses (November)
  • Eau Claire Market
  • Some of our favourite downtown coffee shops
  • The neighbourhood of Kensington
  • Poppy Plaza
  • Downtown
    • Stephen Avenue
    • 17th Avenue
    • Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre
    • Glenbow Museum
    • The CORE Shopping Centre
    • Fort Calgary
    • Olympic Plaza
    • Arts Commons
    • Stampede Park
    • The Saddledome