Tallest Buildings in Calgary: Past, Present and Future

What are the Tallest Buildings in Calgary?

Calgary’s skyline is a dynamic story of ambition, written in steel and glass. From historic landmarks to futuristic skyscrapers, each tower reflects a unique chapter in our city’s growth. This guide explores the past, present, and future of Calgary’s tallest buildings, showcasing the architectural marvels that will define the skyline for decades to come.

Calgary’s Tallest Buildings: Quick Facts

• The tallest building in Calgary is Brookfield Place, at 247 metres (or 810 feet), an additional 11 metres (36 feet) taller than Calgary’s next tallest building, The Bow
• By 2030, Calgary’s tallest towers will be the new W Calgary & JW Marriott developments coming soon to the Beltline, mixed-use projects that will reach 252 metres (827 feet) and 270 metres (886 feet) high
• The tallest residential tower in Calgary is The Guardian, although new developments such as Broadway on 17th will soon become the tallest, with one tower that will reach 152 metres (499 feet) into the sky
• Calgary’s tallest building has changed over the years, from the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in the early 1900s to the Calgary Tower in the 1960s to the Bow Tower in the 2010s; the city’s skyline just keeps getting taller!

W Calgary & JW Marriott

• Height: 270 metres, 252 metres
• Floors: 69, 62
• Completion: 2029 & 2030
• Owner: Truman Homes
• Address: 15th Avenue & Macleod Trail SE
• Use: Commercial, residential

Rising to impressive heights of 270 and 252 metres (TBD on city approval), the W Calgary & JW Marriott towers are set to redefine luxury vacationing as the tallest hotels in Calgary. At 69 and 62 floors respectively, these two giants will offer a blend of commercial and residential spaces. To be built by Truman Homes, they’re expected to open their doors in 2029 and 2030.

Situated just off the 15th Avenue & Macleod Trail SE, adjacent to Sasso, Vetro, Alura and Nuera condos and directly west of the Victoria Park C-Train Station, their location will make them a beacon for visitors and residents alike. As a mixed-use development with two of the world’s most recognized hotel brands, expect upscale hotel amenities alongside premium living spaces. The staggering heights and floor counts—69 and 62—may be the beginning of a new tower boom in Calgary’s City Centre.

These towers aren’t just the future of Calgary’s tallest buildings, but will also be two of the tallest towers in Western Canada! This project marks a new era of downtown construction, showing how far Calgary has come from its early skyscrapers.

Broadway on 17th

• Height: 152 metres
• Floors: 47
• Completion: 2029
• Owner: Vista Properties
• Address: 17th Avenue and 4th Street SW
• Use: Residential, commercial

Upon completion, the tallest tower at Broadway on 17th condos will reach 152 metres high with 47 floors, a fresh addition to Calgary’s downtown skyline. Set for completion in 2029, the condo is in the pre-construction/selling phase and will be built on an empty development parcel located at 17th Avenue and 4th Street SW.

With 700 condos, 300 apartments, and 70,000 square feet of commercial space, the future three-tower project is set to add vibrancy to the Beltline community and shopping district of 17th Avenue SW. Past fourth street walking east, there are few buildings with ground-level retail spaces, making this part of the Red Mile a less visited area. This new project reflects the modern trend of mixed-use developments in Calgary’s tallest towers, adding much-needed retail space to the streetscape below.

As one of the upcoming tallest buildings in Calgary, Broadway on 17th is an excellent example of the steep competition between larger residential developers looking to make a permanent mark on the city’s skyline with new tower construction.

TELUS Sky

• Height: 222 metres
• Floors: 60
• Completion: 2020
• Owner: Westbank Corporation & Allied Properties REIT
• Address: 685 Centre Street S
• Use: Commercial, residential

TELUS Sky, completed in 2020, soars to 222 metres high with 60 floors, making it a standout as one of the tallest mixed-use buildings in Calgary. Located at 685 Centre Street S, it sits in the heart of the business core and provides executive-style rentals with spectacular views for business core workers and visiting professionals.

