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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 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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