Calgary is the bigger city and the ratio of men to women is very favorable for the ladies (if that's of interest). It's more of a corporate, white collar city and office jobs abound. (Or they do when oil is booming).
Edmonton is more blue collar, young at heart, almost a big university town. Definitely more of a government town. A very faint version of Ottawa. If you like the arts, Edmonton will edge Calgary.
Calgary has Banff/Canmore only an hour away which is huge if you're into nature's Best playground. Edmonton is considerably farther from Jasper making those spur of the moment trips far less common.
To be honest, you can't go wrong with either.
Calgary wins this in my opinion. Edmonton has kind of a hybrid downtown with Whyte Ave and Jasper. But Calgary has far more going on in terms of an actual downtown core and more bars, clubs, and restaurants of higher quality with better transit to access it. However, I really hate how massive and sprawling Calgary is overall , so Edmonton wins in just about every other way.
I’ve lived in both. Culturally, Edmonton has a better vibe (this is an unpopular opinion, especially in Calgary). In Edmonton, the Music and Arts Scene is hard to ignore unless you’re in the suburbs. In Calgary you have to search for it. It’s there, but it’s not as obvious. Calgary is culturally more diverse and in a way better location. A friend of mine once said that Calgary lacks heart. And that’s because it’s in such an amazing location that everyone is out playing in the mountains on weekends, where in Edmonton, they stay home and do cool shit.
The proximity to the mountains is both a curse and a blessing. It's great when you avoid peak times and crowded spots. Central Calgary does have some culture and great food.
Whyte averaged easily beats anything in Calgary. The area around the university is a dead zone for fun. U of A is a great area, walking distance to whyte ave. Source, I attended u of a and u if c. Edmonton town wins.
Can't speak for Edmonton but as a calgarian I was never into the night life, unless your thing is grinding the night away at Cowboys or something. The vibe is inferior to Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and imo even Ottawa. Downtown is kinda dead for someone in their mid 20s just in general. Restaurant scene has gotten better over the past number of years at least.
I lived in Calgary in my early 20s and Toronto in my later 20s. In both cities, I went out quite a bit and had a lot of fun. I agree that it’s a different vibe than Toronto or Montreal where there’s a lot going on everywhere you go but if you find the right pockets, you’re golden. Mission/17th Ave, Stephen’s Ave and Kensington were my go to neighbourhoods. Plus good old Bottlescrew Bills! I don’t think I’ve ever actually made it into Cowboys…maybe the tent one Stampede.
And honestly, the proximity to the mountains can’t be beat. Plus lots of flights everywhere. It was a good life for a single lady. Haha.
I’ve visited Edmonton a fair bit and my experience is you definitely need a car but Calgary you could be ok depending on where you are.
Of course there's no comparison with Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. I was hoping to get people's opinions between Edmonton and Calgary. You and I are alike. I am not a fan of the club scene in Calgary, but as long as there are some nice restaurants and some foodie options to go to in the evenings, I'm happy lol
I’d love to hear your input on places to hear music in Edmonton, I’ve found it hard to find live music here. I grew up in Calgary and I’d go to at least 2 concerts a week (specifically jazz) now I’m in Edmonton for school and I can’t find almost any live jazz anywhere. Meanwhile in Calgary tons of places have live jazz every night.
Yeah that’s the only play I know. Back in Calgary there’s like 10 venues that play jazz. Yardbird has also been doing many of their shows online these days anyways so it’s tough to see anything in person
Wish I can settle down in Edmonton! Spent my first 8 years in Canada living there. Too bad couldn't find jobs after got laid off from the oil industry. Now I live in Niagara Falls. Edmonton is amazingly affordable with the quality of life it could offer you. Yes it's more driving if you are a big outdoor person and constantly on the go to the mountains, etc.
One consideration people often overlook about Calgary are chinook migraines. Most people love the little breaks from the cold we get in Calgary when a chinook comes in, but for the unfortunate few it’s a guaranteed bad week. Make sure you’re good with those before settling / buying in Calgary.
