7 things you absolutely need to know about winter in Calgary if you just moved to the city
The season might just surprise you.
Winter in Calgary.
If you just moved to Calgary you might be bracing yourself for the winter ahead, and for good reason. Alberta is known to have long and hard winters, but it's not all bad news.
There are some upsides to winter in the city (hello blue skies), and a lot that's different about the season there than other places in Canada.
We turned to locals, polling our audience on social media, to see what you need to know about winter in Calgary, with the chilliest months ahead of us.
If you just moved to the city and want to prepare yourself for the upcoming season — here's what you need to know.
The city won’t clear your sidewalk
If you're new to Calgary and have a property then you'll want to get yourself a shovel, or you might be facing a fine. People living in the city are expected to keep the sidewalks bordering their property clear of snow, and the fine for not doing it can be up to $750 for multiple offences.
The city website says that "in Calgary, keeping our sidewalks clear of snow is more than just a winter task; it's a shared commitment to community safety. When Calgarians promptly remove snow, it ensures accessible pathways, smoother traffic, and a secure environment for everyone. This collective effort plays a vital role in maintaining the functionality and vibrancy of our city throughout the winter months."
After a snowfall, you have 24 hours to clear the sidewalks bordering the property, and you'll want to make sure to follow all the rules the city lays out.
Chinooks come through
@jessica_quiring wild behaviour from the chinooks #calgary #calgaryyyc #yyc #canada #canadianwinter #calgaryweather
Many locals brought up Chinook winds, which warm up the city super fast.
"You could be bundled up one day and wearing shorts the next. It’s called a Chinook and they’re one of the best reasons to live in Calgary," one person said.
These warm winds can happen in the winter and can drastically change the temperature from one day to the next. This makes for a nice reprieve from the cold weather, and some serious snowmelt in Calgary.
So don't be fooled if the weather gets especially warm all of a sudden, because it's not an early spring!
It’s freezing, but the sky will likely be blue
While Chinooks might warm up the city sometimes, it can get super cold for most of the winter. Many locals warned of the chilly temperatures, but there was an upside.
You'll get to enjoy blue skies on the regular, compared to many places in Canada where winter can bring rain and clouds (looking at you Vancouver).
Actually, it's the sunniest city in Canada, with about 333 days of sunshine a year.
Things get icy
The blue sky might tempt you to brave the freezing temperatures and get outside, but if you do, watch your step. Many warned of slippery surfaces in the city.
"The sun is powerful here and melts a bit but then freezes. Skating rink. Be sure you can skate," one local said.
"Get ice walking shoes, because the Chinooks are fabulous but it's gonna melt the snow, and freeze again. So then you can walk without slipping," another added.
The "penguin shuffle" is a recommended method for getting across slippery sidewalks here.
Brace yourself for a long season ahead
The winters in Calgary aren't exactly short. "It runs from Oct to April," one local said.
Make sure you get outside and enjoy the snowy season because it's a good chunk of the year. All the more reason to soak up those warm days the Chinooks bring!
Driving can be tricky
Many people highlighted how tricky driving in a Calgary winter can be, so make sure to stay safe on the roads.
Transit can be a great option for some, but if you have a car make sure you have the proper winter tires, and head out prepared.
"Remember your stopping distance when driving in snowy/icy conditions," one person advised.
It's a dry cold
Obviously the low temperatures were made clear, but it's also a certain type of cold in Calgary that you might not expect.
"But...it's a dry cold 😜 Get yourself some good quality lip balm, eye drops, nasal lube and extra hydrating body lotion and you'll be set," one person said.
If you're not used to the dry air, then you might want to heed their warnings.
All in all winter in Alberta, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer, can be pretty magical if you know what to expect.
Whether you're considering a move or recently arrived in Calgary, hopefully you're ready for the winter ahead!