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Living in Calgary, Canada:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

55 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Calgary, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 55 people living in Calgary what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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55 comments on “Calgary”

If you are moving to Calgary be prepared for urban sprawl and that most people need to use a large SUV or pickup truck to go anywhere from their house. We also happen to have the best bike path system anywhere. Paths go all along the Bow River and they are amazing. Great hiking and skiing close by.

Cameron, says: 2023

This is fake cowboy country! Every year for the stampede, we all dig cowboy boots out of our closet, go to rodeos, country concert and line dancing. But outside of these 2 weeks you won’t catch anyone interested in country music at all, or any other country activities.

Stephanie, says: 2023

Although the city of Calgary is landlocked, it boasts several lake communities that can cater to your family’s love of water. There is a public beach in each community where you can feel the sand between your toes, rent a pedal boat, or simply splash in the water with your kids. If your budget allows, there are homes directly on the man-made lakes with their own private docks for your enjoyment. You can experience lakeside living, even in the heart of the city.

Miranda, says: 2020

Calgary is a modern metropolis nestled in the province of Alberta. It has a western charm, stemming from the ranching and agricultural industry of the region. A short forty-five minute drive from the city takes you to famous national parks, such as Banff and Jasper National Parks, where you are surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains. If you like large city amenities, but also want to be close to nature, then Calgary would be the perfect place for you!

Brandon, says: 2020

One of the main issues Calgary faces as a city is the lack of support for its struggling youth. Calgary is a city that sits in the eastern foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. It is a major urban city surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Rockies. Not only is Calgary filled with natural beauty, but also with diversity. Just by listening to every kitchen in the city, over 140 languages will be heard spoken. You can grab an authentic Vietnamese bowl of Pho down the block, while attending the stampede.

Josée, says: 2020

Calgary is the perfect mixture of city life and country living. Calgary downtown features multiple museums, fine dining, and theaters. Perfect for those who crave the finer things in life. However for those looking for a fun night out with gang finding a good time is easy. Various clubs of many genres will not disappoint.

Skylar, says: 2020

Calgary is considered to be one of the safest cities to reside in within Canada. The residents are friendly and will readily extend a helping hand to anyone who has recently moved to Calgary. Although there are many residential areas within the city, as well as a thriving city centre located in the heart of Calgary, there are also many parks and picnic areas for residents to visit when requiring a break from the city environment. It is also worth noting that the weather in Calgary is fickle in nature, and one should prepare to experience snow as early as September or as late as June.

Patricia, says: 2020

Someone moving to Calgary, Alberta, should know the provincial economy is in poor shape. This has led to falling housing prices and high unemployment. They should consider moving elsewhere as their prospects for a high quality of life are quite limited.

Siobhan, says: 2020

Calgary is not for the faint of heart. We get long, harsh winters, and short, mild summers. Calgary has a population of 1.3 million, and is the doorstep to the Canadian Rockies. Picking up a sport like snowboarding or hiking can help immerse yourself in the culture, and make new friends.

Anyone moving to the Calgary should note that the city is very cold most part of the year. The city is also beautiful. Many of residents are friendly and willing to help. The land area is very large. There are many beautiful parks.

Nicole, says: 2020

Calgary is the city in the western canadian province of Alberta. The first snowfall of autumn for calgary usually arrives in September or October. As a visitor, Calgary is the safe place. The University of Calgary is a public research university in Calgary, Alberta. Calgary’s four tallest buildings are at the east end of downtown. Downtown Calgary has a recognizable skyline that includes the Calgary.

Anaita, says: 2020

The Calgary Stampede is one of the best tourist attractions in Alberta. There are many rides and fun games, and the Stampede breakfast is absolutely delicious! A couple of other fun festivals that happen once yearly in Calgary are called Global Fest and The Lilac Festival. The Lilac For everyone sets up tents to sell homemade items and plays their music. and Global Fest is where people from many countries come to Calgary to compete in a fireworks show.

