Calgary

Introduction

Calgary, Alberta, sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, to the west rise the majestic mountains, the to east flat prairie plains extend all the way to Ontario. Originally a western frontier town, Calgary is still proud of this heritage, displaying it with pride during the Calgary Stampede. One of the fastest growing cities in Canada thanks to an oil boom, Calgary is a very modern city. Calgary has hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1988, and is an excellent place for winter sports.

Neighbourhoods

Downtown Calgary has five distinct neighbourhoods:

• Eau Claire (including the Festival District) - The neighbourhood of Eau Claire is located immediately north of Downtown, fronts the Bow River and sits immediately north of 3rd Avenue South. A mix of riverside condominiums, shopping, restaurants, hotels, a large public plaza and urban parkland, including the Prince's Island Park, the site of many summer festivals, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Carifest, Shakespeare in the Park and various busking happenings. Within Eau Claire is Eau Claire Market and a variety of pubs and restaurants. It is also located on the city's large network of pedestrian pathways and trails.
• The Downtown West End - the West End is a high density residential community, with the Millennium Park, TELUS World of Science and Mewata Armouries are located in the western area of the neighborhood, while paved multi-use (bicycle, walking, rollerblading, etc) paths line the northern rim along the Bow River.
• The Downtown Commercial Core - downtown Calgary is bordered by 14th Street W. on the west, 3rd Avenue S. and Eau Claire on the north, the Elbow River on the east and the CPR mainline tracks on the south. This is a dense business area. Calgary Transit's C-Train light rail system runs down 7th Avenue S. through the middle of downtown, and the ride is free on this section.
• Chinatown - The district is located along Centre Street in the northeast area of Downtown Calgary immediately north of the Downtown East Village.
• The Downtown East Village - Downtown East Village is a residential neighbourhood within the eastern portions of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is contained within the city's Rivers District.

Sights and Activities

• The Calgary Zoo - located slightly east of the city's downtown (adjacent to the Inglewood neighbourhood) and is easily accessible via Calgary's C-Train light rail system.
• The TELUS World of Science - a science museum and planetarium complex located in the Downtown West End.
• The Glenbow Museum - 93,000 square feet (8,600 m²) of exhibition space in more than 20 galleries, showcasing a selection of the Glenbow's collection of over a million objects.
• The Calgary Tower - 190-metre free standing tower, constructed glass floor extension on the north side of the tower's observation deck opened. Consisting of four large panes of glass, it is about 20 feet long and 5 feet wide. When standing on the glass, one can look straight down on 9th Avenue South and Centre Street. The Calgary tower features a revolving restaurant that rotates so as to give customers a scenic view of downtown Calgary.

Events and Festivals

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede, held in July every summer in Calgary, showcases the rich cowboy heritage of this modern western town. Be prepared to don a white cowboy hat, some cowboy boots and get ready to do a two-step! The Stampede's stated goal is to preserve western heritage and values, and there are a number of argicultural events like rodeos and chuck wagon races. However, Calgary is a very modern city, and the party extends to more than just people who love horses. Many bands play during the week and a half long festival, and the whole town spends a week partying.

Weather

Calgary has a semi-arid, highland continental climate with long, dry, but highly variable, winters and short, moderately warm summers. Although Calgary's winters can be uncomfortably cold, warm, dry Chinook winds routinely blow into the city from the Pacific Ocean during the winter months, giving Calgarians a break from the cold. These winds have been known to raise the winter temperature by up to 15 °C in just a few hours, and may last several days. More than one half of all winter days see the daily maximum rise above 0 °C.

Getting There

By Plane

Calgary International Airport, (airport code: YYC) is located 17 kilometres from the downtown core of Calgary. Air Canada connects Calgary to more destinations across Canada, the USA and the rest of the world direct from here. WestJet flies from Calgary to destinations across Canada, as well as select places in North America. In addition, many US airlines fly to Calgary.