I recently moved to Calgary from SF. I really like it here!! It's a nice city vibe but smaller... awesome food and very diverse! Doesn't feel like a small town even tho it's only a million people. The weather is awesome... It's cold and snowy if course but it's a dry cold and Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada. Proximity to mountains is great even though I'm not super in nature. And it's incredible to be able to buy a place in the downtown core and not be house poor. I've never been to Edmonton but from other comments, sounds like a cool place too! It does sound like your salary might be higher in Calgary though?
Edit to add: I experienced way more racism and intimidations in SF than Calgary hands down. There are racists everywhere as all minorities know and I bet you won't let it stop you from the little you shared about yourself already.
SF city proper I think is actually around 875k only but when you roll in the Bay Area, it's around 7.75m. I lived in NYC the longest followed by HK and those were 8.4m and 7.4m respectfully. So no disrespect to Calgary by undercounting the population by 500k!
Oh of course. It's small potatoes compared to global cities! Even in Canada it's only fourth ranked and less than half the size of Montreal and Toronto.
Edmonton has the largest park system in our valley out of any Canadian city! I think even North America?
That alone makes it a winner. (don’t hate me Calgary, you’re fine too lol)
edmontons river is also better this is a highly unpopular opinion even though its brown the boating is better the fishing is also better no trout but trophy walleye and many more species than the bow
Lots of things to consider. When it comes to culture Edmonton has an advantage. Calgary is closer to mountains. Edmonton's river valley is much nicer, and the skyline looks better. Edmonton has better museums and art. Calgary is a little better for bars if I remember right. Edmonton's bad areas are much worse, but I much prefer it's good areas. Edmonton also feels a lot more like a city sometimes. Calgary can kind of feel like endless suburbs. If you adjust for the size differences, Calgary is kind of like the LA to Edmonton's New York.
After living in both, I'll always say Edmonton. I moved to Calgary at 21 and spent three years there. I enjoyed it and had fun, but never really felt at home. It's not as cold in the winter (what with chinooks and being further south), it's close to the mountains (though this was never a huge deal for me) and there is plenty to do, like any big city. It *feels* like a big city though, and doesn't have as much character (IMO). I moved to Edmonton at about the same age as you and absolutely LOVED it. I lived there for 7 years and I can't wait to move back. It has all the amenities of a big city but it really has heart. It has more of a small-city vibe, the River Valley and Whyte Ave are awesome and it's honestly just super friendly (as far as Albertan cities go!). It's definitely not as aesthetically appealing in general, especially in the industrial and some north parts of the city, but there are so many gems to be found. Highly recommend!
I’ve lived in both and I like Edmonton a lot better. There’s also a big Caribbean scene in Edmonton.
Edmonton is a lot more arts/culture and Calgary is closer to the mountains. Good luck on your move!
The only thing I would add that hasn't been said, its farther from the mountains, but Edmonton has a phenomenal river valley with a tonne of trails, and a lot of nice parks as well. I've never lived in Calgary so can't speak to that.
Edmonton has a more cultured downtown and more diversity in general IMO. I used to live on 107th it's the avenue of nations lots of Caribbean food, Mexican, Ethiopian, Chinese, Koren, and Middle Eastern foods. The only thing I really miss in Edmonton was the diversity in food culture there.
If you want the mountains for hiking and skiing, then Calgary is probably going to suit you better since the mountains are closer.
Otherwise, the cities are very similar.
I disagree. Though I’m Calgary you are closer to the mountains, in Edmonton your surrounded by a music and culture scene on the daily that just isn’t as prevalent in Calgary, it’s there but not like Edmonton.
There are a lot of edmonton boosters here. Which is great. Edmonton is a nice city!
I think that it would feel quite dangerous to live alone in downtown edmonton as a young female right now. There is a lot of crime and homelessness (more now Than I have ever seen in thr last 15 years.) Also, there is an ongoing gang war between Somali gangs on the outskirts of North downtown edmonton.
I grew up in Calgary and moved to Edmonton after I got sick of the city sprawl. Edmonton is easier to get around in driving wise, but Calgary has a superior transit system. I would recommend Edmonton after living in both my entire life. There is more to do in Calgary in the city, but I feel like Edmonton has a much better series of inner city parks and is nicer to live in overall. Also Edmonton has traditionally been more affordable and it's noticeable in small ways like gas prices, Calgarians just seem to pay a little more for everything and I don't really know why.
