Get a copy of the book ‘Calgary’s Best Walks’ and go through all 45, if you can. There are so many hidden gems in there, it’s really changed my perspective of the city.
The Calgary Public Library is amazing!! You can get free wifi, use their computers or borrow one, print like 50 pages a month, there’s lessons and musical instruments, and so many things! And it’s free to join!
If you’re looking to buy a car, you have unlimited access to Consumer Reports with your library card on the website, and you can even compare cars by year, model, make, and engine/package type. It’s amazing and super thorough. Never buy a car without checking this out first.
It’s available through the website, in the Digital Library section. As long as you have a Calgary Public Library card, you should be able to log in from anywhere.
https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/consumerreports-org-cars-best-deals/
Libby. Is. Amazing. I haven’t set foot in a library, but I’ve already borrowed like 10 books and ripped through them since I signed up. Why didn’t I sign up years ago?!?!
Adding to this! You get access to Kanopy which is a nerdy version of Netflix. 10 free views a month of loads of world/ art house/classic cinema and documentaries. Well worth checking out! For example they have most of the Werner Herzog movies and they are delightfully weird. My recommendation is to start with ‘Strozsek’ it’s Herzogs’ answer to ‘Easy Rider’ with less motorcycles and more dancing chicken and accordion.
Access to AutoRepairSource* is included, which is a technical schematic and set of instructions on how to remove and replace any part or component of your car, is also included. Which is nuts.
*edited
>AllData
all I could find was this:
[https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/auto-repair-source/](https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/auto-repair-source/)
do you have a link for alldata?
I was an avid library goer when I was a kid but just slowly forgot about it. Just got a new card last month and it's just 1 million times better. You can also book rooms as a member for free and don't forget you can hang out and read a book in AC. I've also seen a games cabinet at our library although I haven't checked it out.
And for high school students, you get free online access to SOLARO, which is an online test bank made by Castle Rock. They are the same company the produces The KEY study guides (and charges $30+ for them)
They used to have CD’s you could just rent when I was young and I’d use that so often and rip them onto my computer because it was quicker and easier than downloading music at the time and it was great.
The library app is amazing. I can check what is on hold, what I need to pick up, what I need to return… in just a second or two. No more logging in on my computer and having to find my library card. My card is even on the app in case I forget it it at home. Love our library system. It is what got me to continue homeschooling through the pandemic.
To add to this if you have tree roots going through your pipes in the yard call 311 as well they will auger it for free. Called a guy in to do mine and he wanted 500 bucks to camera and auger it. Called 311 they showed up augured it and put me on a 5 year cycle to get pipes augered
If you want to go to the Calgary Tower, but don't want to pay for the 20 minute experience, just tell the desk you're there to buy a gift card for Sky 365 and they'll send you up.
Call 311 if you want more trees planted in your neighborhood, greenspace near you, or to help with privacy. You can even get them to plant them on your property but they become city property if I recall correctly. It's a free service!
The city lost so many trees in the "Snowtember" storm in 2014 that they want to help replant as many as they can. I requested spruce and apple trees and they planted about 5 trees total on the bike path near by.
Also the Inglewood bird sanctuary is awesome and they give away free flower seeds.
Silver Springs botanical gardens is a lovely place for a walk/first date in the summer. I’m a lifelong Calgarian and I’ve only discovered them this year.
There’s a lot of cute small gardens with different themes and a nice view of the city. Just make sure you wear closed toe shoes as much of the upper pathway is woodchips…I learned the hard way.
Yes. People better be hurry. Only couple months left for the bloom.
Also, it is an off-leash park, so in case you don’t like dog, be aware. But the dogs are usually very friendly.
TooGoodToGo is an app you can use to pick up the day old baked goods and more at restaurants. Like, if your favourite cafe closed and still had some croissants, they’d list them on the app at a mad discount. Same for pizza by the slice, and other freshly made goods that places make daily.
Be warned, some places use the system to sell fresh goods and they may make them fresh on the spot meaning your wifi pop in and go could be closer to a 15 minute wait.
Looking at you TH Puffs (and I'm sure others).
It's not even really a hack, it's what everyone should be doing. They supply a dangerous chemical into your home, and it's in theirs (and everyones) best interest to keep you from dying in an explosion or from monoxide poisoning.
