Are you currently living in Toronto (or the GTA) and are thinking about making the move to Calgary, Alberta? You’re not alone! Over the past few years, Calgary has been one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, with many new residents specifically arriving from the Toronto area.

There’s a lot to love about life in Calgary, and while the city has plenty in common with Toronto, there are a handful of differences too. So, if you’re thinking about heading west, you’ll want to have an idea of what you can (and can’t) expect from living in Calgary.

In this blog, I’ll cover three big differences between Calgary and Toronto that you should be aware of before you move.

Want to know more about why people are flocking to Calgary from the GTA? Click here to read my article on the topic!

How Different is Calgary From Toronto?

No two cities are exactly alike – including Calgary and Toronto. Both places have a unique list of pros and cons and will be suitable (or not so suitable) for you in their own way. That said, Calgary and Toronto have more in common than many relocators realize. So, before highlighting the differences, I thought it would be important to highlight some similarities too.

What Do Calgary & Toronto Have in Common?

  • Calgary and Toronto are major cities with substantial populations well north of a million.
  • Both Calgary (3rd) and Toronto (1st) rank among Canada’s most culturally diverse cities, with close to two hundred languages being spoken in either place.
  • Calgary and Toronto have strong, robust economies with a dynamic range of job opportunities.
  • Calgary and Toronto offer a high quality of life with plenty of cultural amenities, entertainment and nightlife, leisure and recreational centres, and more.

Thinking about moving to Calgary? Have a look at these related blogs for helpful tips!

Calgary Vs Toronto: 3 Big Differences

1. The Space

One of the first things you’ll notice about Calgary is that it feels much more spacious. Because the city was built and developed more recently, Calgary’s residential communities are less dense than Toronto’s. As a result, Calgary’s homes are usually a little larger on average and come with more yard space compared to real estate in central Toronto.

In other words, Calgary feels comparatively less crowded despite its big city status. In addition to the layout of the city itself, you can also feel the lesser density while you’re moving around Calgary. While Toronto is famous for its traffic congestion, travelling by car in Calgary is usually easy and efficient.

2. The City Layout & Getting Around

On that note, another one of the major differences between Calgary and Toronto is how people get around. In Toronto, public transit is quite extensive. Along with local buses, streetcars, and subways, there are commuter trains that reach all the way out to the suburbs. As a result, many Torontoians live car-free or at the very least choose to commute by transit.

While Calagry does have a fairly robust public transit network, the coverage and level of service are much different than in Toronto. With that in mind, if you’re moving to Calgary and will be relying on transit for getting around, you’ll want to start your home search in the city’s most transit-friendly communities.

3. The Nature

Finally, one of the most notable differences between Calgary and Toronto is the nature. As one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the world, the opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, and all other kinds of outdoor activities are truly endless in Calgary.

While there are a few provincial parks within a short drive from Toronto, it’s tough to beat the stunning Rocky Mountains which are only an hour’s drive from Calgary. Not to mention Banff National Park Yoho National Park, Kananaskis Country, and even Jasper National Park which are all a short distance from the city. Put simply, Calgarians have easy access to some of the most spectacular outdoor destinations in North America right at their doorstep.

Curious about Calgary’s selection of neighbourhoods and communities? Check out these related blogs next.

Moving to Calgary? I Can Help

If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary, you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate team that specializes in supporting relocators – like us!

Dolce Real Estate Group offers specialized, end-to-end support for relocators. Whether you’re moving to Calgary from Toronto, elsewhere in Canada or around the world, we’ll help you find a great home in a neighbourhood that you love. After your move, we’ll keep in touch to ensure you make a smooth transition to your new city.

Thinking about moving to Calgary? As relocation specialists, we can help! Call 587.229.7108 to reach us or click to send us an email.

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