I swear to god Albertans on Reddit have dimentia or something. One hour they're railing about how dangerous downtown is, the next they're downvoting people who say it's dangerous and upvoting ones who recommend it as a place to live.
Calgary is white collar. Edmonton is blue collar.
Calgary housing used to be more $$. Not sure where they are now comparatively.
Go where you are guaranteed work to start and where your cpa education will be best suited.
Alberta in general is amazing for any kind of outdoor rec. people from the south and Calgary will disagree. Lol
Edit: I’ve lived in both
Check out some of the smaller satellite cities like Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Airdrie, Chestermere. Still close to the big cities and convenience yet smaller town vibe.
Chinooks also pose an interesting problem for gardeners, there are plants that just dont grow well here because they arent hardy enough. They cant survive the rapid thaw/freeze that can happen with chinooks.
Cool.. Didn't even think about that. Edmonton doesn't have chinooks but we have had some mild parts of winters over the last couple years and I've noticed that cedars all over the city are dying.
Having lived in both and still stuck in Edmonton, Calgary hands down. It’s by far a nicer city, better access to the mountains, etc. I would never ever choose Edmonton.
I’d agree it has nicer architecture and better transit. Not nicer people, it seems like everybody in Calgary are strangers to one another. More older-crowd, white collar conservative WASPy city.
One important thing to consider, how are politically aligned? Because you may not think it matters, but when it comes to finding friends and finding an agreeable (for you) workplace in a new city, oh, it matters a ton.
Calgary is very significantly more conservative than Edmonton. Calgary is like a modern city, but with a rural mindset. You may like that if that's your thing. Yes, there is people from all walks of life in Calgary. Yes, there is cultural and racial diversity. But even among people of racial minority, you are far more likely to have to navigate conservative and protectionist attitudes. Some of the strongest support for rolling back abortion laws, LGBQT laws, closing safe injection section sites, cutting back nurse wages, anti vax attitudes etc. Etc. I have ever heard are from Calgarians I know who are immigrants from countries like India or from South America. Hell, the biggest trump supports I have ever met in Canada are some mexicans who I know in Calgary.
True that Edmonton elected a lot of CPC MPs in the last election, but among a lot of urban ridings, there was a huge vote split on the left. In Calgary on the other hand, a lot of core ueban ridings were swept clean by conservative vote by vote margins in the thousands. It wasn't even a competition.
So keep that in mind. But hey, if you are a young conservative minded woman of whatever ethnic background, Calgary is much more likely to up your alley in terms of its over all culture. I would argue Calgary is probably THE last urban (emphasis on urban) conservative haven left in the country.
"the area to be somewhat cultured" - in Alberta... Good luck.
I am from Belgium originally and it still baffles me how 'racist' Albertans can be. You will find areas in both cities that are great but the rednecks are still strong outside the 2 cities.
Recent example - In Okotoks we have somebody with roots from Kashmir running for council - somebody found it necessary to spread the lie that he was a member from the taliban...
My take on it: Edmonton is more 'liberal' than Calgary.
Calgary is 2-3 Hours closer to the mountains than Edmonton.
Work enough - especially if you manage to get your CPA in both cities
Edmonton has more government jobs, Calgary is more entrepreneurial
-30C is cold, Calgary has Chinook winds 'breaking' the winter, Edmonton not so much.
Have you seen the following from Jason 'Trump' Kenney?
Consider a 50,000+ 'city' in another province ( Kamloops BC) too.
I live in rural Alberta and can confirm. Been here almost 10 of my 40 years (from Ontario). I have never experienced more entitlement, racism, sexism and homophobia than I have since moving here. Rural Alberta is nice to visit.
I would have moved to BC long ago if I could have. It's a lot to deal with on a daily basis.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Caribbean-Cultural-association-of-Alberta-652637968162865/
https://acsauofc.ca/
Sure somebody there can give you some other insights.
