Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta, Canada. Situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, it is located in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies.
As of 2024, Calgary has a municipal population of approximately 1.5 million, making it the third-largest city and the largest undivided municipality in Canada. Known as the "Blue Sky City," it is famous for its high quality of life, diverse economy, and as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
| Elevation | 1,042 m (3,419 ft) |
|---|---|
| Sunny Days | 333 per year |
| Population | ~1.5 Million |
| Nickname | Cowtown / Blue Sky City |
| Famous Drink | The Caesar (Invented here) |
If you are looking for the most interesting facts about Calgary, here is a breakdown of what makes this city unique:
- Sunniest City in Canada: Calgary averages 333 sunny days per year, providing approximately 2,300 hours of sunshine annually.
- The Caesar Was Invented Here: Canada’s favorite cocktail, the Caesar, was created at the Calgary Inn (now the Westin) in 1969 by Walter Chell.
- World’s Largest Pedestrian Skyway: The +15 Network features 86 bridges and 16 km (10 miles) of climate-controlled walkways, allowing you to traverse downtown without stepping outside.
- The Birthplace of Ginger Beef: This staple of Canadian-Chinese cuisine was invented in the 1970s at the Silver Inn Restaurant in Calgary.
- A "High" City: At 1,045 meters (3,428 feet) above sea level, Calgary has the highest elevation of any major Canadian city.
- Global Liveability: Calgary consistently ranks among the top cities globally for liveability and was previously tied for the 3rd most liveable city in the world.
- Youthful Population: The median age in Calgary is approximately 38 years old, making it one of the youngest major metropolitan areas in Canada.
- Cleanest City: Calgary is frequently cited in global rankings as one of the cleanest cities in the world due to its high-tech sewage systems and litter-reduction initiatives.
History
Indigenous Roots and Treaty 7
Long before European settlement, the Calgary area was inhabited by the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), consisting of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations; the Tsuut’ina Nation; and the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations. The site where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet is traditionally known in Blackfoot as Mohkínstsis. In 1877, Treaty 7 was signed at Blackfoot Crossing, marking a pivotal moment in the shared history of the region.
Settlement and "Cowtown"
The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) established a post at the confluence in 1875, named Fort Calgary. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 transformed the settlement into a major commercial hub. Calgary’s early economy was built on cattle ranching, earning it the nickname "Cowtown"—a heritage still celebrated today through the annual Calgary Stampede.
The Oil Boom
The discovery of oil in Turner Valley in 1914, and later the massive Leduc discovery in 1947, shifted Calgary's economic focus toward the petroleum industry. Throughout the late 20th century, the city grew rapidly, becoming the administrative headquarters for Canada's energy sector.
Geography and Climate
Calgary sits at an elevation of 1,042 m (3,419 ft) above sea level. Its climate is humid continental, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. A unique feature of Calgary's weather is the Chinook—a warm, dry wind from the Pacific that can raise winter temperatures by as much as 20°C (36°F) in a matter of hours. Calgary is also officially Canada's sunniest major city.
Economy
While energy remains a significant driver, Calgary’s economy has diversified into technology, aerospace, financial services, and logistics. It boasts the highest concentration of corporate head offices per capita in Canada. The city is home to major companies such as WestJet, TC Energy, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).
Culture and Landmarks
- Calgary Stampede: Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," this ten-day rodeo and festival attracts over one million visitors every July.
- The +15 System: One of the world's most extensive skywalk systems, comprising 16 km of elevated, climate-controlled walkways connecting downtown buildings.
- Cultural Hubs: Major attractions include the Studio Bell (National Music Centre), the Glenbow Museum, and the Calgary Zoo.
- Sports: Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and is home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames and the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders.
Transportation
Calgary is served by the Calgary International Airport (YYC), a major hub for Western Canada. The city’s primary public transit system is the CTrain, a light rail network that was one of the first in North America to be powered entirely by wind-generated electricity.