Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,300* in value in the first year.
Are you planning a move to Calgary? Finding the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for your lifestyle and budget is one of the most exciting parts of your journey. But it can also feel overwhelming. If you are preparing to arrive in Canada within the next six months, or have recently landed, you likely have questions about finding your first home.
This guide can help you identify affordable and welcoming neighbourhoods in Calgary. While Calgary’s housing market expanded rapidly in recent years, 2026 data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows a major surge in purpose-built rental completions. This new supply has helped lower local rent prices and expand inventory, giving newcomers more options.
For a complete overview of local job opportunities, transit networks, and cost of living, read our comprehensive guide to Living in Calgary as a Newcomer ↗.
While Calgary has higher average rents than Edmonton, it remains much more affordable than major cities such as Toronto or Vancouver.
According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) market benchmarks, average asking rents in Calgary sit roughly 8% below the national average. This makes Calgary an attractive city for newcomers working to establish financial stability.
| Location | Average 1-Bedroom Rental Price (Mid-2026) |
| Toronto, Ontario | $2,468 |
| Canadian National Average | $2,029 |
| Calgary, Alberta | $1,582 – $1,618 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | $1,354 |
👉 Find Affordable 1-Bedroom Rentals in Calgary ↗
💡 Budgeting Tip: Wondering how these local rent prices fit into your broader monthly budget? Read our complete breakdown on Rental Affordability in Canada: A Guide for Newcomers ↗ to learn how to apply the 30% income rule to your housing search.
Calgary offers different types of housing options based on your household budget and family size.
👉 Find Affordable Studio Units in Calgary ↗
Use this quick-reference matrix to match your lifestyle goals with the right area and instantly explore available properties.
| Category | Top Neighbourhoods | Community Profile | Browse Rentals |
| Most Affordable | Marlborough, Forest Lawn | Budget-first pricing, established retail centers, strong bus access. | Find Forest Lawn Rentals ↗ |
| Students & Nightlife | Sunnyside, Kensington, Hillhurst, Mission | Highly walkable, direct C-Train access, lively local dining & café culture. | Find Mission Rentals ↗ |
| Families & Suburbs | Evanston, Shawnessy, Signal Hill, West Springs, Lake Bonavista | Excellent school zones, suburban quiet, large parks, family amenities. | Find Evanston Rentals ↗ |
| Up-and-Coming/Artsy | Bankview, Sunalta, Inglewood, Bridgeland | Inner-city affordability, close to downtown core, regenerating streetscapes. | Find Sunalta Rentals |
| NEIGHBOURHOOD | AVG. 1-BED RENT | BEST FOR |
| Marlborough | $1,250 – $1,420 | Budget-first renters, newcomers, east-side commuters |
| Bankview | $1,380 – $1,520 | Young professionals, creatives, inner-city budget seekers |
| Sunalta | $1,420 – $1,580 | Downtown commuters, transit-oriented renters |
| Sunnyside | $1,550 – $1,720 | Students, walkability lovers, young professionals |
| Shawnessy | $1,480 – $1,650 | Growing families, suburban renters, South CTrain users |
| Evanston | $1,520 – $1,700 | Families wanting newer construction, quiet streets |
Choosing a great area is a major milestone, but knowing how to navigate lease agreements, credit checks, and deposit rules in Alberta is just as important.
Marlborough offers immediate proximity to major ethnic grocery hubs, community health clinics, and large retail centers like Marlborough Mall. If your primary goal is to lower your monthly expenses during your first year in Canada, this area provides strong overall value.
👉 Browse available rentals in Marlborough ↗
💡 Renter Tip: To learn how Calgary’s rail network connects these areas to downtown, read our guide to Calgary Public Transit for Newcomers ↗.
Living in Sunnyside means walking to local coffee shops, international bakeries, and peaceful parks along the Bow River pathway. Its direct transit access to the University of Calgary and SAIT makes it a high-demand area for students.
👉 Browse available rentals in Sunnyside ↗
Bankview borders the vibrant 17th Avenue SW retail district, offering access to dining and shopping while retaining a quiet neighborhood feel. It provides a practical compromise for newcomers who want to stay close to central city action on a moderate budget.