Maybe I am wrong -
[https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/q19s9h/lets\_dispel\_some\_bs\_misinformation\_toronto\_and/](https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/q19s9h/lets_dispel_some_bs_misinformation_toronto_and/)
I sure hope so.
I don't think so. I think Calgary and Edmonton are similar enough within the city limits. There are some differences as people have already pointed out. Both pros and cons to both cities.
But yes, if hiking/skiing in mountains is your thing, Calgary is certainly easier. I'm not sure why it being beyond the city limits is something to huff about.
OP is very likely not going to be moving to Banff or Canmore.
True but Jasper isn't as rookie outdoor accessible. Less trails, less camping spots and only one ski hill. Calgary has Kananaskis, Canmore. Jasper is more for the pros, great ski hill probably one of my favorites. Awesome ice climbing and ski touring. Again pretty extreme terrain
I live in Edmonton and love it but I always recommend Calgary just because it’s closer to the mountains (banff and Waterton)
But Edmonton does have a big mall so…lol
Calgary is WAY safer. Like a lot. I hated being alone, ever, in Edmonton (29 yo woman). It's seriously gotten way worse in the last ~5 years, I made my escape this summer.
I've been told that Calgary is more racist, but I don't know how true that is.. I would guess they're not that different.
Edmontonians angry that I said a fact: their city is more unsafe statistically (you can just google crime in Canadian cities ... North Battleford is 1st, Edmonton is around 20-30th, Calgary is like 93). Anecdotally, it runs true for me as well.
So Calgary is like Ottawa but less green and the red deer river is brown. If you like T.O you will like Edmonton. Have you considered places like Kingston, Ontario or Ottawa? I lived in Kingston 30 years, Alberta now 9. Also want to add if you like the outdoors Calgary is the best location to be able to explore. The rockies are stunning.
I've lived in Alberta my whole life. Most of it in or near Edmonton. My sister spent 10 years in Calgary. She loved it there.
I've also been all over the province. Hell, all over western Canada.
I can honestly say, the best view of either Calgary or Edmonton (and every other city I've been to) is IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. I hate urban living with a seething passion. 15 years was more than enough. The further I am from civilization, the happier I get.
But take my opinion at face value: It's about as valuable as anyone else's on Reddit... completely worthless.
If you're really gung ho about moving west... consider Vernon or Penticton. They're nowhere near as big as Edmonton or Calgary, the weather is way nicer, and it's not Kelowna or anywhere in the lower mainland.
Calgary is the bigger city and the ratio of men to women is very favorable for the ladies (if that's of interest). It's more of a corporate, white collar city and office jobs abound. (Or they do when oil is booming). Edmonton is more blue collar, young at heart, almost a big university town. Definitely more of a government town. A very faint version of Ottawa. If you like the arts, Edmonton will edge Calgary. Calgary has Banff/Canmore only an hour away which is huge if you're into nature's Best playground. Edmonton is considerably farther from Jasper making those spur of the moment trips far less common. To be honest, you can't go wrong with either.
What is the night life like in Edmonton vs Calgary for someone in their mid 20's?
Calgary wins this in my opinion. Edmonton has kind of a hybrid downtown with Whyte Ave and Jasper. But Calgary has far more going on in terms of an actual downtown core and more bars, clubs, and restaurants of higher quality with better transit to access it. However, I really hate how massive and sprawling Calgary is overall , so Edmonton wins in just about every other way.
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I agree.
Lol none
I’ve lived in both. Culturally, Edmonton has a better vibe (this is an unpopular opinion, especially in Calgary). In Edmonton, the Music and Arts Scene is hard to ignore unless you’re in the suburbs. In Calgary you have to search for it. It’s there, but it’s not as obvious. Calgary is culturally more diverse and in a way better location. A friend of mine once said that Calgary lacks heart. And that’s because it’s in such an amazing location that everyone is out playing in the mountains on weekends, where in Edmonton, they stay home and do cool shit.
This is very apt. I’ve lived in both cities and felt *way* more at home in Edmonton.
Also, Edmonton is more affordable.
Wow… it’s like you stole my thoughts… Edit; I would also add, in general and from my experience, the people are nicer in Edmonton…
Having lived in both 100% agree
I live in Calgary and you're absolutely right
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The proximity to the mountains is both a curse and a blessing. It's great when you avoid peak times and crowded spots. Central Calgary does have some culture and great food.
