
Top Destinations for Photography Enthusiasts in Calgary, Canada
1. Prince's Island Park
A popular urban park offering stunning views of the Calgary skyline and the Bow River.
- Diverse Scenery: Features various landscapes, including gardens, pathways, and a pond
- Ideal for Landscape Photography: Offers numerous opportunities to capture the beauty of nature in an urban setting
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from downtown Calgary and free to enter
2. Calgary Tower
An observation tower offering panoramic views of Calgary, the Rockies, and the city's skyline.
- Unparalleled Views: Provides a unique perspective of the city from 191 meters above ground level
- Night Photography Opportunities: Offers a great opportunity to capture the city's lights and skyline at night
- Indoor & Outdoor Observation Decks: Features both indoor and outdoor observation decks for different photographic angles
3. Heritage Park Historical Village
A living history museum showcasing Western Canadian life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Authentic Scenery: Features over 150 historic buildings, including an old steam train
- Step Back in Time: Allows photographers to capture a glimpse of the past in a real-life setting
- Costumed Interpreters: Features costumed interpreters who bring the historical setting to life
4. Downtown Calgary Skywalk
A network of enclosed pedestrian bridges connecting downtown buildings and attractions.
- Unique Perspectives: Provides unique angles to capture the city's architecture and street life
- Weather Protection: Allows photographers to work in any weather condition without getting wet or cold
- Accessibility: Links major attractions and makes exploring downtown easier
5. Calgary Zoo
A large zoological park featuring a wide variety of animals from around the world.
- Wildlife Photography: Offers opportunities to capture exotic and endangered species
- Dynamic Scenery: Features various habitats, such as the African Savannah and the Arctic Icefield
- Educational Experience: Provides an educational experience while capturing stunning images of wildlife
6. Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
A historic ranch showcasing Western Canadian cattle culture and the North-West Mounted Police.
- Historical Authenticity: Features original buildings from the late 19th century, including a barn and a corral
- Wildlife Opportunities: Offers opportunities to photograph bison, horses, and other ranch animals
- Step into the Past: Allows photographers to capture a piece of Western Canadian history
7. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre
A nature reserve and education center focusing on the preservation of wetlands and wildlife.
- Wildlife Photography: Offers opportunities to capture a variety of birds, mammals, and plants
- Preservation Efforts: Supports the conservation of Calgary's urban wetlands and wildlife
- Educational Experience: Provides educational programs about local wildlife and habitat conservation
8. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
A natural park featuring rolling hills, grasslands, and the Elbow River.
- Nature Photography: Offers opportunities to capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife
- Horseback Riding: Allows photographers to explore the park on horseback for unique angles
- Historical Significance: Features a historic ranch house and barn dating back to the late 19th century
9. Fish Creek Provincial Park
A large park featuring natural habitats, hiking trails, and wetlands.
- Nature Photography: Offers opportunities to capture various landscapes, wildlife, and wildflowers
- Hiking Trails: Features over 70 km of hiking trails for exploring the park's diverse landscapes
- Urban Oasis: Provides a peaceful urban escape from downtown Calgary
10. Canmore Gondola
A gondola lift offering access to hiking trails and stunning mountain views.
- Mountain Photography: Offers opportunities to capture the majestic Rocky Mountains
- Hiking Trails: Provides access to numerous hiking trails for exploring the mountain environment
- Restaurant & Shopping: Features a restaurant and shops at the summit station for a break during photography sessions
11. Banff National Park
A national park featuring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, hot springs, and wildlife.
- Landscape Photography: Offers opportunities to capture breathtaking mountain landscapes and scenic vistas
- Wildlife Opportunities: Features opportunities to photograph various wildlife, such as bears, elk, and bighorn sheep
- Natural Wonders: Includes natural wonders like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and the Bow Falls
12. Jasper National Park
A national park featuring glaciers, mountains, forests, and wildlife.
- Landscape Photography: Offers opportunities to capture stunning mountain landscapes and scenic vistas
- Wildlife Opportunities: Features opportunities to photograph various wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and moose
- Natural Wonders: Includes natural wonders like Maligne Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and the Athabasca Falls
13. Waterton Lakes National Park
A national park featuring mountains, forests, prairies, and glaciers.
- Landscape Photography: Offers opportunities to capture diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, prairies, and glaciers
- Wildlife Opportunities: Features opportunities to photograph various wildlife, such as bison, elk, and mountain goats
- Natural Wonders: Includes natural wonders like Upper Waterton Lake, Cameron Lake, and the Prince of Wales Hotel
14. Drumheller Dinosaur Museum
A museum featuring dinosaur fossils, exhibits, and a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
- Historical Significance: Offers opportunities to capture the history of dinosaurs in Canada
- Educational Experience: Provides an educational experience about dinosaurs and paleontology
- Unique Attraction: Features a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and a large collection of dinosaur fossils
15. Dinosaur Provincial Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring fossil beds and dinosaur remains.
- Historical Significance: Offers opportunities to capture the history of dinosaurs in Canada
- Educational Experience: Provides an educational experience about dinosaur fossils and paleontology
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Features a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, showcasing the importance of dinosaur fossils in human history