Considering moving to Calgary and wondering what it’s all about? It is definitely more than just cowboy boots and the two step. Although, there is plenty of that! With 1.3 million people, Calgary is the third largest city in Canada and is growing at a rapid rate. A lively and active city in Alberta, many are drawn to this urban center.

Here are a few things we think you should know about living in Calgary. 

People 

Approximately, 1 in 3 people in Calgary were born outside of Canada. Many immigrants chose to come to Calgary because of the strong oil and agriculture industry. There are large Indian, Chinese, and Filipino communities within the city. Calgary is quite the diverse city and has one of the highest rates of visible minorities in Canada. With over 200 ethnic backgrounds and over 120 languages spoken in the city Calgary is a vibrant and dynamic city 

Weather 

Situated in Southern Alberta, Calgary is known to have a prairie-steppe climate. What the heck is that? A prairie-steppe climate favours dry sunny weather, including in the winter, and has little rainfall. Fun fact, Calgary experiences more days of sun than any other city in Canada. We’ll take it! While not far from mountains, Calgary is still considered to be in the prairies which leaves for some rather windy days. In the winter Calgary is known to experience Chinooks, which are warm winds that come off of the mountains. These Chinooks can raise the temperature as much as 20 degrees within an hour!

Lifestyle 

Calgarians are often known to be people who are quite community and family oriented, and love spending time out in nature. And who can blame them? As the gateway to the mountains, Calgary is roughly just an hour away from the Rocky Mountains, and numerous hikes and trails to explore. Along with many world-known skiing options, Calgary is accessible to it all. Calgary makes it extremely easy to spend time outside and stay active, all while enjoying some of the best views Canada has to offer. Majestic views aside, life in Calgary is pretty awesome. With a thriving arts and culture scene, a loyal following for their sports teams, and numerous recreational opportunities, there is always something to enjoy. Calgary truly offers an enviable lifestyle. 

Events 

We can’t talk about events in Calgary without talking about the stampede. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you haven’t. But one thing is for sure, the Calgary Stampede is where it’s at! The Calgary Stampede takes place every July and brings in over one million cowboy boot wearing, two-step stepping, and rodeo loving folks into the city. The stampede is 10 days of midway rides, music, food, dancing, agriculture competitions, and a whole lot of community spirit. When the stampede is in town, you will know. The whole city participates and supports this widely known and loved celebration of western heritage. Calgary also hosts several other events and festivals that will keep anyone’s social calendar full. Some Calgarian favourites include the International Beerfest, the lilac festival, and the Fiesta Filipino YYC. There are numerous events taking place regularly that showcase and celebrate the community spirit that Calgary prides itself in. 

Work

Many people know Calgary for its gas, oil, energy, and agriculture economy. And for that reason, many people find themselves in Calgary for jobs in these sectors. Calgary is known for large employers in the gas and oil industry and can see fluctuations in the economy based on the performance of these industries. Agriculture has also been a linchpin to the Alberta economy and employs many people. Another fun fact about Calgary is that it has the most corporate head offices per capita than any other city in Canada and is leading the way in many public and private sectors. An innovative hub with hundreds of start-ups, Calgary is stoking the flame for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Due to many thriving sectors, salaries in Calgary are above the average Canadian salary. Just another major appeal of the city. 

Education

Being the third largest city in Canada, Calgary is often a popular choice for many people looking to attend post-secondary school. The University of Calgary is the largest school in the city with over 30,000 students. Other schools in the city include Mount Royal University, SAIT Polytechnic, Bow Valley College, Alberta College of Art, and Design. Calgary is filled with students and with it comes a buzzing in the streets and an undeniable energy. 

Cost of Living 

Cost of living in Calgary is considered to be fairly reasonable when it comes to big city living in Canada. Calgary provides quite the bang for its buck. Many people find themselves favouring condos as a way to affordably capitalize on city living. Also worth noting, Alberta has some of the lowest provincial and personal income taxes in the country. Something you may want to factor into your cost of living in Calgary is a vehicle. Unlike many other large cities, Calgary’s transport system is not heavily favoured, and many recommend personal transportation to get around the sprawled-out city. Overall, Calgary is cheaper in comparison to many other large cities like Toronto, or its west coast neighbour Vancouver, and many people find themselves here for that reason.