Welcome to Scotsman's Hill, one of Calgary's most iconic vantage points. As you stand atop this staircase, prepare to be captivated by the sweeping view of the city skyline, the world-famous Calgary Stampede Grounds, the symbolic Calgary Tower, the Elbow River and the rolling expanse of the Bow River valley.
Scotsman’s Hill stands as a natural lookout point, shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Its position above the Bow River valley offers a clear perspective of the city’s natural and urban development. This spot also showcases the resilience and adaptability of Calgary’s early settlers, who built their lives in harmony with the land’s unique geography.
During frontier days, the escarpment was known as Fraser Hill and owed its name to Angus Fraser, an early homesteader who settled in this area during Calgary’s early days. Fraser, a Scottish immigrant, claimed this land as part of his homestead in the late 19th century. His efforts contributed to the early agricultural and social development of Calgary, which was then a modest frontier town. Fraser’s Scottish heritage is one possible inspiration for the name of this elevated location, a nod to his origins and the hill’s commanding view of the burgeoning settlement of Calgary, which had been founded in 1875 as a North-West Mounted Police post.
Adding to this Scottish connection, John G. McCallum, a contractor also from Scotland, operated the Elbow River quarry at the northern base of the hill. The quarry supplied hard grey sandstone blocks for Calgary’s historic buildings, cementing the hill’s place in the city’s architectural history.
The hill became a key geographic feature as the city expanded. The Scotsman’s Hill elevation made it a natural viewpoint, offering views of both the developing urban area and the surrounding plains. Over time, it became a popular site for gatherings and an unofficial "observation deck" for events at the Calgary Stampede Grounds, home to "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth."
From here, you have a postcard-perfect perspective of Calgary’s downtown core. Notice the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers with the natural beauty of the Rockies in the distance, weather permitting. The nearby Scotiabank Saddledome, with its distinctive curved roof, is a reminder of Calgary's love for sports and entertainment. The new Scotia Place to the north, which broke ground in 2024, will replace the Saddledome for the 2027-28 NHL season. This spot is particularly famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, as well as the dazzling lights during the Calgary Stampede fireworks display.
Scotsman’s Hill is a cherished community landmark. Locals and visitors alike gather here to reflect, capture photographs, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. It’s a favorite spot for joggers, dog walkers, and couples seeking a quiet retreat.
Logging Requirements:
Before you is the staircase down to the river pathway below. This wooden structure is made up of 21 separate flights of stairs. To claim this virtual geocache. Your task is to:
- Take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of history, nature, and urban life visible from this hill and then descend the stairs. Count the number of steps from landing to landing for each flight of stairs individually (include the last step to the next landing). Now message me from the link on the cache page and tell me the number of steps in the longest of the 21 flights of stairs (Do not post the answer in your log). For example, the first flight from the top has 5 steps down. Incidentally, the total of all steps on the flights combined is 159.
- Now take a photo from the posted coordinates that displays the panoramic view and includes yourself, your group or your geocaching name and date written on a piece of paper to show you were there. This photo must be posted with your Found log and each log must contain the photo to get credit for your find.
Note: Any logs without providing the answer to the CO and posting the required photo will have to be deleted.
Enjoy this scenic slice of Calgary and may your geocaching adventures bring you closer to the heart of this beautiful city!
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.