Calgary, Alberta Hotels and City Guide

Calgary - Travel Tips

When to Visit

Seasons
With Winter temperatures reaching below -30°C, a visit during November through to March is only advisable if you can handle the snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Despite its sinking Winter temperatures though, Calgary still boasts more hours of sunshine than any other major Canadian city. Summer is particularly pleasant, with temperatures in the low to mid-twenties (celcius) and long days.

Arts and Events
If there is one thing Calgary is known for internationally it is Stampede Week, with its Wild West rodeos and parades. It begins on the Friday following 2nd July with a world-televised parade and continues with a series of events that make it the premier annual cowboy event to be held anywhere. Stampede Breakfasts are served outside office buildings between 7:00 am and 9:00 am and outside many hotels and shopping malls between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. The breakfasts are often accompanied with displays by Native Americans, marching bands, gunfighter shoot-outs and wagon rides. The biggest breakfasts are held at Chinook Centre and Market Mall. There are also special saloons set up for the week throughout Calgary, and Stampede Park is where to go to see the rodeos.

Local Customs and Language

Language
Canada's official lanuages are English and French, howeve in Calgary you will predominantly hear English being spoken.

Smoking
While smoking is accepted in Calgar, you will not be permitted to smoke in any enclosed public spaces.

Tipping
In a hotel, bell service should be tipped at about CAD 1.00 per bag. Housekeeping should be CAD 1.00 to CAD 5.00 per day (in proportion to your room rate). The standard tip in restaurants is 10% to 15%, with 20% given for outstanding service. Tip a similar proportion for taxis, or at least round fares up to the nearest dollar.

Health and Security Advice

Heath
While no vaccinations are required to travel to Canada, visitors should be aware of the presence of rabies and all animal or bat bites should be assessed at a medical facility. Health treatment can be quite expensive so it is advisable to travel with adquate health insurance cover.

Security
Calgary is a relatively safe city to visit however tourists should take the usual precautions of keeping valuables hidden and secure (especially when in crowded areas), and being alert when walking around the streets at night, especially in areas where there are many bars or nightclubs.

Hotels in Calgary, Alberta