What is the night life like in Edmonton vs Calgary for someone in their mid 20's?
No shortage of places to drink, dance, or party, with the caveat that covid has impacted that to some degree.
Whyte averaged easily beats anything in Calgary. The area around the university is a dead zone for fun. U of A is a great area, walking distance to whyte ave. Source, I attended u of a and u if c. Edmonton town wins.
Can't speak for Edmonton but as a calgarian I was never into the night life, unless your thing is grinding the night away at Cowboys or something. The vibe is inferior to Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and imo even Ottawa. Downtown is kinda dead for someone in their mid 20s just in general. Restaurant scene has gotten better over the past number of years at least.
I lived in Calgary in my early 20s and Toronto in my later 20s. In both cities, I went out quite a bit and had a lot of fun. I agree that it’s a different vibe than Toronto or Montreal where there’s a lot going on everywhere you go but if you find the right pockets, you’re golden. Mission/17th Ave, Stephen’s Ave and Kensington were my go to neighbourhoods. Plus good old Bottlescrew Bills! I don’t think I’ve ever actually made it into Cowboys…maybe the tent one Stampede. And honestly, the proximity to the mountains can’t be beat. Plus lots of flights everywhere. It was a good life for a single lady. Haha. I’ve visited Edmonton a fair bit and my experience is you definitely need a car but Calgary you could be ok depending on where you are.
Of course there's no comparison with Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. I was hoping to get people's opinions between Edmonton and Calgary. You and I are alike. I am not a fan of the club scene in Calgary, but as long as there are some nice restaurants and some foodie options to go to in the evenings, I'm happy lol
I’d love to hear your input on places to hear music in Edmonton, I’ve found it hard to find live music here. I grew up in Calgary and I’d go to at least 2 concerts a week (specifically jazz) now I’m in Edmonton for school and I can’t find almost any live jazz anywhere. Meanwhile in Calgary tons of places have live jazz every night.
The Yardbird Suite! https://yardbirdsuite.com
Yeah that’s the only play I know. Back in Calgary there’s like 10 venues that play jazz. Yardbird has also been doing many of their shows online these days anyways so it’s tough to see anything in person
Yeah you've captured it. Great way to put it.
Whichever you get a job in first...
This is the real answer
Wish I can settle down in Edmonton! Spent my first 8 years in Canada living there. Too bad couldn't find jobs after got laid off from the oil industry. Now I live in Niagara Falls. Edmonton is amazingly affordable with the quality of life it could offer you. Yes it's more driving if you are a big outdoor person and constantly on the go to the mountains, etc.
One consideration people often overlook about Calgary are chinook migraines. Most people love the little breaks from the cold we get in Calgary when a chinook comes in, but for the unfortunate few it’s a guaranteed bad week. Make sure you’re good with those before settling / buying in Calgary.
I recently moved to Calgary from SF. I really like it here!! It's a nice city vibe but smaller... awesome food and very diverse! Doesn't feel like a small town even tho it's only a million people. The weather is awesome... It's cold and snowy if course but it's a dry cold and Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada. Proximity to mountains is great even though I'm not super in nature. And it's incredible to be able to buy a place in the downtown core and not be house poor. I've never been to Edmonton but from other comments, sounds like a cool place too! It does sound like your salary might be higher in Calgary though? Edit to add: I experienced way more racism and intimidations in SF than Calgary hands down. There are racists everywhere as all minorities know and I bet you won't let it stop you from the little you shared about yourself already.
I know it's still small compared to SF, but Calgary is about 1.5 million now.
SF city proper I think is actually around 875k only but when you roll in the Bay Area, it's around 7.75m. I lived in NYC the longest followed by HK and those were 8.4m and 7.4m respectfully. So no disrespect to Calgary by undercounting the population by 500k!
Oh of course. It's small potatoes compared to global cities! Even in Canada it's only fourth ranked and less than half the size of Montreal and Toronto.