👉 Browse available rentals in Bankview ↗
Shawnessy features major shopping plazas, YMCA recreational facilities, and quick access to Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of North America’s largest urban natural parks. It is ideal for families seeking space and good school zones.
👉 Browse available rentals in Shawnessy ↗
Evanston offers newer build quality, energy-efficient building standards, and local village shopping centers. It offers a calm residential setting away from the city core for newcomers prioritizing modern home amenities.
👉 Browse available rentals in Evanston ↗
Because thousands of newcomers relocate to Calgary annually, local authorities routinely warn renters about online listing scams. Scammers often post fake photos of real properties at low rates to pressure anxious movers into sending advance deposits.
Protect your money during your housing search by following these rules:
If you are moving to Calgary from abroad or another province, navigating the rental market remotely requires extra caution.
To secure housing safely from a distance, consider these steps:
💡 Want more protection tips? Read our guide: How Can Newcomers Avoid Rental Scams? 10 Smart Tips ↗
Reducing financial stress starts with picking a neighbourhood that aligns with your household budget. Calgary offers diverse communities, from budget-friendly northeast areas to suburban south hubs, that allow you to build stability without overspending on rent. Focus on transit access, local schools, and realistic monthly costs as your primary guideposts.
👉 Still searching for your first Calgary home? Visit Rentals for Newcomers ↗!
Yes. Calgary combines a strong local economy with lower taxation (no provincial sales tax in Alberta) and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. While housing costs are higher than in Edmonton, Calgary remains more accessible than major cities in British Columbia or Ontario.
As of mid-2026 CMHC rental market updates, the average asking rent in Calgary sits around $1,582 – $1,618 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,837 – $1,924 for a two-bedroom unit. A surge in purpose-built rental construction has helped stabilize price growth across the city.
The most budget-friendly rental prices are generally found in established Northeast and Southeast communities, such as Marlborough, Forest Lawn, Bankview, and Sunalta.
Sunnyside, Kensington, and Brentwood are top choices due to their direct C-Train access to the SAIT campus and the University of Calgary.
Navigating a new city can feel overwhelming, but Calgary’s public transit network, managed by Calgary Transit, is clean, efficient, and cost-effective. Whether you are commuting to work, exploring downtown, or looking to lower your living expenses, understanding the transit system is vital for any newcomer.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Calgary’s trains (the CTrain), regular buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes, ticket prices, payment options, and bike paths.
New to the city? Pairing this transit guide with our comprehensive overview on Living in Calgary, Alberta: Everything You Need to Know will help you settle with confidence.
The CTrain is Calgary’s primary electric light rail system. It is one of North America’s most eco-friendly transit systems, running on 100% wind power. Trains generally operate from 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily, with peak frequency every 5–10 minutes.
Green Line LRT Update: Calgary is building a third train line called the Green Line that is expected to open in 2031. It will connect the north and southeast parts of the city. Because the plans and timelines change, check the official Calgary Transit website for the newest updates.
Using public transit makes exploring Calgary’s neighbourhoods simple and stress-free. Once you’ve toured a few areas on the CTrain, start browsing Calgary Rentals for Newcomers to find homes near major transit hubs.
When you’re ready to apply, stand out to local landlords using the Prepare for Canada Ultimate Rental Application Guide below:
Where the CTrain doesn’t go, Calgary public transit relies on an extensive network of over 160 bus routes to fill the gaps.
Tip: Use Google Maps, Transit App, or the Calgary Transit NextRide planner for real-time arrival estimates and step-by-step route mapping.
Calgary Transit uses a unified fare system. A single ticket or fare validation is valid for 90 minutes across all buses and CTrains, allowing unlimited transfers within that window.