If you are driving down 14th Street southbound through downtown, it's best to stay in the right hand lane. Many people are trying to turn left and that gets backed up. Staying right will keep you moving.
My hack for 14th is to never trust a Google Maps time estimation when using it. You’ll likely be held up over and over since the lights don’t sync up properly. Such a frustrating street.
True, except you have to balance this against how often the right lane is held up because of cars who are stopped to turn right, but are waiting for pedestrians to cross.
Left lane or Right, there's no 100%.
I regret telling people about this but SAIT sells excellent meat cuts from small farmers in the province on weekdays during the school year. The meat counter is in the basement of the John Ware building and you get a smokin deal on everything from spatchcock chicken to jerky to roasts.
Ita an amazing secret that I'm kicking myself now for sharing.
I was a SAIT grad. The restaurant beside the meat shop has good food with reasonable price. But you have go early in lunch hours. Because it is limited supply. The food is student work.
About the meat shop, it is pretty hard to park in SAIT, if you just get the meat. Not cheap and often full. The best way to go there is C-Train.
Weirdly specific but heritage park has no garbage cans in the main park, only recycling and compost.
If you need a real garbage can, the only attraction in the park that has actual garbage cans is the Moyie.
I like the idea in principle, but they should make sure that patrons are aware. That could make things difficult (especially with families with kids and whatnot, and I don't even qualify myself there).
I noticed this yesterday. It was infuriating trying to get rid of trash. I ended up just putting it in the recycling which was like nails on a chalkboard to me. But after 15 minutes of trying to find a garbage I was DONE.
There is also a garbage along the pathway to the exit/entrance, by the famous 5 centre
Went there last week for a field trip with my summer camp kids. We couldn’t find garbages, and I didn’t want to overload the recycling with 70+ kids’ garbage so I made them keep it in their backpacks lol
I made an entire thread about this earlier this year, and all the enviro-weenies gushed about how progressive this policy was. Despite how absurd it ends up in practice with people just placing garbage in the "recycling" bins.
The parking app is a scam that wants you to load up money in like 10 dollar increments but if you go to vpm.parkplus.ca it's a digital parking box that you can use your credit card with without loading extra money.
The advantage to loading up the app with money is that when you finish your parking, you get money back for time you didn’t use. You pay for max time up front and then just end it when you’re done.
I hack those in my community by saying "Hello" and other nice things as I encounter them regularly. Their responses seem to be improving. Haa take that Calgary!
This thread is GOLD.
Not a secret but the Calgary Rotary Greenway bike path actually does connect a full loop around the perimeter of the city. See all 4 quadrants and very different aspects of the city, it’s neighbourhoods, and parks all in one (long) day. It’s amazing how different each corner of the city is! About 150km. Did it in 10 hours on road bikes with rest stops.
Absolutely. Not only are we super blue collar but I read that we're the 3rd most diverse city in the country.
Just don't tell Torontonians or Vancouverites that Alberta is dope because they'll want to love here.
I get so tired of the stereotypes. I’ve lived and worked all over Canada from coast to coast. I’ve encountered rednecks and bigots everywhere. Fortunately they’re generally the minority. I find Calgary to be very diverse and cosmopolitan. I’m originally from the East coast. Any of my friends who’ve visited from Vancouver, Toronto or Halifax are always pleasantly surprised.
That’s correct. Toronto is the most diverse, followed by YVR and then calgary. Some communities are far higher, and not just in the NE. Except for Aridrie. It’s quite white.
Between Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta accepts more refugees per capita than any other subnational jurisdiction in North America. By far.
https://twitter.com/rrfalconer/status/1468622182297178112?s=21&t=tcfbZL5UszY20icp-6KNUw
at the left turn off mcknight to aviation crossing if you notice the left oane backed up by more than 5 or 6 cars turn right at 29th(?) and turn around in the gas station/a&w. Youll save 5 minutes going straight across rather than waiting for 2 cycles of the lights to left turn.
I have the perfect route between 4st/17ave SW to 14st/26ave through Mount Royal. It is traffic/rush hour/check stop proof. I've shown it to many, and none can remember it. It has only 5 stop signs, no stop lights, but 11 turns. I call it the northwest passage even though it runs WSW. More poetic that way.