Margaret, says: 2020

Calgary is renowned for its annual Stampede, which includes a parade, rodeo, and performances from multiple marching bands over the course of a week. In fact, Calgary is known as “Cowtown” — an homage to the old tradition of horse racing and rodeo which unfolds each year at the Stampede grounds. Being the largest city in Alberta, Calgary provides residents with a flourishing system of recreational parks and fitness facilities, a wide-spread transit system, and a bustling downtown core of business and culture.

If someone moves to Calgary, the person should consider what kind of job he or she seeks. As one of the major cities in Alberta, jobs related to the oil industry can be easy to find. The rent in Calgary also tend to be relatively cheaper than places like Vancouver. The public transportation here are decent, but buses often run late during winter due to the snow. However, if you are traveling around the downtown, there are C-Trains for you to travel in.

Above all, be aware of just how cold winters in Calgary can be. Long winters and multiple weeks of heavy snowfall on top of negative 30 degree Celsius weather is common. You are forced to be stuck indoors during this time, which can make life miserable. pick up an indoor hobby for these long winters.

Melissa, says: 2020

I reside in the beautiful and captivating city of Calgary, and I adore it ever so much. As such, my love for it is immense, and others take up residence in this fine city. It is large enough that it meets the needs of most everyone that decides to reside in it, yet not so abundant that the streets are clogged and traffic proceeds at a turtle’s pace. it is also situated extremely close to many scenic locales that offer comfort to the weary heart, which only further adds to its charm.

A person who is thinking to come to Calgary must consider the extreme weather. Usually extreme winters lasts about eight months and summers will last only about for four months. These conditions will directly affects on your efficiency and efficacy to do work and affects travelling. On the other hand, if we consider the hourly wage rate of the city its $15, which is quite better than rest of the provinces. Basically, we have both pros and cons which needs to be considered while moving.

Taisia, says: 2020

Calgary is a very family-friendly city, especially for smaller children. This is one of the reasons why we decided to move here as a family all those years ago, once we finally decided to relocate to a new country. It just so happens that this decision was one of the best our family ever made. We are very happy to have decided to settle in Calgary.

Leonard, says: 2020

Calgary is a unique city nestled in the junction of mountain and prairie. With the rocky mountains an hour west, there are endless opportunities to explore nature. Within the city you will find endless pathways and green spaces that show the pride Calgarians have for the outdoors. The best part of Calgary is the incredible winter chinook.

Lillian, says: 2020

Calgary is a very modern city, with new architecture, great nightlife and we are known for our Stampede. Calgary has everything to offer, from the prairies, to the Badlands and the Rocky Mountains. A major tourist attraction is the towns of Banff and Lake Louise, where everyone goes for beautiful hikes and views.

Ashlee, says: 2020

Calgary is known for its warmth as it relates to residents. We are friendly community who goes above and beyond to assist each other wherever possible. The weather here is also the most talked about in the world as it changes so often. We are also well known for our diversity.

Calgary is a city that embraces multiculturalism, as evidenced by its diverse ethnically different residents. The city enjoys a unique type of weather called Chinook, that allows its residents to not be too greatly affected by long winters. It is a great city, welcoming to new residents, and hopefully a great new home for you as well.

When moving to Calgary, one should prepare for a fair amount of driving. The city is laid out in four quadrants; North, South, East, and West. Each of these quadrants is developed as its own small city of sorts, with a vast array of cultural and social differences found within.

Sharri, says: 2020

If moving to Calgary, know it is not how it looks on T. V. The wonders of the Calgary Stampede are not quite as fabulous in person. Be prepared with winter clothes, even if you’re moving in April, and don’t expect snow in December. I recommend Vancouver instead.

Calgary is home to many immigrants from all over the world, resulting in a rich and diverse culture. One thing know is that the weather is temperamental. Winters are particularly brutal and do require some experience with driving in snow. The warmness of residents makes up for the cold winters and living here is an enjoyable experience.

Milrose, says: 2020

The Calgary Stampede is just one event where everyone comes to showcase the community spirit and show the world what makes Calgary, Calgary. The ten-day event features a parade, concerts, and rides, attracting over a million visitors a year. Calgary is home to the first Muslim mayor of a large North American city. Calgary is home to the Flames hockey team. Calgarians every year come together, filling up bars, arenas, and living rooms to show their support with cheers and boos. The colours red and white fill the city.