According to the official City of Calgary Transit Fee Schedule, standard adult single fares are set at $4.00. Below is the full breakdown of standard transit fares and multi-ride passes:
| Rider Category | Single Fare (90-Min) | Day Pass | Monthly Pass |
| Adult (18 and older) | $4.00 | $12.65 | $126.00 |
| Youth (13-17) | $2.65 | $9.25 | $86.00 ($92.00 starting September 2026) |
| Children (12 & under) | Free | Free | Free |
Newcomers with permanent residency, refugee status, or low income can apply for Calgary’s Fair Entry Program, which provides discounted monthly transit passes (ranging from $6.30/month to $63.00 depending on the household income tier).
You have several convenient options to purchase tickets and passes:
If you like biking or walking, Calgary has the largest urban pathway network in North America, with over 1,000 kilometers of paved trails.
On Transit: CTrains allow bicycles on board during non-peak hours (and fold-up bikes at all times). All Calgary public transit buses are equipped with front bike racks.
Shared e-Scooters & e-Bikes: Seasonally available throughout downtown and inner-city neighbourhoods via app-based operators.
Getting comfortable with a new public transit system is one of the fastest ways to feel at home in Calgary. With clean trains, extensive bus coverage, and free downtown travel, getting around the city as a newcomer is both straightforward and budget-friendly.
Mastered your commute? From setting your banking to finding your first home, check off your next steps with our guide to the first things to do after landing in Canada.
Calgary Transit operates Help Buttons on all train platforms, designated “Waiting Areas” with enhanced lighting and cameras, and active Transit Peace Officers patrolling stations and trains.
Your ticket or digital activation lasts 90 minutes. If paying cash on a bus, ask the driver for a paper transfer. If using the My Fare app, your active digital ticket serves as proof of payment for transfers.
Currently, there is no direct CTrain rail link to YYC Airport. However, you can take Route 300 (BRT) from Downtown or Route 100 from the Saddletowne / McKnight-Westwinds CTrain stations directly to the airport terminal.
Yes. You must keep dogs on a leash, and small animals inside a secure carrier or cage during the entire trip. Pets ride for free!
If you are planning your move and considering living in Calgary, Alberta? This complete 2026 newcomer guide covers everything you need to know about housing costs, high-paying jobs, and daily life.
| Metric | 2026 Data | Comparison Note |
|---|---|---|
| City Population | ~1,840,000 (Metro Area) | Fast-growing, diverse city; 3rd largest in Canada |
| *Avg. 1-Bedroom Rent (Explore 1-bedroom rentals in Calgary) | $1,440/month | Stabilized and trending lower, providing relief from 2024 peaks. |
| Benchmark Home Price | $568,800 | Notably more accessible than Vancouver or Toronto. |
| Top Industries | Energy, Tech, Aerospace, Agribusiness, and Finance | The corporate head office capital of Western Canada. |
| Climate | Semi-arid, Humid Continental | Averaging the most annual sunshine hours in Canada, with winter Chinooks (passage of warm air over a mountain range) |
*While these are market averages, prices fluctuate. You can view live, Calgary neighbourhood-specific listings right now at Rentals for Newcomers.
Calgary is a welcoming and successful city located in Alberta, right where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet. It sits just under an hour’s drive from the famous Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, giving you easy access to beautiful, open spaces and fresh mountain air.
Calgary is also the third-most diverse city in Canada, with neighbours from more than 200 different cultural backgrounds. This means newcomers can easily find community groups, familiar food, and a warm welcome. Moving here means you get the benefits of a big business city while enjoying clean air, massive parks, and safe neighbourhoods for your family.
If you want to compare Alberta’s two biggest cities before making your choice, you can also read our complete guide to Living in Edmonton, Alberta, to see which city is the best fit for your goals.
Calgary’s job market is rapidly diversifying beyond traditional oil and gas. In 2026, the top industries driving local employment are technology, aerospace manufacturing, logistics, green energy, and healthcare.
Many workers are moving here from expensive provinces like Ontario and British Columbia because Calgary offers a great balance: good wages combined with lower living costs. This means you get to keep more of the money you earn. In fact, Calgary ranks as a prominent “Rising Star” in our national overview of the best cities in Canada for immigrants due to this unique mix of economic growth and household value.
