Visitor Information
For starters...
No doubt, if you are new to Calgary, or planning a visit for the first time, you've wondered "Where do I begin?". There are so many different things to do in Calgary that they can't all be mentioned in a few short paragraphs. However, in an attempt to help you discover some of the fun and adventures that await you, please read on.
From wildlife, to wildflowers, the Calgary Zoo and Botanical Gardens are a must see. While at the Zoo, also take a stroll through the Pre-Historic Park. But keep your eyes open, you never know what kind of dinosaur will be lurking just around the corner! If travelling into the past holds a fascination for you, then you really need to head out to Heritage Park. The park hosts a complete historical village which will take you back to the (pre)1914 era. For those who like to take their leisurely strolls totally out of doors, take a tour of the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. There is approximately 79 acres of riverside parkland, with walking paths open year round. Perhaps you want the outdoors, but with a little more physical intensity? Head over to Canada Olympic Park. Skiing and a Bob-sleigh/Luge run will put some color into your cheeks.
Okay, so you've walked with the dinosaurs, hiked among the birds, and flown down the bob-sleigh run. Now maybe it's time to head indoors. The Glenbow Museum, or the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre will provide your entire family with a wide variety of unique and interesting exhibits to view. Don't forget to make some time for the Calgary Science Centre. The Science Centre has interactive displays and exhibits, as well as a unique multi-media domed theatre.
The most famous activity to take part in, is the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. The entire city gears up for the Stampede by starting with the parade, and continuing on with breakfasts and other special events throughout the 10 day extravaganza. Billed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth", this event attracts over a million people each year.
Well this just scratches the surface of what to do in Calgary. If you need more information or links, please go to the Calgary Links page.
Weather and Road Conditions
While you're planning what to do for the day, another consideration will be the "Weather"! The local saying around here is "Wait five minutes and it will change" and it does! During the summer months you can expect plenty of sunshine with average temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius. In the winter, temperatures can go from -35 degrees Celsius to +10 degrees in just a few hours, due to the "Chinook Arch" that we all enjoy here. These delightful Chinooks bring in warm air and push the cold air aloft. Sometimes though, (between Chinooks), "Old Man Winter" will settle in with plenty of snow and colder temperatures. Dress warmly, and if you're driving (not to scare anyone away from winter driving) remember it can sometimes get a bit bad out there. Although, thanks to the road crews, the city roadways and surrounding highways are usually in pretty good shape year round. If you are driving in the wintertime, you may want to call for road information first:
- AMA Road Report® 1(403)246-5853
- Banff National Park Road Report @ 1(403)762-1450
- BC Road Report 1(900)565-4997 (fee of 75 cents per minute)
Check out the Current Weather Report for more info on the current conditions in Calgary!
Calgary Transit System
You can get tickets and a transit map of Calgary by visiting the main office downtown at: 240 - 7 Ave. S.W., or from various merchants throughout the city.
If you board a bus anywhere in Calgary just plonk the exact change into the fare box located inside the front doorway of the bus. Keep in mind that Bus Drivers do not carry change. You can also get tickets from the C-Train (Light Rail Transit) stations, again exact change is required. Taking the C-Train? Then you can ride for free in the downtown core, between City Hall and 8 St. S.W., which gives you a chance to explore the downtown area! C-Trains (tickets are the same price as bus tickets), offer quicker access to specific outlying areas. (Please remember, ticket prices for Buses and C-Trains are subject to change)
Residential and Commercial
If you are coming to Calgary, you will have a large choice of Hotels, and Motels to choose from. For more permanent accommodations, apartments and other rental units are getting scarce at the moment, but the housing market is taking off like never before. Please plan ahead and get yourself a place to stay before coming to Calgary. The commercial end of things is also increasing at a fast rate, with new buildings going up in every quadrant of the city. We have one of the largest Head Office Hubs in all of Canada, and are getting more and more each year due to our lower tax rates and great economy!
The Gateway to the World
Calgary has the third largest International Airport in Canada, and is home to many services: Currency Exchange, Gift Shops, Restaurants, Duty Free, and much more. From there, you can take a Taxi or Charter Bus to go just about anywhere.
Moving to Calgary? Here's some numbers and information you will need.
You'll probably want to know what the job market is like before you move to Calgary, here is a great site to start your search:
CalgaryJobShop.ca
- Canadian Western Natural Gas: 245-3600
- City of Calgary: 232-1000
- Shaw Cable: 716-6000
- Telus: 310-2255
- Emergency: 911
- Police (Non-emergency): 266-1234
Internet Service Provider
If you need a Virtual Gateway to the world to get in touch with friends, family or colleagues, look no further than Nucleus Information Service Inc. They can be reached at (403)209-0000
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