Maps of the Calgary nobody put on a postcard
A map of Calgary from the point of view of its wild animals. That’s real, and it’s one reason we’re so fond of the Calgary Atlas Project.
It’s an initiative of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities at the University of Calgary, and it pins forgotten stories to the city. You can browse the whole collection on the Calgary Atlas Project page.
What’s on the maps
There’s a lot. Labour history, alternative art, lost cinemas, architecture, the city’s 1920s literary scene, Stampede wrestling, Forest Lawn foodways and, yes, the animals guide.
Each map pairs text by local historians with images by Calgary artists, and printed copies are sold through local bookstores listed on the project page. Heritage Calgary’s write-up is another good place to start.
Pick one, find a bookstore and see your own city from an angle you haven’t tried. If film is your thing, the lost movie theatres map is a fine first stop.
Quick answers
The Calgary Atlas Project is an initiative of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities at the University of Calgary, and it pins forgotten stories to the city. You can browse the whole collection on the Calgary Atlas Project page.
The maps cover labour history, alternative art, lost cinemas, architecture, the city’s 1920s literary scene, Stampede wrestling, Forest Lawn foodways and a guide to Calgary from the point of view of its wild animals. Browse the whole collection on the project page.
Printed copies are sold through local bookstores listed on the project page. Each map pairs text by local historians with images by Calgary artists. Heritage Calgary’s write up is another good place to start if you want an overview.
Sources: Calgary Institute for the Humanities, Heritage Calgary.
More from the archive: The Werklund Centre build is rolling and it is a good sign and Calgary Central Library Is a Cedar Arch Over a Train Line.
