20 Reasons to Love Calgary

20 Reasons and Counting Why I Love Calgary!

Also known as "The Heart of the New West", Calgary is located in Alberta, Canada at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and at the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Because of our location we get nice warm Chinook winds during the winters and we always have a lot of sun, in fact we get more days of sunshine per year then any other Canadian city.

Calgary is amazing for so many reasons, over 20 of which are detailed below but this is by no means an exhaustive list. I encourage you to leave a comment with some of the reasons you love Calgary!

Not Only do I love my city, I love this province and my country too! We are lucky to be Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians!

1 - Economic Strength

Calgary is Canada's number one economic performer and is home to a diverse array of industries, including the energy, finance, manufacturing, transportation, technology, film and creative industry sectors.

2 - Taxes, Or Lack Of

Calgary has no provincial sales tax and a very competitive income tax structure, allowing locals to save on every purchase.

3 - Prosperous Place to Live, Work

Calgary was ranked as the best place to work in Canada by the Globe and Mail.

The Toronto Board of Trade also named Calgary the 3rd most prosperous city of 24 cities in its most recent prosperity index.

4 - Best Place to Live

Today's Parent magazine ranked the city among the top five best cities for families and the Economist ranked Calgary as the 5th best city to live in the world in its most recent livability survey.

5 - Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park are just a stones throw away (ok, maybe not a stone throw, but depending on where you are in the city the longest it could take is about 90 minutes).

6 - Rat Free

Calgary is one of only three places in the world that claim to be rat-free along with the Arctic and Antarctic.

7 - Green Spaces

500 or so parks and reserves provide rewarding wildlife viewing opportunities and invigorating hiking and biking trails.

8 - Free Healthcare

Anybody can walk into any doctor or hospital 24 hours a day 365 days a year and receive no fee treatment within an hour (or two).

9 - Young Population

Youngest population in Canada with 41% between the ages of 20-44 and the average age of only 36.

10 - High Incomes

Highest personal income levels per capita and more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

11 - Head Offices

Second highest concentration of head offices in Canada and highest concentration of head offices per capita!

12 - Winter Passage

Largest plus 15 network in North America, giving the downtown core a convenient way to get around especially during the cold winter.

13 - Golf Away

If you like golfing, you will be happy to know that Alberta touts more golf courses than any other province.

14 - Lakes

Alberta also boasts more than 600 lakes for water-sport lovers. Check out Sikome Lake in Fish Creek Provincial Park this summer!

15 - Pathways

Largest pathway system in North America with 700 plus kilometres km of pathways.

16 - Oil Reserves

Canada has the worlds third largest oil reserves and 97% of that is in Alberta.

Additionally Canada is the worlds only major oil reserve holder whose resource revenues fund a flourishing democracy, freedom and the liberty we enjoy.

17 - Home Ownership

Calgary has the highest percentage of home ownership in the country - could it be because of income levels and economic prosperity?

18 - Quality of Life

Canada has the highest quality of life in the world after Denmark, although we have way more land and way more resources!

19 - Education

Canada has the world's highest tertiary education enrollment.

20 - Water Supply

Canada contains 9% of the world's renewable water supply.

21 - Calgary Stampede

Home to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede!

22 - Friendly Spirit

Calgary boasts one of the highest volunteer participation rates in Canada. See more on Calgary and its Volunteers today.

23 - Clean, Safe Place

Calgary is one of the safest and healthiest big cities in Canada and the world and is also the cleanest city on Earth!

24 - Locally Sourced

Our city is surrounded by an incredible agricultural ecosystem that produces some of the best products (beef, wheat, barley, etc.) and cultures from around the world, giving us an incredibly diverse dining experience.

25 - Awesome Airport

 YYC, Calgary's airport is currently building the longest runway in Canada and the tallest control tower in the country.

As one of Canada's busiest airports this will only add to the east of travel, cargo and business to and from anywhere in the world!

26 - Satisfied Citizens

Calgary has one of the most respected Police Services in North America, with citizen satisfaction ratings in the mid 90% range!

27 - Strong Community

Calgary has a strong community bond which was clearly demonstrated during the flash floods in late June 2013.

What Do You Love About Calgary?

Leave us a comment and share with us why you love Calgary, Alberta and we will add it to the list! Until next time, be sure to check out the best of the best in Calgary today!