Work Hard, Play Hard in the Heart of the New West
Calgary consistently ranks among the top 10 most livable cities in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit, and it’s easy to see why. The city offers an incredibly rare balance: the economic power and infrastructure of a major metropolis, combined with the clean air, safety, and outdoor access of a much smaller town.
As of 2026, the city's identity continues to evolve. While it remains Canada’s undisputed energy capital, a massive boom in the tech, aviation, and clean energy sectors has drawn a young, highly educated, and diverse population to the city. Coupled with Alberta's lack of a provincial sales tax (PST), Calgary offers a standard of living that is highly competitive on a global scale.
But the true defining feature of the YYC lifestyle isn't just economic—it's the mindset. Calgarians are known for their fierce entrepreneurial spirit, their legendary "White Hat" hospitality, and their deep love for the great outdoors. (Learn more about the city's demographics and stats in our 101 Facts About Calgary guide).
You can't talk about the Calgary lifestyle without mentioning the mountains. Located just an hour's drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway, the majestic Rocky Mountains (including Banff and Canmore) serve as Calgary's ultimate playground. Every weekend, thousands of locals pack their SUVs with skis, mountain bikes, or hiking boots to escape the city.
If you don't want to leave the city, you don't have to. Calgary boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America, spanning over 1,000 kilometers. These paved trails connect almost every neighborhood to the downtown core, weaving through massive green spaces like Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park.
Calgary has the highest number of volunteers per capita of any major Canadian city. Whether it's the 2,500+ locals who dedicate their time to run the annual Calgary Stampede, or the armies of neighbors who showed up to rebuild the city during the 2013 floods, community service is woven into the city's DNA.
Winters in Calgary can be cold, but locals survive the deep freezes thanks to the famous "Chinook" winds. These warm Pacific winds periodically sweep over the mountains, melting the snow and raising temperatures by up to 20°C in a single day, giving residents a sudden, sunny break to enjoy outdoor patios in the middle of January.
Driven by a young, diverse population, Calgary's food and beverage scene has exploded. Areas like Inglewood, the "Barley Belt," and the 17th Avenue Red Mile are packed with award-winning local microbreweries, high-end steakhouses featuring world-famous Alberta Beef, and innovative international cuisine.
With the legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics still visible at Canada Olympic Park (COP) and the Olympic Oval, amateur winter sports are hugely popular. On the professional side, the city rallies hard behind the NHL's Calgary Flames and the CFL's Calgary Stampeders. The upcoming 2026/2027 opening of the new Scotia Place event centre is set to elevate the city's entertainment scene even further.
Since the 1950s, the white Smithbilt cowboy hat has been the official symbol of Calgary's hospitality. Visiting dignitaries, celebrities, and even tourists are often given a "White Hatting" ceremony upon arriving in the city.
This isn't just a marketing gimmick—it reflects a genuine friendliness. You'll notice it when strangers say "hello" on the river pathways, or when drivers let you merge seamlessly on Deerfoot Trail. It's the small-town warmth that survived the transition into a big city.