Best Time to Visit

The months going from June to September are the ones during which most of the city's events take place, like the famous Calgary Stampede and the firework show of GlobalFest. Summertime is also when Calgary is most crowded and accommodation prices peak though, so booking in advance is advised. If you're into winter sports, the period between November and February is the best choice to visit the nearby Rocky Mountains and go skiing down its slopes. This is also when most of the locals leave in search of warmer climates, leaving the city in a quieter state where the prices on rooms are also lower. If you prefer to have the city all to yourself and aren't really into winter sports, the autumn and spring seasons are your best bets: lower accommodation prices and tourist influx couple with mild temperatures to give you the ideal setting for exploring Calgary's neighborhoods. Just be mindful of bringing warm clothes with you, as the weather can be quite unpredictable with its sudden snowfalls.

Passport / Visa

Citizens wishing to visit Canada must obtain a visitor visa issued by one of the Canadian diplomatic missions unless they hold a valid passport issued by one of the EU countries, Australia or New Zealand. From 2016, visa-exempt countries (except for the US) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving to Canada by air. However, travelers don't need an eTA if traveling to Canada by land or sea. Generally, you can submit your application online but for some countries, after the online application, fingerprints and photo (biometrics) are required.

• Web:

  www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html

Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Calgary International Airport comes equipped with eateries that make for a fine stop after your arrival, and even two in-terminal hotels. From the airport you can either take a shuttle, bus, taxi or rent a car in order to get to the city. Many Hotels in Calgary offer the "Hotel Courtesy Shuttle" service that will be able to pick you up, provided that you request it after your landing by calling. Alternatively, there's the Allied Downtown Shuttle Service, offering rides every 30 minutes; tickets are available at the Allied Shuttle counter at the Arrivals level. The airport's official website has a list of bus operators that have rides going through the airport. Either by shuttle or bus, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Downtown Calgary. The on-demand taxi service at Calgary International Airport is provided by Associated Cab, with the trip to Downtown Calgary lasting 25 minutes and costing around $40. On the Departures level of the airport, you can find in-terminal car rental companies, while there are also off-airport ones that offer shuttle services to their premises, provided that you call and arrange the transportation with them. You'll be able to reach the city in about 20 minutes this way.

• Web:

  www.yyc.com

• Address:

  2000 Airport Road Northeast, Calgary

• Phone:

  +1 403 735 1200

Public Transport

Calgary Transit is the public transit provider of the city. The main mean of transportation is the CTrain, a light rail system that operates on two lines: Route 201, connecting the southern and northwestern parts of the city, and Route 202, going from east to west. Both of them go through the Downtown area, which doesn't require any payment as long as you stay within its boundaries. Complementing this system are the 160 bus lines that connect various parts of the city. Fare payment options include cash, tickets, day or monthly passes. In order to plan your trips, you can use the planner on the Calgary Transit website or their mobile app, Calgary Transit App.

• Web:

  www.calgarytransit.com

Taxi

There are plenty of taxi companies in Calgary. They all charge a flat rate for rides to and from the airport, but always remember to ask what the rate is before departure in any case. Delta Cab Ltd Address: 304 4655 54 Avenue Northeast, Calgary Phone: +1 403 278 9999 Website: www.deltacab.ca Calgary United Cabs Address: Unit8 - 5660 10 Street Northeast, Calgary Phone: +1 403 777 1111 Website: www.calgarycabs.ca Uber is also available in Calgary.

Electricity

Canada uses 110-volt electricity, 60 cycle electric power, same as the USA. Unless your appliance is dual voltage, you need to use a “converter” or a “transformer”. Power outlets are designed for use with a two prong and some accept a 3 prong (with ground) plug.