7 reasons to move to Calgary if you’re visiting for Stampede

Visiting Calgary for the Stampede? Maybe you should consider staying. The greatest show on earth may only be for 10 days a year, but there are a lot of reasons why a move to Calgary could be the perfect fit. It was for me.

For context, I moved to Calgary from B.C. three years ago. So, as a recent transplant, I have some thoughts. But between navigating a different city, forming new friendships, and experiencing the culture shock of my first Stampede, I can honestly say I don’t regret it for a second.

Calgary has a lot going for it, and whether it’s the sunshine, affordability, or Western flair, this city might just win your heart too.

Here are seven reasons you might want to move to Calgary after the Stampede.

Getting around is easy

For those who’ve spent time in some of Canada’s other major cities (looking at you, Toronto and Vancouver), Calgary’s virtual lack of traffic is pure bliss.

Sure, talking about highway infrastructure isn’t exactly a sexy marketing campaign, but WOW does it make life easier. No matter where you are in Calgary, you can get virtually anywhere in 30 minutes or less. For a sprawling city of nearly 826 sq km, that’s no small feat.

That’s not to say that you’ll never encounter gridlock. But as someone who moved here from B.C., where spontaneity usually results in sitting in traffic and circling parking lots, I could kiss the asphalt of Stoney Trail.

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Year-round sunshine

Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada, and that’s not an exaggeration. Maybe this is just my trauma of decades spent under rain clouds, but that blue sky never gets old. Whether you’re trying to maximize your summer tan or looking for a mood booster during the winter months, the sun always delivers.

Sure, we get rain too. But a dramatic storm with thunder and lightning beats out months of never-ending drizzle any day in my opinion. And all that sunshine on white snow arguably makes winter the brightest season of the year. I’m not kidding, you’ll need sunglasses.

We have a killer food scene

I’m shocked by how little this is talked about, but Calgary is home to so many amazing restaurants, bars, and patios. Whenever I have friends visit from out of town, they’re blown away by all the amazing food options.

The patio scene in the summertime is unbeatable, but there’s plenty to enjoy year-round. From all different kinds of cuisine like vegan, vegetarian, and a surprising number of gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and that local beef means you won’t find a better steak anywhere.

Affordable living (compared to other cities)

Born and raised Calgarians might crucify me for this one, but Calgary is way more affordable than most cities in Canada. The local complaints come from the fact that it used to be even cheaper, before the secret got out and Canadians started moving here in droves (like me).

That being said, data shows that rents in Calgary are some of the best when compared to Canada’s major population hubs. Also, buying a home here doesn’t feel as impossible as it does in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. That alone might be enough to convince most people to move to Calgary.

The mountains are close by

For most Canadians, enjoying the great outdoors is more than a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. Whether you love to camp, hike, mountain bike, or any manner of snow sports, I’d argue there’s no better place to do it than the Rockies.

From downtown Calgary, you can get to the outdoor playground of Kananaskis in an hour, or tack on another 30 minutes and you’re in Banff. From the plethora of stunning trails, ski resorts, and campgrounds, you’ve got all the nature you need right at your doorstep. And you don’t have to plan weeks in advance to enjoy it.

It could just be my experience, but I’ve spontaneously gone to Banff in the summer on a Saturday at 1 p.m. and had no issues finding free parking. If that’s not freedom, I don’t know what is.

“But it’s a dry cold!”

I’m poking a bit of fun at this overused line, but it’s so true. Calgary’s famous plummeting temperatures are usually the first thing I hear when I start extolling the city’s benefits. (For the record, I don’t make commission. I’m just annoyingly enthusiastic about living here.)

While I won’t pretend we don’t see some pretty cold winter days, the drier climate makes all the difference. Humidity means the frigid air seeps through your clothes and lives in your bones. In Calgary, all you need to do is bundle up, and you’ll barely feel it. As a member of the “I’m always cold” club, I’m fine so long as I have a cozy sweater and fuzzy blanket.

Calgary is super friendly

Last, but certainly not least, you should move to Calgary if you want an easier time making friends. We get the reputation for being one of Canada’s friendliest cities, and I think that title is well-deserved.

Even if you’re downtown, it’s not uncommon to smile, nod, or say hello to people you pass on the street. That, combined with the fact that so many Calgarians are originally from other cities, means you don’t find as many cliques. It could also be that everyone is friendlier because it’s so sunny all the time. That vitamin D does wonders for your serotonin.

Would you consider making Calgary home? Or if you’re a native Calgarian, what do you appreciate the most when you compare it to other Canadian cities? Let us know in the comments.