Calgary vs. Edmonton

[PurpleMonkey]

Calgary likes to snipe at Edmonton because Calgaraians feel that they were robbed of being the capital city, But why does Edmonton snipe back at Calgary when they have the title. The answer is simple, Calgary is the better city and they know it.

For everyone that uses the WEM as a reason for Edmonton being better, doesn't realize that It was created using Albertan Tax Money. Of which Calgary being the bigger city and economic centre paid the largest portion. The reason the government built it was because nobody wanted to go that assed-out city know as Edmonton. Their tourism was in the tank. The U of A, WEM, the MLA, and all the things worth looking at in Edmonton, are all examples of government handout to Edmonton and perks of being the capital. No wonder they are so laid back, they don't have create their own attractions or do anything special to remain on the map. As for festivals, they are a dime a dozen: every city, town, and/or village in the world has a million different festivals. If it wasn't for Edmonton being the capital, no one would know it existed.

Calgary on the other hand has the Calgary Zoo, The Stampede, Canada Olympic Park (a testament to the most successful Olympics in Canada and one of the best in the world), and many other things. And Calgary remains more relevant and more internationally recognized than Edmonton. Example The Simpson's mention Calgary twice: once during lisas spelling bee and once again during The Vancouver Olympics. Forbes Magazine named Calgary the cleanest city in the world, with Edmonton nowhere to be found In Pictures: The World's Cleanest Cities - Forbes.com . all of this despite not having the perks of being the capital and government handouts.

 

[Bar Sinister]

I've lived in both cities and frequently visit Calgary where my brother lives. Quite frankly if I am in downtown Calgary or downtown Edmonton I am struck by the similarity of the architecture. I know there are some differences - Calgary has taller buildings, but the overall feeling is the same. So far as I am concerned both cities are cities of malls with rather poorly defined downtowns and little character compared to many other cities I have visited. Calgary has better geography as it is closer to the Rockies and has chinooks and Edmonton has the spectacular river valley. Edmonton also has a bit more in the way of culture, although Calgary has closed the gap by copying some of Edmonton's summer festival activities. Quite frankly I find the rivalry to be a bit of nonsense. I would be comfortable living in either of them.

 

[MollyGroove]

I have lived in both cities. I have to say that Calgary is indeed the nicer city to VISIT, because yes, there is a lot more to do there and it is a beautiful city. However, I would never live there again, even if you payed me. Most of the people are freaking snobs! Edmontonians are a hell of a lot nicer in general (not to say that there isn't the odd jerk... but we do have far less of them than Calgary).

 

[Muscles]

who ever says theres more to do in calgary are total idiots. its quite obvious- the largest mall in north america, the river valley, the NICER PEOPLE(less racists), and not to mention better sports teams. and then theres calgary- they have an amusement park wich is only open in the summer and a zoo that you get tired of easily. then theres all the cowboys and hicks. the olympic park is good but edmonton has some good ski hills too along the river valley. theres also more nature in edmonton, and its overall more beautiful. yes, calgary is a bit warmer but you get headaches from chinooks.

 

[Ron in Regina]

I've had an Awesome time in both cities....but then I set out to have an
Awesome time. Most people see what they want to see, regardless of
where they are, or where they're from.

If you expect to have an bad experience, chances are, you will. Same
goes for expecting to have a great time even if there are some bumps
in your travels. It's a matter of perspective.

 

[JLM]

who ever says theres more to do in calgary are total idiots. its quite obvious- the largest mall in north america, the river valley, the NICER PEOPLE(less racists), and not to mention better sports teams. and then theres calgary- they have an amusement park wich is only open in the summer and a zoo that you get tired of easily. then theres all the cowboys and hicks. the olympic park is good but edmonton has some good ski hills too along the river valley. theres also more nature in edmonton, and its overall more beautiful. yes, calgary is a bit warmer but you get headaches from chinooks.

At least with Cowboys you are generally dealing with real people. :smile:

 

[gopher]

I hope this isn't too dumb a question but can someone tell me, why do these two cities have teams in the independent Golden Baseball League when it seems they should have squads in the PCL or some other Triple A league?

 

[Muscles]

At least with Cowboys you are generally dealing with real people. :smile:

cowboys are gay

you know why they call calgary cowtown- cuz it stinks like a cowpile!
just kidding its an ok place
calgary and edmonton are both different its just edmonton is funner and more beautiful- only by a bit- but ppl in calgary cant talk ****!

 

[JLM]

cowboys are gay

!

That's pure unadulterated bullsh*t, I'll bet there is a lower incidence of gays among cowboys than with the general population. 8O8O

 

[Sаbine]

I have lived in both cities. I have to say that Calgary is indeed the nicer city to VISIT, because yes, there is a lot more to do there and it is a beautiful city. However, I would never live there again, even if you payed me. Most of the people are freaking snobs! Edmontonians are a hell of a lot nicer in general (not to say that there isn't the odd jerk... but we do have far less of them than Calgary).

who ever says theres more to do in calgary are total idiots. its quite obvious- the largest mall in north america, the river valley, the NICER PEOPLE(less racists), and not to mention better sports teams. and then theres calgary- they have an amusement park wich is only open in the summer and a zoo that you get tired of easily. then theres all the cowboys and hicks. the olympic park is good but edmonton has some good ski hills too along the river valley. theres also more nature in edmonton, and its overall more beautiful. yes, calgary is a bit warmer but you get headaches from chinooks.

