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.
