Welcome to Calgary!
Whether you’ve just landed at YYC Calgary International Airport or are preparing for your move to Canada, your first 90 days are absolutely critical to building a strong foundation for your new life. Allow me walk you through everything, from getting your essential documents sorted to finding housing, accessing healthcare, enrolling children in schools, and navigating Calgary’s unique climate and culture so you can settle confidently and start feeling at home in one of Canada’s most dynamic cities.
Calgary, known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and home to over 1.3 million people, offers newcomers a unique blend of urban sophistication and western hospitality. With its thriving economy, diverse communities, and stunning natural surroundings, Calgary has become one of Canada’s top destinations for immigrants. But like any major relocation, success depends on proper preparation and knowing where to find the right support.
Your First 90 Days in Calgary – Complete Checklist
Week 1–2: Get Your Essentials Done
Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your Social Insurance Number is the single most important document you’ll need in Canada. Without it, you cannot legally work or access government benefits and services. Visit the nearest Service Canada office with your immigration documents, or save time by applying online if you’re eligible.
Pro Tip: Service Canada offices can get busy, especially during peak immigration seasons (spring and summer). Book an appointment online or arrive early in the morning to avoid long wait times. Processing typically takes 10-15 minutes if you have all required documents.
Open a Canadian Bank Account
Establishing banking relationships early is crucial for building your financial life in Canada. Major banks like RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, BMO (Bank of Montreal), and CIBC offer specialized newcomer packages with attractive benefits such as:
- No monthly fees for the first 12 months
- Free money transfers from your home country
- No minimum balance requirements
- Free safety deposit boxes
- Multilingual banking services
- Newcomer credit cards to help build your Canadian credit history
Banking Tip: Bring your passport, valid immigration documents (work permit, study permit, or permanent resident confirmation), and proof of address—even a hotel booking or temporary accommodation letter works initially. Many banks now offer video banking appointments, which can be scheduled before you even arrive in Calgary.
Get a Local SIM Card & Phone Plan
Staying connected is essential, especially in your first few weeks as you navigate appointments, job searches, and settlement services. Canadian mobile plans can be expensive compared to other countries, but several providers offer competitive newcomer plans:
- Koodo Mobile: Prepaid and monthly plans with good coverage
- Fido: Rogers network with flexible data options
- Freedom Mobile: Budget-friendly plans (coverage is better in urban areas)
- Public Mobile: Low-cost prepaid service owned by Telus
- Chatr: Affordable plans on the Rogers network
Important Consideration: Calgary experiences extreme temperature variations, particularly in winter, so ensure your phone can handle cold weather. Keep your device warm when outdoors during Calgary’s coldest months (December through February).
Week 3–5: Find a Place to Call Home
Search for Short-Term Housing (First Month)
Most newcomers start with temporary housing while they search for permanent accommodation. This gives you time to explore different neighborhoods, understand the rental market, and avoid making hasty decisions. Trusted platforms for housing searches include:
- RentFaster.ca: Calgary’s most popular rental listing site
- Kijiji Calgary: Wide variety of rental options
- Facebook Marketplace: Community-based listings
- PadMapper: Aggregates listings from multiple sources
- ViewIt.ca: Professional rental listings
Safety Tip: Always visit properties in person or schedule a detailed video tour before paying any deposits. Unfortunately, rental scams do exist. Never wire money to someone you haven’t met or verified, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Legitimate landlords will provide proper documentation and allow property viewings.
Explore Calgary’s Diverse Neighbourhoods
Calgary is divided into four quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE) plus downtown, each with distinct characteristics, demographics, and price points:
Downtown & Beltline: Perfect for young professionals who want urban living with walking access to offices, restaurants, entertainment, and the CTrain. Expect higher rents but excellent amenities and nightlife. The Beltline has experienced significant development and offers modern condos with urban convenience.
Northeast Calgary (NE): Home to diverse immigrant communities with affordable housing options. Many newcomer families start here due to reasonable rents, established community support networks, and proximity to immigrant-serving organizations like Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). Neighborhoods include Marlborough, Temple, and Saddle Ridge.
