View Poll Results: Vancouver or Calgary?
Vancouver
10
71.43%
Calgary
4
28.57%
Voters: 14. You may not vote on this poll
Vancouver or Calgary ?
#16
Just to compare, the cost (Canadian $) of flying to Heathrow for two people with Air Canada (not that I recommend AC):
Depart June 20/04 Return June 27/04:
From Calgary: $2,928
From Vancouver: $ 2,859
In this example, Vancouver was a tad less costly than Calgary. Other carriers may be cheaper.
I'll bet that it's hard to get "stilton" in Calgary. Few in Calgary would even know what it is.
There are only 3 centers in Canada that get significant immigration: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Alberta is only starting to attract immigrants. Alberta's population is growing because of migration from other parts of Canada, and due to "natural" population growth. Ergo, if you are looking for something exotic, it may or may not be available in Calgary because the city doesn't have a high population of various ethnic groups. I have lived all over North America, and have found the food available in Calgary to be very good in general - but then again, I don't like moldy cheese.
Depart June 20/04 Return June 27/04:
From Calgary: $2,928
From Vancouver: $ 2,859
In this example, Vancouver was a tad less costly than Calgary. Other carriers may be cheaper.
I'll bet that it's hard to get "stilton" in Calgary. Few in Calgary would even know what it is.
There are only 3 centers in Canada that get significant immigration: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Alberta is only starting to attract immigrants. Alberta's population is growing because of migration from other parts of Canada, and due to "natural" population growth. Ergo, if you are looking for something exotic, it may or may not be available in Calgary because the city doesn't have a high population of various ethnic groups. I have lived all over North America, and have found the food available in Calgary to be very good in general - but then again, I don't like moldy cheese.
Last edited by oceanMDX; Mar 15th 2004 at 3:27 am.
#17
Re: Vancouver or Calgary ?
Dear D&C..
There are some Calgary and Vancouver specific sites you might like to check out ... and see if they have any suggestions
Calgary
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calgaryimmigrants/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrationuktocalgary/
& Vancouver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/van-immi/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brits2Vancouver/
All the best
Clare
There are some Calgary and Vancouver specific sites you might like to check out ... and see if they have any suggestions
Calgary
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calgaryimmigrants/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrationuktocalgary/
& Vancouver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/van-immi/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brits2Vancouver/
All the best
Clare
#18
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Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Originally posted by oceanMDX
I have lived all over North America, and have found the food available in Calgary to be very good in general - but then again, I don't like moldy cheese.
I have lived all over North America, and have found the food available in Calgary to be very good in general - but then again, I don't like moldy cheese.
The bottom line is that the availability of specialty food in Calgary is pitiful, even when compared to other significant Canadian towns. What is available is not always of good quality but is nearly always overpriced.
Originally posted by oceanMDX
Calgary has the third busiest airport in Canada.
Calgary has the third busiest airport in Canada.
The simple truth is that for a European used to the availability of flights between major cities for under $100, Calgary is going to feel isolated. You can't get much change out of $2,000 to get from Calgary to anywhere serious. Pheonix Arizona aside.
#19
What do you think the original European poster was referring to as "specialty food?" Grits? Corn bread? Fried chicken? Cheeseburgers? Yes, we can get all of these in ample quantity and quality in Calgary. Although I am still trying to find someone who sells Hebrew National hot dogs before barbeque season starts (anyone know an Alberta retailer that does?).
http://www.visitor.calgary.ab.ca/travel/dining.html
The quality of produce in Calgary isn't as bad as you purport, and many bakeries are very good.
I hate to say it, but British cuisine is not too popular in North America; French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese among others are much more popular. You see, based on the flavor of British food, many of us in North America figure that British cuisine is a major reason why people want to leave the UK. We don’t expect anyone to crave for the stuff after they arrive. You want Hebrew National hot dogs? No problem, Costco carries that brand. Hebrew National hot dogs are as chewy as a soft rubber ball. I know, I recently made the mistake of buying some. Yet you like them, but complain about Canadian food? Like they say, there is no accounting for taste.
Well I'll be damned. That must be busy. I'll bet it's got a Tim Horton's and everything. Calgary's airport, it's brown airport, with brown walls, and brown seats, and brown carpets, and ridiculous stetson wearing plane greaters (who fortunately wear red outfits, not brown ones). Who'd have thought it could be the third busiest in Canada! And incredibly well connected to the world, with non-stop flights to Pheonix Arizona. No, I don't require a lecture on the airport renovations, I pass through that tinpot garden shed often enough to see the progress firsthand.
You can't get much change out of $2,000 to get from Calgary to anywhere serious. Pheonix Arizona aside.
You can't get much change out of $2,000 to get from Calgary to anywhere serious. Pheonix Arizona aside.
http://www.calgaryairport.com/author...sandphotos.cfm
If you have to hold your nose up and insult the citizens of the country that you have chosen to impose yourself upon, at least get your facts straight. Try to keep the baloney to a minimum – even if it is your favorite food.
Last edited by oceanMDX; Mar 15th 2004 at 6:45 pm.
#20
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 90
Re: Vancouver or Calgary ?
Originally posted by ClareBC
Dear D&C..
There are some Calgary and Vancouver specific sites you might like to check out ... and see if they have any suggestions
Calgary
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calgaryimmigrants/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrationuktocalgary/
& Vancouver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/van-immi/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brits2Vancouver/
All the best
Clare
Dear D&C..
There are some Calgary and Vancouver specific sites you might like to check out ... and see if they have any suggestions
Calgary
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Calgaryimmigrants/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immigrationuktocalgary/
& Vancouver
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/van-immi/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brits2Vancouver/
All the best
Clare
Thanks Clare,
I am already a member of the Calgary ones tremendous source of info for us just waiting, I will have a look at the Vancouver ones.