💡 Calgary Job Trends: In 2026, Calgary’s job market is steady and strong, with a low unemployment rate of around 5.5%. Many workers are moving here from expensive provinces like Ontario and British Columbia because Calgary offers a great balance: good wages combined with lower living costs, meaning you get to keep more of the money you earn.
💡 Tip: Read more about how to research your profession in our guide, Canada Job Bank: Your Vital Research Tool.
Calgary is a great place to look for a home in 2026 because the housing market is settling down. While buying a standalone house is still a big investment, rental prices and condo prices have come down over the past year. This means newcomers have more choices and power to negotiate a better deal than in expensive cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Renting is usually the best first step when you arrive. Calgary is divided into four main sections (called quadrants), and each one offers safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods with easy access to public transit, schools, and shopping. To find the right area for your lifestyle and family safety, explore our guide, Best Calgary Neighbourhoods for Newcomers.
The good news for recent arrivals is that average rent prices across the city have dropped by 3% to 11% compared to last year. Right now, the average cost for a standard, unfurnished one-bedroom apartment is around $1,440 per month. This downward trend aligns with broader national shifts outlined in our recent Rental Market in Canada 2026 Spring Update, which highlights how cooling major markets are giving newcomers more bargaining power.
Here is a look at average rental expectations according to recent Rentals for Newcomers 2026 Tracking:
| Quadrant/Neighbourhood | Avg. 1-Bedroom Rent/Month | Vibe for Newcomers |
| North East (Falconridge, Explore Saddle Ridge Rental Listings) | $1,320 | Budget-Conscious: Highly diverse, excellent ethnic markets, steepest recent rental drop |
| North West (Brentwood, Evanston) | $1,439 | Academic & Scenic: Close to the University of Calgary, highly family-friendly, great LRT access. |
| City Centre Beltline, Downtown (Explore Beltline Rental Listings) | $1,550 | Urban: High-density, walkable, close to corporate offices, dining, and nightlife. |
| South West (Coach Hill, Marda Loop) | $1,600 | Premium Suburban: Trendy corridors, established tree-lined streets, exceptional schools. |
| South East (Deer Ridge, Mahogany) | $1,490 | Master-Planned: Lake communities, fantastic public parks, ideal for vehicle owners. |
💡Renting in Calgary Tip: You’ll need tenant insurance to protect your belongings and most landlords require it. Read more about why newcomers need tenant insurance.
You can realistically move from renting to buying a home in Calgary. Current 2026 data shows that Calgary’s real estate market is now stable and balanced. The average price for all housing types combined sits at $568,800. This is a manageable 3.5% drop from record highs, creating an ideal window for first-time buyers.
Importantly, the market gives you two clear choices. Standard standalone houses are in high demand, and prices remain firm. However, the apartment and condo market features deep discounts, giving you excellent bargaining power to negotiate a lower price.
Here is how the Calgary real estate market benchmarks by property type:
| Property Type | Benchmark Price (2026) | Market Trend & Reality |
| Composite (All Housing Types) | $568,800 | Balanced market; down 3.5% year-over-year |
| Single-Family Detached Homes | $745,400 | Tighter inventory; prices recovering slightly month-over-month |
| Semi-Detached (Duplex) | $690,200 | Stable; slight 0.3% annual adjustment |
| Townhouses/Row Houses | $422,900 | Increased inventory; down 7.0% year-over-year |
| Condo Apartments | $301,400 | Deep Buyer’s Market; down 8.9% year-over-year |
Check out more tips for first-time home buyers.
Calgary offers helpful programs to welcome newcomers and support the city’s growing communities. Settlement agencies work hard to help you adapt smoothly to your new life in Canada.