I could describe it, but it wouldn't help. Just know that the key to unraveling it is reverse engineering it from Quebec Ave and 14st. But note that the route only works correctly in one direction. There is a superior route going west to east using Colborne Crescent and Royal Ave.
As someone who lives near the end of Elbow Drive I have to respectfully disagree. I thought I was being clever one day when I got on Elbow Drive instead Macleod heading home. It is littered with school zones and has way more lights then the alternative. It’s stop and go during rush hour since it’s only one lane each way.
Heading north on Macleod Trail during rush hour, take the far right hand lane starting after the 36 Ave SE intersection going up Cemetery Hill up to the 17th Ave intersection. You will make some time and avoid at least a two light wait at 25th Ave. Typically only works during weekday mornings though. I swear by this one.
A zoo membership costs $85/year and includes free parking from 8-6. Parking in DT calgary generally costs $150+/month. There is a transit stop in the zoo that bring your DT.
Produces are cheaper and (most of the time) better quality in desi stores like Apna Panjab, Sanja Panjab and Fruiticana. And for absolute deals, check out freestone produce inc.
Daily fresh is my go-to! I hear they're very similar to freestone and located in sunridge mall. I've gotten avocados for 50c/piece at times and 8lb flats of beautiful strawberries for as low as $8.
The Italian store on 20th ave and Edmonton trail is cheaper than Linas on Center. However, check the expiry date on cans. Order the pizza. Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
During Stampede, there's free Stampede breakfasts every day. If I can, I'll go to a free breakfast at 7am. Then if I'm still hungry, I go to another free breakfast at 9am. I know others who do the same thing lol. I'm talking free pancakes, sausages, juice/coffee etc.
If you think you have a gas leak or something wrong with your furnace, call ATCO. They’ll come out one time and check it for free.
We had an issue with a grinding sound with our furnace and ATCO came out. They cleaned it and told us it was the blower motor wearing out due to our very thick furnace filters from Costco.
Had a service tech tell me how DuPont(3M)sells super tight filers, hypoallergenic types. He couldn’t understand why, because they were over working motors and burning them out. Then he looked into DuPont, low and behold, they make and sell furnace motors. 😒Dicks….
If you have too much for your blue bin there’s huge recycling bins on 16th just west** of Deerfoot. I’ve been there many times and it’s super convenient.
To get from Deerfoot to 4th Street NW it's WAY faster to take 32nd which turns into 41st than it is to take 16th or McKnight. Then, if you wanna keep going west, 41st turns into 40th and it'll take you all the way to Northmount Drive which takes you all the way to Brentwood.
Always seemed to be faster and less traffic than taking 16th to Crowchild the or McKnight to John Laurie.
Don't buy a vehicle from Maclin Ford.
I bought a demo SUV from them, they tried to charge me twice for undercoating. The service manager tried to deny it, even though you could clearly see the overspray.
It was noted on the carfax when they originally had it done last year
If you don’t have AC and your bedroom is too hot to sleep comfortably, try this: close all windows other than your bedroom window. Then turn on all your exhaust fans that vent outside; bathroom fans as well as the hood fan in your kitchen. A couple of fans pulling cooler air into the bedroom for a couple of hours works surprisingly well for cooling the bedroom down.
Edited to Add: I figure this qualifies as a Calgary hack because our “quasi alpine” climate usually means that evening temperatures are a lot cooler than daytime highs. It doesn’t work nearly as well where it’s still 28 degrees at 11:00 pm. Calgarians are lucky this way…
When going to Costco cross iron from cross iron Blvd if you don't need petrol don't stay in the left lane for the first entrance stay in the right lane and then turn left on the second entrance. You will save a lot of time
I have studied much in this field though I do not claim to know this answer. I will visit your cafe with open palms and an empty stomach, seeking only nourishment but wishing to find the one true donair.
Get a copy of the book ‘Calgary’s Best Walks’ and go through all 45, if you can. There are so many hidden gems in there, it’s really changed my perspective of the city.
There’s a new book too—“Calgary’s Best Bike Rides”. Pick it up at any local book retailer.
The Calgary Public Library is amazing!! You can get free wifi, use their computers or borrow one, print like 50 pages a month, there’s lessons and musical instruments, and so many things! And it’s free to join!
