Calgary is the largest city/ town in the province of Alberta, Canada, which borders the United States. The province of British Columbia is to the west, Saskatchewan is to the east, and the Northwest Territories to the north. Calgary sits within the prairies just east of the Rocky Mountains, where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet. Well, here’s a guide to living in Calgary. So, make sure you read it till the end!

About Calgary 

Calgary’s population is around 1.3 million, making it the third-largest municipality as well as the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Canada. 

Calgary is larger than Edmonton, i.e., the province’s capital, and is situated about two and a half hours to the north by car. Calgary is a significant urban center for the entire southern half of Alberta and is surrounded by an area of profound natural beauty. 

Moreover, economic activity in Calgary focuses on the petroleum industry, tourism, and agriculture. Alberta has the lion’s share of the oil industry in Canada. Its oil sands are second to Saudi Arabia’s. With its focus on the oil industry and cowboy traditions, Alberta is referred to as the ‘Texas of Canada.’ Also, Calgary is known as the ‘Heart of the New West’. 

What Is The Weather In Calgary? 

Calgary is a mountain city at 1,048 meters above sea level. The climate is quite dry, with low humidity. 

Sitting on the prairies, Calgary is one of Canada’s major cities. Summers can be warm and dry, with temperatures capable of reaching 30 degrees or higher. 

More often than not it is mild, specifically when compared with Canada. Even when it is cold, it is sunny. This can make a living in Calgary an excellent and attractive prospect. Well, there are four seasons in Calgary. 

Winter is quite pleasant, with temperatures staying below -10 degrees for some weeks of the year. Also, Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies makes winter much more pleasant. 

May is a windy month, while June has above-average rainfall. July and August are the warmest months, and September and October often enjoy warm conditions. 

Moreover, Calgary receives low amounts of annual rainfall. Most of its annual precipitation is in the form of snow during the winter months. 

Depending on the year and the frequency of warm Chinook winds, winter snowfall events might remain visible for a few days. Also, August is the most pleasant month in terms of weather. So, if you plan on living in the city year-round, make sure your wardrobe is fit for every season.

Culture Of Calgary 

The next topic in this guide to living in Calgary is its culture. 

Calgary is very diverse. Around one in three people residing in this city were born outside Canada. Its population contains immigrants from outside Canada. Also, there are Indian, Filipino, and Chinese Communities. 

Well, Calgary is also the first choice of ‘second movers’. These are individuals who immigrated to Canada and settled elsewhere before deciding to relocate again. 

In addition, Calgary has a world-class selection of theaters as well as music avenues, like:

  • Jack Singer Concert Hall
  • Theater Calgary 
  • Alberta Theater Projects 
  • Calgary Philanthropic Orchestra 
  • Glenbow Museum

Calgary is also proud of its country music tradition. You are likely to listen to plenty of it if you are living there. Interestingly, many of the radio stations are dedicated to this particular genre.    

In addition, the Calgary Flames, the city’s National Hockey League franchise, are followed and play at the Scotiabank Saddledome downtown. 

The Cost Of Living In Calgary 

There is no dearth of wealth in this city. However, living costs are much lower than those of its coastal neighbor, Vancouver. 

This is because Alberta does not have any sales tax and the price of gasoline and natural gas is also low. The cost of living in Calgary is high as compared to smaller towns around Alberta. However, it’s quite reasonable compared with other Canadian cities.  

Where To Dine Out In Calgary? 

The dining-out alternatives are next in this guide to living in Calgary. 

Calgary has a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Below are a few of them. 

1. Himalayan 

Calgary includes all the tastes of the world. So, you will be able to find excellent meals and, as a result, be reminded of your homeland. Himalayan is a beautiful Nepalese restaurant worth a visit. 

The interiors are beautifully decorated. There are beautiful canvas paintings of traditional Himalayan schemes across the walls. It is a comfortable dining experience, with gentle music tones complementing the excellent food.  

The menu includes a lot of curry and noodle dishes. Also, the Himalayan main dish is a mild, creamy, and tangy alternative that’s well worth sampling. The menu caters to vegetarians, and there is also a great variety of gluten-free options. 

2. Newcastle Pub 

This British pub is located on 17 Ave SW. It is a five-minute drive from the nightlife spots on this famous street and is an excellent place to begin the evening with delicious pub grub at a reasonable price. 

Well, it is a hub for sports fans, too. There are lots of televisions featuring basketball, football, night hockey, etc. There are also excellent value food and drink specials any day of the week. Thus, this is a great place if you wish to treat yourself on a low budget. 

3. The Warehouse 

Stephen’s Avenue is a shopping avenue in downtown Calgary. It is also home to exciting nightlife and dining. The Warehouse is a great place to visit if you are fed up with cooking at home and wish to have an affordable meal. Here, you can try Chaing-Mai Bowl if you are seeking something healthier. This noodle dish contains lots of veggies and greens. 

Also, the place is downtown, which means that it usually has a lively atmosphere in the evenings. The music playlist coming right through the speakers plays hit after hit, and there are great drinks available, too!

4. Oriental Phoenix 

Oriental Phoenix is a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant. The prices of the dishes are quite competitive, depending on what you order. The best things served here include Papaya salad, spring rolls, marinated chicken, marinated pork noodle soup, etc. The last two dishes are served with rice noodles and a chicken-based broth.  

The place has an excellent vibe, so make sure you do not forget to visit it!

5. Original Joe’s 

Original Joe’s has restaurants spread across the city and is a very popular place for good food and drinks. Interestingly, on Friday evening, it is one of the best places to be, with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. 

Moreover, Original Joe’s has a wide menu, ranging from burgers to bread to noodle bowls and much more. They also have plenty of tasty specials every day on both drinks and food, thus making it an excellent alternative for people of all budgets. 

Conclusion 

This guide to living in Calgary contains almost all the information that you might need before moving. 

Well, the city of Calgary offers a vivid blend of urban convenience and outdoor adventure. With its stunning backdrop of the Rockies, the city offers a high quality of life, great healthcare, and a thriving economy driven by various industries. Moreover, Calgary’s diverse neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles, i.e., from busting downtown living to tranquil suburban communities. 

Residents enjoy a rich cultural scene, renowned dining alternatives, and numerous outdoor activities year-round. Whether you like its economic opportunities or picturesque landscapes, the city welcomes you with its friendly charm and boundless possibilities. 

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