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Peace Bridge (Calgary)

Peace Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Peace Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it opened on March 24, 2012, and connects the downtown/Eau Claire area with Sunnyside and nearby river pathways.

Description

Peace Bridge is a curved, enclosed-looking pedestrian bridge with a helix-like steel structure. Built to improve non-vehicle access across the Bow River, it links key pathway systems in central Calgary.

Design and construction

The bridge was designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2012. It is described in sources as a single-span steel truss structure, with published dimensions varying slightly across references.

Location and connections

The bridge spans the Bow River west of Calgary’s downtown core. It links the Eau Claire/downtown side with Sunnyside and nearby river pathways, including access toward Prince’s Island Park.

Public use and significance

Peace Bridge is open to the public and has become one of Calgary’s most recognizable modern structures. It is frequently used for walking, cycling, and sightseeing, and is often photographed as a city landmark.

Key facts

  • Peace Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Bow River in Calgary.
  • It opened on March 24, 2012, and was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
  • The bridge’s distinctive red-and-white helical form makes it a Calgary landmark.
  • It links the downtown/Eau Claire area with Sunnyside and the north-side pathway network.
  • Sources give slightly different measurements for the bridge’s length and width.
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Canadian context

It is a notable Calgary landmark and piece of modern Canadian civic infrastructure, commonly featured in tourism, architecture, and urban-planning discussions about the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is Peace Bridge in Calgary?
It is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, linking the downtown/Eau Claire area with Sunnyside and surrounding pathways.
Who designed Peace Bridge?
It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
When did Peace Bridge open?
It opened on March 24, 2012.
What does Peace Bridge connect?
It connects the Bow River pathway network between Calgary’s downtown/Eau Claire side and Sunnyside on the north side.
How long is Peace Bridge?
Sources give slightly different figures, commonly about 126 to 130.6 metres.
Why is Peace Bridge notable?
Its red-and-white helical design and central Calgary location have made it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Bridge_(Calgary)
    Supports: Basic identification, designer, opening date, and bridge type.
  2. Santiago Calatrava — https://calatrava.com/projects/peace-bridge-calgary.html
    Supports: Designer, project description, dimensions, and connection between Sunnyside and Eau Claire.
  3. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/peace-bridge-to-open-march-24-says-city-1.1297723
    Supports: Opening date and city announcement.
  4. CISC-ICCA — https://www.cisc-icca.ca/projects/peace-bridge/
    Supports: Structural description and bridge type.
  5. Global News — https://globalnews.ca/news/8705659/calgary-peace-bridge-turns-10/
    Supports: 2012 opening and public significance.