Swinging into Stampede. Right: Hello downtown Calgary!
Calgary may not be the biggest city in Canada or have the tallest tower, but locals know there are tons of reasons to be proud of living in Cowtown.
Many Calgarians will tell you that Calgary has the best of all worlds. Not only do you have a vibrant, thriving city, but you also have the Rocky Mountains in your backyard. Prefer the prairies? Those are just a short drive away too. Then there's the beautiful Bow River that flows through the city.
Calgary also has friendly people, a laid-back vibe and the most sunny days out of any city in Canada. Not convinced that Calgary is the best place to live in the country? You might be after you hear some of these things that locals absolutely love about living in Calgary.
How friendly the people are
Unlike some other big cities in Canada, Calgary has a super friendly vibe. As someone who was born and raised in Halifax where people are about as friendly as you can get, I always appreciate that Calgary has that same welcoming feel.
It's pretty easy to make friends in Calgary, as most people don't find it weird to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Plus, Calgary locals are quick to help tourists or newcomers with directions and advice. So go ahead — chat up the person sitting next to you on the patio or that fellow dog walker in the park!
All the beautiful sunny days
The sun is always shining in Calgary! Well, almost always. Cowtown is the sunniest city in Canada with roughly 333 days of sunshine a year. That gives you plenty of opportunities to chill outside and soak up those rays.
Granted, Calgary does get super cold in the winter. But even when the temperature drops below zero, the sun still comes out often, brightening up the cold days. Plus, you never know when a chinook might roll in and give you a few blissfully warm winter days.
The Bow River
Calgary may be landlocked, but that doesn't mean it's high and dry. The Bow River winds through the city, offering gorgeous views of the water and fun water activities.
One thing every Calgarian has done — or should do — at least once in their lives is go rafting on the Bow River. There's no better way to spend a warm sunny day than floating down the river with a cold drink in hand.
Fun fact: The Bow River is such a beloved part of Calgary that there is a bylaw stating that no buildings can be built that cast a shadow on the river.
Easy access to outdoor adventures
One of the greatest things about living in Calgary is that the Rocky Mountains are just a stone's throw away. That makes it easy to set off on hiking trips to sparkling blue swimming spots and hidden waterfalls. You can also go mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding.
It only takes about an hour and a half to drive to Banff National Park from Calgary, so it's a great day-trip spot or weekend getaway. Kananaskis is another stunning natural area with plenty of hiking trails and campgrounds where you can sleep under the stars.
The ever-evolving food scene
When it comes to food, locals know that Calgary's dining scene can rival any other in the country. And they're not the only ones who think so. Fargo star Lamorne Morris told Condé Nast Traveler that some of the best restaurants he's been to have been in Calgary.
New restaurants are constantly popping up over the city, adding to the dynamic dining scene that has really exploded in recent years. No matter what you're craving, you'll find it in Calgary. Think incredible pizza, fragrant curries, authentic dim sum, and delicious donairs.
The fact that Calgary's food scene is constantly evolving also means that you don't have to stick to just bucket list restaurants. There are always new spots and well-kept secret restaurants to try.
The Calgary Stampede
Calgarians sure know how to party, and no party is bigger than the Calgary Stampede. It's an absolute must for any newcomer to the city and a much-anticipated event for even longtime locals.
The Stampede takes place every July and features 10 days of wild rodeo shows, concerts by world-renowned acts, Midway rides and food vendors selling some seriously OTT foods.
If you've never been to the Calgary Stampede before, locals will tell you there are a few mistakes you want to avoid. First, be practical about your footwear because you'll be walking a lot. Also, don't assume you can hit up every event. There's just too much going on, so choose your events wisely.
The abundance of parks with stunning natural scenery
No matter where you live in Calgary, you're never far from a stunning park with leafy trees and waterfront paths. There are parks dotted all over the city, including a few that are right downtown.
Prince's Island Park is a favourite with locals and visitors alike for its scenic island setting and tree-lined paths. If you want to escape the crowds, Reader Rock Garden and Nose Hill Park are great spots. Fish Creek Park is a massive natural area with hiking trails and even a lake with a beach.
Inspiring artworks all over the city
Another thing that Calgarians absolutely love about the city is that you can find arts and culture at pretty much every turn. Stroll through the downtown streets and you'll see gorgeous murals all over the place largely thanks to the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP).
Calgary is also home to some pretty spectacular architecture and public art pieces. Just check out the Central Library with its geometric glass and wood patterns and Stephen Avenue with its stunning metal tree sculptures.
The killer craft beer scene
If there's one thing that Calgarians take seriously, it's beer. No generic swill will do, especially when there are over 40 craft breweries in and around the city that make phenomenal beers and ciders.
You can find breweries in nearly every corner of the city, from Brewery Flats in Inglewood to the Beltline and hidden gems north of the Bow River. Many breweries have taprooms where you can sample the latest brews and tuck into pub food. Some even have dog-friendly patios where you can sip and chill with your furry friend.
How easy it is fly to dreamy destinations in just a few hours
Even the proudest Calgarian needs to escape the city every once in a while. That's where Calgary rules once again. The airport is a hub for international travel with many direct flights to dreamy international destinations that are less than five hours from Calgary.
Of course, if you don't want to fly, there are also plenty of cool spots closer to Calgary. There are several magical small towns you can get to without a car, as well as quaint small towns just a road trip away. Hop on a bus or in your car and you can be exploring sunflower fields, historic sites and otherworldy landscapes in no time.