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-   -   The Truth: Is Calgary Really So Boring? (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/the-truth-is-calgary-really-so-boring-165165/)

Joaquin Feb 25th, 2002 05:29 AM

The Truth: Is Calgary Really So Boring?
 
I'm not trying to put Calgary down, and I know that it's got gorgeous contryside all around it - but I've been repeatedly told that -citywise- it's a bit slow and dull.<BR>Fact or fiction?

Mike Bilinski Feb 27th, 2002 08:59 PM

Yes Calgary is rather dull place.<BR><BR>Anyone who says otherwise hasn't seen Downtown after 6PM-deadsville.<BR><BR>

DSM Feb 28th, 2002 12:24 AM

Yep,<BR><BR>Been there and done that! Calgary is quite dull, although the scenery has to be seen to be believed - stunning!!!<BR><BR>Dave

Dan Feb 28th, 2002 01:54 AM

Yes it's boring. Stayed overnight before an early return flight after Banff vacation.

Joaquin Feb 28th, 2002 02:44 AM

Oh-oh, I have to live for the next two years in the place.

Marilyn Rice Davies Feb 28th, 2002 08:03 AM

This must be a different Calgary than the one I visit in Alberta. Calgary, Alberta is anything but dull.The shopping in the Mision district and kensigton is great. The wine stores are wonderful, especially the Willow Park Wine store on the southend of the city. They carry the largest selection of international wines I've ever seen, including some of the best of BC wines.<BR>There are some very good restaurants, from the Mongolii Grill at Delhousie Station to Dante's, down town. There is a whole spectrum of nightlife, from the country and western to my favourites like Detours and the Midnight Cafe.<BR>Pubs- James Joyce downtown, Malone's in Kensington, and my favourite- the Rose and Crown on 4th. You never need be lonely or bored in Calgary.<BR>Mandy

Susan Feb 28th, 2002 08:19 AM

I lived there as a teenager and go back fairly regularly to visit 1 sister who still lives there. I honestly find it a little boring, but that's probably because I don't search out anything new when I'm there. I basically visit my sister and a few friends. They love Calgary! <BR><BR>I celebrated a milestone birthday there last summer with my sister, and really had a wonderful time. We spent the day at a spa (I think the name was Oasis) and it was wonderful! The area in which the spa was located looked kind of cool as well.

A Traveller Feb 28th, 2002 07:04 PM

Boring beyond belief is my take on the place.<BR><BR>Says something about the people who live there-they are either tough, boring or a unique combo of the two.<BR><BR>I'd never go back unless it was to pick up a Lottery Cheque.

Tim Mar 1st, 2002 04:34 AM

I lived there for over two years, and I can honestly say that "boring" could never describe Calgary. Downtown Calgary definitely has a vibrant nightlife; maybe not all-night every-night like Toronto, but thay have dance clubs, Irish pubs, underground alternative clubs, country bars, etc...just about everything you'd need, but much livelier on the weekends (Thurs-Sat). Strolling the shops & boutiques in Kensington, 17th Avenue, Eau Claire, etc. can be entertaining in itself. They also have the NHL Flames, the WHL HitMen, and I think they still have the PCL baseball team (I may be wrong about this, though).<BR><BR>In the summer there's always something going on at Prince's Island park, and of course the Stampede is always a blast.....I've never seen an entire city "let its hair down" like Calgary at Stampede time. Heck, if you DO find a weekend where there's nothing going on, Kananaskis is only 45min away & Banff is about an hour, and you couldn't be bored there!<BR><BR>I guess it depends on what you find interesting & what you find boring. My 2+ years out there were like a working vacation. Anyone that says its boring really hasn't explored what the city has to offer, or else they are basing their opinion on an overnight stay while waiting for a flight as someone above has done.....you can't form an opinion on a visit of less thatn 24 hours!<BR><BR>Enjoy your time in Calgary - I'd move back in a heartbeat!<BR><BR>Tim

Suzanne Mar 1st, 2002 12:55 PM

Calgary is very, very, very boring and as for the countryside around ( unless you are talking about the Rockies) is equally boring in comparison with most of the places on this earth - but then if you are from the end of the earth then you may find it vibrant and interesting. Just about anywhere, with the exception of Edmonton, Winnepeg, Saskatoon and the like, is better.