The tower’s architecture is particularly striking. It features a unique pixelated design that tapers as it rises, mirroring the innovative style of Vancouver House, which was designed by the same architectural firm, Bjarke Ingels Group. Standing at 222 metres tall, the building transitions from wide office bases closer to ground level to slender executive suites on the upper levels, creating a unique silhouette on the downtown skyline. Additionally, a standout feature is its nighttime lighting, where the exterior facade transforms into a canvas of vibrant LED displays, often showcasing electronic art or messages through colours, illuminating Calgary’s skyline with a modern glow.

As one of the tallest towers in Calgary, TELUS Sky marked a bold shift in the city’s high-rise landscape. Its architecture is unlike anything else in the city, making it an iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike.

Brookfield Place

• Height: 247 metres, 810 feet
• Floors: 56
• Completed: 2017
• Owner: Brookfield Properties
• Address: 225 6th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

Brookfield Place, the tallest commercial building in Calgary, reaches an imposing 247 metres (810 feet) with 56 floors. Completed in 2017, it is located at 225 6th Avenue SW and is a cornerstone of Calgary’s downtown business district, dedicated entirely to commercial use.

What truly sets Brookfield Place apart from other towers in Calgary is its stunning foyer and entrance area. It features a 60-foot-high transparent glass pavilion that serves as a vibrant, amenity-packed public space where you can meet and eat with colleagues. This “winter garden” creates a light-filled, year-round indoor area with restaurants and seating, seamlessly connecting workers to the street outside. The tower’s design itself is softened by rounded corners, a subtle but elegant choice that distinguishes it from the sharper edges of older skyscrapers on the downtown skyline.

Beyond its impressive scale, Brookfield Place is defined by its commitment to art and sustainability. The public plaza features spectacular artwork from artists like Letha Wilson, adding a local cultural touch to the property. The building is also LEED Gold certified, showcasing a modern commitment to environmental efficiency that was not a focus for older towers. These unique features make Brookfield Place more than just one of the tallest towers in Calgary; they establish it as a premier, multi-faceted city landmark.

The Bow

• Height: 236 metres, 774 feet
• Floors: 57
• Completed: 2012
• Owner: Oak Street Real Estate Capital
• Address: 500 Centre Street S
• Use: Commercial

The Bow, completed in 2012, stands at 236 metres (774 feet) with 57 floors and remains one of the most memorable towers on Calgary’s skyline. Located at 500 Centre Street S, it has an instantly recognizable crescent shape that makes it a landmark project, representing a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural history.

What makes The Bow Tower truly unique is its groundbreaking design story and structure. It was the first major tower in North America to use a steel diagrid system. This design not only creates a visually stunning exterior but also reduces the amount of steel required by about 20% compared to a conventional frame. Interestingly, the building was initially planned to be much taller, but its height was thoughtfully scaled down to mitigate shading concerns for the Bow River pathways and public riverfront areas. The project originally featured a second south tower, which was axed due to financial pressures during the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.

The Bow’s signature south-facing curve is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a brilliant functional element that maximizes sunlight and warmth, significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. This curvature also helps deflect wind, making the structure more stable. Inside, The Bow features three lush sky gardens that serve as communal green spaces and meeting rooms for tenants, further enhancing the building’s appeal. These innovative characteristics mark it as more than just one of the tallest towers in Calgary.

Eighth Avenue Place

• Height: 212 metres
• Floors: 49
• Completed: 2011
• Owner: AIMCo, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Matco
• Address: 525 8th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

Eighth Avenue Place is a unique landmark development on the Calgary skyline. Standing at 212 metres with 49 floors (the tallest of the two towers), the commercial complex utilizes architecture inspired by the nearby Rocky Mountains, its defining feature. The angled planes, sloping surfaces, and faceted shapes are designed to evoke a mountain silhouette, ideal for a city like Calgary, which is just an hour from the Rockies.

This unique architecture, with its retracting profile, required the use of sloped steel columns, setting it apart from more conventional designs like Brookfield Place. The building’s reflective glass exterior creates a dynamic play of light, and at night, architectural crown lighting gives the tower a striking presence on the skyline.

