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Calgary — An Olympic City

Calgary's Olympic Legacy & Future

Calgary made Olympic history. In February 1988, the city hosted the world on the global stage, showcasing Canadian hospitality, alpine excellence, and winter sports innovation. More than three decades later, that Olympic legacy continues to define Calgary as a city of champions, world-class venues, and athletic achievement. From the iconic Flame Tower to athletes training on Olympic-standard facilities, Calgary remains synonymous with winter sports excellence.

1988 Winter Olympics

The 1988 Winter Olympics transformed Calgary into a global destination. Approximately 1.5 million people attended the Games, generating unprecedented economic impact and international visibility. The Games featured 1,423 athletes from 57 nations competing across 16 medal events. Calgary's volunteers became legendary for their warmth and organization. The Games produced iconic moments: Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards' ski jump attempt and multiple medal-winning Canadian performances. Beyond the competition, the 1988 Games proved Calgary could host world-class events with authentic prairie hospitality.

  • Dates — February 13-28, 1988
  • Attendance — 1.5 million visitors, highest winter Olympics attendance ever
  • Athletes — 1,423 competitors from 57 nations
  • Medal Events — 16 disciplines across ice and snow sports
  • Volunteers — 8,000+ volunteers, many still recognized by their iconic hats
  • Canada's Performance — Multiple medal wins and iconic performances

Olympic Venues You Can Visit

Calgary's Olympic infrastructure remains world-class and publicly accessible. WinSport, the iconic winter sports facility on Westhills, features the Olympic bobsled, luge, and skeleton tracks that hosted 1988 competitions. Visitors can experience the adrenaline rush by riding the bobsled track or watching athletes train. The Oval, on the university campus, remains a premier short-track speed skating venue hosting provincial and national championships. Canada Olympic Park (COP) is now a multi-use recreation area with skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities.

  • WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) — Original bobsled, luge, skeleton track; public bobsled rides available
  • The Oval — Short-track speed skating, open for public skating sessions
  • Stampede Grounds — Equestrian events venue, now hosting Stampede and community events
  • McMahon Stadium — Hosted opening/closing ceremonies, now home to Calgary Stampeders
  • Scotiabank Saddledome — Hockey venue, now home to Calgary Flames

Calgary Athletes & Champions

Calgary has produced world-class athletes who dominated international competitions. The city's training facilities and coaching programs have developed speed skaters, figure skaters, hockey players, skiers, and bobsledders who've represented Canada at multiple Olympic Games. Today's athletes train at the same venues their predecessors used, continuing the legacy of Olympic achievement.

Plan Your Olympic Venue Visit

The Future of Olympics in Calgary

Calgary's Olympic legacy and world-class infrastructure position the city as a contender for future Olympic Games. The city continues investing in athlete development programs, coach training, and sports facilities to maintain its status as Canada's premier winter sports destination. Whether future Games come to Calgary or not, the city remains committed to Olympic values of excellence, respect, and international friendship.

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