I am from Ontario originally, born and raised. I came to Calgary Alberta about a year and a half a go and it’s slowly growing on me. I used to hate Calgary because it’s very American. You don’t have to pay a provincial tax only federal, but they sure nickle and dime you on everything out here. To use payphones cost 35 cents instead of the standard quarter everywhere else. Gas is fairly cheap here, large purchases for furniture and cars are cheap. But pop, cheese and vegetables are more expensive than in Ontario. Having to pay for health care too is a bummer when you’re used to free stuff.
But I do love the mountains and the ability to look out my window and see them. I also love the fact that they are only 2 hours away so anytime I want to go skiing, hiking or to B.C. I just jump into the car.
Calgary is big during Stampede time, it’s a 14 day festival that calls to cowboys and ranchers from all over the world. We have a lot of American visitors and you’ve never seen so many cowboys or cowboy hats. It’s amazing time to come and visit Calgary, the people are friendly and the Stampede is a great attraction for us here.
Then of course we have the C-Train that is an onland train that takes you across the city for $2.00 you can go quite far. They also offer a free downtown area where if you’re travelling a short distance downtown you can ride the train for free.
Calgary is definitaly worth coming and checking out. During the winter we do get a lot of snow but we have chinooks which is warm wind that comes from B.C. I love Calgary for the chinook winds and the nice weather.