Large South Asian, Chinese, and Filipino communities already call Calgary home. Because the city is so diverse, you can easily find cultural associations, people who speak your language, and local grocery stores that sell familiar food from back home.
| Organization | Best For | Signature Programs & Perks |
| Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) | Centralized intake, language mapping, and settlement pathways. | Gateway Plan: A customized roadmap connecting you directly to resources based on your family profile. Language Assessments: Official diagnostic testing for government-funded language training. |
| Centre for Newcomers (CFN) | Career bridging, social integration, and youth initiatives. | Real-World Career Support: Tailored mentoring to align international credentials with Alberta tech and corporate standards. |
| Canadian Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) | Specialized gender-focused integration, family support, and language training. | Mother-to-Mother Mentoring: Peer support systems for transitioning families. LINC Classes: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada featuring on-site childcare options. |
| Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) | Comprehensive resettlement, housing placement, and rural integration. | First-Home Finding: Get help finding short-and long-term housing options. |
Managing your money wisely is vital to living in Calgary and building a stable life. To make things easy, major banks across Calgary offer special newcomer packages, such as the Scotiabank StartRight™ Program.
Through these programs, you can open a Canadian bank account online before you even leave your home country. Once you arrive in Calgary, you can visit a local branch to activate your account. You can apply for a newcomer credit card (even if you do not have a Canadian credit history) and access tailored financial products such as savings accounts and specialized newcomer mortgages.
For a complete pre-arrival financial blueprint, explore our complete guide: Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada.
Driving in Calgary is straightforward because the roads are laid out in a clean, quadrant-based system that divides the city into North West (NW), North East (NE), South West (SW) and South East (SE). Avenues run east-west, while streets run north-south.
Read more in our guide, Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Essential Tips for Newcomers
Calgary Transit makes it easy to get around the city using standard buses, neighbourhood shuttle routes, and the C-Train (the local Light Rail Transit) system. The C-Train is the main way people travel in Calgary. It runs along two major high-speed lines connecting the far northern and southern suburbs directly to the downtown core. To learn how to buy tickets and map out your daily commute, read our complete guide to Public Transit in Calgary.
Newcomer Tip: Newcomers must register for provincial healthcare immediately upon landing. To verify the documents your require and the application process, follow our step-by-step guide, How Can Newcomers Get Public Health Insurance in Canada?
Alberta Health Services (AHS) runs the province’s healthcare system. When you show your valid Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) card, the government pays 100% of the cost for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and appointments with specialists.
However, the public plan does not cover dental work, prescription medicines, or eye care. Because of these gaps, many people choose to buy private extended health insurance or use employer benefit plans to help cover the costs of medications and extra care.
To see how quickly your coverage starts and what rules apply to your family, review the health insurance guidelines below:
| Resident Category | Waiting Period | AHCIP Eligibility & Coverage Notes |
| Newcomers (International PRs) | No Waiting Period | Eligible for full coverage starting the exact day you establish residency in Alberta. You must submit your application immediately upon arrival. |
| Moving from Another Province | Up to 3 Months | Your “old” provincial plan covers you for the first 3 months (usually until the last day of the 2nd month following your arrival). Alberta coverage kicks in on the first day of the third month (e.g., if you move July 10, coverage begins on October 1). |
| Work Permit Holders | No Waiting Period | Eligible from arrival date, provided the permit is valid for at least 6 months, and you intend to live in Alberta for 12 months. Note: IEC (Type 58) holders now require proof of full-time employment and a 12-month permit. |
| International Students | Eligible | Fully eligible if holding a valid study permit issued for at least 12 months and maintaining full-time enrollment. |
| Canadian Citizens/PRs | No Waiting Period | Coverage is valid as long as you are physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in any 12 months. |
Calgary features five major hospitals located across the city, each offering specialized emergency and medical care for you and your family:
| Hospital | Primary Specialty & Location | Key Focus for Newcomers |
| Foothills Medical Centre | Adult Trauma & Cancer Care (North West) | One of Canada’s top medical campuses; features a massive 24/7 emergency department and the brand-new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. |
| Rockyview General Hospital | Urology & Eye Care (South West) | Located on the shores of the Glenmore Reservoir; specializes in urological surgeries and advanced eye care. |
| Peter Lougheed Centre | Emergency & Vascular Surgery (North East) | A very busy, large hospital that manages high-volume emergency cases and regional blood-vessel (vascular) surgeries. |
| South Health Campus | Modern Patient Care & Tech (South East) | A brand-new, high-tech hospital that focuses on green sustainability and innovative, patient-first treatment. |
| Alberta Children’s Hospital | Pediatric Emergency & Trauma (North West) | A world-famous hospital built specifically for kids, specializing in advanced children’s medicine and pediatric emergency care. |
Alberta’s public education system is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the world. Parents can select between two completely free, publicly funded school streams based on family preference:
Specialized & Newcomer Support: French Immersion, traditional language academies, and specialized fine arts or science curricula are accessible across both boards. High school students can pursue advanced academic pathways via widespread Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programming.
Early Childhood: Under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement, Alberta continues to expand its $10-a-day licensed child care, daycare, and preschool spaces. To find Calgary daycares, pre-schools, family day homes, out-of-school care, or group family child care, the government has a great child care search tool.
💡 Newcomer Tip: If you are registering your children for school in Calgary for the first time while living in Calgary, you must visit the CBE’s welcome and assessment centre. The staff there will check your children’s English skills to make sure they get the right English language support (EAL) on their very first day at school. Read more in our guide, Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System.
To help you weigh your options, here is a look at the major upsides and downsides of moving to the city.
| Feature | Pros (The Benefits) | Cons (The Challenges) |
| Money & Taxes | Keep more of your paycheck: Alberta’s lack of a provincial sales tax and low income taxes help you save more money each month. | Economic Shifts: While the city is diversifying into tech and aviation, the local economy can still fluctuate based on global oil prices. |
| Housing Market | Great apartment deals: A massive supply of new buildings gives you excellent bargaining power to rent or buy a condo affordably. | Premium Detached Market: Buying a standard standalone home in a highly desirable school district remains a major financial investment. |
| Transit & Driving | Easy cross-city travel: The Stoney Trail ring road and the efficient C-Train network make your daily commute easy. | Rush Hour Congestion: Major central roads, such as Deerfoot Trail, experience heavy traffic jams during morning and evening rush hours. |
| Climate & Nature | Sunlight & Mountains: You get 333 days of sunshine a year and live less than an hour’s drive from world-class mountain parks like Banff. | Intense winter cold snaps: Winters are long and can bring freezing drops below −25°C, along with sudden summer hail or autumn freezes. |
People in Calgary are energetic, friendly, and very welcoming to newcomers. The city has an amazing arts and culture scene, featuring the Studio Bell (National Music Centre), the Arts Commons performance theatres, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Calgary Stampede: Deeply intertwined with local identity, Calgary transforms every July for the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Attracting over 1.2 million global visitors annually, the 10-day exhibition celebrates western heritage with world-class rodeos, concerts, and free community pancake breakfasts, offering newcomers an electric, immediate way to experience local culture.
Urban Parks: Calgary features breathtaking urban parks. Nose Hill Park in the northwest is the largest municipal park in Canada, preserving massive expanses of native prairie hillside. Prince’s Island Park sits embedded in the downtown Bow River corridor, and is a green sanctuary where cultural festivals often take place.
Professional Sports: Local sports passion centers heavily around the NHL’s Calgary Flames (hockey) and the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders (football), bringing immense energy to the downtown red-mile corridor during competitive seasons.
Multicultural Celebrations: Calgary loves diversity and celebrates with summer cultural festivals. You can enjoy GlobalFest (a multi-ethnic festival with international fireworks), Expo Latino, and Calgary Pride. These events are part of a larger nationwide energy highlighted in our cross-country guide to the most Exciting Summer Festivals in Canada in 2026. If you want to buy traditional foods and goods from back home, you can easily find them at the shops and street markets along International Avenue (17th Ave SE).
Indigenous Connections: Calgary is located on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuut’ina Nations, and is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 & 6). Newcomers can meaningfully connect with Indigenous heritage by attending community educational forums, art showcases at local galleries, and public traditional Pow Wows held throughout the spring and summer months.
Embracing Winter Culture: Thriving in Calgary means stepping into the snow! Calgary embraces its identity as an Olympic city (1988 Winter Games), providing newcomers immediate winter access to world-class facilities like the WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) ski hills and the high-speed Olympic Oval skating facilities.
