Quick Facts
- Population: 1,019,942
- Location: in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains
- Comparative size: fifth largest city in Canada
- Area: 726 square kilometres
- Elevation: 1,128 metres above sea level
Temperature
| (°C) | Average temp. | Average high | Average low |
| July | 16.2 | 22.9 | 9.4 |
| December | -7.4 | 1.30 | -13.4 |
Getting to Alberta
Air Access
Alberta is home to two international airports, one in Edmonton (18 mi/29 km S of city centre) and one in Calgary (11 mi/18 km NE of city centre). Easy access to Alberta from more than 100 cities worldwide is available with most major airlines and charter operators. There are also numerous regional airports in Alberta, serviced by both commercial and charter airlines, making it easy to get to, and around, Alberta.)
The Calgary International Airport has more than 200 scheduled flight weekly that operate between Calgary and major U.S. cities and more than 25 flights per week to major international destinations. The level of air service to and from Calgary assures non-stop or one –stop access from any major city in the world. For more information visit www.calgaryairport.com
Rail Access
Train travel can be a spectacular way to experience Alberta. From dinner aboard Alberta Prairie Railway’s vintage steam train to luxury service on the Royal Canadian Pacific to everything in between – train service is offered in various pockets of the province.
VIA Rail’s scheduled service stops in Edmonton and Jasper. In the U.S., VIA Rail can be booked through AMTRAK (1-800-872-7245). Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers several routes that link Alberta with B.C. One leaves Jasper and slices west through northern B.C. while the other runs from Calgary and Banff through the rugged Rockies to the west coast of British Columbia. This southern route through this stunning terrain (also used by the Royal Canadian Pacific) is considered one of the world’s classic rail trips.
Highway Access
Calgary is accessible from the east and west by the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) which passes directly through our beautiful city. Those visitors driving up to Alberta from the U.S. can use any of the following ports of entry:
- Aden, Alberta/Whitlash, Montana
- Carway, Alberta/Peigan, Montana
- Del Bonita, Alberta/Del Bonita, Montana
- Wild Horse, Alberta/Wild Horse, Montana
- Coutts, Alberta/Sweetgrass, Montana
- Chief Mountain, Alberta/Chief Mountain, Montana
Accommodation
With more than 10,720 accommodation rooms, Calgary offers the very best services, exceptional comfort and legendary western hospitality.
World class hotels, unique and historic bed and breakfasts, heritage homes, inns and resorts or a family oriented facility complete with water slides, children’s programs and adventures nearby. Tourism Calgary offers accommodation planning services. You can book your Stampede accommodation by calling Tourism Calgary’s Accommodation Services Toll Free: 1-888-874-7978 or to book online visit calgarystampede.com/hotel.
Banking and Currency
Traveller's cheques and credit cards are accepted at most commercial establishments, banks and currency exchange offices. Banking hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; some banks are open Saturdays.
There are more than a dozen automated teller machines (ATMs) on Stampede Park during the 10 day festival. ATM’s accept one or more of the following networks: Interac, Cirrus or Plus. They are found at banks and in most retail areas.
Taxes
Alberta is the only province in Canada with no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). However, it has a four percent tourism levy and one percent destination marketing fee on hotel rooms and a five percent, Canada-wide, Goods & Services Tax (GST).
Non-residents of Canada can claim GST rebates on short-term accommodations and most purchases to be taken out of the country. Keep your receipts if you wish to apply for a GST rebate. Simply pick up a copy of Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs office when you fly into Alberta, or at most Tourism Information Centres, duty-free shops, and some hotels.
For further information, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website or within Canada call
1-800-66-VISIT; outside Canada, call (902) 432-5608.
Metric Conversion
Canada uses the metric system. All highway and traffic indicators are in km and km/h, gas is sold by the litre, temperature is measured in Celsius, and the electrical current is 110 volts.
- 1 kilometre = 0.62 miles
- 100 km/h = 62 m.p.h.
- 4.54 litres = 1 Imperial gallon
- Temperature 25°C = 77°F
Tipping
The average tip in Canada is 15 per cent. However, depending on the level and the nature of the service, tipping may range from 10 per cent to more than 20 per cent. Tips are generally given for good service by food and beverage servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, tour guides and hotel bellman.
Updated Passport Regulations
Effective January 23, 2007 the US Departments of State and Homeland Security states that all US citizens, Canadians, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and citizens of Mexico (regardless of age) must obtain a passport or another accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air or sea. As a result, the Calgary Stampede urges all visitors to secure passports for themselves and for every family member well in advance of the 2008 Calgary Stampede. For further information on obtaining a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel.
Customs and Immigration
Visitors from all countries with the exception of U.S. must possess a passport or a travel visa and should contact the nearest Canadian Consulate or Embassy to confirm requirements.
Photo ID, proof of citizenship and residence are mandatory for U.S. citizens (though a passport is preferred). This process is subject to change when the proposed Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is put into effect. For updates on this new travel policy for Americans, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Health and Travel Insurance
Alberta's health-care plan does not cover out-of-province visitors. Clarify your coverage with your personal insurance carrier before entering Alberta. Should you wish to obtain additional health and travel insurance before visiting the Calgary Stampede please contact Creative Western Adventures at 1-866-333-7717 or stampede@creativewestern.com