To/from the airport
Calgary Transit provides public bus transportation to and from the Calgary International Airport via Route #57 with service to and from the Whitehorn LRT Station and via #430 to North Pointe terminal, where passengers can board the BRT route #301 to downtown. Also, Airporter bus links the airport to several downtown hotels. If driving, it is approximately a 25 minutes drive northeast of downtown.

By Train

The national, government owned Via Rail does not run to Calgary. The only passenger train which uses Calgary train station is the privately owned Rocky Mountaineer Railtours train. The route heads west from Calgary stopping in Banff then continuing through the Rockies to Kamloops and Vancouver.

By Car

The Trans Canada Highway runs just north of Calgary giving it a good east-west connection to the rest of Canada by road.

By Bus

Greyhound operates on the Trans-Canada highway route which heads east to Regina (764 kilometres/11 hours), and west to Banff (120kilometres/2 hours) and Vancouver (1,057 kilometres/15 hours). A highway also connects Calgary to the north, to the capital of Alberta, Edmonton (299 kilometres/3.5 hours). Greyhound and Red Arrow operate buses on this route.

Getting Around

By Car

It is easy to be confused by Calgary's quadrant address system at first, but it is very logical, and, well, systematic.

Streets run north-south and avenues run east-west. Centre Street divides the city into east and west, while the Bow River (west of Deerfoot Trail) and Centre Avenue and Memorial Drive (east of Deerfoot Trail) divide the city into north and south. Together these split the city into NE, NW, SE, and SW: the four quadrants. Thus any time you get an address on a numbered street, you MUST get whether it was NE, NW, SE, or SW. Street and avenue numbers - and thus addresses - increase as you move away from Centre St or Centre Ave.

Many of Calgary's roads are numbered, but this is less common in the newer developments. Important roads are often named "Trails," but there are many exceptions. Note that newly-built neighbourhoods may not yet appear on maps, either paper or GPS. If you are travelling to these places, it may be a good idea to ask for directions beforehand.

The names of small suburban roads usually incorporate the community name at the start of the names of all roads in that community. This means that Taralake Garden, Taralea Place, Taralea Bay, Taralea Way, Taralea Green, Taralea Circle, and Taralea Crescent are all separate roads, in the same community – Taradale. It can be very confusing for tourists and locals alike to navigate an area where very small differences in street names are so important to finding your way. If travelling in the suburban communities, have a map or directions and pay attention to the full, exact name.

Calgary's downtown core is bounded by the Bow River to the north, the railway tracks to the south (between 9th Ave S and 10th Ave S), 11 St W, and 4 St E. Almost all of the roads in the downtown core are one-way, so look carefully at your map for the direction of traffic on each road when planning your trip. When driving in downtown, watch for one-way signs. 7th Avenue S in the downtown core is for Calgary Transit buses and C-Trains (trams) only; cars driving on 7th Ave may be ticketed and will definitely draw stares and glares from waiting transit commuters.

Some of the options to rent a car include the following companies:

• Avis
• Budget
• Discount
• Hertz
• National
• Enterprise
• Thrifty

By Public Transport

Transit in Calgary is provided by Calgary Transit, which operates buses and light rail lines within the city. Cash fare for tickets is $2.25 for adults and $1.50 for youth (all persons between the ages of 6 and 14 years old or who are full time students attending school up to grade 12). The website provides a trip planner, or route maps can be found at this page. Calgary Transit operates a fleet of 115 Seimens-Duwag built LRVs (light rail vehicles) that operate on 42.1 kilometres of track and 36 stations. The route map can be found at the C-Train LRT website.

There are two LRT (tram) lines, both of which run on 7th Ave downtown: Route 201 (red on Calgary Transit maps) will be most useful to visitors, while Route 202 (blue) is more useful for locals. Route 201 runs from Tuscany Station in the northwest to Somerset/Bridlewood station in the southern suburbs, passing through the city centre and serving attractions such as the Stampede grounds. Route 202 serves mostly residents and runs from Saddletowne station in the northeast, passes through downtown, and ends at 69th St station in the southwest. LRT platforms are labelled with reference to downtown rather than by compass direction, and the trains are well signed. Trains run every 10 minutes (5 minutes or less in rush hour and 15 minutes on holidays). First trains are between 4 and 5AM, and last trains are between 1 and 2AM—slightly earlier on Sundays. During the Calgary Stampede and on New Year's Eve, the C-Train runs all night and some bus routes have extended hours of service. Check Calgary Transit's website for details if you'll be visiting at this time.

