4 Reasons People Say They Wouldn’t Move To Calgary … and why they should think twice

by doug hayden

CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA’S ENERGY CAPITAL, is a beautiful and dynamic city with a rich western cultural heritage and a thriving economy. However, despite its many positive attributes, some people hesitate to move to Calgary for various reasons.

Let’s take a closer look at four of the most common reasons people say they would never move to Calgary: And here they are in no particular order, Cold Weather, Bad Driving Conditions, Not a lot of Jobs, and Nothing to Do

Before we dive in and address each of these perceived issues, let’s keep in mind that this comes from people that have never visited Calgary or, at best, went in the winter for some reason or other and didn’t stay long. Also, Calgary was again named one of the top 5 Cities to Live in on the Planet by Moneywise magazine!

If you live in Calgary, you know there is a thriving culture for almost every pallet, whether family or young singles. Calgary has a lot going for it - offering residents and visitors many opportunities to experience. Calgary truly has everything from its delicious cuisine and award-winning restaurants to its exciting outdoor activities and Canada Olympic Park.

Speaking of great food, Calgary is home to many of the best restaurants in Canada, serving up a diverse range of cuisine from around the world and, more importantly, from a tremendous domestic menu specializing in locally grown. You’ll find it all in Calgary, whether you’re in the mood for Bar-B-Q, Breakfast, sushi, Italian, fine dinning, or good old-fashioned Canadian beef burger. The city also has a thriving cocktail scene, with numerous craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Calgary is also a city that values its cultural heritage and is home to a thriving arts scene. The city is home to numerous theatres, galleries, and museums, showcasing what this city offers in terms of music, visual arts, and performance. The city is also home to the famous Calgary Stampede, a ten-day event celebrating its Western heritage and is known for its rodeos, concerts, and fairs.

Thanks to the Olympics, everyone knows Calgary is a city where winter is made fun. The reality is that Calgary is a year-round city with something to offer every season. In the summer, residents and visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, camping, and fishing in the nearby mountains and parks. Not to mention all the Provincial and National Parks you can visit, all within a 2-hour drive. The winter months are also packed with fun, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, and all the winter festivals in the city and its surrounding areas.

Previous page, from top to bottom: Peace Bridge

Canada Olympic Park

From top to bottom: Calgary’s +15 system

Stephen Avenue Walk Downtown Center Street Bridge

Calgary’s downtown area is a hub of activity, offering residents and visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience the best of what this city offers. The downtown is home to numerous shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and a thriving nightlife scene.

There is one aspect of Calgary’s Downtown that you won’t find anywhere else in the world: the plus 15. The Plus 15 is an innovative and unique public walkway system, a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges connecting downtown buildings.

The Plus 15 system was first introduced in the 1970s to connect the city’s buildings and provide a protected and convenient way for pedestrians to navigate the city’s downtown area. Over the years, the system has grown to include over 16 kilometres of bridges, all connecting more than 80 buildings in the downtown area.

The bridges are enclosed, and climate controlled, making it possible for people to walk from building to building in comfort and safety, no matter the weather. The bridges are connected to major shopping centers, offices, and transportation hubs, making it easy and efficient for people to access the city’s many amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

The system is its own community and has become a hub of activity in its own right and a great place to visit for residents and visitors alike, making it an essential part of what makes Calgary a unique and vibrant place to live and work.

So, let’s now address those four common perceptions that hold folks back from thinking they would not want to live in Calgary.

Calgary is known for its long, cold winters, which can be a turn-off for some people. While the cold weather can be a challenge, it also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. But here’s the thing: although severe, cold snaps in Calgary do not last long. What replaces those cold snaps is what all Calgarians know as Chinooks.

Chinook is an indigenous word meaning Snow Eater. And that is what this Warm Westerly wind is, a snow eater as temperatures often climb above 10 degrees Celsius (50 F) for weeks, making for very pleasant sun-filled days. Speaking of Sun, Calgary gets more hours of Sunlight than any other major Canadian city. Additionally, the city is equipped with top-notch heated indoor spaces, and residents have access to many indoor amenities and activities, making it possible to enjoy the winter months to the fullest.

Calgary’s winter weather can make for challenging driving conditions. This is a real and valid concern. For the most part, Calgary roads are clear thanks to the Chinooks, and anyone living anywhere in Canada needs to have All Weather tires at a minimum on their vehicles. However, the city has a wellmaintained road network, and drivers are well-prepared for the winter weather, so you don’t have to worry about getting around. In addition, public transportation is accessible and affordable, making it possible to avoid driving altogether.

Some may believe that no jobs are available in Calgary, but this isn’t the case. The city has a thriving economy and a diverse job market, with many opportunities in industries such as energy, tourism, finance, aviation, forestry, technology, and healthcare. Additionally, Alberta has a relatively low unemployment rate and lower taxes (no provincial sales tax), making it a great place to start or grow your career.

Finally, some people may think there’s nothing to do in Calgary, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The city offers various cultural, recreational, and entertainment options, including world-class museums, art galleries, theatres, and sports venues. Whether looking for a night out on the town, a quick trip to Banff, or a quiet evening at home, you’ll always have things to do in Calgary.

Calgary is a city with a vibrant culture, offering residents and visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience the best of what this city offers. From its delicious cuisine to its exciting outdoor activities, Calgary has it all, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience all the exceptional city offers. With all these opportunities and potential, it’s well worth considering Calgary for those looking to start a new chapter in their life.

Top: Spruce Meadows

Left: Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Races

Right: Chinook Blast Festival