Eighth Avenue Place is also a pioneer in sustainability. The complex was one of the first in Canada to be certified LEED Platinum, the highest level of certification for green building design. Its commitment to the environment is showcased by one of Canada’s largest green roofs, which sits atop the building’s two-story podium. The complex includes a large, sun-filled “winter garden” that serves as a year-round public space for dining and relaxation, providing comfort for workers who frequent the towers’ podium.

The Guardian Towers

• Height: 143 metres
• Floors: 44
• Completed: 2005 & 2006
• Owner: Hon Towers Ltd.
• Address: 1122 & 1188 3rd Street SE
• Use: Residential

The Guardian North & South Towers, currently the tallest residential buildings in Calgary, are a striking duo that redefined high-rise living in the city. Completed in 2015 and 2016, these twin 44-storey towers soar to 143 metres, making them an unmistakable landmark in Calgary’s ever-evolving skyline. Owned by Hon Towers Ltd., they are located at 1122 & 1188 3rd Street SE, right in the heart of the vibrant Beltline community of Victoria Park and directly across from the Cowboys Casino.

The Guardian condos were meticulously designed from the “inside out,” a novel approach that prioritized the functionality and flow of the interior suites before finalizing the exterior architecture. Most suites feature spectacular views of the surrounding city, with upper floors having sights of the mountains to the west. Open-concept floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows offer spacious and comfortable living in the heart of the city. Residents have access to several amenities, including the 1,350-square-foot Social Club, garden terrace complete with lounge seating and a firebowl, and a commercial-sized fitness centre to name a few.

As the tallest condo in Calgary, its glass-panelled facade makes a bold, imposing statement of modern architecture on the skyline. For those looking to live an urban walkable lifestyle to the fullest, The Guardian condominiums are a great choice.

Bankers Hall West Tower

• Height: 197 metres
• Floors: 52
• Completed: 2000
• Owner: Brookfield Properties
• Address: 888 3rd Street SE
• Use: Commercial

Standing at 197 metres, the 52-storey Bankers Hall West Tower (with its gold crown) has been a defining feature of Calgary’s downtown skyline since its completion at the turn of the millennium. The two-tower complex was designed to include a rooftop façade that resembles a cowboy hat—a proud and unmissable nod to Calgary’s western heritage and identity. This signature feature, paired with its silver-crowned twin, creates one of the most distinct silhouettes on the city’s skyline.

Owned by Brookfield Properties, the towers are a dynamic downtown hub. Its base features a four-level retail gallery with shops and restaurants, which connects directly to the Plus 15 skywalk for climate-controlled access to The CORE Shopping Centre. Tenants enjoy premium amenities, including a large conference facility, exclusive fitness options, and ground-level restaurants like Earls Kitchen & Bar.

Designed by the highly reputable architectural firm Design Dialog – also responsible for the New Calgary Event Centre, a.k.a. Scotia Place – this tallest building in Calgary is a symbol of Calgary’s economic ambition, with a name to suit.

Suncor Energy Centre I

• Height: 215 metres
• Floors: 53
• Completed: 1984
• Owner: Brookfield Properties & ARCI Inc
• Address: 111 5th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

The Suncor Energy Centre I rises 215 metres with 53 floors, making it one of Calgary’s tallest and most recognizable office towers. Completed in 1984 and located at 111 5th Avenue SW, these commercial high-rise towers are owned by Brookfield Properties and ARCI Inc., standing out on the skyline with their shimmering copper look. The taller building was the tallest in Calgary until the Bow came along in 2012.

With its sleek granite and glass façade, the buildings were considered an architectural marvel of their time and set a new benchmark for Calgary’s downtown skyline. The tower’s lobby features soaring ceilings and polished stone finishes, reflecting the city’s growing corporate ambition during the energy boom of the 1980s.

As a major commercial hub, Suncor Energy Centre I offers direct access to the +15 skywalk system, a range of dining and retail options, and amenities tailored to business professionals. Workers enjoy easy access to Chinatown’s restaurants at lunchtime. Its strategic location and striking design continue to make it a prestigious address in the city’s business core.

