Calgary: a Modern Metropolis with a Western Spirit
From cowboy traditions to modern opportunities: how one of Canada's fastest-growing cities blends rich heritage with dynamic growth.
Calgary is one of Canada's largest cities, located in southern Alberta. With over 1.6 million residents, it's a major economic and cultural hub. As the administrative and financial capital of Canada's oil industry, Calgary holds a special place on the map, blending rich history, modern achievements, and unique natural beauty.
Here, skyscrapers rise from the prairies, with the Rocky Mountains visible on the horizon. Calgary is where oil tycoons in expensive suits mingle with cowboys in worn jeans, and the aroma of barbecue mixes with freshly brewed lattes.
Location and Climate
Calgary sits on the western edge of the Great Plains, at the foot of the majestic Canadian Rockies, just 100 kilometers east of them. This location gives the city a special atmosphere and unique landscape, setting it apart from other prairie cities. Calgary is surrounded by scenic valleys and hills, contrasting sharply with the flat prairie landscapes.
Calgary's climate is known for its unpredictable nature and sudden temperature changes. Average winter temperatures range from -5°C to -15°C, but due to warm western winds called chinooks, temperatures can suddenly rise to +10°C or higher even in mid-winter. Chinooks are warm, dry winds that bring rapid warming, sometimes within hours. These winds help melt snow and create brief periods of mild weather in winter.
Summers in Calgary are warm and relatively short. Average daytime temperatures in summer range from +20°C to +25°C, though some days can see temperatures above +30°C. Calgary's summers are very sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The city gets an average of 2,396 hours of sunshine annually, making it Canada's sunniest major city.
Historical Heritage
Calgary's history begins in 1875, when a North-West Mounted Police post was established where the city now stands. The police's main task then was to maintain order in a region known for illegal whiskey trading.
A crucial boost to Calgary's development came in 1883 when it was chosen as a station for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Canada's first national railway. The railway connected Calgary to other parts of the country, leading to rapid population growth and economic development. The CPR also played a key role in promoting agricultural land in the region, attracting thousands of farmers, and helping develop Calgary as an important agricultural and trade center.
Economic Development
Calgary became a key player in Canada's oil industry after natural gas fields were discovered in Turner Valley in 1914. This event attracted significant investment and led to the construction of the first oil refineries in the region. Soon, Calgary became home to many oil company headquarters, cementing its status as the business center of Canada's oil industry.
Calgary has also developed industries such as finance, insurance, transportation, as well as food processing and manufacturing. The city attracts major companies and professionals from across Canada and beyond, contributing to its continued growth and prosperity.
Culture and City Life
Calgary is a city where culture and active living are closely intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere. Cultural life in Calgary is diverse and includes many events and traditions reflecting both Western cowboy heritage and the influence of the many ethnic groups living in the city.
The annual Calgary Stampede, which attracts over a million visitors, is the central event celebrating the city's cowboy culture. This festival combines rodeo, music concerts, parades, and other events, becoming a symbol of Calgary.
Besides the Stampede, the city is known for its cultural institutions, such as the Glenbow Museum and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, offering residents and tourists a rich choice of artistic and musical events. The International Film Festival and other cultural events highlight the city's multicultural character.
Calgary's diverse population actively participates in cultural life, bringing a variety of culinary and festive traditions, making the city truly cosmopolitan. City initiatives support cultural development, making it accessible to all segments of society and creating favorable conditions for local talent growth.
Calgary Attractions
Calgary boasts many attractions that draw tourists from around the world. The Calgary Tower, one of the city's most iconic structures, offers stunning views of the cityscape and surrounding Rocky Mountains. The Glenbow Museum, one of Canada's largest museums, houses extensive collections of art and historical artifacts, introducing visitors to the region's culture and history.
The Calgary Zoo is also one of the city's main attractions. It's one of North America's best zoos, known for its efforts in conserving rare animal species and environmental initiatives. Another popular spot is Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada's largest living history museum, where you can see how people lived in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s.
The Bow River, flowing through Calgary, is an important natural resource and a popular recreation spot. Here you can fish, go rafting, or simply stroll through the scenic parks along the river. Additionally, the Canada Olympic Park sports complex offers opportunities for winter and summer sports.