pardonme Mar 2nd, 2002 11:46 AM

To A Traveller who said "Says something about the people who live there-they are either tough, boring or a unique combo of the two." I live in Calgary and I guess I am "tough" since it is a better choice than "boring". Oh, excuse me I have to go clean my igloo out because all the sealskin fur is making a mess, and I better go put whalefat on my tough leather-like windblown skin, and go get my toque. Oh, my mistake, it's a beautiful sunny day so I would rather hop in my BMW which I paid for with huge salary I earn from one of giant oil companies centered here in Calgary and drive the 1 1/2 hr drive to go skiing in powder near Banff. Tommorrow I am flying off to Cancun for some R & R. What a dreadful life here in sunny, oil rich Calgary! I wish it was overcast, windy and raining, and there were dreadful slums beside the mansions here, like some U.S. cities I have visited!

Joaquin Mar 2nd, 2002 05:16 PM

Going off to Cancun is not exactly a ringing endorsement for Calgary, isn't it?

Ex-Calgarian Mar 2nd, 2002 07:39 PM

As long as Calgarians have acces to US cable TV they continue to believe that what goes on in their village matters to someone somewhere.<BR><BR>Deep down though they know that Calgary is nowhere and that nothing ever happens there and never will.

deej Mar 3rd, 2002 04:01 AM

the question is a bit of a red herring, really. ANY place can be boring if that's your choice. calgary's lifestyle has a lot to offer. any place 1 1/2 miles from banff can't be that bad, right??!! <BR><BR>but if you're expecting toronto or new york, you'll be mistaken (which probably isn't a bad thing. one toronto is enough).

Sam Mar 3rd, 2002 05:05 AM

Hey pardonme. Mansions in Calgary? Uh I guess. Your city sucks, and if people didn't have to fly into Calgary to go to Banff nobody would go to Calgary. You're off to Cancun? Hey that's something to brag about. You can make all the cracks you want about American cities, but people from around the world come here, can't say the same about Calgary. Put all the spin out that you want, but read the messages (except from the Calgary people), the masses have spoken. You can't polish a turd.

GB Mar 3rd, 2002 05:25 AM

Why do the oil cities have such white trash (Houston, Tulsa, Calgary)? As for the BMW statement, the Texans brag about their Cadilacs. Besides, you can get a BMW for $25,000 these days.<BR>

Elwood Mar 3rd, 2002 07:46 AM

I'm from Edmonton and can tell you that, yes, Calgary is boring along with my town up the road from there. Calgary is a good place, though, but it is a place whose reputation seems to be built around the fact that is is close to the mountains as all tourism marketing will point out. It is a city of vast urban sprawl and we know how vibrant suburbs are. There is a lot to do but you need to drive to get there for the most part. As far as cities go it is very average. BTW I also find Vancouver boring, however incredibly beautiful it can be, another city whose reputation is based around enjoying the great outdoors. If there is a truly exciting Canadian city I would say Montreal, hands down.

bnp Mar 3rd, 2002 01:53 PM

I haven't thought of Calgary as particularly boring, but its citizens are certainly not the nicest people, from personal experience and that of friends who have lived and moved there for short and long periods of time. Unfriendly is the word that comes to mind when I hear Calgary.

don't Mar 3rd, 2002 03:37 PM

Actually, I am happy to hear many people find Calgary boring; it will keep the crowds from moving in, raising prices, crowding our hiking trails, highways, etc, etc,- ever been to L.A.?-hard to breathe there- I'll take space to live anyday.

Tim Mar 4th, 2002 02:48 AM

It cannot get more boring than calgary. It's ok if you don't want to do anything and just veg out.

