Calgary Corporate Traveller Guide

Calgary, Canada

Rated by Forbes in the top ten most liveable cities in the world, Calgary has premium healthcare, education, infrastructure and environmental systems. Internationally renowned for its blend of urban metropolis and impressive natural landscape, this Alberta city is consistently celebrated as a top destination to visit or relocate to. With a stronghold in energy industries, Calgary is Canada’s leader in oil and gas production, but the city’s diverse economy makes it a vital trading centre in a range of sectors.

Whether you’re heading to Calgary to enjoy the economic mobility, varied scenery, or professional opportunity, we have compiled the basics you need to know before you touch down.

Calgary Key Information

Weather in Calgary

Calgary enjoys comfortable summers that average around 16°C and long winters that can reach as low as -11°C in January. Rainfall is highest during the summer; consistent snow overtakes as precipitation in the colder months. You will need to pack tactically for Calgary’s varied climate, but good winter clothes are essential. 

Currency in Calgary

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Calgary deals in the Canadian Dollar and it is widely agreed that you needn’t carry large amounts of cash as most places accept Visa cards. Cash is necessary in some shops and cafés on rural hiking routes and preferred for tips for housekeeping or restaurant waiting staff.

Health & Well-being in Calgary

With such striking natural beauty, hiking in and around Calgary is the preferred form of exercise by locals and visitors alike. Find trails of varied difficulty at Grotto Canyon, Moose Mountain and Floe Lake and expect impressive views. Or, when it gets colder and you fancy an indoor workout, ClassPass is your one-stop shop for fitness classes in the area.

Data in Calgary

To avoid getting a temporary, new number if you’re only visiting Calgary, you could buy a data-only SIM and make calls using apps such as Whatsapp. If you’re relocating, a SIM with both data and minutes would be recommended. Either way, make sure your phone is SIM unlocked before trying to use a new SIM, and be prepared for what locals warn is expensive data in Canada. Telus is widely agreed to have good coverage, but a variety of SIMs can be purchased at stores such as 7-11 or Best Buy.

Plug shape: Type A & B

Cuisine in Calgary

With Alberta’s economy being driven historically by cattle farming, the state is pretty proud of the quality of its livestock. Beef and bison are particularly good here, so they’re a must-try for meat lovers. Producing half the country’s honey supply, honey is also premium in Alberta. Other signature fan favourites include saskatoon berries, canola oil and a Caesar cocktail (Calgary’s twist on a classic Bloody Mary).

Green Spaces in Calgary

Calgary’s biggest park is Nose Hill Park and known for expansive meadowland and hiking trails; Glenmore Park surrounds Elbow River and is ideal for walking or biking; and Weaselhead Flats is the best place to spot impressive wildlife. Banff National Park was Canada's first national park and is an iconic display of Canadian landscape, featuring snow-topped mountains and crystal blue reservoirs; drive there in just over an hour from Calgary.

For families, Bowness Park on the banks of Bow River is perfect for walks, picnics and even natural ice rink skating in the winter. The Alberta city is also famous for its annual rodeo festival, the Calgary Stampede, that celebrates western heritage with barrel racing, bull riding and bronc riding.

Language in Calgary

Canada’s two official languages are English and French. In Calgary, the most spoken languages aside from English are Punjabi, followed by Tagalog, Mandarin and Cantonese. Calgary’s nickname is Cow-Town, and other slang in the Alberta province include phrases such as:

Takitish:  take it easy

Bunnyhug:  another word for a hooded sweatshirt

Jam buster:  if someone offers you one of these in the office, expect a jam doughnut!

Loonie:  one-dollar coin

Toonie:  two-dollar coin

Transport in Calgary

Calgary didn’t earn its status as one of the world’s most liveable cities for nothing, the city boasts the 2^nd lowest traffic congestion in Canada and one of the country’s shortest average commute times. The gridded infrastructure makes transport easy – the four city ‘quadrants’ (NE, NW, SE, SW) are connected by train, bus and shuttle services.

Driving is still the most popular mode of transport for commuters in the city despite the impressive public transport network. Whether you’re just visiting or relocating, it’s easy to get around by foot, bike, or public transit but you may find it useful to hire or purchase a car.

The CTrain is a light rail service with two routes, Red Line and Blue Line, that have 46 stations between them. Although the entire Calgary Transit fleet has accessibility modifications to aid disabled passengers, Calgary Transit Access offers a door-to-door shuttle service for those with disabilities.

Purchase tickets in cash, or via the MyFare app which allows riders to pay ahead of travel and be scanned by ticket inspectors on CTrains or tapped on e-ticket bus readers. Single use adult cash fares cost C$3.60, but daily and monthly passes can be purchased that cost between C$11 and C$112.

Calgary Map 

Now that you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge for your stay in Calgary, browse our selection of Calgary serviced apartments and get in touch to book today.

SilverDoor offers a wide and varied collection of Calgary serviced apartments. Whether you're planning your next business trip to Calgary, or have plans to relocate to the city, a SilverDoor serviced apartment in Calgary is the ideal accommodation option to make you feel at home in no time.