Canada Olympic Park
Canada Olympic Park stands as a vibrant testament to Calgary's proud sporting heritage and a hub for modern athleticism. Originally carved out for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this iconic venue remains a premier destination for those who want to experience the thrill of winter sports right on the edge of the city. You can carve down snowy slopes in the winter or trade skis for mountain bikes when the weather warms, enjoying the variety that makes this park a staple for locals. Beyond the trails, the site houses state of the art training facilities that draw professional athletes from across the nation to hone their skills. It offers a rare chance to walk the same grounds where Olympic history was made while creating your own exciting memories in the process.
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History of Canada Olympic Park
Before it became a global icon, the land served as a local ski hill known as Paskapoo. When Calgary secured the bid for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the area underwent a dramatic transformation to host critical events like ski jumping and bobsleigh. The creation of this facility solidified Calgary as a city of sport, preserving the spirit of the Games long after the medals were handed out. Today the park operates under the guidance of WinSport, an organisation dedicated to keeping that competitive fire alive. It has evolved into a training ground that welcomes both aspiring Olympians and weekend enthusiasts. The addition of the Markin MacPhail Centre expanded the capabilities of the site, providing elite athletes with advanced training resources while maintaining public access to the rinks and gyms that define the complex. The legacy of the park is found in its incredible versatility. Visitors can experience the rush of a halfpipe that mirrors the dimensions used in international competition or explore extensive bike trails that wind through the hills in the summer. Whether you are watching a professional basketball game or enjoying an afternoon of recreational skiing, the park offers a unique connection to Canada's sporting soul that continues to inspire new generations.
Events spanning 36 years
Fun Facts
- • Although the facility once featured extensive ski jumping infrastructure, the park has shifted its focus toward sustainable sports, retaining the 90 metre tower for ziplining and other recreational activities.
- • During the summer, the ski lifts are retrofitted with bike racks, turning the hill into a prime destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- • The Markin MacPhail Centre serves as a residence for the National Sport School, allowing young athletes to balance their academics with elite training.
- • The park provides a unique alternative to driving hours to the mountains, offering local residents a convenient way to enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding within city limits.
- • The park was designed by the firm Cook, Culham, Montgomery, Pedersen and Valentine, reflecting the architectural spirit of the late twentieth century.
- • The park's diverse terrain includes specialized zones for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, including spines and handrails for advanced riders.
- • The site operates one of the most efficient snowmaking systems in the region, capable of consuming 850,000 litres of water per hour when operating at full capacity.
- • The terrain park features a halfpipe built to the exact specifications used during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
- • The venue houses four distinct ice rinks, including an international size arena with seating for 3,000 spectators.
- • WinSport, the non profit organisation that runs the park, focuses on reinvesting revenues into athlete development and sustainable sports programming.
Canada Olympic Park FAQ
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Canada Olympic Park Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Canada Olympic Park. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Places near Canada Olympic Park
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
1874mBowness Park
Bowness Park is a cherished recreational sanctuary that sits comfortably along the Bow River, offering a perfect escape from the daily grind. Whether you are seeking a peaceful afternoon picnic, a stroll along the riverside pathways, or a family adventure on the ridable miniature railway, this thirty hectare oasis has something for everyone. In the winter months, the park transforms into a magical wonderland where the lagoon and canal invite locals to enjoy outdoor ice skating under the open sky. Its deep roots in the city's history, combined with its resilience against natural challenges, make it a true testament to the community spirit of Calgary. Visitors will find that its calm waters and mature trees provide a refreshing landscape that feels worlds away from the urban environment.
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Battalion Park
A striking historical monument carved directly into a steep hillside overlooking the western edge of the city. It features four massive sets of numbers, constructed from thousands of whitewashed stones, representing the battalions of soldiers who trained here before deploying to the First World War. An interpretive hiking trail winds up the bluff, offering historical plaques and excellent vantage points over the valley below. It is a powerful, unusual piece of landscape art dedicated to local military history.
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8313mNose Hill Park
Nose Hill Park is a vast, natural urban sanctuary that offers a refreshing escape from the city without ever leaving its borders. Covering over 11 square kilometres, it stands as one of the largest urban parks in North America, acting as a massive green lung for Calgary. Visitors can wander through endangered rough fescue grasslands, explore coulees filled with aspen groves, and observe local wildlife like deer and coyotes in their natural habitat. The summit provides some of the most spectacular, panoramic views of the downtown skyline, making it a perfect spot for sunset watching or photography. This is a place where history meets nature, featuring ancient archaeological sites that remind us of the land's deep, cultural significance. Whether you are a dedicated hiker, a casual walker, or someone just looking for a moment of peace, this expansive park offers an unparalleled experience of the wild prairie landscape.
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8797mConfederation Park
Confederation Park is a 400 acre sanctuary in northwest Calgary that offers a peaceful escape for locals and visitors alike. Winding through the North Hill Coulee, this green space transforms with the seasons, from a lush riparian corridor in summer to a glowing winter wonderland. It serves as a community hub where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic, explore scenic paths, or watch migratory waterfowl. The park holds a special place in the city heart as a testament to local conservation efforts. Whether you are looking for outdoor exercise or a quiet moment in nature, this park provides the perfect backdrop for creating memories.
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