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Calgary, Heart of the New West, is a vibrant city that offers the best of all worlds - a cosmopolitan city with outstanding outdoor adventure and pristine wilderness only an hour away in the Canadian Rockies.

Whether Calgary is your intended destination or just a brief stopover on the way to your new home, we have compiled this guide to help you get your bearings on arrival. To obtain more details about the city check out the websites listed at the end of this profile.

Population

With a population of 1,048,000, Calgary is the fourth largest city in Canada. Calgary has a young and diverse population and with an average age of 34 it is the youngest city in Canada.

Geography

Calgary is an attractive and dynamic city situated on the banks of the Bow River and close to Alberta's majestic Rocky Mountains. It’s land mass covers over 5,000 square kilometres.

Climate

Calgary has a moderate four-season climate, with large variations in temperature between seasons and from one locale to another. Summer days in the city of Calgary are usually warm and dry with cool evenings because of the altitude and proximity to the mountains.

Housing

Affordable housing is widely available in Calgary with over two thirds of the city’s population owning their own home. Average House Price (Sept 2005) CAN$ 282,000

Economy

Calgary is Canada’s top economic performer with oil & gas as the top job-creating industry, followed by technology, agriculture and tourism. Calgary is home to Canada’s energy capital having 89% of Canada's oil and gas producers and 64% of its coal companies. Calgary’s information technology growth has exceeded the ten-year North American average and it’s telecommunications infrastructure is among the most established in North America.

Dining Out

Calgary is a destination with great taste. The restaurant scene includes familiar North American fast-food establishments, awardwinning dining rooms, unique western heritage eateries and international restaurants with a tempting array of exotic cuisine.

Local Transport

Calgary Transit operates a fleet of transit trains, buses and shuttle buses within the city and surrounding neighbourhoods. Calgary International Airport is serviced by most major Canadian and U.S. air carriers and is located approximately thirty minutes from downtown Calgary. The city is situated along the Trans Canada Highway offering easy access to neighbouring provinces.

Performing Arts

Rich culture blossoms in Calgary providing exciting choices of live performances all year long from ballet, opera, philharmonic orchestra and musicals to cutting-edge theatre and dance. Festivals and events enliven Calgary’s celebration of film, jazz, art, antiques, music, wine and food.

Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation

Calgary’s recreational possibilities are endless. From the 8,000 hectares of open space and parkland within the city to the Rocky Mountains just a short drive away outdoor activities are a year round habit.

Education

Calgary is a dynamic centre for learning offering outstanding educational options from preschool to post-secondary establishments.

Calgary on the Net

Discover Calgary
www.discovercalgary.com

The City of Calgary
www.calgary.ca

Tourism Calgary
www.tourismcalgary.com

Calgary Economic Development
www.calgaryadvantages.com

Weather

Average maximum temperature in Summer

Average maximum temperature in Winter

Bright sunshine hours per year

Mean annual rainfall

23.8 Degrees Celsius

-4.2 Degrees Celsius

2314

317mm

Time

Calgary time is 8 hours behind GMT (-8GMT)