Calgary Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Calgary, Alberta - AB, Canada)

Known for its energy and diversity, life in Calgary is relaxed, with locals often referred to as 'Calgarians'. Central Calgary contains the second-biggest cluster of corporate buildings in Canada and the economy is thriving. Very much a city of enterprise, the Calgarians are particularly friendly and hospitable people, proud of Calgary's offerings and welcoming visitors to their city.

Calgary is a sunny city, containing many scenic places worth visiting throughout the year. The city of Calgary offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, which include large parklands, walking trails, riverside pathways and bicycle trails.

Tourism and Tourist Information

Tourism Calgary
Address: 220 8th Avenue Southwest, Calgary, Alberta (AB), T2G OX8, Canada
Tel: +1 403 263 8510
Open hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00

TELUS Convention Center
Address: 120 9th Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta (AB), T2G 0P3, Canada
Tel: +1 403 261 8518
Open hours: daily

Language

With more than 300 languages spoken throughout America and Canada, English and French are the main languages in Calgary, and most highway signposts and tourist leaflets display both. Canadian English is widely spoken in Calgary and is based upon British English, with many distinctive expressions. In the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba, Canadian French is the main language. Calgary is home to numerous different nationalities and a number of regions in Canada are known for their local dialects and colorful colloquialisms, particularly around Newfoundland.

Currency

Currency in Calgary, Alberta and throughout Canada is structured in a similar way to the USA, with Canadian dollars. Noteworthy denominations include:

• 1c - penny
• 5c - nickel
• 10c - dime
• 2c - quarter
• $1 dollar - loonie
• $2 dollars - twoonie / toonie

Paper notes in Calgary consist of $5, $10 and $20 notes, which are daily currency, with higher notes such as $50 and $100 dollar bills being less commonplace. Tourists staying in Calgary are able to use their credit and debit cards at ATMs, which are located almost everywhere, providing a popular and convenient way to exchange currency. Also, travel agent companies in Calgary, such as American Express and Thomas Cook, offer good rates of exchange, together with local banks. Most banks in Calgary are open Monday to Friday, with opening hours being slightly shorter than regular shops and stores in the city of Calgary. A number of banking branches in central Calgary are also open during the evenings and on Saturday mornings.

Visas and Documents

Visitors to Calgary and other cities in Canada require photo identification and also at least two or three types of formal ID. Passports are always required when visiting Calgary, except for those arriving from the USA and Greenland. A driver's license is no longer sufficient ID for US citizens arriving in Calgary and should be used together with a valid birth certificate or similar, such as an official certificate of citizenship. People visiting Calgary from Commonwealth and Western countries do not require visas, although visitors from most other countries do, with the exception of Mexico. Visa applications for travel to Calgary and throughout Canada need to be made at least one month in advance. All inquiries should be directed to Canadian Immigration Centers.

Driving

Motorists wishing to drive in the city of Calgary must obtain a 'Canadian Nonresident Interprovince Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card' or 'Visitor to Canada Insurance', which is issued by most US insurance companies. Most car rental agencies in Calgary require you to be at least 21 years of age when renting a car, although for some this is 26 years. In Calgary, Alberta and all over Canada, cars always drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Tipping

Tipping in Calgary is commonplace and many restaurants expect around 10 to 15% of the bill as a tip, although a number of restaurants automatically include service charges on the bill. Taxi drivers, barbers, hairdressers and hotel staff in Calgary also expect tipping.

Smoking and Alcohol

All over Canada you are only able to purchase alcohol at local government-run shops, although in the provinces of Alberta and Quebec, many privately-owned stores are permitted to sell a range of alcohol. The current legal drinking age throughout Canada is 19 years old, with the exception of Alberta and Manitoba, where the age is only 18. Smoking is now restricted at many places in Calgary, including public transportation and restaurants.