There’s more to Calgary than meets the eye and some of the city’s most interesting spots are the ones hiding in plain sight. From historic cemeteries filled with fascinating stories to a mural-lined tower staircase, secret raves, and backstage tours of iconic venues, these are places even many locals haven’t discovered yet. It’s time to go beyond the usual stops and explore the hidden spaces that make Calgary truly unique.

Calgary’s Hidden History is in a Cemetery

Discover a side of the city most visitors never see with stories that don’t make it into the guidebooks. The Calgary Heritage Authority has deemed four City of Calgary Cemeteries; Union Cemetery, Burnsland Cemetery, Chinese Cemetery, and St. Mary's Cemetery to be historically significant cultural landscapes with residents that have played an important part in the settlement and establishment of Calgary as a city.

Each Sunday, May through November, passionate volunteer guides offer free walking tours that bring to life the tales of cowboys, cooks, ministers, Mounties, prohibitionists, and politicians who helped shape the Calgary we know today. These walks aren't just about famous names, they also celebrate the ordinary Calgarians who did extraordinary things.

Whether you're a history buff or just curious to explore a different side of the city, this hidden gem offers a meaningful and memorable way to experience Calgary. These are drop-in style tours with no registration required and typically last about 90 minutes.

 

Go Behind the Scenes at Calgary’s Famous Saddledome

If you’re looking for something fun and unexpected, take a free behind-the-scenes tour of one of the City’s most iconic buildings, the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Completed in 1983 and famous for its sweeping saddle-shaped roof, this architectural icon isn’t just for hockey fans, it’s also home to major concerts and other events happening throughout the year. If you’ve ever wondered how the arena floor changes from ice to concert stage or where your favourite artists and athletes get ready before a big event, then strap in as all will be revealed during this guided opportunity.

Along the journey you’ll also visit places most visitors never get to see like the press box, broadcast booth, alumni lounge, luxury suites, club level, and even the dressing rooms (if available). These free tours are only available during the summer and last approximately one hour. Just for taking the tour, participants will receive a 15% discount at the CGY team store after its completion.

 

Calgary’s Secret Rave Scene: @the.UnderRealm

Forget the towering doormen and overpriced cocktails, Calgary’s real nightlife is happening where the bass is deep, the community is friendly, and the location drops at the last minute.

After years of dormancy, Calgary’s underground rave scene is pulsing back to life, tucked away in forgotten warehouses, industrial lots, and underground environments that’ll you’ll need to find with a flashlight. For the party goers and community, it’s all about peace, love, unity, respect, and the thrill of the unknown.

Though finding the party won’t be easy as they’re not listed on Ticketmaster or StubHub. Instead, invites are shared quietly through private groups, last-minute messages, hand passed flyers and obscure QR codes stuck to an occasional lamp post.

Once you’ve discovered its secret location, you’ll be welcomed into a world many only heard of or experienced during the late 90s/early 2000’s with DJs spinning everything from deep techno to blistering house until sunrise all while visuals light up the space like a digital dreamscape.

You’re not just attending a rave; you’re stepping into what feels like a fever pitch that exists for just one night and then disappears without a trace.

 

Calgary Tower’s Hidden Art Gallery

Tucked away inside one of Calgary’s most recognizable landmarks lies a hidden cultural experience that few locals or visitors even know exists.

Originally opened in 1968 as the Husky Tower, the structure was a symbol of Calgary’s booming growth and a tribute to Canada’s centennial. It was later renamed the Calgary Tower in 1971, becoming a proud civic landmark and one of Western Canada’s most recognizable silhouettes. But few know that within this feat of engineering lies a lesser-seen narrative… Making tower the tallest art gallery in Western Canada.

Inside its concrete core is a colourful world of 100+ murals lining the landings of its 802-step staircase. This remarkable installation features original artwork of vivid mountain scenes, prairie grasslands, forest creatures, and dramatic skies creating an immersive, floor-by-floor journey all within its concrete shaft in the heart of downtown.

For art enthusiasts and visitors looking to get a rare sneak peek of the hidden art collection, the tower publicly opens its stairs each March when it hosts its ‘802 Challenge’ where participants are invited to climb the full 802 steps to the top the 626-foot tower. For many, the reward of the climb isn’t just the sweeping view from the top, it’s the unexpected discovery that one of Calgary’s most famous structures also holds one of its most creative secrets.

Ryan Massel