Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Calgary is a dynamic city located in Alberta, Canada, known for its vibrant culture and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 1.4 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.74 USD. Major banks include Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Telus, and Bell. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Available services from RBC, CIBC, and Scotiabank. Options for digital banking include Wise and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies like Rentfaster. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local property management sites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Calgary Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Calgary and the Beltline offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kensington and Mission are popular areas among digital nomads due to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Platform Calgary offers excellent coworking facilities and innovation support. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe Beano is a popular choice with great coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Calgary Tech Meetup and other local networking groups meet regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Calgary Expats' are active and host various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate widely in Calgary. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikeshare Calgary provides easy bike rental options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bishop's Lake is a scenic nearby water area for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | WestJet and Air Canada service the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada, Delta, and American Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) provides access to other provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Calgary Transit Center serves as the main hub for public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly transit passes are available for CAD 109. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (Via Rail) and buses (Greyhound) operate to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Foothills Medical Centre is the largest hospital in Calgary. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YYC Yoga offers a variety of courses and drop-in sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Major gym chains include GoodLife Fitness and Anytime Fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Fold services are available at various laundromats throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and UberEats are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Alberta beef, known for its high-quality flavor. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Great vegan spots include The Coup and Nourish Bistro. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit Crave Cupcakes for delicious sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Calgary Farmers' Market for fresh foods and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use Amazon and local sites like Well.ca for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Entertainment District has vibrant nightlife, especially along 17th Avenue. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Check out Big Rock Brewery for local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar offers a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Calgary has several street food options like The Big Cheese Food Truck. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | You can find a variety of international cuisines such as Thai, Indian, and Italian throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Calgary Tower offers stunning city views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Glenbow Museum features Alberta's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Heritage Park Historical Village is a must-visit for history lovers. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Cathedral reflects architectural beauty and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Calgary Stampede is an iconic festival held every July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Inglewood is a thriving cultural hotspot with shops and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Arts Commons hosts a variety of performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Calgary Farmers' Market operates year-round. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a vibrant live music scene with venues like The Republik. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city's public art program includes murals and installations in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookbook Co. Cooks offers cooking classes throughout the year. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary Art Gallery showcases local and international art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Calgary Court House is an example of beautiful historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Calgary's heritage is celebrated at various cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fish Creek Provincial Park offers great trails and scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banff National Park is just a short drive away, known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bow River Pathway is a popular route for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points along Memorial Drive offer great river views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Carburn Park is a favorite for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check for regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post, UPS, and FedEx provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Best Buy and local shops like TechShop offer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check community centers for table tennis availability. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Calgary Language Centre offers various language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Calgary Public Library has branches with study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers offer various classes and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Chrome Gaming Lounge hosts gaming events and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Calgary offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 180,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 120,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 252,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 304,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 27% in Alberta. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax on dividends is 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 48%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5%, with provincial sales tax of 0%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in Alberta. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on municipal assessment, varies by location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No provincial property transfer tax in Alberta. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from tax deductions and no capital gains tax until realization. |