While Calgary might not be the most famous city in the world, it is known for a few things. However, there are also parts of Calgary that aren’t so well known – especially among those who don’t live here or have never visited. 

If you’re thinking about moving here, you’ll want to have a more complete picture of what the city is actually like, and whether Calgary is right for you. We’re here to help.

In this blog, we’ll talk about what Calgary is famous for. We’ll also highlight a few things about the city that you may not know! 

What is Calgary Known For?

The Western Spirit 

You don’t get the nickname ‘Cowtown’ without having strong Western roots, and Calgary is known around the world for its cowboy culture. 

A big part of Calgary’s long-standing Western tradition is the Calgary Stampede, an annual outdoor show complete with a professional rodeo, chuckwagon races, classic midway rides and games, nightly firework shows, concerts, pancake breakfasts, and more! Whether you’re relocating here or are simply looking to explore Calgary, it’s a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

A Gateway to the Mountains 

Located right next door to the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, Calgary is famous for its incredible landscapes and scenery. 

Whether you’re into hiking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, all of the above, or something else, living in Calgary means having year-round access to nearly all the exciting outdoor activities you can imagine. 

Amazing (and Affordable) Homes & Neighbourhoods

With housing prices being higher in other parts of the country, Calgary real estate has developed a reputation for accessibility and affordability. Although pricing trends differ based on where you are in the city, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options for most buyers. 

On top of having affordable homes, Calgary’s overall cost of living can be quite low, especially compared to some other major Canadian cities. Essential expenses such as groceries, transportation costs and entertainment are often more manageable. A big part of this is the fact that Alberta doesn’t have a provincial sales tax – making everyday purchases easier on your wallet. 

That being said, property values in Calgary have gone up nicely in recent years. Although homes are still more affordable compared to other markets in Canada, Calgary real estate isn’t undervalued. If you’re moving to the city and expecting to find your dream home for next to nothing, you may want to adjust your expectations. 

What Food is Calgary Known For?

One of the best things to do in Calgary is eat. In the culinary world, Calgary is probably best known for Alberta beef, and there are a number of fantastic, award-winning steakhouses across the city. However, not many people know that a few famous foods were actually invented in Calgary, like the Ceaser and Ginger Beef. Plus, as a multicultural city, you can find almost any kind of cuisine from around the world here.

Calgary also has a great brewing scene, with more than 40 different craft breweries!

Thinking about moving to Calgary? You may find these other blogs helpful!

What You Might Not Know About Calgary

It’s (Really) Big  

As real estate agents who often work with incoming relocators, we occasionally meet people who assume that Calgary is a small or midsize city. Sure, it’s not as big as Toronto, but it’s still a major city in its own right. 

Calgary may be proud of its prairie roots, but it’s far from rural. Calgary and the surrounding suburbs are home to almost 2 million people – and it’s still growing. This makes Calgary the second-largest city in Western Canada, behind Vancouver. With this size comes many things you would expect from a big city, like walkable and transit-friendly neighbourhoods, entertainment venues, major sports teams, top-ranked universities, and more.   

The Winters Aren’t That Bad

Alberta winters often get a bad rap. Don’t get us wrong, it can get cold in Calgary. However, the weather isn’t as bad as a lot of people think. 

Calgary’s spring, summer, and fall seasons are often warm and dry. While winters can be cold, warm Chinooks often break up cold spells. Beyond just temperature, Calgary is also one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with over 2,300 hours of sunshine on average every year.  

It’s One of Canada’s Most Diverse Cities 

Just like Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary’s population is remarkably diverse and multicultural. There are currently more than 170 languages spoken across the city, contributing to Calgary’s rich cultural tapestry and making the city a great place to live. 

Calgary is also a very welcoming place, with a strong local spirit and small-town feel. Most Calgarians take the time to get to know their neighbours, creating close-knit, down-to-earth communities.  

It’s a Hub of Arts & Culture 

Another thing about Calgary that might surprise you is that it’s a major hub of arts and culture, with all kinds of theatres, museums, galleries, and studios around town. There are also plenty of Calgary events, such two of the most celebrated music festivals in Canada which Calgary hosts; the Calgary Folk Music Festival, which takes place on Prince’s Island Park and Sled Island, which is a great place to catch up-and-coming artists before they make it big! 

Curious about how life in Calgary shakes up compared to other Canadian cities? Explore these blogs next. 

Moving to Calgary? We Can Help!

Thinking about moving to Calgary? You’ll want to work with a real estate agent who specializes in supporting relocators. Like us – Dolce Real Estate.

With multiple decades of combined experience in Calgary’s evolving market, our dynamic services for relocators have stood the test of time. Regardless of where you may be moving from, and what you would like your life in Calgary to look like, we can help you find a great home. 

Moving to Calgary? We can help! Call 403-999-5882 or send us an email at info@dolcerealestate.ca.

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