Since 1968 the Calgary Tower has been one of the most recognisable landmarks in Western Canada. And its most famous. At 191 meters (626 feet) high it may not be the tallest building in the city (it currently ranks fourth), but it offers an unprecedented view.

After paying for admission, in the Reception Lobby on the ground floor, visitors are whisked 160 meters (525 feet) up to the observation deck and its state of the art telescopes. Or, if you're feeling particularly energetic, you could enter the AWA's Climb for Wilderness and tackle one of the 802 step staircases, but that would certainly take longer than the 62-second elevator ride. Regardless of how one arrives at the Deck, there really is no other view of Calgary that compares, and the Tower Observation Deck is a must see for first time visitors.

Then, when you've built up an appetite from gazing out on the mountains far beyond the city skyline, enjoy some fine dining in the Revolving Restaurant. You can still enjoy the view, but this time a panoramic view as the restaurant makes one full rotation every hour. Or enjoy more casual fare at Tops Grill, the highest public area of the tower. Tops Grill doesn't rotate but there is always the view!

In 1988, to honour the winter Olympics held in Calgary, a natural gas flame was added to the top of the tower. The flame is still lit for special occasions and on a clear night can be seen for miles.

On July 1st, 2005, the tower opened the Glass Floor in honour of Alberta's Centennial. The World's First glass enclosed Observation Area is an extension of the Observation Deck, 4.5 feet deep and 36 feet long.