8 Fun Facts About Calgary: How Many Do You Know?

Calgary, Alberta, offers a fascinating mix of cultural activities, natural wonders, and innovative city planning that makes it one of Canada's most remarkable cities. Known for hosting the world's largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede, the city celebrates cowboy culture with thrilling events and Western flair. But the bounty of curiosities about and activities in Calgary extends far beyond the Stampede. 

With 2,300 hours of sunlight annually, one of North America's sunniest climates invites year-round outdoor enjoyment. The impressive +15 Network, a pedestrian skyway spanning over 18 kilometres, makes downtown easily accessible—even in winter. Discover these fun facts and uncover what makes Calgary truly unique!

Calgary Facts at a Glance

• Calgary hosts the world's largest rodeo
• Calgary is a former Olympic host—Winter Games 1988
• Calgary receives an average of 2,300 sunlight hours each year
• Calgary is part of Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot, Tsuut'ina, and Stoney Nakoda peoples.
• Calgary's +15 Network is the world's largest pedestrian skyway system
• Calgary is one of the most common places to experience Chinook winds in Canada
• Ginger beef was invented in Calgary's Tuxedo Park neighbourhood
• Calgary is one of the cleanest cities anywhere

The Calgary Stampede is The World's Largest Rodeo

Experiencing the Calgary Stampede takes you into a world where cowboy culture takes center stage. As the world's largest rodeo and one of Calgary's most popular attractions, it draws over a million visitors each year, all excited to witness the thrilling rodeo events that define this iconic event. From bull riding to steer wrestling, the excitement of the rodeo events showcases skill and bravery.

Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede is held for a full 10 days each July. In addition to traditional rodeo events like barrel racing and bull riding, the Calgary Stampede also includes a parade, dog bowl, concerts, animal demonstrations, carnival-style Midway games, and more.

Stampede Park, the festival's main venue, is located directly south of the Victoria Park neighbourhood. As you stroll through the grounds, you'll encounter everything from chuckwagon races to musical performances and culinary delights that capture the essence of the Wild West.

Calgary Hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics

Calgary made history in 1988 by being the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics. This milestone event not only put Calgary on the global map but also marked the longest Winter Games ever, stretching over 16 exciting days. You couldn't have asked for a more thrilling showcase of winter sports, featuring over 1,400 athletes from 57 nations. Most events were held at several venues in the city, but certain events—including cross-country skiing in the Canmore community and alpine skiing in Kananaskis Country—were held outside of Calgary.

The city's main venues included McMahon Stadium in Northwest Calgary, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, and Canada Olympic Park, where ski jumping, bobsledding, and other events were held. Canada Olympic Park is known as WinSport today, and it still functions as a downhill training and recreation facility for everyone, from professional athletes to beginners. WinSport is located in West Calgary between the Cougar Ridge neighbourhood and the Bowness area.

Hosting the Winter Olympics helped Calgary develop state-of-the-art facilities and increased its appeal as a winter sports and tourism hub. The 1988 Olympics played a pivotal role in shaping Calgary's identity and further cemented its status as a dynamic and internationally recognized city.

Calgary Is One of the Sunniest Cities in North America

Regarding sunshine, Calgary stands out as one of North America's sunniest cities, basking in an average of 2,300 hours of sunlight each year. On the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, the sun shines for over 16 hours! This abundance of sunshine means you've got plenty of opportunities to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, whether exploring its thriving cultural scene or enjoying Calgary's best outdoor activities.

The sunshine in Calgary makes certain winter activities much more enjoyable than the city's temperatures would normally dictate. For example, cross-country skiing on an overcast day with negative temperatures can feel bitingly cold; doing so on a sunny day allows skiers to take off layers of clothing, often necessitating sunscreen.

Calgary Has a Rich Indigenous History

For at least 12,000 years, Calgary has been home to Indigenous peoples, and it holds a significant place within Treaty 7 territory. This region encompasses several Indigenous nations, including the Blackfoot, Tsuut'ina, and Stoney Nakoda. Each of these communities has contributed to Calgary's rich culture and history.

