Population: 905,000.
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (GMT -7).
Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last
Sunday in October.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 403 area code.
|
Average Temperatures: |
|
High |
Low |
| Month |
Fahrenheit |
Celsius |
Fahrenheit |
Celsius |
| January |
16 |
-9 |
0 |
-18 |
| February |
35 |
2 |
0 |
-18 |
| March |
38 |
3 |
15 |
-9 |
| April |
52 |
11 |
27 |
-3 |
| May |
65 |
18 |
40 |
4 |
| June |
70 |
21 |
46 |
8 |
| July |
75 |
24 |
56 |
13 |
| August |
72 |
22 |
46 |
8 |
| September |
62 |
17 |
40 |
4 |
| October |
53 |
12 |
30 |
-1 |
| November |
34 |
1 |
15 |
-9 |
| December |
20 |
-7 |
7 |
-14 |
When to Visit: Calgary has four full seasons,
with cool summers (averaging 68F) and winters that can be quite cold (averaging
9 F). The city?s weather is extremely variable: summer days can be hot
(95 F) but the city has experienced snow in every month of the year.
Occasionally in winter, warm Chinook winds raise the temperature rapidly, almost
instantly melting the snow. We think the best time to visit is midsummer to
early fall. Take along a warm sweater or a jacket for the evening chill. If
you're planning a trip into the mountains, take something for the rain and cold,
no matter what time of year. The weather around Banff is especially
unpredictable.
Air
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is 9 miles northwest of the city. The
ride into downtown takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Calgary International Airport, 2000 Airport Road
Northeast, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6W5,
Connecting Transportation
Shuttle service is probably the cheapest and easiest way into town. Many hotels
provide free shuttles. If yours does not, Shuttle Express runs from the airport
to any hotel or private residence, 24 hours a day. Check in at the shuttle
counter, located in the main terminal, arrivals level, just outside Canada
Customs. Phone 403-509-4799 for reservations.
The Calgary Airporter also offers daily
service to 10 downtown hotels every 30 minutes. Daily 6:30 am-11:30 pm. Phone
403-531-3909 for reservations. Information on all shuttles is available at a
kiosk in the arrivals area of the airport.
Taxis are always waiting
outside the arrivals area. The fare from the airport to downtown is about Most
taxi companies accept major credit cards. Major North American car-rental
companies maintain branches at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.
Bus
The main Greyhound Bus Terminal is at the western edge of downtown at 850 16th
St. S.W. Phone 403-265-9111.
Car
There are paid parking lots and garages downtown, as well as meters along the
street. Meter parking generally applies Monday-Saturday. In outlying areas,
parking is plentiful and usually free. If you are staying outside downtown, you
can avoid parking headaches by driving to a Park N Ride and taking the light
rail transit (LRT or C-Train).
Train
There is no direct passenger train service to Calgary. VIA Rail will get you as
close as Edmonton, where connecting bus service can take you to Calgary. Rocky
Mountaineer Railtours offers two-day, daylight tours between Vancouver and
Banff/Calgary or Jasper
Within the City
Public Transportation
Public transportation is the best way to get around the city, especially during
the Calgary Stampede, when roads are jammed. There are two components to the
system: the light rail transit (LRT or C-Train) and buses. A single ticket for
either the bus or LRT is available at train station concessions or ticket
machines. Tickets include unlimited transfers within 90 minutes. Multiticket
books are available.
The LRT follows two main routes. One runs from Brentwood in
the northwest to Fish Creek in the south. The second line connects Whitehorn, in
the northeast, to downtown. Both lines run through the downtown corridor. You
can ride for free along the corridor from Olympic Plaza to Eighth Street S.W.
The LRT operates Monday-Friday 5:30 am-12:40 am, Saturday 5:45 am-12:40 am,
Sunday 6:30 am-midnight. Phone 403-262-1000 for information.
Calgary's bus system is extensive. You can get just about
anywhere in the city with one fare, but service outside rush hours or to
outlying suburbs can be infrequent, even non-existent on holidays. The bus
system also connects various points along the LRT with other areas. To ride the
bus you must deposit exact change (Canadian currency only) or have a valid
ticket or transfer. Schedules vary depending on the route, frequency is highest
7-9 am and 4-6 pm. Fares are standard regardless of where you are or where you?re
going. Phone 403-974-4000 for schedules.
Taxi
You will find cabs waiting at the airport and at the main hotels downtown, but
generally you have to order a cab by phone. |