Although buses come along less often, and tend to serve commuters more than tourists, it is still possible to get around to the main places without too much difficulty. Bus routes usually service either downtown or an LRT station, and run from around 5AM-1AM. Depending on the route, frequencies can be as low as one per hour in outlying suburbs, although 20 or 30 minutes is more typical. Buses numbered in the 300-399 range are rapid buses intended to provide service like a train: they only stop at major streets and large bus terminals, and run relatively frequently. Bus routes with word 'express' in their name only run during rush hour and take commuters to and from downtown. Most major bus routes use low-floor buses equipped with ramps; the express routes are the exception, using 1970s-era buses.

By Foot

Downtown Calgary is a compact area which is easily accessible on foot. The pathway system, Eau Claire Market area and Stephen Avenue Walk (8th Avenue) are the primary walking destinations of downtown workers in the warmer months. In the wintertime, everyone navigates their way around the downtown core via the Plus 15 system, so called because the enclosed walkways joining buildings are approximately 15 feet above ground.

By Bike

With approximately 760 kilometres of paved pathways and 260 kilometers of on-street bikeways within its boundaries, the City of Calgary boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. Pathway maps are available online and are available from Calgary swimming pools and leisure centres in the warmer months. Check the City of Calgary's website for current pathway closures. If you choose to walk or cycle on closed pathways, you may receive a $150 ticket.

Each major body of water in the city (Bow River, Elbow River, Glenmore Reservoir) has city parks with bike paths. These bike paths are heavily used during the morning rush hour to work, but can provide hours of scenic pedalling. A scenic route starts in downtown and head along the Bow River pathway as it heads south to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Here, leave the banks of the Bow River and cycle though Fish Creek park along the main cycle path path until you reach the Glenmore Reservoir (a good place for lunch). At the reservoir, as the bike path crosses the dam, leave the Bow River pathway for the Elbow River pathway. This highly scenic path will take you back to downtown. Cycle time: 4–6 hours (with lunch).

Another major pathway extends north up Nose Creek valley just east of the zoo, including two overpasses to cross Deerfoot Trail (a busy freeway). While there is a pathway that leads to the airport, connecting to it requires crossing an industrial area, which is not recommended for novice cyclists.

Eat

Calgary offers a wide variety of dining options. While Calgary doesn't have a single signature dish, residents are very proud of Alberta beef, and Calgarians are discerning clients of steakhouses. Speaking of beef, the popular Chinese-Canadian dish of ginger beef was invented in Calgary in the 1970s. Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut (also called Cococo), winner of international awards for chocolate-making, is based in Calgary, with many stores in the city.

Calgary is also home to a very culturally diverse population, with a very wide selection of international restaurants, especially from East and Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean from Italy through Lebanon. Calgary is, however, generally lacking in decent Mexican food (see exceptions below), and the inland location means that a good meal of seafood is sometimes hard to find.

Restaurants in the downtown area are very busy between noon and 1:00pm on weekdays due to the lunch crowd of office workers; if you can, try to stagger your lunch to start around 11:15am or 1:30pm. You'll face much shorter lineups. Buffets are often only prepared once for lunchtime, and visiting a buffet after 12:15pm or so will typically be a depressing dining experience.

Calgary is also the city of founding for major Canadian restaurant chains Hy's, Original Joe's, and Moxies. (The original Calgary Hy's Steakhouse closed in 2006).

Drink

Calgary has a good bar/club scene, whether you are looking to dance or sit and talk with a few friends. Your best bet is to roam 17th Ave, just on the south side of downtown. This street dubbed "The Red Mile" is especially active following hockey games, moreso if the home team wins! 1st street S.W., located just south west of the Calgary Tower is also a good place to try as it's also only a short walk away from 17th Avenue. You can also try 11th Avenue S.W. for some dance clubs, heading west from the 1st street intersection. If you are looking for something a little more trendy, you can try Stephens Ave (8th Ave) right in the middle of downtown, it is a nice walk and has many outdoor patio's. There are also many quality neighbourhood pubs scattered throughout the city.