Education
Education in Calgary plays an important role in city life and offers residents and newcomers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The city is renowned for its educational institutions, from elementary and secondary schools to vocational colleges and universities.
Calgary's school system includes both public and private schools, offering education in English and French. Schools in the city adhere to high educational standards and actively participate in various programs aimed at developing students' academic and creative abilities. Among Calgary's most famous schools is Western Canada High School, known for its academic achievements and diverse extracurricular programs.
Higher education is represented by various institutions offering training programs in different fields, from engineering and business to arts and healthcare. These institutions provide students with excellent opportunities for professional growth and successful career starts.
Perhaps the most iconic educational institution in the city is the University of Calgary, which ranks in various global university ratings. Other notable educational establishments include the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Mount Royal University. Among colleges, Bow Valley College and Robertson College are worth mentioning.
Career Opportunities
Calgary offers extensive career opportunities in various economic sectors, making it attractive for young professionals and experienced workers alike. The oil and gas industry remains a crucial sector, attracting specialists in extraction and processing, engineers, and designers. The average salary in these fields ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 CAD per year.
In recent years, the information technology sector has been rapidly growing, offering numerous opportunities for programmers, software developers, and cybersecurity specialists. The average salary in IT is around $90,000 CAD per year but can vary significantly depending on qualifications and experience.
The financial sector also plays an important role in Calgary's economy, offering jobs for accounting, auditing, financial analysis, and insurance professionals. Average salaries in these professions range from $70,000 to $100,000 CAD per year.
Additionally, construction and healthcare are actively developing in Calgary, creating demand for skilled workers, engineers, nurses, and doctors. Salaries in these fields are also high, providing good conditions for professional growth and stable employment.
It's worth noting that the minimum hourly wage in Alberta is $15 CAD. This means that regardless of where you work, you won't earn less than this amount. Even working full-time at minimum wage in Calgary, you can earn $2,400 CAD per month. The average salary for city residents is $4,700 CAD.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Calgary remains relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Main living expenses include housing rent, property purchase, utilities, food, and transportation.
Rent in Calgary varies depending on the area and type of property. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $1,500-2,000 CAD per month, and outside the center, it's around $1,200-1,500 CAD. Renting larger apartments or houses will cost more, especially in prestigious areas of the city.
Real estate prices in Calgary are also quite attractive. The average home price is about $500,000-600,000 CAD, making home ownership more realistic for many families and young professionals compared to Toronto or Vancouver, where prices are significantly higher. In suburbs and less popular areas, housing prices can be even lower, providing more budget-friendly options for buyers.
Apart from housing costs, Calgary residents spend an average of $800-1,400 CAD per month on daily expenses such as food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. A dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about $80-100 CAD, a monthly transit pass is $115 CAD, and utility bills, including electricity, water, and heating, usually amount to $250-300 CAD per month. Childcare costs in private daycare centers can reach $1,200-2,200 CAD per month.
Moving to Calgary
Calgary is a city that combines traditional spirit with modern development dynamics. As one of Canada's leading economic centers, Calgary offers its residents and visitors a high quality of life, numerous cultural and sports events, and a wide range of opportunities for professional growth. This city, located on the border of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, attracts people from all over the world with its unique atmosphere and rich history. Calgary is a place where everyone can find something for themselves, whether it's scenic landscapes, modern amenities, or a diverse cultural life.
If you dream of moving to Canada and settling in this beautiful and comfortable city, you can do so through Alberta's immigration programs:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream — for those with a profile in the Express Entry system;
- Alberta Opportunity Stream — for those temporarily working in the province;
- Accelerated Tech Pathway — for candidates with a job offer in the tech sector;
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway — for candidates with a job offer in healthcare;
- Rural Renewal Stream — for candidates who have found work in a rural community with less than 100,000 residents;
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream — for candidates who have worked in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector for six months;
- Farm Stream — for entrepreneurs planning to buy or start a farm;
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream — for graduates of Alberta universities and colleges planning to start a business in the province;
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream — for businesspeople who want to buy or create a business in a rural community;
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream — for qualified candidates who want to start an innovative business in the province.
To navigate the variety of Canadian immigration programs and find out which one suits you best, we recommend seeking help from a licensed immigration consultant. By scheduling a consultation, you can clarify all your questions and develop your relocation strategy with a specialist. Start your journey to Canada!