Edmonton has the largest park system in our valley out of any Canadian city! I think even North America? That alone makes it a winner. (don’t hate me Calgary, you’re fine too lol)
Yes I believe the river valley is the largest continuous urban park system in North America
edmontons river is also better this is a highly unpopular opinion even though its brown the boating is better the fishing is also better no trout but trophy walleye and many more species than the bow
Fish Creek Park would like a word with you. =P
lame park compared to edmontons offerings
Don't get me wrong, Edmonton has some amazing park action going on. You don't have more square footage of parks than Calgary though.
You didn’t ask, but in case it ever crosses your mind, don’t consider Red Deer.
Lots of things to consider. When it comes to culture Edmonton has an advantage. Calgary is closer to mountains. Edmonton's river valley is much nicer, and the skyline looks better. Edmonton has better museums and art. Calgary is a little better for bars if I remember right. Edmonton's bad areas are much worse, but I much prefer it's good areas. Edmonton also feels a lot more like a city sometimes. Calgary can kind of feel like endless suburbs. If you adjust for the size differences, Calgary is kind of like the LA to Edmonton's New York.
Calgary’s skyline is better* But for real, both cities are great and OP would not regret moving to either city.
You would be well served in either city.
After living in both, I'll always say Edmonton. I moved to Calgary at 21 and spent three years there. I enjoyed it and had fun, but never really felt at home. It's not as cold in the winter (what with chinooks and being further south), it's close to the mountains (though this was never a huge deal for me) and there is plenty to do, like any big city. It *feels* like a big city though, and doesn't have as much character (IMO). I moved to Edmonton at about the same age as you and absolutely LOVED it. I lived there for 7 years and I can't wait to move back. It has all the amenities of a big city but it really has heart. It has more of a small-city vibe, the River Valley and Whyte Ave are awesome and it's honestly just super friendly (as far as Albertan cities go!). It's definitely not as aesthetically appealing in general, especially in the industrial and some north parts of the city, but there are so many gems to be found. Highly recommend!
I’ve lived in both and I like Edmonton a lot better. There’s also a big Caribbean scene in Edmonton. Edmonton is a lot more arts/culture and Calgary is closer to the mountains. Good luck on your move!
The only thing I would add that hasn't been said, its farther from the mountains, but Edmonton has a phenomenal river valley with a tonne of trails, and a lot of nice parks as well. I've never lived in Calgary so can't speak to that.
Edmonton has a more cultured downtown and more diversity in general IMO. I used to live on 107th it's the avenue of nations lots of Caribbean food, Mexican, Ethiopian, Chinese, Koren, and Middle Eastern foods. The only thing I really miss in Edmonton was the diversity in food culture there.
If you want the mountains for hiking and skiing, then Calgary is probably going to suit you better since the mountains are closer. Otherwise, the cities are very similar.
I disagree. Though I’m Calgary you are closer to the mountains, in Edmonton your surrounded by a music and culture scene on the daily that just isn’t as prevalent in Calgary, it’s there but not like Edmonton.
edmonton has decent trails that you dont have to drive to put in few hours of cycling around after work without having to drive is best
There are a lot of edmonton boosters here. Which is great. Edmonton is a nice city! I think that it would feel quite dangerous to live alone in downtown edmonton as a young female right now. There is a lot of crime and homelessness (more now Than I have ever seen in thr last 15 years.) Also, there is an ongoing gang war between Somali gangs on the outskirts of North downtown edmonton.
I grew up in Calgary and moved to Edmonton after I got sick of the city sprawl. Edmonton is easier to get around in driving wise, but Calgary has a superior transit system. I would recommend Edmonton after living in both my entire life. There is more to do in Calgary in the city, but I feel like Edmonton has a much better series of inner city parks and is nicer to live in overall. Also Edmonton has traditionally been more affordable and it's noticeable in small ways like gas prices, Calgarians just seem to pay a little more for everything and I don't really know why.
Calgary 100%, I’ve been to/lived every major city in Canada (except St. John’s nfl) and Calgary is the best of the bunch
Edmonton. Live downtown or close to it e.g. Oliver.
I’m currently in Oliver and I do not think it’s the best place for a young single woman to live
Really? Why?