Michael, says: 2020

If you make the decision to live in Calgary, you must be aware of the ever-changing climate. That is to say, you may experience rain one minute and clear skies the next. This unbalanced climate may give you headaches or recurring feelings of fatigue. Thankfully, Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, resulting in very low rates of depression.

Calgary has harsh winters that are usually dry in nature. One should stock up on warm clothes, accessories and footwear. There is public transport that is highly accessible and is free downtown. There is a Tim Hortons and Starbucks around every corner so you will always have a coffee in your hands to combat that extremely cold weather.

Nathalie, says: 2020

Calgary, Alberta, is a beautiful city with rich heart and soul. The city has many old neighborhoods that ooze culture and heritage. For instance, Inglewood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Calgary. An old firehall was redesigned and transformed into a pub called the Hose and Hound. Calgary is full of quirky surprises, and it will always delight with its history.

Nicole, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Calgary should consider the long winters which require appropriate clothing and footwear. one should be mindful of securing the right kind of health coverage essential for unseen medical emergencies. One also should be mindful of the location to be chosen for residence as easy access to public transport is vital for mobility when not in possession of a motor vehicle.

Lesley, says: 2020

When moving to Calgary, know the weather is strange, it starts raining then a couple minutes later its sunny, it starts snowing then a couple hours later it melts. And winters here are very long, cold, and you should be careful of not falling on ice.

Murray, says: 2020

Someone moving to Calgary would surely consider business opportunities that are presented by attending the annual Stampede event. The Stampede is well known on both the international and domestic business landscapes and provides excellent marketing opportunities for companies.

Calgary contains Canada’s cleanest water filtration system. It is home to an event known as the “Stampede”, a summer cowboy-themed event which draws in tourists from all across the globe. Calgary was also the host city for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The Olympic park is still open and used by many Calgarian skiers and snowboarders.

Calgary is a great place. It has several attractions downtown and is only a drive away from breathtaking mountain views. Apart from that, Calgary is a great place. It has the greatest number of sunny days in Canada, the highest minimum wage rate and the lowest GST tax.

Anyone moving to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, should know it can be extremely cold in winter. This could be really unnerving for someone moving from a country with a warmer climate. I really encourage you to not let this influence your decision to move here though, because Calgary is a real great home for families.

Prabhsimran, says: 2020

Calgary is a very large city that is full of life, excitement, and hard working individuals. There are many resources in the community to help newcomers feel welcome, setup for success and prepared for the workforce. When moving to Calgary, ensure you are completely aware of your daily commute to your job; the average time individuals commute to work one way, can span from ten to 45 minutes in total.

Jackie, says: 2020

Calgary is one of the best cities in the province of Alberta. From the recent impact of recession, Calgary stood still and has kept house prices and rent at competitive levels, which is great for newcomers to Calgary. Calgary is growing economically despite of the bad effect of oil and gas downturn. Young professionals find Calgary as much more affordable place compared to other cities.

Arolyn, says: 2020

Calgary Is the world’s cleanest city with a population of more than a million. The cost of considerably lower than other cities of Canada. However, the job market is not at it’s best because economy depends on oil price. All said and done it’s a great place.

Karrilyn, says: 2020

Someone moving to Calgary should know that, this is a beautiful city. Mountain getaways are just hours outside of the city. The city is rich in oil and gas history. anyone moving here should prepare for cold harsh winters as it gets down to negative 40 degree celsius during winter.

Even though Calgary is known as a multicultural society that values respect and tolerance the same as free speech, Calgarians make sure to preserve their history of the early West. Heritage Park is the largest and most successful living history museums in North America, The park depicts events from the early fur trade in the 1800s to the automobile-dominated 1950s.

Tejinder, says: 2020

The temperature can reach minus 40 degrees Celsius in winter and the Chinook winds can rush in any season. Historically, cattle and oil have been the basis for our economy, but this seems to be changing. Wearing cowboy boots may help you fit in, but owning your own horse is optional!

