Visitor’s Guide for Travellers and Digital Nomads
Canada’s “Gateway to the Rocky Mountains”, this fast growing city has a population over 1.6 million. Otherwise known as “Cowtown”, Calgary boasts rugged, western culture (made famous by the legendary Calgary Stampede). While English is dominant, the city is highly multicultural. While downtown is walkable, a car is necessary in the suburbs.
Top attractions
Calgary Stampede
Description here
Heritage Park Calgary
Description here
Calgary Zoo
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Calgary Tower
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Bow River
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Connectivity
- Internet speed is fast (slower in rural areas)
- Wi-fi available
- Mobile connectivity (good but depends on carrier)
- Expect less connectivity in the mountains
Finances
- Cost of living: affordable
- Payments: cards widely accepted, cash widely accepted (but declining)
- Digital payments: with Interac e-Transfer are very popular when paying individuals and small businesses
Good to know …
Air quality
Good
Climate classification
Dwb
Warm-summer continental
Warm, wet summers with cold, dry (but highly variable) winters thanks to warm, dry chinook winds
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Type A: Two flat parallel prongs
Type B: Two flat parallel prongs + one round ground pin (most common)
Health
Public health care is available for citizens and permanent residents via AHCIP
Travel insurance is needed
Transport
- Walkability (good downtown )
- Bikeability (ok)
- Taxi’s / rideshare are available
- Public transport: Calgary Transit and CTrain (good, but limited)
- Airport link train: none, ___ bus connects to LRT
- Regional and intercity connections: Limited, mainly intercity buses
- Car rental (recommended as public transportation with CTrain LRT is limited)
Pros
- Affordable
- Friendly, welcoming city
- Extensive parkland
- Proximity to the Rocky Mountains (~3 hour drive)
Cons
- No central transport hub
- Long, cold winters
- Downtown safety