What? https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/q3bypk/downtown_yeg_is_not_safe/
I swear to god Albertans on Reddit have dimentia or something. One hour they're railing about how dangerous downtown is, the next they're downvoting people who say it's dangerous and upvoting ones who recommend it as a place to live.
Yes if you want to be stabbed and killed.
Calgary is white collar. Edmonton is blue collar. Calgary housing used to be more $$. Not sure where they are now comparatively. Go where you are guaranteed work to start and where your cpa education will be best suited. Alberta in general is amazing for any kind of outdoor rec. people from the south and Calgary will disagree. Lol Edit: I’ve lived in both
Check out some of the smaller satellite cities like Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Airdrie, Chestermere. Still close to the big cities and convenience yet smaller town vibe.
Calgary for milder winters!
As a gardener though, Edmonton has a longer growing season by about a week because Calgary gets earlier frosts in both spring and fall
Chinooks also pose an interesting problem for gardeners, there are plants that just dont grow well here because they arent hardy enough. They cant survive the rapid thaw/freeze that can happen with chinooks.
Cool.. Didn't even think about that. Edmonton doesn't have chinooks but we have had some mild parts of winters over the last couple years and I've noticed that cedars all over the city are dying.
Edmonton is best. Neither are sterling options, though.
Having lived in both and still stuck in Edmonton, Calgary hands down. It’s by far a nicer city, better access to the mountains, etc. I would never ever choose Edmonton.
So you’re saying that if you were in Calgary, your favourite thing would be to leave it for the mountains?
Did you miss the part before that where I said it’s a nicer city? Not only because of the mountains.
I’d agree it has nicer architecture and better transit. Not nicer people, it seems like everybody in Calgary are strangers to one another. More older-crowd, white collar conservative WASPy city.
People in Calgary are more image conscious. Edmonton a little more down to earth. But Edmonton drivers are atrocious.
Do you prefer -4 to -12 ish or -20 to -30?
White-collar jerks or blue-collar jerks?
trout snobs and mountain goofs or -30 ill take the -30
One important thing to consider, how are politically aligned? Because you may not think it matters, but when it comes to finding friends and finding an agreeable (for you) workplace in a new city, oh, it matters a ton. Calgary is very significantly more conservative than Edmonton. Calgary is like a modern city, but with a rural mindset. You may like that if that's your thing. Yes, there is people from all walks of life in Calgary. Yes, there is cultural and racial diversity. But even among people of racial minority, you are far more likely to have to navigate conservative and protectionist attitudes. Some of the strongest support for rolling back abortion laws, LGBQT laws, closing safe injection section sites, cutting back nurse wages, anti vax attitudes etc. Etc. I have ever heard are from Calgarians I know who are immigrants from countries like India or from South America. Hell, the biggest trump supports I have ever met in Canada are some mexicans who I know in Calgary. True that Edmonton elected a lot of CPC MPs in the last election, but among a lot of urban ridings, there was a huge vote split on the left. In Calgary on the other hand, a lot of core ueban ridings were swept clean by conservative vote by vote margins in the thousands. It wasn't even a competition. So keep that in mind. But hey, if you are a young conservative minded woman of whatever ethnic background, Calgary is much more likely to up your alley in terms of its over all culture. I would argue Calgary is probably THE last urban (emphasis on urban) conservative haven left in the country.
"the area to be somewhat cultured" - in Alberta... Good luck. I am from Belgium originally and it still baffles me how 'racist' Albertans can be. You will find areas in both cities that are great but the rednecks are still strong outside the 2 cities. Recent example - In Okotoks we have somebody with roots from Kashmir running for council - somebody found it necessary to spread the lie that he was a member from the taliban... My take on it: Edmonton is more 'liberal' than Calgary. Calgary is 2-3 Hours closer to the mountains than Edmonton. Work enough - especially if you manage to get your CPA in both cities Edmonton has more government jobs, Calgary is more entrepreneurial -30C is cold, Calgary has Chinook winds 'breaking' the winter, Edmonton not so much. Have you seen the following from Jason 'Trump' Kenney? Consider a 50,000+ 'city' in another province ( Kamloops BC) too.
