Calgary has little crime for a city of its size and has earned the reputation as being one of the safest cities in Canada. However, in recent years, the crime rate has increased. Big-city common sense can't be forgotten. Be sure to lock your car and keep your valuables out of view. If you plan to travel by public transit, be cautious at light-rail transit (LRT or C-Train) platforms, where purse snatchers and pickpockets may lurk.
At night, take a cab to the club scene on First Avenue Southwest. In summer, Calgarians generally walk downtown after dark and feel safe if traveling in groups of two or more. Kensington is particularly safe for late-night summer strolls. You may want to avoid certain parts of downtown after dark—the neighborhood between Centre Street and Fifth Street East around Fort Calgary or any area around the C-Train platforms, which travel along 7th Avenue downtown. Third Avenue and Fourth Street attracts an unsavory crowd—best to avoid that area if walking. Taxi fares are pretty reasonable and are better in the long run.
If you're driving, be aware that Calgarians tend to speed, tailgate and weave dangerously through congested rush-hour traffic. Incidents of road rage seem to be on the increase. Keep your cool.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't buy a belt buckle bigger than your fist unless you want to be labled as a greenhorn by native Calgarians.
Do go outside during a Chinook—temperatures can rise to "T-shirt weather" in the middle of winter.
Do sample many of the local beers. They are on tap at almost every bar.
Do visit the Red Mile if you are in town for a game, but don't wear colors that might associate you with the opponent unless you want to take some serious ribbing.
Don't forget that the change in your pocket could be a lot of money—the loonie (Can$1) and the twoonie (Can$2) can add up quickly.
Don't call the city Cal-GARY. Instead, say CAL-gry.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Calgarians say aboot. If you hear someone saying that, they are from the east.
Do check the snowfall level before you take your skis—dry and warm winters in the last decade have resulted in fewer skiing days than ever before.
