Everything you need to know about living, working or studying in Calgary

Supermarkets

The supermarkets in Calgary are similar to the rest of Canada:

• Safeway: You will often find them in the centre of Calgary. The prices are on the expensive side but Safeway has a wide variety of products, often of good quality
• Co-op: Has a wide selection of fruits/vegetables and meat, and can be good value for money
• Real Canadian Superstore: You will find the President’s Choice brand in this store. The prices are better than at Safeway or Co-Op but there are fewer in the downtown area, so you often have to have a car to get there
• Walmart: Products are generally less expensive than in the other stores above. However, you’ll need a car to visit a Walmart, as they are a little out of the way.

To eat local, organic and fresh, you need to have a certain budget. Consider shopping at a farmers’ market instead of a branded supermarket.

Buying alcohol in Calgary

To buy alcohol you will need to go to a liquor store, instead of in the supermarkets. In the Co-op Wine & Liquor Store you will find a wide selection. Otherwise, you have other local stores like Kensington Wine Market.

Buying clothes in Calgary

Big shopping malls like CrossIron Mills will carry all the usual clothes and shoes brands (H&M, Famous Footwear, Old Navy, Gap, etc.)

To find items at discounted prices, try stores like Winners and Marshalls for clothes, shoes, cosmetics, food, kitchen equipment, etc.

For second-hand items, try a thrift/charity shop like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.

To buy specialist sports equipment (skiing, hiking, camping, cycling, etc.) look for sports stores like Sport Chek, Mountain Warehouse or MEC. Keep an eye on sales and promotions. You may want to consider buying microspikes (crampons to put on your hiking shoes) for hiking in winter or walking on frozen lakes, in preparation for the cold Alberta winters.