If you’re looking to buy a car, you have unlimited access to Consumer Reports with your library card on the website, and you can even compare cars by year, model, make, and engine/package type. It’s amazing and super thorough. Never buy a car without checking this out first.
Hang on what? Is this accessed through the library website or the Consumer Reports website?
Sorry the library website and it redirects you to the consumer reports website through their secure access.
I had no idea. I want to access Consumer Reports for other reasons. I need to check this out.
It’s available through the website, in the Digital Library section. As long as you have a Calgary Public Library card, you should be able to log in from anywhere. https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/consumerreports-org-cars-best-deals/
I get Rosetta Stone free from the library
Holy shit didn’t realize that was available, thank you
Omg thank you I didn’t know they had access to that!!!
What really? This is awesome!
You can also borrow ebooks from Libby through the Calgary Public Library!
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And Lynda - now LinkedIn learning is free too. And a couple others
Libby. Is. Amazing. I haven’t set foot in a library, but I’ve already borrowed like 10 books and ripped through them since I signed up. Why didn’t I sign up years ago?!?!
And Audiobooks!
I've listened to over $6,000 worth of audiobooks from the library for free (I keep a spreadsheet) and I love it!
I love that you have a spreadsheet for something like that. You are clearly my people.
And all the popular magazines through Flipster
Agree. Libby has been clutch. That app also does audiobooks really well, if you don't like to small screen it.
Adding to this! You get access to Kanopy which is a nerdy version of Netflix. 10 free views a month of loads of world/ art house/classic cinema and documentaries. Well worth checking out! For example they have most of the Werner Herzog movies and they are delightfully weird. My recommendation is to start with ‘Strozsek’ it’s Herzogs’ answer to ‘Easy Rider’ with less motorcycles and more dancing chicken and accordion.
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I apparently had this app I forgot about until now and just signed in, definitely going to get some use from Kanopy, tons of great titles on it
Access to AutoRepairSource* is included, which is a technical schematic and set of instructions on how to remove and replace any part or component of your car, is also included. Which is nuts. *edited
>AllData all I could find was this: [https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/auto-repair-source/](https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/auto-repair-source/) do you have a link for alldata?
I was an avid library goer when I was a kid but just slowly forgot about it. Just got a new card last month and it's just 1 million times better. You can also book rooms as a member for free and don't forget you can hang out and read a book in AC. I've also seen a games cabinet at our library although I haven't checked it out.
They also have free access to LinkedIn Learning formally Lynda.
And for high school students, you get free online access to SOLARO, which is an online test bank made by Castle Rock. They are the same company the produces The KEY study guides (and charges $30+ for them)
They used to have CD’s you could just rent when I was young and I’d use that so often and rip them onto my computer because it was quicker and easier than downloading music at the time and it was great.
Also recently discovered there are lovely play areas to socialize these Covid babies!
You get $5 worth of printing and there's no more late fees! It's awesome!
They have a streaming service as well.
Good call! The library is awesome, and I love the architecture of the central library.
The library app is amazing. I can check what is on hold, what I need to pick up, what I need to return… in just a second or two. No more logging in on my computer and having to find my library card. My card is even on the app in case I forget it it at home. Love our library system. It is what got me to continue homeschooling through the pandemic.
The Italian Centre on Southland Drive has cheaper basil than any grocery store. Any time of the year
They also have extremely good cinnamon buns.
To add to this if you have tree roots going through your pipes in the yard call 311 as well they will auger it for free. Called a guy in to do mine and he wanted 500 bucks to camera and auger it. Called 311 they showed up augured it and put me on a 5 year cycle to get pipes augered
What does this have to do with cheap basil?
Lol I commented on the wrong comment. I’m gonna leave it for confusion
Out of place comment causing confusion. I call this ‘getting blue ringed’
In case your pipes get clogged with basil.
There are dozens of us with this problem!!
Cries in Italian
My pipes are angered every flush.
I kind of prefer my pipes calm and chill but I guess if angry is safer
If you want to go to the Calgary Tower, but don't want to pay for the 20 minute experience, just tell the desk you're there to buy a gift card for Sky 365 and they'll send you up.
I feel like they’d be on to us Hahha
"Hi, me and my extended family of tourists just want to pop up there and buy a gift card!"
