Lifestyle in Calgary

Life in Calgary is centred more on outdoor recreation than urban entertainment. With over 8,000 hectares of green space, Calgary is perfect for nature lovers. The best part is that all the outdoor activities are a quick drive from the city, so it’s easy to see why the city is becoming an increasingly popular choice among newcomers.

Outdoor and sports activities in Calgary

Outdoor and sports activities in Calgary are largely defined by the city’s proximity to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Just 50 miles (80km) from downtown Calgary, the Rockies are celebrated worldwide for their pristine beauty and the diverse range of activities available on the mountain’s snowy peaks. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but if you want to relax and soak up the alpine atmosphere, there are plenty of resort towns to explore.

Calgary’s outdoor scene has expanded, with several new activities gaining popularity. Urban hiking on inner-city trails offers an accessible nature experience without leaving the city. The Bow River has also become a hotspot for river surfing enthusiasts, offering a unique way to enjoy the water right in town. For cycling lovers, winter fat biking on the snow-covered trails is gaining a following, adding a new dimension to Calgary’s winter sports.

Be sure not to miss Lake Moraine – a turquoise-blue body of water hemmed in by towering pine trees. In the warm summer months, you can enjoy fishing on the gorgeous Bow River, go horse riding, or take to the mountain biking trails.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Canada Olympic Park offers plenty of space and expert coaching on the slopes for novices. If you prefer to remain a spectator, supporting the Calgary Flames or the Calgary Stampeders at their annual hockey and football games is always a thrill.

Entertainment and eating out in Calgary

Alberta’s reputation as the ‘most American’ Canadian province has shaped entertainment and eating out in Calgary. A key part of the lifestyle in Calgary involves taking pride in the city’s frontier history, which explains the abundance of rodeo shows, steakhouses, and ‘Western wear’ outlets.

Calgary is not well known for its culinary exploits, but there are a few restaurants worth noting, and most are concentrated in three main areas: Prince’s Island’s Eau Claire district, 4th Street and 17th Avenue Mission district, and the downtown area, including Chinatown, International Avenue, and the Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall.

Shopping in Calgary

Calgary offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern malls to quirky curio shops along International Avenue. A highlight is the weekly Calgary Farmers’ Market, where you can find unique local products like bison sausage, elk steaks, artisanal bread, and fresh dairy items. There is also a growing interest in pop-up markets and community-driven retail experiences that bring local artisans and producers into the spotlight.

Calgary’s retail offering has seen significant developments. Township Shopping Centre along MacLeod Trail offers a mix of retail, dining, healthcare, and fitness facilities, making it an all-inclusive destination for all your needs. Additionally, Calgary Farmers’ Market West, located in the northwest, has expanded the city’s market scene with vendors offering local produce, artisanal foods, and international fare.

While the lifestyle in Calgary does not necessarily cater to shopaholics, if you need retail therapy, you will be happy to know that the West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America, is only a three-hour drive away.

Kids and family in Calgary

Kids and families in Calgary face some challenges, particularly when it comes to the cost and availability of childcare, which can be quite costly and in short supply. Many parents in Calgary find themselves in the same boat, leading to the creation of extensive support networks throughout the city. You can set up lift clubs, join playgroups, or get involved in babysitting clubs to ease the hassle of shuttling kids around. The Calgary Public Library also offers a wonderful array of resources, with preschool programmes such as story time and finger painting sessions.

Recent initiatives have aimed to improve childcare accessibility and affordability. The Alberta government has introduced the Affordability Grant aimed at reducing parent fees for childcare to make it more affordable. Additionally, the Infant Care Incentive provides extra financial support to childcare programmes catering to infants, helping ease the burden for parents with babies.

If you are moving to Calgary with children, the well-established support group, Parents and Children Together (PACT), is an excellent resource for meeting other parents. Other community organisations like the Family Resource Network and the Children’s Cottage Society offer programmes and support for families, ensuring parents have a network they can turn to when needed.

Useful links

• Calgary Public Library
• Parents and Children Together (PACT)
• Family Resource Network
• Children’s Cottage Society

See and do in Calgary

There is so much to see and do in Calgary that it’s hard to know where to begin. The city’s mix of attractions offers something for everyone, from cultural landmarks to fun-filled parks. Below are some of the city’s best attractions to visit.

Calgary Tower

Calgary Tower is an iconic landmark, providing panoramic views from its revolving restaurant and glass-floored observation deck.

Heritage Park Historical Village

Set on 127 acres of parkland and located 15 minutes from Calgary’s city centre, Heritage Park Historical Village is a ‘living history village’ comprised of over 150 exhibitions showcasing life in Alberta during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Canada Olympic Park

Canada Olympic Park, once a major venue during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, now hosts skiing and snowboarding programmes every winter and also houses the Canada Sports Hall of Fame. The park also offers guided tours that provide insight into Calgary’s sporting legacy.

Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo, Canada’s second-largest zoo, is home to more than a thousand animal species from around the world, as well as a variety of fish and insects in natural habitat enclosures. It also features a prehistoric park with life-size animatronic dinosaurs on display, guaranteeing a full day of fun for the whole family.

Calaway Park

Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park, Calaway Park, remains a favourite for children and adults alike. Open throughout the summer, it offers exciting rides and rollercoasters, live magic shows, and musical performances, making it a perfect family outing.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

A ‘buffalo jump’ is a ledge of rock traditionally used to steer stampeding buffaloes to their fate. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that proudly displays exhibitions that tell the story of the Blackfoot people, the original inhabitants of the Great Plains region of southern Alberta.

Meeting people and making friends in Calgary

Calgary is a friendly city, and meeting people here is often as simple as getting involved in local events and activities. Community festivals, farmer's markets, and cultural events are great opportunities to make connections. Many residents join local clubs or participate in group fitness activities, such as running groups or yoga in the park, which are popular among newcomers.

Platforms like Meetup host numerous groups catering to diverse interests, from language exchanges to outdoor activities, making it easy to meet like-minded individuals. Social mixers provide a structured way to meet others and engage in cultural exchanges. Participating in community classes, like cooking or art workshops, also offers fantastic opportunities to learn new skills while connecting with others.

Expanding your social circle can also mean joining professional networks or volunteering, both of which are great ways to meet like-minded individuals while giving back to the community.

Useful links

• Meetup – Calgary Groups
• FriendMatch – Find Friends in Calgary
• YMCA Calgary
• Volunteer Connector – Calgary