Northwest Calgary (NW): Close to the University of Calgary, this quadrant appeals to students, academics, and families. Areas like Arbour Lake, Tuscany, and Royal Oak offer suburban living with good schools, parks, and community amenities. Expect moderate to higher rental prices.
Southwest Calgary (SW): Affluent neighborhoods with excellent schools and family-friendly environments. Areas like Marda Loop, Killarney, and Altadore are popular but pricier. The SW also provides quick access to the Rocky Mountains for weekend adventures.
Southeast Calgary (SE): A growing area with new developments, affordable housing, and improving infrastructure. Communities like Mahogany, Auburn Bay, and Copperfield offer modern homes and family-oriented amenities.
Understanding Lease Agreements in Alberta
Alberta tenancy laws protect both landlords and tenants. A standard residential lease typically includes:
- Monthly rent amount and due date (usually the first of the month)
- Damage deposit: Maximum one month’s rent (must be returned within 10 days of move-out if no damages)
- Notice requirements: Typically 30 days for tenants, 90 days for landlords (varies by situation)
- Utility responsibilities: Clarify what’s included (heat, water, electricity, internet)
- Pet policies: Some landlords allow pets with additional deposits
- Parking and storage: Confirm what’s included in rent
Resource: Visit the Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service for guidance on tenant rights and responsibilities.
Week 6–8: Register for Healthcare & Schools
Apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded, but you must register for provincial coverage. Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides essential medical services at no direct cost (funded through taxes).
Eligibility: You’re eligible if you’re a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident with a valid work or study permit.
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Immigration documents (COPR, work permit, study permit)
- Proof of Alberta residency (lease agreement, utility bill)
Important: There’s typically a three-month waiting period before coverage begins for new residents moving from outside Canada. Consider purchasing private health insurance to bridge this gap. Many newcomer settlement organizations can guide affordable interim coverage options.
Find a Family Doctor
Finding a family physician in Calgary can be challenging due to doctor shortages. However, several resources can help:
- Alberta Find a Doctor Tool: albertafindadoctor.ca
- Walk-in clinics: Available throughout the city for non-emergency care
- Primary Care Networks (PCNs): Community-based healthcare teams
- Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic: Specialized services for newcomers
Alternative Healthcare Options:
- Telehealth Alberta (811): Free health advice by phone, 24/7
- MyHealth.Alberta.ca: Online health records and resources
- Pharmacists: Can provide advice and prescribe certain medications
Enroll Your Children in School
Calgary has two publicly funded school systems, both offering free education for Alberta residents:
Calgary Board of Education (CBE): English public schools serving approximately 125,000 students across over 250 schools. The CBE offers diverse programming including French immersion, alternative programs (Montessori, arts-centered), and specialized support for English language learners.
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD): Faith-based education with Catholic values, serving over 58,000 students. Also offers French immersion and English as a Second Language (ESL) support.
Registration Requirements:
- Child’s birth certificate or passport
- Proof of address (lease, utility bill)
- Immigration documents
- Previous school records (if available)
- Immunization records
Necessary: Settlement organizations provide In-School Settlement Programs that help newly arrived immigrant families settle into new communities and access educational resources.
✅ Week 9–12: Settle Financially & Professionally
Start Building Your Canadian Credit Score
Your credit history doesn’t transfer internationally, so you’re starting fresh in Canada. Building good credit is essential for future financial opportunities like renting better apartments, buying a car, or securing a mortgage.
Steps to build credit:
- Open a secured credit card or newcomer credit card (most banks offer these)
- Use credit responsibly – charge small amounts monthly
- Pay your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges
- Pay all bills on time – utilities, phone, rent (if reported)
- Keep credit utilization low – use less than 30% of your available credit
💡 Credit Tip: Your credit score typically takes 6-12 months to establish. Start early, and be patient. Consider signing up for free credit monitoring through services like Borrowell or Credit Karma Canada to track your progress.