As you explore the city, you'll notice how Calgary honours its Indigenous roots. The Calgary Stampede, one of the biggest festivals in Calgary, includes celebrations of Indigenous culture, such as the Elbow River Camp and the Indigenous Showcase. These events offer a window into the traditions and contributions of the Indigenous peoples, fostering appreciation and understanding.

Calgary's +15 Network Is the Largest of Its Kind

Boasting an impressive feat of urban planning, Calgary's +15 network (or Plus 15, or "The Skywalk") is the largest pedestrian skyway system in the world. Stretching over 16 kilometres of elevated walkways, this network connects more than 100 buildings in Downtown Calgary. (Admittedly, discontinuous—the Minneapolis Skyway System is the longest continuous skywalk, but it's nearly a kilometre shorter.) It's designed to provide maximum convenience, letting you navigate the city centre without stepping outside.

The +15 network gets its name because most of these enclosed bridges are 15 feet above street level. This elevated design offers a unique perspective of the city's vibrant core. Some of Calgary's City Centre condos are part of the network, making commuting to and from work without stepping outside possible. 

It's a haven for those looking to stay warm and dry during unpredictable weather, making it an indispensable part of urban life in Calgary.

Calgary is Home to the Chinook Winds

A Chinook is most commonly known as a salmon species native to the northern Pacific. In Calgary, however, "a Chinook" means something entirely different.

Calgary's Chinook winds are a captivating meteorological phenomenon that can dramatically impact the city's climate. These warm, dry winds sweep through Calgary and other parts of southern Alberta, creating rapid temperature changes. Chilly winter mornings can quickly turn into a mild afternoon, with temperatures rising by up to 15°C within just a few hours.

The sudden warmth from the Chinook winds helps melt snow rapidly, turning icy streets into slushy paths—appropriate for winds sometimes called "Snow Eaters." While they don't warm the city enough to warrant swimming in the river, they can rapidly alter the landscape and ease ice and snow-related congestion for those driving in Calgary.

Chinook winds in Calgary are down-sloping winds warmed by the foehn effect that commonly occurs where the Great Plains and prairie land meet soaring mountain ranges, such as the Canadian Rockies. Bow Valley, just west of the city, acts almost like a natural wind funnel and is the most frequent site of the Chinook.

For many in Calgary, the Chinook winds provide a revitalizing break during long, harsh winters. Locals often anticipate these winds, knowing they bring a refreshing change to the chilly season.

Calgary Invented Ginger Beef

One of the most appealing (and often little-known) things about Calgary is that it's an incredible food city. With cultural influences from all over the world represented among Calgary's most popular restaurants, there is really no one type of food that Calgary is known for; rather, it's known for being one of the best places to find exceptionally flavorful, complex, and unique dishes.

Ginger beef is one such dish. For anyone unfamiliar with ginger beef, prepare to be delighted. The Canadian-Chinese dish originates right here in Calgary, combining sweet ginger and sauce with savoury beef. It's often described as an "in your face" type of flavour, with copious amounts of both ginger and fresh garlic in the sauce.

Ginger beef is believed to have been invented by chef George Wong at the Silver Inn Restaurant in the 1970s. Today, the dish is so popular that it's exceedingly rare to find a Chinese restaurant that doesn't have its own version of ginger beef on the menu—not just in Calgary, but throughout all of Canada!

Calgary is One of the Cleanest Cities in the World

Calgary is known as one of the cleanest cities globally, but how does it uphold such high standards? It's all about environmental stewardship. The city is committed to preserving its natural beauty and ensuring that living in Calgary remains an enjoyable and sought-after experience.  

Calgary's advanced waste management systems are vital in achieving this cleanliness. These systems are designed to handle waste, recycling, and compost efficiently, reducing landfill use and promoting sustainability. Clean streets and public spaces reflect the city's efforts. Calgarians actively participate in keeping their city clean, from organizing community clean-ups to supporting green initiatives.

Ready to Book a Trip to Calgary?

Calgary ticks all the boxes, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and innovation. Whether you're captivated by the thrill of the Stampede or the warmth of the sunniest skies, there's always something to catch your eye. With its rich Indigenous heritage and impressive cleanliness, Calgary proves that it's a city worth exploring.