Calgary is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic cities in Canada — known for its booming economy, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of Western heritage and modern urban life.
Here are 100 surprising, fun, historical, cultural, and unbelievable facts about Calgary that every newcomer, local, or visitor should know.

1. History & Origins

1. Calgary was officially founded in 1875 as Fort Calgary by the North-West Mounted Police.
2. The name “Calgary” comes from Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
3. Before colonization, the region was home to the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuu’tina, and Stoney Nakoda peoples.
4. Calgary became a city in 1894, making it one of the youngest major cities in Canada.
5. The CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) played a huge role in the city’s early development.
6. Calgary experienced a massive boom in 1914, driven by ranching and railway expansion.
7. The city’s skyline began growing quickly only after the 1970s oil boom.
8. Calgary was the first city in Canada to host the Winter Olympic Games (1988).
9. The Olympic torch from 1988 still burns during special events.
10. Many Olympic facilities — like Olympic Oval — are still in active use today.

2. Geography & Nature

11. Calgary sits where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains, giving it a dramatic geography.
12. The city lies at an elevation of 1,045 meters (3,428 ft).
13. The Bow River and Elbow River converge right in downtown.
14. Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest major cities, with over 333 days of sun per year.
15. The city is just an hour’s drive from Banff — one of the most famous national parks in the world.
16. The largest urban park in North America, Fish Creek Provincial Park, is inside Calgary.
17. Nose Hill Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada.
18. Calgary has over 800 km of pathways — the largest urban pathway system in Canada.
19. The city is prone to chinooks, warm winds that rapidly change winter temperatures.
20. Calgary’s weather can swing 30°C in a single day because of these chinooks.

3. Climate

21. Calgary has the coldest major airport in Canada in winter.
22. The temperature once dropped to −45°C (record low).
23. It also once hit 36°C, showing extreme climate variance.
24. Calgary gets dramatic hailstorms and holds the record for Canada’s most expensive hailstorm (2020).
25. Snow has fallen in every single month of the year — even July.
26. Calgary’s air quality is among the cleanest in North America.
27. Because of chinooks, Calgary locals experience fewer seasonal depressions.
28. Calgary is the driest major city in Canada.
29. Calgary averages 50+ frost-free days per year.
30. The city receives surprisingly little rain compared to Vancouver or Toronto.

4. Economy & Business

31. Calgary has the highest median household income of any major Canadian city.
32. It is home to the second-largest number of corporate head offices in Canada (after Toronto).
33. Calgary’s economy is diversifying rapidly into tech, clean energy, logistics, and finance.
34. Amazon, IBM, Infosys, Mphasis, and Applexus have expanded operations in Calgary.
35. Calgary’s downtown has the largest concentration of skyscrapers outside Toronto.
36. Calgary is one of Canada’s most entrepreneurial cities.
37. The Global Business Centre downtown hosts international trade and business services.
38. Many global engineering firms have HQs or hubs here.
39. Calgary has one of the lowest sales taxes in North America (5% GST only).
40. Calgary is consistently ranked in the top 10 most livable cities worldwide.

5. Energy & Innovation

41. Calgary is known as the energy capital of Canada.
42. Many major oil & gas companies are headquartered here.
43. Calgary is becoming a leader in clean tech and carbon-reduction technologies.
44. The city has one of the world’s leading energy transition centers.
45. Calgary’s universities contribute significant research to renewable energy.
46. Hydrogen energy projects are expanding rapidly.
47. Calgary has world-class expertise in geothermal exploration.
48. Many energy innovations used worldwide were developed in Calgary.
49. Calgary’s Oil & Gas Show is one of the largest in the world.
50. Calgary is also emerging as a hub for AI and tech startups.

6. Culture & People

51. Calgary has a population of ~1.7 million (metro area).
52. Nearly 40% of residents were born outside Canada.
53. It is one of the youngest cities in Canada — average age 38.
54. Over 120 languages are spoken in Calgary.
55. Calgary’s largest immigrant communities include Filipino, Indian, Chinese, and Nigerian.
56. Calgary has one of the highest volunteerism rates in Canada.
57. The city is known for being friendly and polite.
58. Calgary’s crime rate is lower than many other large cities.
59. Calgary is one of Canada’s cleanest large cities.
60. It is considered one of the safest major cities in North America.

7. Calgary Stampede Facts

61. The Calgary Stampede is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.
62. It attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually.
63. The event began in 1912.
64. It features one of the world’s largest parades.
65. Stampede breakfasts are served citywide — often for free.
66. The event generates over $500 million in economic impact.
67. Rodeo champions come from all over North America.
68. You can see rare animals, Indigenous dancing, and cultural showcases.
69. The evening show is one of the largest outdoor performances in Canada.
70. The Stampede grounds are used all year for concerts and trade shows.

8. Sports

71. Calgary is home to the Calgary Flames NHL team.
72. The city previously had the Calgary Stampeders (CFL champions).
73. Calgary is one of the world’s hubs for winter sports training.
74. Olympic Oval is nicknamed “The Fastest Ice on Earth”.
75. The city has produced multiple Olympic medalists.
76. WinSport hosts elite skiing, bobsleigh, and skeleton athletes.
77. Calgary is one of the most active cities in Canada.
78. Many residents participate in hiking, biking, and skiing on weekends.
79. Calgary has one of Canada’s best networks of public skating rinks.
80. The marathon attracts runners from around the world.

9. Architecture & Cityscape

81. The Calgary Tower was once the tallest building in Canada outside Toronto.
82. The Bow is the most iconic skyscraper, designed by Norman Foster.
83. The Wonderland sculpture at The Bow is a famous photo spot.
84. Studio Bell is one of the most unique buildings in Canada.
85. The Peace Bridge is one of Calgary’s most photographed structures.
86. The new BMO Centre expansion is the largest convention facility in Western Canada.
87. Downtown Calgary has the world’s largest +15 skywalk network.
88. The Core Shopping Centre contains an indoor tropical garden.
89. The Simmons Building in East Village is a heritage success story.
90. The city is full of modern public art installations.

10. Odd, Surprising & Fun Facts

91. Calgary once had the largest hailstones ever recorded in Alberta.
92. Calgary drivers rank among the best in Canada, statistically speaking.
93. The city’s tap water routinely wins taste awards.
94. Calgary invented ginger beef, now popular across Canada.
95. You can take a horseback ride inside city limits.
96. Calgary Transit once had a bus with a full fireplace inside (as art).
97. It is illegal to paint a wooden ladder (fire hazard).
98. Calgary has more dog parks per capita than most cities in Canada.
99. There are coyotes living peacefully inside city parks.
100. Calgary is one of the few big cities where you can see the Northern Lights several times a year.

Conclusion

Calgary is a city of contrasts — modern yet traditional, fast-growing yet community-oriented, urban yet surrounded by nature.
These 100 facts reveal why Calgary continues to attract newcomers, immigrants, tourists, students, and investors from around the world.

Yaroslav Mykolaienko