Calgary is a vibrant, modern city located in the southern part of Alberta. With a population of 1.6 million, Calgary is the fourth-largest city in Canada. It has a multicultural character and is highly diverse, with nearly 150 different languages spoken throughout the city. Calgary is well-known for the friendliness and hospitality of its citizens, as well as for the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Calgary was recently rated the 4th most livable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Situated in the eastern foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains, where the Elbow and Bow Rivers meet, Calgary’s proximity to the mountains makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as skiing, skating, hiking, fishing, and cycling.
Calgary also boasts a vibrant and eclectic arts scene, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year. In addition, the city offers fantastic restaurants, nightlife, shopping, sports and recreation facilities, and all the amenities you would expect of a modern and prosperous city.
Calgary's History
The earliest known human settlers in the prairies where Calgary is situated lived here 12,000 years ago. Before European traders arrived, the area was the home of four main First Nation tribes in the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Peigan, the Blood, the Blackfoot, and the Tsuut’ina. It is thought that the first European to see the area was Hudson's Bay Company trader David Thompson, who arrived in 1787.
1875 | Northwest Mounted Police established Fort Calgary. This was the first permanent European settlement. |
1883 | The Canadian Pacific Railroad reached Calgary. The railroad crosses Canada from East to West. |
1884 | Joseph B. Tyrell discovered dinosaur fossils near Drumheller, attracting worldwide attention. |
1894 | Calgary was incorporated as a city. It had 2,500 citizens. |
1895 | The first well in search of natural gas was drilled. It was a dry hole. |
1909 | The first successful natural gas well drilled was dubbed "Old Glory". The well produced 2.2 million cubic meters of gas a day. |
1912 | The first Stampede was held in Calgary. It featured cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo riding, vaudeville acts, and the parade with Native Indians in full ceremonial dress. |
1914 | Oil was discovered in Turner Valley, just south of Calgary. |
1916 | The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) was established. Originally called the Provincial Institute of Technology and Arts, it was later changed to SAIT. |
1917 | Annie Gale was elected Alderman. She was the first woman in the British Empire elected to serve on a municipal council. |
1967 | The University of Calgary was established. |
1988 | Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics. |
2006 | Calgary's population reaches 1 million. |
Calgary's Temperature and Climate
Calgary is the sunniest major city in Canada, getting an average of 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. Whether hot or cold, you can almost always count on sunshine in the city. Calgary's weather is varied and constantly changing, cycling through all four seasons throughout the year. Temperatures in Calgary are generally mild, especially compared to most other cities in Canada. In the summer, temperature highs are typically in the low-to-mid twenties (degrees Celsius), occasionally surpassing 30 degrees C, but cooling off comfortably in the evenings. In the winter, temperatures can be very cold (lows reaching below -30 degrees C) or quite mild (highs above 10 degrees C), or anything in between. Typically very cold temperatures only last for a few weeks per year. One of Calgary's most distinct weather characteristics is the Chinook, a warm wind that blows in from the Pacific Ocean and can raise temperatures by 15 degrees (or even more!) in just a few hours, providing a pleasant relief from chilly winter weather.
Why Calgary?
Ultimate Host City
Not only is Calgary the sunniest city in Canada and the fourth most livable city in the world (according to the 2023 Economist Intelligence Unit report), it’s also home to world-class venues, iconic sports franchises, and an undeniable community spirit. You’ll feel this as soon as you arrive at the airport, where you’re greeted by one of the 440 YYC White Hat Volunteers, a tradition that has been welcoming visitors since 1991.
There’s an energy here that exhilarates, invigorates, and motivates. Calgary is a thriving business centre with the most head offices per capita in Canada, but it is also surrounded by four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the renowned Banff National Park. Whether you’re exploring new restaurants, immersing yourself in festivals, or visiting top attractions, there is always something to do.
Calgary was recognized by SportsBusiness International in 2014, 2016, and 2018 as an Ultimate Sport City. With over 300 local sport organizations and a reputation as a hub for high-performance Olympic winter sport training, Calgary has solidified its place among the leading sport cities in the world.
There are a billion reasons to hold your event in Calgary
We are investing more than one billion dollars to make Calgary the largest convention destination in Western Canada
Calgary: You’ll Fit Right In
Calgary is a meeting destination like no other: a mix of big-city energy and warm Western hospitality. With community spirit at its core, Calgary is full of shareable experiences. From a bustling downtown to character-filled neighborhoods, along winding rivers and inside every welcoming venue, there are a billion reasons that make Calgary the perfect place to host your next meeting or event. Why a billion? Because we’re investing more than a billion dollars into making your meeting experience in Calgary even more spectacular in the future.
Calgary is #TakingCare of Business
A citywide approach to health and safety along with spacious venues outfitted to meet today's hosting needs are just two of the billion reasons to meet in Calgary. Feel confident in the in-person meeting experience from arrival through departure, knowing that YYC Calgary International Airport and multiple hotels and venues have globally recognized gold-standard health accreditations.