Calgary, Alberta, known as “Cowtown,” is a cosmopolitan city with a strong connection to its wild West heritage.
It is also Canada’s energy center and offers the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Even in the urban area, Calgary is famous for its wide open spaces and natural beauty, with green parks and walkways in the downtown core.
This city is a great place to live for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a variety of entertainment options.
Families will find something for everyone to enjoy as well. With its sprawling skyscrapers, Calgary is an energetic place to live and work.
Geographically, Calgary is situated at the intersection of the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Prairies, making it a transportation hub and giving it an economic advantage due to its proximity to major natural resources. The city’s name comes from the word used by local tribes to describe a place that “cleaves” or “breaks” the land.
Calgary’s climate is characterized as a prairie-steppe climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The rocky landscape of the area was formed by glacial lake silts deposited as the Ice Sheets receded thousands of years ago.
Despite its reputation as an energy capital, Calgary offers plenty of outdoor attractions. Its location between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the prairies provides easy access to hiking and other activities in Alberta’s parks and national forests. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Calgary Tower, which is especially stunning at night.
The city’s economy is based on oil and gas, with a strong presence in the financial services sector. Agribusiness, construction, manufacturing, and energy also contribute to the economy. Calgary’s cowboy culture, reflected in rodeos and the annual Calgary Stampede, is a nod to its frontier settlement and ranching history. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with symphonies, opera companies, and theater companies.
Calgary is known for its cultural diversity, with over 165 languages spoken and a range of festivals celebrating music, food, cultures, and films throughout the year. The city is home to the largest urban park system in North America, offering over 500 km of pathways, ski trails, and bikeways for outdoor recreation. In addition to its economic diversity, Calgary is attracting business investment from around the world.
Getting to Calgary is convenient, as the city has two international airports. Once in Alberta, several highways provide easy access to Calgary. Exploring the city’s historic districts is a must, as they showcase its long and colorful history. From the interactive National Music Centre to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, there are numerous sites to learn about ancient cultures. The Heritage Park Historical Village is Canada’s largest living museum.
Calgary’s culture is as diverse as its landscape, with a thriving cultural sector including opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, theater groups, and public museums and art galleries. The city’s cosmopolitan culture is influenced by its prairie and mountain identity. Calgary embraces sports, particularly winter sports, as demonstrated by its hockey team, the Calgary Flames, and its hosting of the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The city’s natural beauty is evident even in the urban area, with green parks and walkways. The iconic Calgary Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the downtown streets and surrounding mountains. Fish Creek Provincial Park, located just minutes from downtown, offers a wilderness escape for hikers and birdwatchers, as well as opportunities for picnics and river dips in the summer.