Rewrite Your Resume for Canadian Employers
Canadian resume standards differ significantly from other countries. Here’s what makes a Canadian resume effective:
Canadian Resume Standards:
- No photos: Never include your picture
- No personal information: Exclude age, marital status, religion, or social insurance number
- Concise format: Typically 1-2 pages maximum
- Achievement-focused: Use quantifiable results (increased sales by 25%, managed team of 15)
- Reverse chronological order: Most recent experience first
- Canadian spelling and dates: Use Canadian English and MM/YYYY format
- Professional summary: Brief overview of qualifications at the top
- Keywords: Tailor to each job posting using relevant industry terms
Common mistakes newcomers make:
- Including too much international experience without Canadian context
- Using unfamiliar job titles without explanation
- Not highlighting transferable skills
- Overly formal language or cultural references unfamiliar to Canadian employers
Apply for Jobs or Training Programs
Calgary has numerous employment resources for newcomers, including language classes focused on employment skills, workplace programs, and career counselling services.
Job Search Resources:
- Job Bank Canada: jobbank.gc.ca – Government job search platform
- Alberta job portal: Province-specific opportunities
- LinkedIn: Essential for professional networking in Canada
- Indeed Canada: Popular job aggregator
- Company websites: Apply directly for better results
Newcomer Employment Support Organizations:
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) offers employment programs including resume workshops and industry-specific training that connect newcomers with career opportunities.
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) provides comprehensive employment support, workplace programs, and career counselling.
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) offers settlement support and employment services.
Professional Credential Recognition:
If you have international professional credentials (engineering, healthcare, trades, teaching), you may need Canadian equivalency assessments or licensing:
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service): For educational credentials
- Professional regulatory bodies: Research requirements for your profession
- Bridging programs: Help internationally trained professionals meet Canadian standards
Understanding Calgary’s Cost of Living (2025 Snapshot)
Planning your budget is critical for successful settlement. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a family of four:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bedroom apartment) | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| Groceries | $700 – $1,000 |
| Transportation (CTrain/Bus passes) | $230 – $460 per family |
| Utilities (electricity, heat, water) | $150 – $250 |
| Internet & Phone | $100 – $150 |
| Childcare (if needed) | $800 – $1,200 per child |
| Average Monthly Total | $3,000 – $4,500 |
Additional Considerations:
- Calgary Transit fares increased in 2025, with adult monthly passes now costing approximately $118-121
- Winter heating costs can increase utility bills significantly
- Calgary has no provincial sales tax (only 5% federal GST)
- Car ownership adds $300-600+ monthly (insurance, gas, maintenance, parking)
Budget Planning: Use our free “Cost of Living Calculator” to plan your monthly budget as a newcomer based on your specific family size and lifestyle preferences.
Preparing for Calgary’s Unique Climate
Calgary has a continental climate with warm summers and cold, variable winters, with average temperatures ranging from 16.9°C (62.4°F) in July to -7.6°C (18.3°F) in January.
What Makes Calgary Weather Unique:
Chinook Winds: Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains brings warm, dry chinook winds that can raise winter temperatures by 20-30°C in just a few hours. This means one day might be -20°C, and the next could be +5°C!
Sunshine: Calgary has the sunniest days year-round of Canada’s 100 largest cities, with over 332 days of sunshine and 2,396 hours annually.
Cold Snaps: The city averages three to four nights per year when temperatures drop into the minus-thirties Celsius (below -22°F).
Winter Preparation Checklist:
- Quality winter coat: Rated for -30°C or colder
- Insulated boots: Waterproof with good traction for ice
- Winter accessories: Warm gloves, toque (Canadian for winter hat), scarf
- Layering clothing: Thermal underlayers are essential
- Car winterization: Winter tires (highly recommended), block heater, emergency kit
Summer Considerations:
- Summer temperatures range from 10-25°C but can exceed 30°C for about 5 days in June-August
- Low humidity makes heat more comfortable
- Strong UV exposure due to high elevation and clear skies
- Calgary lies within Hailstorm Alley and experiences damaging hailstorms every few years
🤝 Community Support & Settlement Services
Calgary has exceptional newcomer support infrastructure. Through the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program, the Government of Alberta funds settlement agencies to deliver comprehensive services.
