Olympic Legacy Tour
Self-Guided TourA comprehensive journey highlighting the monumental facilities and public spaces constructed for the 1988 Winter Games. This event permanently altered the city's physical landscape and cemented its identity as a global hub for winter sports. You will observe impressive stadiums, celebratory public plazas, and active training facilities that continue to produce world-class athletes. It is a testament to how a single international event can forge an enduring civic legacy.
SURFACE BREAKDOWN
ELEVATION PROFILE
WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE
This tour provides a tangible connection to one of the most defining moments in the city's modern history, showcasing infrastructure that remains vibrant and culturally relevant today.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- • Check the schedule at the sports complex, as you can often watch professional athletes training on the jumps or track.
- • The final stop requires transportation to the western edge of the city, so planning for a bus ride or a short drive is necessary.
- 1ATTRACTION
Olympic Torch Landmark
CALGARY TOWERThis iconic concrete structure famously supported a massive natural gas cauldron that burned brightly throughout the entire duration of the winter games. It remains a powerful symbol of that historic celebration.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 1968, making it 58 years old
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 2FREE THING TO DO
Medal Ceremony Plaza
OLYMPIC PLAZAA wide, brick-lined public square originally built to host the official medal presentations during the games. Depending on the season, it features a large wading pool or a perfectly maintained public ice skating rink.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 3ARCHITECTURE
Saddle-Shaped Arena
SCOTIABANK SADDLEDOMEA colossal indoor arena distinguished by its incredible, sweeping hyperbolic paraboloid roofline that resembles a western saddle. It was constructed specifically to host the figure skating and ice hockey events.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
WEB & AMENITIES
to next stop - 4ATTRACTION
Winter Sports Complex
CANADA OLYMPIC PARKA massive outdoor facility featuring towering ski jumps and winding bobsleigh tracks built into the western hills. It is a highly active training ground where professional athletes and the public still share the slopes.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Elevation
- 1,123 m
Other Self-Guided Tours
Check out other routes in Calgary
Downtown Architecture and Skywalks
A fascinating architectural journey through the very core of the city, highlighting its transition from sandstone heritage to modern glass monoliths. The route navigates both street-level promenades and the elevated, indoor Plus 15 skywalk network. You will encounter striking examples of contemporary engineering juxtaposed with beautifully preserved historical facades. It is an immersive way to understand the economic and cultural forces that physically shaped the skyline.
view route
Heritage and History of Inglewood
An exploration of the city's oldest and most historically significant neighbourhood, where the original urban settlement first took root. The walk passes by early 20th-century brick commercial blocks, old railway hotels, and the very site where the pioneer fort was constructed. The area has managed to retain its gritty, historical charm while adapting to house modern artisan boutiques and eateries. It provides a tangible connection to the rugged, frontier days of the western prairies.
view route
Alternative Ways to Tour the City
Switch your pace. Discover curated routes by bike, foot, or self-guided exploration.
Prince's Island to Eau Claire
This idyllic walk showcases the absolute best of the city's inner core natural spaces. You wander across footbridges onto a lush, manicured island park surrounded by the rushing waters of the Bow River. The path then gently leads into an adjacent plaza area known for its vibrant community feel and market spaces. It is a highly popular route that provides a brilliant escape from the concrete environment of the nearby office towers.
Bow River Pathway Ride
This magnificent route follows the curving banks of the primary river, offering an uninterrupted journey through the heart of the city. You will glide past vibrant urban parks, cross stunning pedestrian bridges, and enjoy constant views of the water juxtaposed against the modern skyline. The pathway is well maintained and largely flat, ensuring a comfortable experience for cyclists of all abilities. It perfectly highlights the seamless integration of nature and urban development.