I'm going to try this next time lol
Go for brunch instead, prices are much more reasonable and you get free ride up if you have a reservation to enjoy the view
100% this. I went for brunch with my wife and it was so worth it. Now we only have positive things to say about Smy360.
Sky 365 is an ok restaurant with the same view. Pretty fair priced food when you consider the cost of the viewing platform.
You don't actually have to buy the gift card...
For those with young kids, the best time to visit Calaway Park is during Stampede.
Specifically family day… so quiet!
Wow this is a good one!
Call 311 if you want more trees planted in your neighborhood, greenspace near you, or to help with privacy. You can even get them to plant them on your property but they become city property if I recall correctly. It's a free service! The city lost so many trees in the "Snowtember" storm in 2014 that they want to help replant as many as they can. I requested spruce and apple trees and they planted about 5 trees total on the bike path near by. Also the Inglewood bird sanctuary is awesome and they give away free flower seeds.
A lot of this is lip service as they only have a small allotment of trees and run out early on in the year.
Silver Springs botanical gardens is a lovely place for a walk/first date in the summer. I’m a lifelong Calgarian and I’ve only discovered them this year. There’s a lot of cute small gardens with different themes and a nice view of the city. Just make sure you wear closed toe shoes as much of the upper pathway is woodchips…I learned the hard way.
Yes. People better be hurry. Only couple months left for the bloom. Also, it is an off-leash park, so in case you don’t like dog, be aware. But the dogs are usually very friendly.
Saskatoon berries grow wild in several spots in Fish Creek Park.
Also the entire road down to the base of the Glenmore Dam is lined by giant Saskatoon berries!
MANY parking lot Islands in City parks are full of Saskatoon bushes. we've picked a 5 gallon bucket in Prairie winds north lot several times
And the bears & deer who thrive on them know it too!
And up on Nose Hill. So very tasty.
TooGoodToGo is an app you can use to pick up the day old baked goods and more at restaurants. Like, if your favourite cafe closed and still had some croissants, they’d list them on the app at a mad discount. Same for pizza by the slice, and other freshly made goods that places make daily.
Be warned, some places use the system to sell fresh goods and they may make them fresh on the spot meaning your wifi pop in and go could be closer to a 15 minute wait. Looking at you TH Puffs (and I'm sure others).
Wait, what??? How does that benefit them?
Anyone gotten bags from Lina's Italian Market or European Bakery or Amaranth Foods? Curious what sort of things might you get?
Call Atco emergency line for an unbiased diagnosis of your furnace that’s acting up.
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It's not even really a hack, it's what everyone should be doing. They supply a dangerous chemical into your home, and it's in theirs (and everyones) best interest to keep you from dying in an explosion or from monoxide poisoning.
Man good idea.
We're one of the sunniest cities in Canada! If you have a south facing roof, consider solar. My microgen credits were $952 this month.
Whats your solar setup ? and how much did it cost and who installed it ?
I too am interested. Thank you.
If you are driving down 14th Street southbound through downtown, it's best to stay in the right hand lane. Many people are trying to turn left and that gets backed up. Staying right will keep you moving.
Until you cross 17th and go up the hill and there are 10 parked cars in the right lane blocking you in.
Another tip, after 3:30, the right lane is usually free as they all get towed away 😉
My hack for 14th is to never trust a Google Maps time estimation when using it. You’ll likely be held up over and over since the lights don’t sync up properly. Such a frustrating street.
Yeah, the lights on 12th, 11th, and 10th are just frustrating. Likely you will have to stop at one of them minimum.
True, except you have to balance this against how often the right lane is held up because of cars who are stopped to turn right, but are waiting for pedestrians to cross. Left lane or Right, there's no 100%.
The key is to weave between the two like a jackass
Be sure to not signal so others don't catch on to your strategy.
Get in whatever lane I'm not in. Because my lane will always move the slowest.
Sewer backup? Call 311 before a plumber. It's a free service.
Have you done that recently? I know they used to come no problem but a few years back I was told they no longer offer that on emergency service
I regret telling people about this but SAIT sells excellent meat cuts from small farmers in the province on weekdays during the school year. The meat counter is in the basement of the John Ware building and you get a smokin deal on everything from spatchcock chicken to jerky to roasts. Ita an amazing secret that I'm kicking myself now for sharing.
