Calgary, Canada π¨π¦
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Calgary, Alberta, Canada is known for its vibrant culture and proximity to the Canadian Rockies. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 1.3 million |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | CAD is the local currency. 1 CAD β 0.75 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and considered high-quality. |
π Power | 120V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Available from Telus, Rogers, and Bell. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common options include TD Canada Trust and RBC. Revolut is also accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, long-term rentals, and hotels. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most establishments. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like HI Calgary City Centre offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Station Cowork - offers flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters - known for great coffee and a work-friendly atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Calgary Networking events hosted on platforms like Meetup. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Calgary Expats Facebook Group for community events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Calgary. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike-sharing services are available through Lime and Donkey. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Sandy Beach, a city park with river access, is about 15 mins away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | WestJet Airlines operates multiple routes. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Canada, British Airways, and Delta operate international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides excellent regional access. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Calgary Transit Centre serves as the main hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes cost approximately CAD 109. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services through Greyhound connect to surrounding areas. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Foothills Medical Centre is the largest hospital in Calgary. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Studio offers various classes and workshops. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness has multiple locations across Calgary. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromats like Laundry Lounge provide self-service options. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and UberEats offer food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Alberta Beef, renowned for its quality. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Coup is a popular choice for plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Made by Marcus offers artisanal ice cream. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Calgary Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca delivers to Calgary with various options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Amazon Fresh offer grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Calgary downtown area, particularly 17th Avenue, is popular for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Brewsters Brewing Company specializes in local craft beer. |
π· Wine Bars | Winebar is a quaint spot known for its extensive wine selection. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Check out the Calgary Night Market for local vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Foreign restaurants like Una Pizza + Wine serve diverse dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Calgary Tower and Heritage Park Historical Village. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Glenbow Museum features art and culture exhibitions. |
π° Historical Sites | Fort Calgary is a significant historical landmark. |
π Religious Sites | St. Mary's Cathedral is an architectural gem. |
π Annual Events | The Calgary Stampede, held every July, is a must-see. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Inglewood features unique shops and art galleries. |
π Theater Venues | The Arts Commons hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Calgary Farmers' Market is popular for local produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Nashville North offers live music, particularly during the Stampede. |
π¨ Street Art | Visit the Beltline for vibrant murals. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Cookbook Co. Cooks offers fun classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of Calgary showcases contemporary art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The City Hall is an iconic historical structure. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The cityβs heritage is showcased in Calgary's many festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Fish Creek Provincial Park is a large urban park nearby. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Banff National Park is about 1.5 hours away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bow River Pathway offers scenic views for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The views from Calgary Tower are breathtaking. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Weaselhead Natural Area is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Fish Creek Park allow campfires in designated zones. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide comprehensive delivery options. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech Support Calgary offers reliable device repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Range of ping pong clubs and recreational centers offer tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Calgary Language College offers courses in various languages. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Calgary Public Library has modern branches ideal for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Calgary YMCA offers various community programs. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Pavilion offers a space for both casual and competitive gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Grey Eagle Resort & Casino is a well-known gaming venue. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CAD 180,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CAD 128,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CAD 240,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CAD 180,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CAD 304,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CAD 224,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 12% corporate tax rate in Alberta. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for dividends paid to Canadian residents. |
π¦ Tax System | Canadian residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 48% in Alberta for high-income earners. |
π§Ύ VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 5%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has specific CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of the property. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Land Transfer Tax varies by municipality, typically around 0.5% to 2%. |