Some good dance clubs include:

• Bamboo - 1st street/12 Ave S.W.
• Amsterdam Rhino - 11th Ave S.W.
• HiFi Club - 11th Ave S.W.

Some good pubs/bars include:

• The Ship and Anchor - 17th Ave S.W.
• Melrose Bar - 17Ave S.W.
• Drum & Monkey - Shared with Bamboo, 1st Street/12 Ave S.W.

Sleep

• Best Western Airport Inn, 1947 18 Ave NE, ☎ +1 403-250-5015, fax: +1 403-250-5019. 24-hour airport shuttle.
• Canada's Best Value Inn ((formerly Royal Wayne Motor Inn)), 2416 16 Ave NW (Motel Village), ☎ +1 403-289-6651. Discounts for CAA/AAA, AARP, military, government, seniors (60+). ID required for discounts. $84+.
• Econo Lodge Inn and Suites University, 2231 Banff Trail NW (Motel Village), ☎ +1 403-289-1921.
• Hostelling International-Calgary City Centre (HI Calgary Hostel), 520 7 Ave SE, ☎ +1 403-269-8239, fax: +1 403-266-6227. On the edge of the East Village district, near bars, restaurants, shopping centres and transit. Free breakfast and wifi. Very clean and friendly, lots of space inside and outside. There are no age restrictions, so be prepared for the possibility of sharing a room with a retiree and an 18 year old! Dorm beds and private rooms available. $38-54/dormitory bed, $96-138 for private room with ensuite (prices depend on season).
• Hotel Alma, 169 University Gate NW, ☎ +1 403-220-3203, toll-free: +1-877-498-3203, fax: +1 403-284-4184, e-mail: [email protected] On the U of C campus in northwestern Calgary. Offers 81 Euro-style hotel rooms and 15 one-bedroom suites year round. These rooms were built to be hotel rooms for the university hospitality management program, and have never been student residences. The Alma Seasonal Residence program also has hundreds of apartments and student dorm rooms from early May to late August. Access to on-campus services like fitness facilities, laundry, parking, cafeterias. $89/queen, $109/queen+twin, plus tax.
• Mount Royal University Guest & Visitor Housing, 200 Mount Royal Circle SW, ☎ +1 403-440-6275, toll-free: +1-866-264-7875, fax: +1 403-440-6281, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Fully furnished one-, two- and four-bedroom apartment and townhouse units on the Mount Royal campus in southwestern Calgary (address is for the administrative office, not the residences). Two- and four-bedroom units have private bedroom keys, and include local phone calls, voice mail, and wireless internet. 1 bedroom studio $98.10, 4-bedroom townhouse (shared) $54.50/room, inc tax.
• SAIT Conference Housing, 151 Dr Carpenter Circle NW (SAIT Polytechnic), ☎ +1 403-284-8013, fax: +1 403-284-8435, e-mail: [email protected] On the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) campus in southwestern Calgary (address is for the administrative office, not the residences). May only be available in summer months.

8 Wicked Hostels, 1505 MacLeod Tr SE, ☎ +1 403-265-8777, e-mail: [email protected] 63 bed independently-owned boutique backpacker/international youth hostel. Free amenities include breakfast, wifi, long-distance calling, parking, golf clubs, and bicycles. Rooms are quite small and crowded; a party atmosphere is prevalent (even encouraged) on weekends. Across from the Calgary Stampede grounds and the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT (tram) station. It is also near the 17th Ave entertainment district. $32.50/8-bed dorm, $34.50/6-bed dorm, $36.50/4-bed dorm, $90 private double room plus tax.

• Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport, 123 Freeport Blvd NE, ☎ +1 403-291-8000, toll-free: +1-866-955-0008, fax: +1 403-532-9400. 24 hour airport shuttle, rooftop jetted spas, restaurant, meeting & banquet facilities, wifi, fitness centre.
• Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn ((formerly Holiday Inn)), 3630 Macleod Trail SE, ☎ +1 403-287-3900, toll-free: +1-877-287-3900, e-mail: [email protected] 5 min walk to 39th Ave LRT (tram) platform. No pets. Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool. $140+.
• Best Western Plus Port O' Call, 1935 McKnight Blvd NE, ☎ +1 403-291-4600, toll-free: +1-800-661-1161, e-mail: [email protected] Airport shuttle. Indoor water park, very popular with families. $140+.
• Best Western Premium Freeport Inn and Suites, 86 Freeport Blvd NE, ☎ +1 403-264-9650, toll-free: +1-877-818-0638, e-mail: [email protected] Very close to airport. Pool with waterslide. Airport shuttle, free breakfast. $145+.
• Carriage House Inn, 9030 Macleod Trail S, ☎ +1 403-253-1101, toll-free: +1-800-661-9566, e-mail: [email protected] Large desk, TV, mini-refrigerator. Pet-friendly. $130+.
• Centro Motel Calgary, 4540 16 Ave NW (Montgomery district), ☎ +1 403-288-6658, fax: +1 403-288-6657. 32-room boutique motel, modern decor. Free amenities include wi-fi, phone calls, parking and breakfast. $115+.
• Courtyard Calgary Airport, 2500 48 Ave NE, ☎ +1 403-238-1000, toll-free: +1-877-515-4094, fax: +1 403-238-1077. 100% non-smoking, no pets. $110+ (F-Sa), $240-400 (Su-Th).
• Days Inn Calgary Airport, 2799 Sunridge Way NE, ☎ +1 403-250-3297, fax: +1 403-291-2533, e-mail: [email protected] Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. In northeast. Vacation packages, pool and water slide, fitness centre, airport shuttle. $127-150.
• Days Inn Calgary Northwest, 4420 16 Ave NW (Montgomery district), ☎ +1 403-288-7115. Pet friendly, 100% non-smoking. Breakfast, parking, laundromat. $125+.
• Delta Calgary South Hotel, 135 Southland Dr SE, toll-free: +1-888-890-3222, e-mail: [email protected] Near Southland Drive and MacLeod Trail, suites. 10 min walk to Southland LRT (tram) Station. $130+.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Calgary-Airport, 2420 37 Ave, ☎ +1 403-250-4667, fax: +1 403-255-5788. From the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) head north on Barlow Trail to 37th Avenue then take a left and it will be about the last building on the right. $120+.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Calgary-University, 2231 Banff Trail NW (Motel Village), ☎ +1 403-289-9800, toll-free: +1-888-432-6777, fax: +1 403-289-9560, e-mail: [email protected] From Vancouver, go east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) then turn left (northwest on Banff Trail, Calgary); it will be the 2nd or 3rd building on the left. $160+.
• Hotel Elan, 1122 16 Ave SW, ☎ +1 403-229-2040, toll-free: +1-855-666-6612, e-mail: [email protected] $149+.
• Lakeview Signature Inn Calgary Airport, 2622 39 Ave NE, ☎ +1 403-735-3336, toll-free: +1-877-355-3500, e-mail: [email protected] $135+.
• Nuvo Hotel Suites, 827 12 Ave SW, ☎ +1 403-452-6789, toll-free: +1-866-436-6568, fax: +1 403-764-0902. Modern suites in the heart of the Beltine, furnished kitchen, free wi-fi and local phone. Weekly and monthly rate available. $150+/night.
• Ramada Calgary Downtown, 708 8th Ave SW (At 6th St SW near 7th Ave SW CTrain Stn), ☎ +1 403-879-1781. Near airport bus 300 stop; 1 block from CTrain; close to Stephen Ave Walk; 15 minutes walk from Calgary Tower. The hotel's buffet breakfast ($15/person) is available from 6:30am.
• Residence Inn Calgary Airport, 2530 48 Ave NE, ☎ +1 403-278-1000, toll-free: +1-877-515-4108. 100% non-smoking. Free breakfast, long stays. $120+.
• Calgary Marriott Hotel, 110 9 Ave SE (across from the Calgary Tower), ☎ +1 403-266-7331, toll-free: +1-800-896-6878. Downtown hotel with city's largest rooms, indoor pool, whirlpool and outdoor patio. $136+/night.
• The Fairmont Palliser, 133 9 Ave SW (300 m from C-Train 1 St/Centre St stations), ☎ +1 403-262-1234, fax: +1 403-260-1260, e-mail: [email protected] The landmark hotel in downtown Calgary was built in 1914 by the Canadian Pacific. Along with the other former CP hotels (the Banff Springs Hotel, the Empress, the Chateau Frontenac, Hotel York, etc.), this is one of the grand old dames. $180+.
• Hotel Le Germain, 899 Centre St SW, toll-free: +1-877-362-8990, e-mail: [email protected]
• Hyatt Regency, 700 Centre St SE (Stephen Avenue Walk), ☎ +1 403-717-1234, e-mail: [email protected] Pet-friendly. Spa. $250+.
• Kensington Riverside Inn, 1126 Memorial Dr NW, ☎ +1 403-228-4442, toll-free: +1-877-313-3733, fax: +1 403-228-9608, e-mail: [email protected] Boutique hotel in Kensington, just across the river from downtown, with an amazing exterior display of "Whoville" from The Grinch who Stole Christmas during the holidays. $210+.
• The Westin Calgary, 320 4 Ave SW (500 m from C-Train 3 St/4 St stations), ☎ +1 403-266-1611, toll-free: +1-888-627-8417. Modern 4-star hotel tower with 27 sqm rooms, in one of the more pleasant sections of central Calgary. Wireless internet free in lobby, available in-room for $13/daily. $200+.