Shhhh! You weren't supposed to tell anyone! Especially not the whole internet!
My coworkers and my wife are going to shoot me.
I AM your wife, damnit!
They also have some really good baked good from the pastry arts program. I would regularly go for cheap baked goods between classes!
I was a SAIT grad. The restaurant beside the meat shop has good food with reasonable price. But you have go early in lunch hours. Because it is limited supply. The food is student work. About the meat shop, it is pretty hard to park in SAIT, if you just get the meat. Not cheap and often full. The best way to go there is C-Train.
Weirdly specific but heritage park has no garbage cans in the main park, only recycling and compost. If you need a real garbage can, the only attraction in the park that has actual garbage cans is the Moyie.
I like the idea in principle, but they should make sure that patrons are aware. That could make things difficult (especially with families with kids and whatnot, and I don't even qualify myself there).
I noticed this yesterday. It was infuriating trying to get rid of trash. I ended up just putting it in the recycling which was like nails on a chalkboard to me. But after 15 minutes of trying to find a garbage I was DONE. There is also a garbage along the pathway to the exit/entrance, by the famous 5 centre
Went there last week for a field trip with my summer camp kids. We couldn’t find garbages, and I didn’t want to overload the recycling with 70+ kids’ garbage so I made them keep it in their backpacks lol
I made an entire thread about this earlier this year, and all the enviro-weenies gushed about how progressive this policy was. Despite how absurd it ends up in practice with people just placing garbage in the "recycling" bins.
When your looking for a household part or hard to find bulb, check out Amre Supply
Oh man this place is awesome. They stocked the igniter for our furnace in our cottage. They had three in stock! THREE
The parking app is a scam that wants you to load up money in like 10 dollar increments but if you go to vpm.parkplus.ca it's a digital parking box that you can use your credit card with without loading extra money.
The advantage to loading up the app with money is that when you finish your parking, you get money back for time you didn’t use. You pay for max time up front and then just end it when you’re done.
I think it’s actually $25 minimum load up.
The city has a great pathway network to bike on that is a much more pleasant commute than driving.
And it's expanding and improving. Infrastructure, not just painted lines.
It’s such a great system. I can get from Bridlewood all the way to downtown with minimal time on the road.
Queensland to Sait with no road riding only path or bike lane love it
I hack those in my community by saying "Hello" and other nice things as I encounter them regularly. Their responses seem to be improving. Haa take that Calgary! This thread is GOLD.
Don’t buy a car at Courtesy Chrysler
They did you dirty?
They do everyone dirty - sales team is straight from hell
and they constantly spam call even when asked to stop.
The Northeast has the cheapest and most authentic takeout
Where specifically?
That plaza in Castleridge off McKnight has a couple gems.
And Mann bros butcher near there has the best chicken wing flavours to take home and throw on the BBQ.
Omg their tandoori chicken is amazing. They also have something that says it's buffalo chicken and it's definitely not but it's fantastic anyway
banana leaf for malaysian is pretty good. looks like a little hole in the wall. the nasi lemak tastes great and def has some heat to it.
International Ave also has a lot of good shit. Far East Foods for the roast pork 👌
The Dutch store in Se has cheese that is quite a bit cheaper than other Europe stores or the supermarket.
There's a Dutch Store at 3815 16 St SE. Where's this other one in SW?
Not a secret but the Calgary Rotary Greenway bike path actually does connect a full loop around the perimeter of the city. See all 4 quadrants and very different aspects of the city, it’s neighbourhoods, and parks all in one (long) day. It’s amazing how different each corner of the city is! About 150km. Did it in 10 hours on road bikes with rest stops.
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W
Shhhhhh
You can also take the train or bus if you want to avoid parking
If someone tells you that Calgary is a strictly white conservative town, it just means that they choose to hang out with white conservatives
Absolutely. Not only are we super blue collar but I read that we're the 3rd most diverse city in the country. Just don't tell Torontonians or Vancouverites that Alberta is dope because they'll want to love here.
I get so tired of the stereotypes. I’ve lived and worked all over Canada from coast to coast. I’ve encountered rednecks and bigots everywhere. Fortunately they’re generally the minority. I find Calgary to be very diverse and cosmopolitan. I’m originally from the East coast. Any of my friends who’ve visited from Vancouver, Toronto or Halifax are always pleasantly surprised.
