Since Calgary sits in the transition zone between the undulating foothills of the Rockies to our west and the prairies that touch the horizon in every other direction, the city’s landscape is generally flat.  None the less, there are some cool elevated vantage points that one can visit in in order to see and photograph the compact downtown core and skyline.  Some of these also offer enjoyable walking, reading or bragging spots to take your out-of-town guests to in order to enjoy the cityscapes.  They may also be cool date-night spots to enjoy hanging out with your significant other over a coffee-to-go.

Here are my five favourite Calgary city skyline vantage points.

Crescent Heights along Crescent Road NW

Located on the bluff on the northern side of the Bow River and downtown core this location offers sweeping, close-up birds-eye views of the city skyline, Prince’s Island Park, the Bow River, the Peace Bridge, Memorial Drive, the neighbourhood of Sunnyside, and the distant Rocky Mountains.  A well-maintained ~1.2km gravel pathway adjacent to Crescent Road NW, interspersed with benches, provides generous and spacious walking opportunity on level ground.  If the city vista views to the south don’t capture your attention then the extravagant homes on the northern sidewalk of Crescent Road will no doubt keep you wondering what it must be like to live in envious luxury.  An off-leash dog park in the McHugh Bluff walking trail network below Crescent Road NW provides a fantastic detour for those wanting to exercise their four-legged friends.

Crescent Road NW at a glance:

• Location: Navigate here with Google Maps
• Walking: gravel pathways with access along Crescent Road NW
• Parking: free two-hour street parking along Crescent Road NW
• View from the car: yes
• Pet-friendly: off-leash in designated areas
• Access-friendly: yes

Jim Fish Ridge or Mt Pleasant View Point in Rotary Park

Named after one of the city’s parks visionaries and supporters, Jim Fish, the view point from the south end of Rotary Park provides beautiful views of the city skyline, Centre Street Bridge, the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park and the distant Rockies.  Some undulating paved walking paths, park benches and nearby grassed lawns make this a great meeting point and safe play area for Moms with toddlers to connect and relax.

Rotary Park at a glance:

• Location: Navigate here with Google Maps
• Walking: paved pathways and benches
• Parking: Neighbourhood parking along 1^st Street NE; be aware that some parking may be restricted to permit holders only.
• View from the car: none
• Pet-friendly: on-leash only
• Access-friendly: yes
• Nearby coffee & eating: OEB Breakfast, DelloR Ice Cream

Tom Campbell’s Hill Natural Park

This is one of my favourite vantage point destinations.  Although it may not provide the most best city skyline photo opportunities, visiting here at sunrise provides you with some unique moments as the rising sun strikes and reflects off the city’s high rises.  The tree-lined pathway that leads from Hill Road NE to the structure at the observation point overlooking the Calgary Zoo offers gorgeous perspectives to the aspiring photographer.  The area is also an extremely popular off-leash dog park that is very well frequented by neighbourhood locals.  Paved walking trails facilitate access to the community of Bridgeland at the foot and to the west of the Park.

Experience a high-speed sunrise on my YouTube channel that I filmed from this location.

Tom Campbell’s Hill at a glance:

• Location: Navigate here with Google Maps
• Walking: paved access from Hill Road NE as well as interconnecting pathway systems
• Parking: Neighbourhood parking on Hill Road NE; be aware that some parking may be restricted to permit holders.
• View from the car: none
• Pet-friendly: off-leash dog park
• Access-friendly: yes
• Nearby coffee & eating: Bridgeland Market, OEB Breakfast

Scotsman’s Hill in Ramsay

This is arguably the most popular destination for iconic views of the city skyline, the Saddledome, and the Stampede Grounds, with the Rocky Mountains forming a spectacular backdrop.  This location is a “must-see” for any visitors to Calgary.  A nearby off-leash dog park, seating benches and stairway access that lead to Enmax Park, the Elbow River Pathway and Downtown from this ridge all work together to create an enjoyable meeting hub.  Be prepared to covet the modern, beautiful homes along Salisbury Av SE that are privy to this gorgeous view day-in and day-out.

Scotsman’s Hill at a glance:

• Location: Navigate here with Google Maps
• Walking: access from Ramsay Street SE, Burns Rd SE / Salisbury Ave SE or the steps from Enmax Park / Elbow River Pathyway
• Parking: Neighbourhood parking on Ramsay Street SE; be aware that some parking may be restricted to permit holders.
• View from the car: yes
• Pet-friendly: off-leash location nearby
• Access-friendly: yes
• Nearby coffee & eating: Red’s Diner in Ramsay

Brownsea Drive & Bow River Pathyway

Although this location might not offer an elevated vantage point nor a view of some of the iconic city skyline structures, it does appeal to me because of the captivating water body of the Bow River that creates the foreground to this city skyline perspective.  This spot is only accessible via the Bow River Pathway system.  Located along Memorial Drive on the northern embankment of the Bow River, it may be easily missed as you approach the city from the Crowchild Trail side of the Pathway.  Neighbourhood parking near Broadview Park and pedestrian access across Memorial Drive will give you access to this location.

Bow River Pathway at a glance:

• Location: Navigate here with Google Maps
• Walking: access via the Bow River Pathway System
• Parking: Neighbourhood parking near Broadview Park; be aware that some parking may be restricted to permit holders.
• View from the car: none
• Pet-friendly: on-leash only
• Access-friendly: limited
• Nearby coffee & eating: Vintage Caffeine, Made By Marcus Ice Cream

We would love to hear from you where your favourite city skyline vantage points are, or if you agree with and love one of our locations. Leave your comments in the REPLY section below so we can explore and discover more.