I've lived in both cities and liked both of them. Calgary and Edmonton are somewhat similar but also very different at the same time. I can't get all this Calgary hating thing. Don't like the city, don't live there. Why insult all residents of Calgary? What's your problem?

 

[Proud2BCanadian]

My boyfriend and I have decided to make the move out to Alberta in August. Thats in less than two months! But of couse we can not decide on whether it is going to be Edmonton or Calgary! I hear great things about both cities, which hasn't made my decision any easier. Originally, we were set on Edmonton, I didn't even really consider Calgary. I don't know why. But after hearing great things about it and having prospect employers wanting interviews...lets just say it has left me totally confused!

I guess that I can say that I love the city life (coming from Toronto after all), but I also want to to be in a safe and clean atmosphere. I am in Interior Design and as for my boyfriend, he is in Advertising.

Any other opinions out there? Where is the place to go?

My 2 cents:

It depends on the type of person you are, & what you are wanting from each city:
Edmonton has:
--EXCELLENT University of Alberta, world class
--GORGEOUS River Valley: bike trails throughout city, ravines, etc.
--Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Eskimos, Edmonton Capitals
--Whyte Avenue: bars, restaurants & stores
--WEM (west Edmonton Mall) & tons of other malls
--Edmonton is spread out
--LRT
--Parliament Buildings
--prettier city, very green
--North Saskatchewan River
--Citadel Theatre, thriving arts community
--Most Festivals in Canada: The Fringe, Folk Music Festival, etc.
--Edmonton has a mix of blue collar & white collar people

Calgary:
--more Americanized
--chinooks
--closer to Banff
--University of Calgary is not a good a school as U of A: it's more clicquey--U of A is more international, whereas U of C has mostly people who grew up there, went to high school there
--everyone I know who has lived in Calgary, says people are snotty, unfriendly, & not very accepting of outsiders.
--has an inferiority complex because they're not the Capital City of Alberta
--when I lived in Calgary, people constantly put down Edmonton & made jokes about it. In Edmonton, I rarely heard any put downs.

Yeah, Calgary has the Calgary Stampede, or shall we call it "Cruelty to Animals"?

 

[Ron in Regina]

Proud2BCanadian, If you're in Calgary....tell them you're from Saskatchewan, and you'll
fit in just fine.

 

[YukonJack]

I lived in both places. I would prefer neither.

 

[JLM]

We just spent four days in Calgary and three in Edmonton so now I'm an expert. Pretty close to a dead heat I'd say. Edmonton has better summer weather, but I imagine Calgary may have better winter weather. Calgary is a little easier to drive around in but Edmonton has more courteous drivers on average, but it also has it's share of A$$holes at the bottom end of the spectrum. I'd have to give Edmonton people the edge for helpfulness and friendliness (but I have to be careful I have more relatives and inlaws in Calgary. Edmonton is a more beautiful city. Gas is cheaper in Edmonton. That's my two cents worth (and that's about what it's worth) LOL

 

[prairieboy]

Born in Calgary, Live in Edmonton. Edmonton is better. People are real, Good to be by the North Saskatchewan River. Edmonton has the most modern recycling facility in North America, Calgarians do not have anything regarding concerns for the environment(I think that might be changing). Maybe that has to do with big business mentality. Business does not make $$$ on environmental sustainability(liability).
The Bow River or the North Saskatchewan River may not even be around 50 years from now. Then what happens to these cities??
They are both widespread western cities with approximately 1 million population base,( to put this in perspective Cairo Egypt has 15+ million population on the same land base).
To most I think it would be a toss up. Calgary is more modern, with business. Edmonton is a Government town. As a Westerner it is nice to go East and see how and additional 150 years of history can shape a city.

Cheers
Prairieboy

 

[rossco9898]

CALGARY! By far! Its bigger, cleaner, andd better! I have got the chance to live in both, and honestly Edmonton is an ugly town! I will admit that it s improving but im surprised that Calgary is not the capital of the province. Everyone says that "edmonton has the mall," well maybe so, but its kinda disappointing. I way rather head to Southcentre, Chinook and Cross Iron!

Cagary also has the stampede which is expensive but non stop fun! The downtown is much nicer!


In terms of both cities, however, Calgary and Edmonton are great cities! Cagary is just a better version of Edmonton...

 

[Spade]

Calgary? Calgary? Where is Calgary? That's not where JC was crossed, is it?

 

[JLM]

Calgary? Calgary? Where is Calgary? That's not where JC was crossed, is it?

Close, Spade. :smile:

 

[Cannuck]

None of the above. Both Red Deer and Medicine Hat kick them both. If I had to work in either, I'd do my damndest to live in Bon Accord, Devon, Balzac or High River.

 

[Spade]

Balzac? Another teste-monial?