Joaquin Mar 4th, 2002 02:26 PM

What do you mean that Calgarians "aren't nice people"?<BR>I thought that -boring or not aside- it was a nice, neighborly kind of place, in a Midwest sort of manner. All Canadians I've met are really good people. What gives?

dj Oct 31st, 2002 11:22 AM

I live in Calgary and far the most popular statement I hear from people outside of our city is that they are some of the nicest people in the world.<BR>Not mention that we have been rated among the top in the world for clean cities, low-crime, and enviro-friendly. Of course, no matter where you go you'll find A**holes and people who are jerks, plus the odd run-down dirty building, and some crime. By my last check at the world, I believe that &quot;Utopia&quot; still doesn't exist.<BR>I have lived here for 15+ years and would not choose to live anywhere else. Once they get the new traffic problems figured out (due to our massive population &amp; business boom over the past 7 years) this city will be the close enough to &quot;Utopia&quot; by many peoples views. <BR>You must remember that the question you posed is one that is considered to be &quot;relative&quot; to the few who answer.<BR>Good luck with the move and I am sure you'll easily fill your 2 years here with many adventures.

canuck Oct 31st, 2002 11:56 AM

my brother lives in Calgary and I visit about once a year. He has a lovely home on a man made lake in the centre of the city - at Christmas it is wonderful - skating, big fires, people pulling kids on sleds, ice fishermen..in the summer they have their own dock and private lake. My brother used to live in Toronto and really likes Calgary. I've always enjoyed my visits there and have met some wonderful friends of theirs.

Jan Oct 31st, 2002 01:15 PM

Joaquin,<BR>All I can say is its what you make it.<BR>Lived there and loved it @ 5 years.<BR>Kids these days are always complaining they are bored, my response is use your imagination and you'll have a blast.<BR>Think Positive and you'll love it.<BR>BTW Where are you coming from??<BR>Jan

YesItIs Nov 1st, 2002 07:35 AM

The last three posters sound like suburbanites who love the suburban lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with that but who visits a 'great' city to hang out in the burbs? Calgary is not a high density style of city it is extreme sprawl and automobile dependent. The suburbs are as dull as anywhere in North America and the downtown area has good bustle to it during the workdays due to the business atmosphere that is so prevalent there. It really doesn't compare to Vancouver, TO, or (the best vibe anywhere), Montreal as a great urban experience.<BR>But, yes it is friendly and a decent place with a great location for the mountains and some excellent restaurants.

Jan Nov 1st, 2002 12:25 PM

YesItIs <BR>RE:suburbanites Not me hate the city live on 6acres sunny warm Vancouver Island. Just stated Calgary was a fun place to be when in my early 20's. <BR>Again its what you make it!!<BR>jan

YesItIs Nov 1st, 2002 02:28 PM

Jan,<BR>I can't disagree with your comment of &quot;it's what you make it!&quot;.<BR>That is a great philosophy to have with any situation in life. I just assume that Joaquin is asking if it is an exciting city for a visit. Montreal is an exciting city. New York is exciting. Ditto San Francisco. Calgary...well, no.

jan Nov 1st, 2002 06:46 PM

YesItIs<BR>I guess that Joaquin is actually moving there for a few years. Don't want to scare her away.<BR>As for San Francisco, 1st time there this summer will definately go back real soon for a longer visit. Fun,Fun Busy,Busy.<BR><BR>

bob Nov 16th, 2002 02:19 PM

I've lived in Edmonton, Calgary and now Vancouver. All three cities are comparable and have something distinct to offer. Edmonton is a beautiful city with a great arts and University/intelletual scene, river valley, Whyte Ave and of course THE mall. Calgary, although not as pretty a city as Edmonton, is an hour away from the mountains and is actually a BIG corporate centre for the oil industry...you know OIL...black gold....the world depends on it....countries go to war over it. Vancouver, of course, is great too but much bigger and has less of a communuity feel. Alberta is a great place and definately THE place to live in Canada. Not boring at all.

Justin Nov 17th, 2002 12:30 AM

As an ex-Calgarian (now Vancouverite), I have to say that Calgary might not be the most exciting place, but it's not boring and the people are nice!! There are clubs, malls, etc. they have what you need to hang out with friends and stuff. I guess the definition of &quot;boring&quot; is different between the view of tourists and residents.

bob Nov 17th, 2002 09:50 AM

I totally agree with Justin! Some cities are great to look at--some are great to live in. And in order to get a true feel for any city you have to be willing to spend more than a weekend there and visit more than just the 'tourist' areas. Incidently, I have family in toronto and subsequently have visited the area quite often and honestly, I don't know what all the fuss is about....so there you go. IMO There is no more 'vibe' in Toronto and Vancouver than there is in the prairie cities... Montreal, definately has a 'vibe' but that is due to the European influence more than any anything else. JMO


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