Calgary is a beautiful city, providing newcomers with an abundance of things to do all year. Summers are warm and sunny, with lots of outdoors events to attend. Winters are extremely cold, but if you bundle up there are many fun sports to take part in. Outdoor skating and skiing are only two out of many activities. there are restaurants everywhere, and you can eat your favorite comfort food, or try something new all together.

He must know that my city is one of the most beautiful cities because it contains beautiful landmarks and I love it because its people are very good and that delights the heart. I really recommend visiting or moving to it. There are a lot of bad neighborhoods who are eager to visit it, but the city has many advantages, and this is what makes me love it.

Calgary is a wonderful city providing opportunities for everyone. With spacious parks, this beautiful city houses some of the cleanest spaces in the country. Anyone willing to gain a residence here can easily find a home with some of the bet real estate in the province with reasonable pricing on homes. Additionally, Calgary is relatively crime free and you can live peacefully knowing that you are safe.

Dahlia, says: 2020

Calgary is an extremely populated city, with a population of a little less than 1. five million. With this amount of people, there are a variety of recreational activities and locations a person can attend. Such as, the YMCA, which contains a full gym with multiple workout equipment, a pool area etc.

Louange, says: 2020

Calgary is a wonderful place to raise a family. The city is home to many family-oriented communities, that offer great amenities and schools. Living in Calgary will give your family access to both the perks of a vibrant city center, and the nature found in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Calgary is special in that it has something for everyone!

Delaine, says: 2020

Calgary is in the province of Alberta in Western Canada and is frequently voted as one of the best cities in the world Over one million people call Calgary home, and over one million tourists visit the city every July to attend the Calgary Stampede—known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Winters in Calgary are so cold that there are special walkways between the downtown office buildings, so that people working in the downtown core do not need to go outside to grab something to eat or drink.

Andrew, says: 2020

Calgary is full of aesthetic scenery all around the city. The people here are especially kind and warm-hearted, and every experience you have here will be one of extreme happiness. Calgary is the place if you enjoy sports, meeting new people, and being in a place where loneliness is specifically your choice.

Someone moving to Calgary should know about the Stampede that happens each summer, which is a 10-day western-themed festival featuring a midway, rides, a rodeo, chuck-wagon racing, and much more. Due to the close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys hiking, skiing, and other mountain activities. There are also two rivers for floating, rafting, and canoeing. It would also be important to know Calgary’s transit system is not as robust as other large cities, so it’s important to have a car to get around.

Savannah, says: 2020

Calgary is the city of glory and silence. It’s always growing and moving to more bigger city. The history of this city emphasizes people which help them move along. There is a lot to talk about in this city. The lights at night makes it even more beautiful river view.

Katherine, says: 2020

Calgary is a cold city so anyone moving here for the first time should realize that and be prepared to survive in temperatures that go down to as low as -40 degrees. They should stock up on lotions, winter clothing and must be willing to bear the cold if they wish to live here.

Campbell, says: 2020

The City of Calgary covers a very large area. Stoney Trail has helped the city become faster and easier to get from one side of the city to the other however it has not helped the public transportation problem. As citizens we would like public transportation to be a viable option but for now I would highly recommend having access to your own vehicle unless you are going to live and work in the downtown core.

Chelsea, says: 2020

Calgary is a beautiful city, located only an hour from the Rocky Mountains. It’s a wonderful city if you enjoy taking advantage of outdoor activities. However, take note that winters in Calgary are extremely cold, and lengthy, with temperatures reaching lows of -50 degrees Celsius. To avoid being outside too long, Calgary offers plenty of delicious restaurants, and art galleries to keep you busy during the frigid months.

Candace, says: 2020

Calgary has very cold winters and only two months of summer. An hours drive from the city, you will relish in the view of the mountains and beautiful lakes and breathtaking views while hiking on trails that leads up to the mountains. Calgary is known for its annual Stampede celebration where people from the world over come to celebrate food, horseback riding and a plethora of other fun activities.

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