As I gaze out at the skyline of Calgary, Alberta, in the distance—its cluster of modern skyscrapers framed by a snow-dusted landscape and the faint promise of the Rocky Mountains beyond—I’m reminded of why I’ve chosen to call this place home.
The image captures the essence of what drew me here: the juxtaposition of urban life against the raw, untamed beauty of nature. Living in Calgary has been a journey of balancing breathtaking highs with some challenging lows, and in my personal opinion, it’s a city that offers a unique lifestyle for those willing to embrace its quirks. Here’s my take on the pros and cons of life in this vibrant corner of Alberta, along with the whys and hows that make it such a compelling place to live.
The Pros: Why I Love Calgary
1. The Views and Proximity to the Rockies
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sight of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, a constant reminder of the adventures that await just a short drive away. From my home in Calgary, I can be in Banff National Park in under 90 minutes, surrounded by turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and trails that make every hike feel like a pilgrimage. Places like Waterton Lakes National Park, which I’ve explored alongside local YouTuber Kass from KassDays, are a testament to the region’s natural splendor. The views aren’t just limited to the mountains, either—Calgary’s sprawling prairies and rolling foothills offer wide-open vistas that make even a simple drive feel cinematic. For someone like me, who finds peace in nature’s grandeur, this proximity is a dream come true.
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sight of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon, a constant reminder of the adventures that await just a short drive away. From my home in Calgary, I can be in Banff National Park in under 90 minutes, surrounded by turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and trails that make every hike feel like a pilgrimage. Places like Waterton Lakes National Park, which I’ve explored alongside local YouTuber Kass from KassDays, are a testament to the region’s natural splendor. The views aren’t just limited to the mountains, either—Calgary’s sprawling prairies and rolling foothills offer wide-open vistas that make even a simple drive feel cinematic. For someone like me, who finds peace in nature’s grandeur, this proximity is a dream come true.
2. The Chinooks: A Winter Game-Changer
Calgary’s winters can be brutal, but the Chinook winds are a phenomenon that keeps me sane. These warm, dry winds sweep in from the Pacific, often raising temperatures by 20°C or more in a matter of hours. I’ve watched snow melt overnight, turning a frigid -20°C day into a balmy 5°C afternoon. It’s a surreal experience, standing outside in a t-shirt in January while the Rockies loom in the background, still cloaked in white. Chinooks don’t just make winter more bearable—they’re a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, and I’ve come to love the way they break up the monotony of the cold season.
Calgary’s winters can be brutal, but the Chinook winds are a phenomenon that keeps me sane. These warm, dry winds sweep in from the Pacific, often raising temperatures by 20°C or more in a matter of hours. I’ve watched snow melt overnight, turning a frigid -20°C day into a balmy 5°C afternoon. It’s a surreal experience, standing outside in a t-shirt in January while the Rockies loom in the background, still cloaked in white. Chinooks don’t just make winter more bearable—they’re a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, and I’ve come to love the way they break up the monotony of the cold season.
3. A City with a Small-Town Heart
Despite being Canada’s fourth-largest city, with a population of around 1.3 million, Calgary has a surprisingly tight-knit feel. I’ve found community in unexpected places—whether it’s chatting with neighbors at the annual Stampede breakfast or bonding with fellow hikers on a trail. The city’s blend of urban amenities (think top-notch restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and major events like the Calgary Stampede) with a laid-back, western vibe makes it a place where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s a city that works hard but knows how to kick back, and that balance suits me perfectly.
4. Economic Opportunities and Sunshine
Calgary’s economy, historically tied to the oil and gas industry, has diversified in recent years, offering opportunities in tech, finance, and renewable energy. I’ve found the job market to be robust, with a relatively low unemployment rate compared to other Canadian cities. Plus, Calgary boasts more sunshine than any other major city in Canada—over 2,400 hours annually. Even on the coldest days, that bright blue sky lifts my spirits, making it easier to get outside and stay active, whether I’m jogging along the Bow River pathways or skiing at nearby Nakiska.
Calgary’s economy, historically tied to the oil and gas industry, has diversified in recent years, offering opportunities in tech, finance, and renewable energy. I’ve found the job market to be robust, with a relatively low unemployment rate compared to other Canadian cities. Plus, Calgary boasts more sunshine than any other major city in Canada—over 2,400 hours annually. Even on the coldest days, that bright blue sky lifts my spirits, making it easier to get outside and stay active, whether I’m jogging along the Bow River pathways or skiing at nearby Nakiska.
The Cons: The Challenges I Face
1. The Winds: A Force to Reckon With
While the Chinooks are a blessing, the strong winds that often accompany them—or blow through on other days—can be a real test of patience. In some parts of Alberta, particularly on the eastern edge of Calgary, gusts can reach 100 km/h or more. I’ve had patio furniture topple over, watched my car door nearly get ripped off its hinges, and felt the sting of dust and debris on particularly blustery days. The wind isn’t just an inconvenience; it can make outdoor activities feel like a battle, and I’ve had to plan my hikes and runs around the forecast more than I’d like.
