Calgary Sightseeing: 3 Incredible Views of Calgary & the Bow River

Sometimes, the best way to see a city is from more than one perspective!

Before we flew home from our Canada Adventure Seekers retreat, we had some time to head into Calgary for a little sightseeing. And what started with views from the airplane turned into a mini Calgary adventure featuring three very different perspectives of the city and the Bow River.

Calgary & Bow River Views: From the Sky to the Peace Bridge

Our Calgary adventure actually began before we even landed. From the airplane window, we enjoyed incredible aerial views of Calgary and the Bow River as we approached the city. Seeing the river wind its way through Calgary from above was the perfect introduction to our final sightseeing adventure.

Next, we headed downtown to visit the iconic Peace Bridge, one of Calgary's most recognizable landmarks. Designed by Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the pedestrian and cycling bridge crosses the Bow River and connects downtown Calgary with the communities of Sunnyside and Eau Claire.

Its distinctive helical design makes the Peace Bridge especially photogenic. The bridge was also designed without piers in the river, helping minimize its impact on the Bow River.

McHugh Bluff: A Different View of Calgary

Finally, we made our way to McHugh Bluff, where we could see Calgary from an entirely different perspective.

Located along the northern side of the Bow River, McHugh Bluff offers impressive views across the river valley toward downtown Calgary. The 27-hectare park is a popular spot for walking, jogging and taking in the Calgary skyline.

Interestingly, the bluff was named after Felix McHugh, an early Calgary homesteader and entrepreneur.

From high above Calgary, to the banks of the Bow River at the Peace Bridge, and finally looking across the river valley from McHugh Bluff, we experienced Calgary in three completely different ways.

And that made the perfect ending to our Canada Adventure Seekers retreat.

If you're visiting Calgary, don't just look at the city from one perspective. Look down from the airplane window, explore along the Bow River and find a viewpoint that lets you see the Calgary skyline from above.

Sometimes, a few hours of sightseeing are all you need to discover another side of a Canadian city.

Come adventure with us!