Hi, i'm sure there must be a thread about this somewhere, but since there's so many it's actually quicker to start a new one!

We hopefully plan to move to Calgary in summer and I would like to ask how you go on about finding the rental place (we are looking for a flat for 2) while you still live in the UK. What's the best way to contact agents, and is it possible to secure a viewings for as soon as we get there?
How did you go on about the logistics of moving into rental place and how early before move you started looking? Also how long did you have live in the hotel/B&B after you landed/permanently moved?

We don't have a house to sell in the UK and we want to rent to start with to get to know the areas before we commit to buy. Not sure where to start yet

Any help would be appreciated - reliable contacts for agents in Calgary / things to watch for/ good areas to live in...

Thank you

Have you heard of Google?

Edited to add:

I've taken pity on you, heres a couple of weblinks!

http://www.rentboard.ca/rentals/index.aspx?locid=110

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/

Rentfaster.ca

yes i've heard of google. I wanted to hear about personal experiences.

We got two rentals in Calgary via www.Homerent.ca
We organised our first short term rental whilst still in the UK with no problem at all.
You might check out the BE wiki pages on the subject ... you can access them through the blue bar at the top of this page, or to save you the trouble, click on this link: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Renting-Canada

Personally I would stay in a B&B / Hotel / Basement Suite when you first arrive, use the time to have a good look around before committing to a rental property.

rentfaster - homerent - Kijiji - craigslist are all good places to look for a rental property.

Feel free to give me a shout if you need help with anything.
Sam