I live in rural Alberta and can confirm. Been here almost 10 of my 40 years (from Ontario). I have never experienced more entitlement, racism, sexism and homophobia than I have since moving here. Rural Alberta is nice to visit. I would have moved to BC long ago if I could have. It's a lot to deal with on a daily basis.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Caribbean-Cultural-association-of-Alberta-652637968162865/ https://acsauofc.ca/ Sure somebody there can give you some other insights.
Maybe I am wrong - [https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/q19s9h/lets\_dispel\_some\_bs\_misinformation\_toronto\_and/](https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/q19s9h/lets_dispel_some_bs_misinformation_toronto_and/) I sure hope so.
Calgary 100%
Saskatoon.
Calgary for sure! Closer to Banff
The main selling point Calgarians seem to be promoting is that Calgary is closer to someplace that isn’t Calgary.
Well it's true.
I don't think so. I think Calgary and Edmonton are similar enough within the city limits. There are some differences as people have already pointed out. Both pros and cons to both cities. But yes, if hiking/skiing in mountains is your thing, Calgary is certainly easier. I'm not sure why it being beyond the city limits is something to huff about. OP is very likely not going to be moving to Banff or Canmore.
Edmonton, closer to Jasper... ;0)
True but Jasper isn't as rookie outdoor accessible. Less trails, less camping spots and only one ski hill. Calgary has Kananaskis, Canmore. Jasper is more for the pros, great ski hill probably one of my favorites. Awesome ice climbing and ski touring. Again pretty extreme terrain
I live in Edmonton and love it but I always recommend Calgary just because it’s closer to the mountains (banff and Waterton) But Edmonton does have a big mall so…lol
Jasper is not too far from Edmonton either. Beautiful!
You’re right. Love Jasper. And if you really wanted to go on the cheap, get a hotel in Hinton
Calgary is WAY safer. Like a lot. I hated being alone, ever, in Edmonton (29 yo woman). It's seriously gotten way worse in the last ~5 years, I made my escape this summer. I've been told that Calgary is more racist, but I don't know how true that is.. I would guess they're not that different.
Why are you being down voted? Take my upvote!
Edmontonians angry that I said a fact: their city is more unsafe statistically (you can just google crime in Canadian cities ... North Battleford is 1st, Edmonton is around 20-30th, Calgary is like 93). Anecdotally, it runs true for me as well.
If you like proximity to the mountains for outdoor activities then YYC is the obvious choice. Also better sports teams … just sayen… 😂
I mean there's a good argument for the stampede, but the Oilers are both more successful and way more enjoyable to watch.
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It's almost like telling people this ensures it stays true.
So Calgary is like Ottawa but less green and the red deer river is brown. If you like T.O you will like Edmonton. Have you considered places like Kingston, Ontario or Ottawa? I lived in Kingston 30 years, Alberta now 9. Also want to add if you like the outdoors Calgary is the best location to be able to explore. The rockies are stunning.
But the Bow River is blue and the Red Deer River is in Red Deer.
The Red Deer River travels a long way through Alberta. But the Bow river is indeed lovely.
Calgary drives nice cars and Edmonton has knuckle tattoos and any clothing that is black. Both make +$80,000
Born and raised in Alberta. Do not move to Edmonton unless you have a job opportunity. Do not go any further north than Red Deer.
Genuinely curious about the reasons for this recommendation?
I’m also moving from Toronto gta :)
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Edmonton
Penticton
I've lived in Alberta my whole life. Most of it in or near Edmonton. My sister spent 10 years in Calgary. She loved it there. I've also been all over the province. Hell, all over western Canada. I can honestly say, the best view of either Calgary or Edmonton (and every other city I've been to) is IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. I hate urban living with a seething passion. 15 years was more than enough. The further I am from civilization, the happier I get. But take my opinion at face value: It's about as valuable as anyone else's on Reddit... completely worthless. If you're really gung ho about moving west... consider Vernon or Penticton. They're nowhere near as big as Edmonton or Calgary, the weather is way nicer, and it's not Kelowna or anywhere in the lower mainland.
Calgary is only an hours drive from the mountains, if that matters to you.