Calgary has more hours of sunshine than any other major city in Canada, making it a great destination any time of year. Be prepared for changes in temperature as weather in Calgary can vary day to day and season to season, and even hour to hour. 

Mild westerly winds called “chinooks” bring warm temperatures to Calgary, raising winter temperatures by as much as 15°C in just a few hours. Be advised that this dramatic change in weather may sometimes cause headaches or fatigue. 

Expect warm summer weather, cold temperatures in the winter, and a mix in the fall and spring. You should expect to wear shorts and t-shirts comfortably in summer months and a warm coat during the winter. 

Calgary sits at an elevation of 1,045 metres above sea level.

Calgary is a safe city where you can feel comfortable in most neighbourhoods at any time of the day. Areas previously known for crime have been redeveloped into engaging communities ready for you to explore and visitors should feel at ease to explore the city in almost any area. As with any big city, caution should be taken when travelling alone at night in underpopulated areas, such as alleys. The city enjoys low crime rates, and there is not a specific area to avoid as a visitor. 

If you require an ambulance or emergency service, dial 911. Hospitals will not refuse treatment to anyone requiring medical attention, regardless of health care coverage. Rates vary.



The following hospitals have emergency care departments:

Visitors to Canada should obtain traveller’s health insurance before departing their homeland. Visitors requiring prescription medication should bring a copy of the prescription in case they require renewal in Canada.

Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar. Visitors can exchange traveller’s cheques and foreign currency for Canadian funds at banks, trust companies, credit unions, ATMs, and at airport and border crossing exchange booths. Banking hours are typically Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though some banks are open evenings on certain days.

Other currency is not widely accepted. The US Dollar is accepted at some establishments, but is often charged at a premium rate, making it advisable to travel with at least some Canadian currency. 

Goods and Services Tax

Alberta Tourism Tax

The Alberta Tourism tax applies to Accommodations on all Alberta hotel stays.

Calgary hotels charge a tourism levy, calculated as 4% of your total accommodation charges. The levy is remitted to the Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA) by temporary accommodation providers in Alberta.

The levy does not apply if you occupy the same room continuously for 28 days or more.

More information regarding the Alberta Tourism Levy can be found on the Government of Alberta website (https://www.alberta.ca/tourism-levy.aspx) and the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association website (https://www.ahla.ca/resources/accommodation-legislation/tourism-levy-act/).

Tipping and Gratuities

Gratuities are rarely included in the price for many restaurant and tour operators in Calgary. Tipping approximately 15-20% on the total bill before tax is customary, depending on the quality of service. Many restaurants may charge 15-18% gratuity for large group bookings (six or more guests).

Payments Accepted

Most Canadian retailers, restaurants, and services use point of sale systems that accept major credit cards, like Mastercard, VISA, and American Express. Debit cards are also accepted depending on the conditions of your banking institution and country of origin. All Canadian debit cards are accepted in Calgary. Many point of sale systems accept chip cards that require a pin number in order to complete the transaction.

Visitors from most countries, such as the United State of America, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, require a valid passport to enter Canada. All visitors to Canada arriving from a different country must cross the Canadian border pass through customs. Visitors arriving by air travel will complete the customs process at the airport upon arrival in Canada.

Visitors to Canada should carry valid travel documents when crossing the border no matter how you arrive. You will require a passport or equivalent travel document in order to cross the border and enter Canada.

You can consult the Government of Canada’s Requirements to Enter Canada for more information regarding entry requirements or the Canada Border Services Agency for customs regulations. These rules apply to all border crossings in Canada, including road and air entry points near or in Calgary. 

For detailed customs information on entering Canada, visit Canada Border Services. To determine what documents you need to visit Canada, visit Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website.

Connect with the consulate general of your home country in Calgary: 

• British Consulate-General Calgary
• Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary
• Consulate of Mexico in Calgary
• U.S. Consulate General Calgary

National Parks Admission 

Five National Parks are within a day trip of Calgary: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park, and Yoho National Park. These destinations can be accessed by car and organized shuttle and bus tours.

Park passes must be displayed in your rearview mirror or taped to the interior of the windshield while inside a National Park. Parks Canada staff check vehicles for valid passes at various destinations and checkpoints throughout the national parks. Fines are issued to Canadian residents and international visitors if a valid pass is not present.

It is illegal to camp in the wilderness outside of organized campsites in any National Park. 

Provincial Parks Admission 

Calgary is home to and adjacent to several world-renowned Provincial Parks, including Bow Valley Provincial Park, Bragg Creek Provincial Park, Carseland Provincial Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, and Nose Hill Provincial Park.

While most provincial parks do not require the purchase of a park pass, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicles parked within Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Provincial Park Corridor. Daily, multi-day, or annual passes can be purchased online or in-person at Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres or the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge.