Trains, Cars and Taxis: Getting Around Calgary

Going to Calgary? You’ll need to know how to get around. Surprisingly, the city makes it easy for just about anyone to travel within its limits – easier than many cities of the same size. You basically have several choices: rental vehicle, train, shuttle, taxi, limos, or motorcoach tours.

Private Transport

Private transportation is the preferred way for many visitors, since you’re not on anyone else’s schedule. You get to come and go as you please, and there is no time limit on your rental. Of course, the longer you keep it, the more you pay, which is the biggest drawback.

Renting a limo might help curb that, if only that limousines tend to ask you if you have a planned out destination for the day. Taxis can also help keep you more focused on where you want to go, though taxi rides can get expensive if you plan on sight-seeing.

If you do plan on driving yourself, make sure you check out The Beltline and 17th Avenue. Both are places to write home about, with an eclectic array of unique shops and restaurants, boutiques and bars. This is where people get together to party. During the 2004 Stanley Cup, it became known as the “Red Mile.”

Mission is another section of town you want to check out. It’s sort of like an extension of 17th Avenue. It doesn’t have quite the same reputation as 17th ave, however. But, like the Beltline, it’s full of interesting shops and things to do.

Forest Lawn International Avenue is yet another interesting place to check out as is Kensington. And, Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood.

Public Transport

If you’re looking for Calgary condos for sale, make sure you know about the public transport nearby. If you don’t live near a bus station or take forever to get to the area, and you won’t be driving yourself, find another place to live.

If you’re just visiting, Calgary’s public transit might suffice. You’ll probably end up paying more for the privilege, but at least you won’t have to fight traffic or get directions when you get lost.

Tours

This is an undervalued way to get to know the area. take a tour. Motorcoaches and tour packages will take you all over not just Calgary but all over Canada. Canada’s rail vacations are basically a vacation on a train. You know how some companies have cruiseline vacations? Imagine that in train form.

You can take a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train, which is a two-day all daylight rail journey through the West and Canadian Rockies.

Or, you could take a simple bus tour through Calgary. Motorcoaches will show you around and get you from point “A” to point “B”.

You won’t get lost, you can travel with a group of other people (nice if you have a large party and can’t fit in one cab), it’s cheaper than a taxi service, and you don’t have to drive. If you’re going to be in town for only a day or two, this is probably the best option out there.

Bradley Davis is an airline flight attendant. He loves to write about his experiences on the web. His articles can be found on many vacation and travel websites.