Bed & Breakfasts

• Blackmore's Bed & Breakfast, 5024 Vanstone Crescent NW (Varsity Acres district), ☎ +1 403-460-2054, e-mail: [email protected] 15-minute walk to Dalhousie LRT (tram) Station, simple healthy breakfast, non-smoking, no pets. $70-90.
• Calgary Mt Royal Bed and Breakfast, 809 18 Ave SW, ☎ +1 403-245-9371, e-mail: [email protected] 15-minute walk to downtown or to Stampede grounds. Full breakfast. Non-smoking only, no pets. $85-153.
• Cozy Nest B&B, 908 Silverview Dr NW (Silver Springs district), ☎ +1 403-286-7041, e-mail: [email protected] Wheelchair ramp at rear entrance. 15-min bus ride to Dalhousie LRT (tram) Station. River valley view. Western breakfast. Long stays available in winter months. $55-80. edit
• Tuxedo House Bed & Breakfast, 121 21 Ave NE, ☎ +1 403-277-5298, e-mail: [email protected] 10 min to downtown by car or by transit. Non-smoking only, no pets. Full breakfast included. $80-100.

Campgrounds and RV parks

There are several campgrounds near Calgary, but only Calgary West Campground and Symons Valley RV Park are inside the city limits.

• Calgary West Campground ((formerly Calgary West KOA)), 221 101 St SW (Trans-Canada Hwy (16 Ave NW) west of Canada Olympic Park), ☎ +1 403-288-0411, toll-free: +1-888-562-0842. Open from April 15 to October 15. Take Valley Ridge Boulevard/Crestmont Boulevard exit from Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy) on west edge of Calgary. Hookup types available: 120 sites with power, water, & sewer; 120 sites power & water; 80 no hookups. 20 & 30 amps available. Some pull-through sites. Pet-friendly. Campfires prohibited by city bylaw. Free shuttle to Calgary Transit bus stop at Canada Olympic Park; express shuttle to Stampede grounds during Stampede Week. $36-48/night +tax (higher rates during Stampede Week).
• Calaway Park RV Park and Campground (Hwy 1 west of Calgary, Exit 169). Open Victoria Day weekend (late May) to Labour Day (early Sept). Next to Calaway Park amusement park near Trans-Canada Hwy west of Calgary. Hookup types: power, water & sewer; power only; no hookups. All sewer hookups require rigid hose connector to campground receptacles. Gates locked from 10PM-6AM, Stampede Week locked midnight-6AM. No campfires, no charcoal BBQs. Pets welcome, day kennel services at campground for fee. $27-39/night +tax.
• Mountain View Camping, 244024 Range Rd 284 (3 km east of Calgary, just off Hwy 1), ☎ +1 403-293-6640, toll-free: +1-877-707-0677, e-mail: [email protected] Service in English, German, French. Hookup types: Power, water, & sewer; power & water only; no hookups. Pull-through sites available. Power 15, 20, or 30 amps. Fire pits at some sites. Shuttle to Stampede grounds during Stampede Week. $38-47/night +tax.
• Symons Valley RV Park and Storage (Symons Valley Ranch), 14555 Symons Valley Rd NW, ☎ +1 587-296-0606, e-mail: [email protected] Next to Symon's Valley Farmers Market. Open year-round.
• Balzac Campground R.V. Park and Storage, 262 195 Balzac Blvd (Hwy 2 north of Calgary near Balzac and CrossIron Mills), ☎ +1 403-226-0097, e-mail: [email protected] Open May 1-Oct 31. Hookup types: Power, water & sewer; power & water; no hookups. $24-34/night +tax.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

Work

