Spend any time in Calgary and you’ll soon discover how photogenic the city can be. To help you find our most Instagrammable locations, we’ve created the #capturecalgary photo map. Grab your copy and head off on a photographic journey through Calgary and beyond. But don’t just take our word for it, let these incredible photos do the talking.
The Calgary Tower. Image credit: @ana_shahnovich
The Calgary Tower can be seen rising from the city’s heart and can be captured as part of the Calgary skyline from vantage points like Scotsman’s Hill and Crescent Heights. For an alternative perspective, head to the 191-metre-high observation deck for a 360-degree view of Calgary.
Simmons Building. Image credit: @trevor_lalonde
Over 100-years-old, this former mattress factory is a dream location for anyone with a creative eye. Original elements including the faded signage, brick walls and solid pine features make for some truly stunning pics. Fuel up after your photoshoot with food and drink from Phil & Sebastian, Charbar and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery.
Peace Bridge. Image credit: @deryick
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Image credit: @eyesofcarl
See musicians and buskers perform, couples proposing and people snapping pics of this striking piece of architecture from a range of unique perspectives.
Inspired by the design of musical instruments, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is the state-of-the-art home to music in Canada. Use your lens to capture various angles of the exterior or venture inside to experience the light and shapes created by the different surfaces and design elements.
Bloom sculpture. Image credit: @yycfhw
Wonderland sculpture. Image Credit: @annafernstaedt
Since it’s 2015 installation on St. Patrick’s Island, Michel de Broin’s Bloom sculpture has become a popular landmark for park-goers and photographers alike. Check out the sculpture against the early evening sky for a stunning photo opportunity.
In 2013, Calgary joined the ranks of London, New York City and Dubai as a proud owner of one of Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s fantastic urban sculptures. The Wonderland sculpture sits below the Bow Tower so you capture both in one great photograph.
Stephen Avenue. Image Credit: @adzpics_snapstory
Join the growing list of Instagrammers who stop and take a photo along Stephen Avenue. The photogenic pedestrian mall is home to the visually-stunning Galleria Trees between 2nd and 3rd Street; a series of ten metal sculptures equipped with a sound and LED lighting system.
Scotsman’s Hill. Image credit: @timesmikethese
Crescent Heights Hill. Image Credit: @dustinwestling
Offering panoramic views of the city, Scotsman’s Hill is also a popular spot to catch glimpses of the Rocky Mountains and is a well-known vantage point to catch the Calgary Stampede fireworks.
Located in Northwest Calgary, the neighbourhood of Crescent Heights offers one of the best vantage points for Calgary skyline photos.
Lake Louise. Image Credit: @kareencraig
Moraine Lake. Image Credit: @davey_gravey
With its iconic turquoise water, Lake Louise is a photographer’s dream location. Take a snap from the shore, paddle out in a canoe and go hiking to see it from every angle. In the cooler months, see it transform into a winter wonderland complete with festive ice sculptures and skating.
Chances are you’ll recognize Moraine Lake as one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada. Known as the “twenty dollar view”, the photogenic lake features on two of Canada’s previous twenty-dollar bill designs.
Horsethief Canyon. Image Credit: @motherpixels
Dinosaur Provincial Park. Image Credit: @timesmikethese
Located near Drumheller, Horsethief Canyon is one of the most popular spots for viewing and snapping shots of the striking Canadian Badlands. Whether you come for the hiking trails or the views, make sure your camera is handy at all times.
Part of the Canadian Badlands, Dinosaur Provincial Park is one of five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Alberta. The park is known as one of the richest locations for dinosaur fossils in the world, and it’s lunar-like landscape makes for some truly remarkable photo ops.
Hoodoos. Image Credit: @virginiawoolfphotography
Hoodoos, also known as “fairy chimneys”, are a landscape photographer’s dream. The oddly shaped sandstone rock formations created by wind and water erosion over millions of years can be found in the Drumheller area, northeast of Calgary.