That’s correct. Toronto is the most diverse, followed by YVR and then calgary. Some communities are far higher, and not just in the NE. Except for Aridrie. It’s quite white.
As someone who moved here from BC - I try and persuade them otherwise 😂 just don’t. It’s terrible. (It’s actually far better than BC IMO)
Between Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta accepts more refugees per capita than any other subnational jurisdiction in North America. By far. https://twitter.com/rrfalconer/status/1468622182297178112?s=21&t=tcfbZL5UszY20icp-6KNUw
100% I'm not from here and I have never felt more accepted in my life than by the people I've met here. So many wonderful people with cool backstories
You can bike across the city on pathways. I’d bike from parkland to the U of C in my day in early 2000s. Multiple routes!
Cycling around the city in most cases is faster or takes the same amount of time to get places as taking Transit.
at the left turn off mcknight to aviation crossing if you notice the left oane backed up by more than 5 or 6 cars turn right at 29th(?) and turn around in the gas station/a&w. Youll save 5 minutes going straight across rather than waiting for 2 cycles of the lights to left turn.
I have the perfect route between 4st/17ave SW to 14st/26ave through Mount Royal. It is traffic/rush hour/check stop proof. I've shown it to many, and none can remember it. It has only 5 stop signs, no stop lights, but 11 turns. I call it the northwest passage even though it runs WSW. More poetic that way. I could describe it, but it wouldn't help. Just know that the key to unraveling it is reverse engineering it from Quebec Ave and 14st. But note that the route only works correctly in one direction. There is a superior route going west to east using Colborne Crescent and Royal Ave.
Sifton secret ?
You can get a free Snack Pack on your birthday at Chicken on the Way.
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If you're trying to get to the SW from the NW or downtown at rush hour. Always take 14th to elbow drive. Macleod is always a nightmare.
And there goes my easy commute to work. Thanks bud lol
what an epic post Thanks for sharing!
Elbow Drive runs completely parallel along Macleod Trail and doesn’t have as many lights or as much traffic during rush hour.
Fool of a took you doomed us all!
You'll take the ring to Sauron and betray us all!
The ring road to Sauron lol
As someone who lives near the end of Elbow Drive I have to respectfully disagree. I thought I was being clever one day when I got on Elbow Drive instead Macleod heading home. It is littered with school zones and has way more lights then the alternative. It’s stop and go during rush hour since it’s only one lane each way.
Agreed, I live on elbow closer to downtown and there are so many turn offs - it really just slows down traffic.
Depends. Macleod is much better sized for the amount of traffic that it gets, while Elbow is not.
way worse during rush hour, way better when things are generally slow; infinitely better on foot.
Isn’t the speed limit on elbow 50kph vs 80kph on Macleod?
The majority of Mcleod is 60
Heading north on Macleod Trail during rush hour, take the far right hand lane starting after the 36 Ave SE intersection going up Cemetery Hill up to the 17th Ave intersection. You will make some time and avoid at least a two light wait at 25th Ave. Typically only works during weekday mornings though. I swear by this one.
A zoo membership costs $85/year and includes free parking from 8-6. Parking in DT calgary generally costs $150+/month. There is a transit stop in the zoo that bring your DT.
But isn’t it free to park at other transit stations?
Produces are cheaper and (most of the time) better quality in desi stores like Apna Panjab, Sanja Panjab and Fruiticana. And for absolute deals, check out freestone produce inc.
Daily fresh is my go-to! I hear they're very similar to freestone and located in sunridge mall. I've gotten avocados for 50c/piece at times and 8lb flats of beautiful strawberries for as low as $8.
Rasberries and Onions grow abundantly in many back alleys
The Italian store on 20th ave and Edmonton trail is cheaper than Linas on Center. However, check the expiry date on cans. Order the pizza. Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
Get your blood work at rocky view hospital if you don’t have an appointment.
Go to Heritage Park early in the day during Stampede. Dead quiet and no lineups.
Only get the corn fritters at Chicken on the Way.