Major Settlement Organizations:
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) The largest immigrant-serving organization in the Prairies, offering over 95 comprehensive programs with a team of 450+ multicultural professionals fluent in over 70 languages.
Services include:
- Pre-arrival guidance
- Airport reception services
- Settlement assistance in multiple languages
- Employment programs and resume workshops
- Housing support
- Health and wellness programs
- Family and children services
The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) TIES provides comprehensive support in employment, language training, childcare, settlement, mental health, and financial literacy.
Services include:
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) with free classes at multiple YMCA locations focusing on Canadian culture, banking, community services, and getting around the city
- Free childcare while attending language classes
- Employment workshops and career support
- Mental health counselling
- Tax clinic assistance
- Financial literacy programs
Centre for Newcomers (CFN) Settlement and integration services with multilingual staff providing personalized support for Calgary newcomers.
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) Operates the Language Assessment and Referral Centre (LARC) serving clients in Calgary and southern communities with language assessment and counselling services.
Gateway Calgary Acts as a personal guide connecting each newcomer to the right programs and services to reach their goals—the faster way of making Calgary feel like home.
Calgary Public Library – Newcomers Desk Located at Central Library, the Newcomers Desk is presented in partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary, CCIS, and La Cité des Rocheuses, connecting recent immigrants to government agencies and community resources.
Services include:
- English Conversation Groups (in-person and online)
- Computer and internet access
- Multilingual books and resources
- Program registrations and community connections
- Free library card with access to countless resources
🔗 calgarylibrary.ca/connect/new-to-canada
Getting Around Calgary: Transportation Guide
Calgary Transit System:
Calgary operates an integrated public transportation system with buses and the CTrain (light rail transit). Tickets are valid for 90 minutes on both CTrain and buses, and can be used to ride anywhere along the system.
Ticket Options (2025):
- Single ride tickets: Available at CTrain station vending machines
- Books of 10 tickets: Purchase in advance from vendors
- Monthly passes: Most economical for regular users
- My Fare app: Mobile ticketing allowing you to buy tickets anytime from anywhere using your smartphone
Low-Income Transit Pass: Calgary offers subsidized transit passes for eligible low-income residents. Apply through the City of Calgary’s Fair Entry program.
CTrain Lines:
- Red Line: North-South route
- Blue Line: Northeast-Southwest route
- Both lines serve downtown and connect to numerous bus routes
Pro Tips:
- Children 12 and under ride free
- Download the Calgary Transit app for real-time schedules
- Tickets must be validated before entering fare-restricted CTrain zones
- Dress warmly in winter – outdoor platform waits can be cold
Final Thoughts: Your Canadian Journey Begins Here
Moving to a new country represents one of life’s most significant transitions. Your first 90 days in Calgary will challenge you, excite you, and transform you. There will be moments of frustration alongside breakthroughs of accomplishment. You’ll navigate unfamiliar systems, adapt to a new climate, and build a life from the ground up.
But here’s what makes Calgary special: this city embraces newcomers. With nearly 30% of Calgary’s population born outside Canada, you’re joining a truly multicultural community that values diversity, hard work, and fresh perspectives. The settlement services, community organizations, and support networks are genuinely here to help you succeed.
Remember these key principles:
Ask for help: Settlement services exist because Canadians want you to succeed. Use them.
Build your network: Connect with other newcomers and established community members. Relationships matter in Canada.
Be patient with yourself: Cultural adaptation takes time. Give yourself grace during the adjustment period.
Stay persistent: Finding employment and establishing yourself may take longer than expected. Keep going.
Embrace the experience: Your immigration journey is unique to you. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Plan but stay flexible: Use this guide as a framework, but adapt based on your changing circumstances.
Calgary offers incredible opportunities for those willing to work for them. The city’s strong economy, high quality of life, proximity to nature, and welcoming communities create an environment where immigrant families thrive.
Your dream of building a new life in Canada is within reach. With proper planning, the right support, and determined effort, you’ll not only settle successfully—you’ll flourish.
Welcome to Calgary. Welcome to your new beginning. Welcome home. ❤️
