Travel tips · Calgary · Canada
Calgary travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: AceYYC, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Calgary combines ranching and oil-industry roots with a young, increasingly diverse population. Western wear comes out in force during the Stampede, when greetings of 'Yahoo!' are part of the fun. The rest of the year the city is informal, outdoorsy and friendly, with people heading for the mountains at weekends.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- CAD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink and comes mainly from the Bow and Elbow rivers.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
Things to know
- Dress is casual; cowboy hats and boots are welcome anytime and almost expected during the Stampede.
- Calgarians queue and hold doors; jumping a line is noticed.
- Cyclists share the river pathways; keep right and pass on the left with a warning.
- Recognise that Calgary is on Treaty 7 territory; land acknowledgements are common at public events.
- If you are driving to the mountains, stop only at pull-outs to view wildlife.
- Book Calgary Stampede ahead: Hotels and grandstand seats sell out months in advance; book as soon as the dates are announced.
- Alberta has no provincial sales tax; only 5% GST is added, which makes shopping cheaper than in most of Canada.
Tipping
Tip about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card terminals usually suggest percentages.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yahoo! | The Stampede greeting and cheer |
| Chinook | A warm, dry winter wind that can raise temperatures sharply |
| Plus-15 | The downtown skywalk network |
| The Red Mile | 17th Avenue SW nightlife strip |
What to wear
Layers are key: chinook winds and mountain weather can swing temperatures by 20°C in a day. In winter bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and boots with grip.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink and comes mainly from the Bow and Elbow rivers.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Central Library, the airport and most cafés; Canadian mobile data is relatively expensive, so an eSIM can help.
- Time zone
- America/Edmonton
Calgary is generally safe for visitors. Use normal caution around some downtown CTrain stations late at night, and in winter watch for icy pavements and extreme cold during cold snaps.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Canada's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Calgary?
Tip about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card terminals usually suggest percentages.
+Can you drink the tap water in Calgary?
Tap water is safe to drink and comes mainly from the Bow and Elbow rivers.
+What plugs are used in Calgary?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Calgary?
English.