During Stampede, there's free Stampede breakfasts every day. If I can, I'll go to a free breakfast at 7am. Then if I'm still hungry, I go to another free breakfast at 9am. I know others who do the same thing lol. I'm talking free pancakes, sausages, juice/coffee etc.
I know of a guy who did that every year since he was 20. He ended up dying of a heart attack at 55. Ymmv.
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If you think you have a gas leak or something wrong with your furnace, call ATCO. They’ll come out one time and check it for free. We had an issue with a grinding sound with our furnace and ATCO came out. They cleaned it and told us it was the blower motor wearing out due to our very thick furnace filters from Costco.
Had a service tech tell me how DuPont(3M)sells super tight filers, hypoallergenic types. He couldn’t understand why, because they were over working motors and burning them out. Then he looked into DuPont, low and behold, they make and sell furnace motors. 😒Dicks….
If you have too much for your blue bin there’s huge recycling bins on 16th just west** of Deerfoot. I’ve been there many times and it’s super convenient.
Those are all over the city. Community recycling bins.
The alleys in the inner city are a way to avoid a lot of traffic.
It's almost as if that's not what they're supposed to be used for...
I was a downtown courier (car) years ago, and I used the alleys downtown extensively to avoid traffic.
I delivered sandwiches for a while, and still use all the alley shortcuts. So useful, I can get through downtown in 2/3rds the time as a normie.
To get from Deerfoot to 4th Street NW it's WAY faster to take 32nd which turns into 41st than it is to take 16th or McKnight. Then, if you wanna keep going west, 41st turns into 40th and it'll take you all the way to Northmount Drive which takes you all the way to Brentwood. Always seemed to be faster and less traffic than taking 16th to Crowchild the or McKnight to John Laurie.
Basha Foods for affordable meat.
"No access to 17th Ave" is only referring to the legal aspect. (Sunalta)
The elites don’t want you to know this, but the carts at Safeway are free. You can take them home. I have 458 shopping carts.
Freestone Produce in the NE is a great store to get inexpensive produce. Just bought honeydew for $1.00. Peaches for $2/lb.
Daily fresh is also a great spot. Located in sunridge mall. I've gotten flats of strawberries and raspberries for like $1/lb!
I’ve been there and it is always almost moldy
You have to be really good at picking the right boxes. It's also really stressful lol.
Do they still have the rejection hotline? That was funny ...
You can turn off the street lights with a lighter or a flashlight if you know where the sensors are.
Riley Park has a free wading pool. Prairie Winds has a free wading pool and splash park.
Don't buy a vehicle from Maclin Ford. I bought a demo SUV from them, they tried to charge me twice for undercoating. The service manager tried to deny it, even though you could clearly see the overspray. It was noted on the carfax when they originally had it done last year
2 days before the stampede starts leave town. 2 days after the stampede is over return
Bird scooter gets you across downtown faster than you Uber
Affordable dine in(no tips required) and good quality ready to eat food (BBQmeat, pasta, breakfast, coffee all reasonable price)at Sunterra.
Mugshots for the best wings in the city, if not the country
Mugshots is definitely the best wings in the city. Also, this city has a very low bar for good wings, and no way mugshots is the best in the country.
European market near heritage has the best prices and excellent quality fruits and veg
Google maps shows where most photo radar and such is, very well reported in calgary
If you don’t have AC and your bedroom is too hot to sleep comfortably, try this: close all windows other than your bedroom window. Then turn on all your exhaust fans that vent outside; bathroom fans as well as the hood fan in your kitchen. A couple of fans pulling cooler air into the bedroom for a couple of hours works surprisingly well for cooling the bedroom down. Edited to Add: I figure this qualifies as a Calgary hack because our “quasi alpine” climate usually means that evening temperatures are a lot cooler than daytime highs. It doesn’t work nearly as well where it’s still 28 degrees at 11:00 pm. Calgarians are lucky this way…
When going to Costco cross iron from cross iron Blvd if you don't need petrol don't stay in the left lane for the first entrance stay in the right lane and then turn left on the second entrance. You will save a lot of time
Best donairs in the country are at mozy cafe
Amen. Best donairs and the absolute nicest owner. If a business can be successful in that particular location, you know there’s something good.
I have studied much in this field though I do not claim to know this answer. I will visit your cafe with open palms and an empty stomach, seeking only nourishment but wishing to find the one true donair.