Calgary is a booming city, thanks to a growing oil industry throughout Alberta. There is a shortage in just about every sector in the city. The oil industry alone is bracing for a worker shortage of up to 40,000 people over the next 10 years. There are many proffesional, business, and entry level job oppurtunities in and around the city. If you are a traveller looking for work, there shouldn't be a need to worry about finding employment in such areas as retail and restaurant industries. If your eligible to work in Canada you should be able to start working in just a few days. Your best bet is to just visit places you'd like to work and let them know your interested, and chances are they will hire you.

Learn

• University of Calgary

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet usage is wide-spread in Canada. Wi-fi is available in many locations in larger cities, sometimes free and sometimes at a cost. You will find Wi-Fi in coffee stores, some restaurants and also hotels and motels more and more offer this service for free, but with a code usually. Internet cafes are common along major streets, and and in larger cities, charge between $3 and $4 for an hour, usually in 20-minute increments.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to Canada is: 1. To make an international call from Canada, the code is: 011. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 911. This number will give you free access to Police, Fire and Ambulance services and can be used from landlines, phone booths and cell phones.

The populous areas of Canada along the border with the USA have excellent cellular and wired telecommunications, meaning that travellers are never fair from an international phone call home, a WIFI connection or an internet cafe. Depending on the mobile phone provider, coverage could be either CDMA and GSM coverage. Travellers wishing to purchase SIM cards for GSM phones should look for Rogers Wireless, Telus Mobility and Bell Mobility, which all offer nationwide availability.

Post

Postal service is provided by Canada Post, a crown corporation owned by the government but run as an independent business. Most post offices keep hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm though in bigger places longer hourse might be available.

To format the envelope of a letter sent within Canada, put the destination address on the centre of its envelope, with a stamp, postal indicia, meter label, or frank mark on the top-right corner of the envelope to acknowledge payment of postage. A return address, although it is not required, can be put on the top-left corner of the envelope in smaller type than the destination address.

The lettermail service allows the mailing of a letter. The basic rate is currently set at $0.63 for one standard letter (30 grams or less). The rates for lettermail are based or weight and size and determine whether the article falls into the aforementioned standard format, or in the oversize one. The rate is the same for a postcard. Mail sent internationally is known as letterpost. It can only contain paper documents. The rate for a standard letter is of $1.10 if sent to the United States, and $1.85 if sent to any other destination. Oversize or overweight letters may be charged a higher fee. Larger parcels can be shipped via Canada post both domestically and internationally, the rate is dependent on the weight and destination. ^[1]

Federal Express, TNT, UPS or DHL also provide interntional shipping from Canada and are usually very quick and reliable though might cost a little more compared to Canada Post.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website