If you want to keep more of the money you earn, build a career in a growing industry, and buy a home in a stable housing market, Calgary is one of the smartest cities to choose in Canada. The winters are cold, and you will need to buy good winter clothes, but the bright sunshine, low taxes, and close drive to the Rocky Mountains make Calgary a wonderful place to call home.
🏠 Ready to start your housing search? Browse vetted Calgary rentals on Rentals for Newcomers today!
Calgary experiences true continental winters when January daily averages land around −8.9°C. However, extreme winter cold snaps can drop temperatures below −25°C for brief intervals. Crucially, Calgary is famous for the Chinook, a warm, dry wind blowing over the Rocky Mountains that can raise temperatures by as much as 15 degrees in a matter of hours, providing refreshing winter melting periods unique to southern Alberta.
Calgary is a very spread-out city, so having a car is highly useful for suburban families and weekend trips to the mountains. However, you can easily live here without a vehicle. If you choose to live in inner-city neighbourhoods like the Beltline, Mission, or Bridgeland, you can walk to most places. Combining that walkability with the local C-Train makes your daily commute simple and saves you money.
Yes, Calgary is regularly ranked among the top 10 cities in the world because it is safe and family-friendly. Newer suburban neighbourhoods like Evanston, Rocky Ridge, and Mahogany are designed with quiet streets, local elementary schools, nearby medical clinics, and plenty of playgrounds. This makes the city an ideal place to raise children.
If you’re moving to Canada and plan to drive, it’s important to know what you need to drive legally. If you already have a licence in your home country, you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada. Each province in Canada has slightly different rules. Discover the simple process to get your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.
Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with many countries. If you have a valid driver’s licence, you can exchange your license for an Alberta license without taking a knowledge or road test. Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:
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To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.
Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence
Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence. The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.
Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test
Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.
Your licence, application for GDL exemption, and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.
Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence
There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:
When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence.
Choosing quality child care for your family is an important decision. You want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional development of your children.
There are many types of child care available:
Daycare programs serve infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Family day homes offer care in a private residence. There are typically six or fewer children, including the caregiver’s children, with one caregiver.
Group family child care programs offer care in a private residence. There are typically between seven and 10 children with two caregivers.
Out-of-school-care programs operate before and after school, during lunch hours, and sometimes when school is closed.
Pre-school program that offers child care for four or fewer hours per day for pre-school aged children.
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARFinding the best arrangement for your family takes time and planning, but it is worth the effort. You know your child best. Think about where they will be most comfortable. List your needs. For example, if your child needs quiet time, a large, busy centre may not be the best choice.
Here are things to consider to help you make a child-care decision:
Your child’s age
The types of activities your child enjoys
The number and ages of children your child enjoys being with
Any food allergies or food preferences to accommodate.
Also, each program will have different child care approaches and services such as snacks or meals. Other things to consider are your work hours, location, and cost. Do you require assistance with your childcare fees for your preschool children?
Locate a child care facility or family day home agency
The next step is to find a child care program. A good way to find a program is to ask friends and neighbours for references. You can also contact your local child and family services office for a list of child care programs or use our online tool to find a program.
Visit a child care program
You must visit each program that you are considering. This allows you to ask questions and observe the care they offer. During your visit, consider these questions:
Are the facility and equipment clean and in good condition?
Is space arranged for children to freely choose activities?
Are toys and equipment in reach of all children?
Do toys and equipment suit the ages and sizes of all children?
Are there enough toys for the number of children?
Is there a program listing daily activities?
Can children choose from a variety of activities?
Do activities suit the ages of the children?
Do children appear relaxed and involved in activities?
Is there room for outdoor play?
Nutrition
Does food for all children meet the standards in Canada’s Food Guide or Alberta’s Nutritional Food Guidelines?
Do caregivers sit with children during meals?
Health and Safety
Do staff and children wash their hands before and after diapering or toileting?
Are medications stored in a locked container, out of reach of children?
Is all indoor and outdoor equipment clean and safe?
Do staff have training in child care first aid?
Child care staff and providers
How many staff per child are present?
What is the training of staff?
Are staff engaged and involved with children?
Do staff calmly reassure children who are upset?