Calgary Tower

• Height: ~191 metres
• Completed: 1968
• Owner: Aspen Properties
• Address: 101 9th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

The Calgary Tower, owned by Aspen Properties and located at 101 9th Avenue SW in the heart of downtown, rises to about 191 metres and remains one of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1968, this structure features the city’s tallest observation platform, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the downtown skyline and the distant Rocky Mountains.

Originally known as the Husky Tower, it was built to commemorate Canada’s centennial and as a symbol of the city’s emerging modern identity. At the time, the tower soared above all surrounding, making it the tallest building in Calgary for several years up until the completion of Suncor Energy Centre I. Throughout its history, the tower has adapted to the evolving city, adding a glass floor extension and LED light shows that now illuminate the skyline at night.

More than just an observation deck, the Calgary Tower is a beloved tourist destination and gathering spot, housing a revolving restaurant that shows a full 360-degree view of the city in about an hour of dining. It remains a symbol of Calgary’s spirit and growth, connecting locals and visitors alike to the city’s storied past and ever-changing present.

Elveden Centre

• Height: 80 metres
• Floors: 20
• Completed: 1964
• Owner: Ireland’s Guinness family
• Address: 707 7th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

Elveden Centre is a three-building commercial complex in downtown Calgary, with its tallest tower rising 80 metres across 20 floors. Completed in 1964, the development stands as a prominent part of Calgary’s business core and is notably owned by Ireland’s Guinness family, reflecting the city’s unique Western European heritage.

The original Elveden Centre tower was the tallest building in Calgary when it opened up until the completion of the Calgary Tower, ushering in a new era of high-rise construction in the city. The project’s phased expansion saw the addition of the shorter Iveagh and Guinness Towers, creating an integrated complex that set the standard for Calgary’s mid-20th-century office architecture. Its charming design—with a strong vertical emphasis, sleek lines, and a curtain wall green façade—remains a testament to its Irish roots and the ambitious growth of Calgary during the resource boom of the 1960s.

Today, the Elveden Centre continues to serve as a major hub for business, offering convenient access to the +15 skywalk system and a range of onsite amenities. Its enduring presence and rich history make it one of Calgary’s most significant—and storied—commercial landmarks.

Fairmont Palliser Hotel

• Height: 133 9th Avenue SW
• Floors: 12
• Completed: 1914
• Owner: Qatar Investment Authority, Kingdom Holding Company, Oxford Properties
• Address: 133 9th Avenue SW
• Use: Commercial

A grand icon of the city, the Fairmont Palliser Hotel stands as a testament to Calgary’s rich history. Completed in 1914, this 12-storey hotel at 133 9th Avenue SW was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway to serve the booming influx of tourists and business travellers heading west. Its classic Edwardian, Chicago-school architecture has made it one of Calgary’s most luxurious and recognizable landmarks for over a century.

The hotel’s history is marked by significant growth that mirrored the city’s own. Originally built as an eight-storey structure, the Palliser underwent a major expansion in 1929, with four additional floors added to meet the demands of the growing city. This addition made the Fairmont Palliser the tallest building in Calgary, a title it held for over four decades until the Elveden Centre was completed in 1958.

Today, the Palliser remains a cornerstone of downtown hospitality, offering a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury adjacent to the Calgary Tower. It serves as more than just a hotel; it is a living piece of history, connecting guests to the golden era of railway hospitality and Calgary’s foundational years.

Calgary’s Buildings Just Keep Getting Taller

Calgary’s skyline, evolving from the historic Fairmont Palliser to the upcoming W Calgary & JW Marriott, charts our city’s remarkable shift from a humble railway town to a thriving modern metropolis. Each new tower stands as a testament to Calgary’s rapid population growth and unyielding ambition as a major energy and financial hub of Western Canada.

As the city reaches higher, its future skyscrapers promise to deliver more exciting additions to the skyline in the years to come. Be sure to check out more Calgary-related blogs today!