While the Chinooks are a blessing, the strong winds that often accompany them—or blow through on other days—can be a real test of patience. In some parts of Alberta, particularly on the eastern edge of Calgary, gusts can reach 100 km/h or more. I’ve had patio furniture topple over, watched my car door nearly get ripped off its hinges, and felt the sting of dust and debris on particularly blustery days. The wind isn’t just an inconvenience; it can make outdoor activities feel like a battle, and I’ve had to plan my hikes and runs around the forecast more than I’d like.
2. The Boom-and-Bust Cycle
Calgary’s economic reliance on oil and gas, while lessening, still creates a sense of instability. I’ve seen friends lose jobs during downturns, and the city’s cost of living—higher than in many other Canadian cities—can feel like a burden when the economy wobbles. Housing prices, though more affordable than in Vancouver or Toronto, still require a solid income to manage comfortably. For me, this economic rollercoaster adds a layer of stress, even as I appreciate the opportunities the city offers.
Calgary’s economic reliance on oil and gas, while lessening, still creates a sense of instability. I’ve seen friends lose jobs during downturns, and the city’s cost of living—higher than in many other Canadian cities—can feel like a burden when the economy wobbles. Housing prices, though more affordable than in Vancouver or Toronto, still require a solid income to manage comfortably. For me, this economic rollercoaster adds a layer of stress, even as I appreciate the opportunities the city offers.
3. Harsh Winters (Despite the Chinooks)
Chinooks aside, Calgary’s winters are long and cold, with temperatures often dipping below -30°C with wind chill. I’ve had mornings where my car wouldn’t start, and the dry air leaves my skin cracked and my sinuses irritated. The snow, while beautiful in the image of Calgary’s skyline, can pile up quickly, making commutes a slog. I’ve learned to embrace winter activities like cross-country skiing at Canmore, but there are days when I dream of a milder climate.
Chinooks aside, Calgary’s winters are long and cold, with temperatures often dipping below -30°C with wind chill. I’ve had mornings where my car wouldn’t start, and the dry air leaves my skin cracked and my sinuses irritated. The snow, while beautiful in the image of Calgary’s skyline, can pile up quickly, making commutes a slog. I’ve learned to embrace winter activities like cross-country skiing at Canmore, but there are days when I dream of a milder climate.
4. Urban Sprawl and Traffic
Calgary’s rapid growth has led to sprawling suburbs, and with that comes traffic. I’ve spent more time than I’d like stuck on Deerfoot Trail during rush hour, watching the skyline inch closer at a snail’s pace. Public transit exists, but it’s not as comprehensive as in larger cities like Toronto, so I often rely on my car. The sprawl also means that some of the city’s best amenities—like the trendy restaurants in Inglewood or the pathways along the Bow River—can feel far from certain neighborhoods, making spontaneity a bit harder.
Calgary’s rapid growth has led to sprawling suburbs, and with that comes traffic. I’ve spent more time than I’d like stuck on Deerfoot Trail during rush hour, watching the skyline inch closer at a snail’s pace. Public transit exists, but it’s not as comprehensive as in larger cities like Toronto, so I often rely on my car. The sprawl also means that some of the city’s best amenities—like the trendy restaurants in Inglewood or the pathways along the Bow River—can feel far from certain neighborhoods, making spontaneity a bit harder.
The Whys and Hows: What Keeps Me Here
So why do I stay, despite the challenges? It’s the moments that catch me off guard—the way the city lights twinkle against a snowy backdrop, as seen in the image, or the thrill of driving west and watching the Rockies rise like a wall of giants. It’s the memory of a Chinook rolling in just when I thought I couldn’t handle another freezing day, or the camaraderie of cheering on your favourite team at the Saddledome with 20,000 other fans. Calgary has a way of testing you, but it rewards you just as fiercely.
I’ve learned to adapt to the winds by investing in sturdy outdoor gear and timing my outings carefully. The economic ups and downs have taught me to save diligently and diversify my skills, while the harsh winters have pushed me to find joy in the season—whether it’s skating at Bowness Park or sipping hot cocoa by a fire after a day on the slopes. Living in Calgary has made me resilient, and it’s given me a deep appreciation for the beauty of contrast: the urban and the wild, the cold and the warm, the struggle and the reward.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Calgary, Alberta, is a city for those who crave a life of balance—where you can work in a bustling downtown core and be skiing in the Rockies by the afternoon. The views, the proximity to nature, and the Chinooks are what keep me here, even when the winds howl and the winters bite. It’s not a perfect place, but it’s a place that feels alive, full of possibility and grit. If you’re someone who loves a challenge as much as a stunning vista, Calgary might just steal your heart the way it’s stolen mine. Just don’t forget to hold onto your hat when the wind picks up.
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