Cheers and thanks again
P.S
I didn't mean to open such a can of worms. :scared:
#21
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Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Originally posted by oceanMDX
If you have to hold your nose up and insult the citizens of the country that you have chosen to impose yourself upon, at least get your facts straight.
If you have to hold your nose up and insult the citizens of the country that you have chosen to impose yourself upon, at least get your facts straight.
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: alberta
Posts: 102
Re: More questions on Vancouver vs Calgary
Originally posted by CalgaryAMC
It can be a challenge to get high quality food in Calgary. I have an ongoing battle to find a source of decent English stilton. The stuff sold in the grocery stores is absolute garbage. But that's my particular issue... The staples are all there, but fresh produce is second rate, on the whole, and third rate if out of season. It is also expensive. I don't know how Vancouver compares on this; I am comparing with what I was used to in the UK. There is an exception though: the wild pacific salmon is to die for and extremely cheap.
It can be a challenge to get high quality food in Calgary. I have an ongoing battle to find a source of decent English stilton. The stuff sold in the grocery stores is absolute garbage. But that's my particular issue... The staples are all there, but fresh produce is second rate, on the whole, and third rate if out of season. It is also expensive. I don't know how Vancouver compares on this; I am comparing with what I was used to in the UK. There is an exception though: the wild pacific salmon is to die for and extremely cheap.
you can find all kinds of food here but it can be hard work. I find that Superstore sells a few British products, including chocolate, M and S soup, sometimes tea etc
Originally posted by oceanMDX
I hate to say it, but British cuisine is not too popular in North America; French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese among others are much more popular. You see, based on the flavor of British food, many of us in North America figure that British cuisine is a major reason why people want to leave the UK. We don’t expect anyone to crave for the stuff after they arrive.
I hate to say it, but British cuisine is not too popular in North America; French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese among others are much more popular. You see, based on the flavor of British food, many of us in North America figure that British cuisine is a major reason why people want to leave the UK. We don’t expect anyone to crave for the stuff after they arrive.
#23
Re: More questions on Vancouver vs Calgary
Originally posted by louisa
...that's because people don't know what British cuisine is, they think it's all pies and fish and chips. the choice in British supermarkets is far superior and more varied to that in US and Canada, that's because consumers are more demanding. personally, i think north american cuisine is over-rated, although it is easy, bbq or deep fry. I haven't had a decent chinese meal in Canada so have given that up, but have found great Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Japanese, South American, Spanish, not-so-bad Indian, etc. plenty of variety
...that's because people don't know what British cuisine is, they think it's all pies and fish and chips. the choice in British supermarkets is far superior and more varied to that in US and Canada, that's because consumers are more demanding. personally, i think north american cuisine is over-rated, although it is easy, bbq or deep fry. I haven't had a decent chinese meal in Canada so have given that up, but have found great Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Japanese, South American, Spanish, not-so-bad Indian, etc. plenty of variety
“The only restaurant in Paris serving traditional British cuisine is shutting its doors, because the French can't be tempted to eat the food.�
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/1148225.stm
As far as the variety in grocery stores in Canada, if enough people ask for a particular item, a store will often bring it in. I have seen this occur over the years, especially under the influence of immigration from Hong Kong/China. Lots of vegetables can now be found in the stores to please the oriental taste. If you want an item, let the stores know about it.
Marks & Spencer used to have stores around Alberta, but people didn't care to buy what they had to offer, so the stores closed.
#24
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Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Re: More questions on Vancouver vs Calgary
Originally posted by louisa
for all your cheese needs in Calgary, try the Janice Beaton shop on 17th Ave, otherwise there is a very good cheese shop in the Crossroads market off Blackfoot Trail. there's also the British Pantry in the NW (Crowfoot and Northland Dr) that sells cheese. some of the Healthfood shops/organic shops have interesting cheeses too, I once found some Manchego in one of these in Kensington.
for all your cheese needs in Calgary, try the Janice Beaton shop on 17th Ave, otherwise there is a very good cheese shop in the Crossroads market off Blackfoot Trail. there's also the British Pantry in the NW (Crowfoot and Northland Dr) that sells cheese. some of the Healthfood shops/organic shops have interesting cheeses too, I once found some Manchego in one of these in Kensington.
#25
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: New York City, USA/Sao Paulo, Brazil
Posts: 50
I lived in Edmonton for 14 years, but visited Calgary and Vancouver quite a bit and have some family in both cities.
As a place to visit, Vancouver definitely has more to offer from the natural scenery to “culture�. In terms of living, I’d say Calgary wins hands down. I’d even say it has the highest quality of life of any major city in Canada. It’s clean, safe, relatively affordable and there is ample to do to keep you busy. Calgary also has the best economy of any major Canadian city, so the job prospects are better there compared to the rest of Canada, and especially Vancouver. Furthermore, I like Calgarians and think they generally have good heads on their shoulders; they’re not “activists� like Vancouverites.
If I had stayed in Canada, I probably would have moved to Calgary because it really is a nice city. But the Alberta isolation really got to me and I got bored. You can try to bring up cheap airline fares all you want, but Alberta is a very isolated place and you can’t drive for a few hours to somewhere significant. At least for me, the Rockies got boring after a while and I am more of the beach type.
Overall, I’d move to Calgary if I were you; I think Vancouver is overrated.
As a place to visit, Vancouver definitely has more to offer from the natural scenery to “culture�. In terms of living, I’d say Calgary wins hands down. I’d even say it has the highest quality of life of any major city in Canada. It’s clean, safe, relatively affordable and there is ample to do to keep you busy. Calgary also has the best economy of any major Canadian city, so the job prospects are better there compared to the rest of Canada, and especially Vancouver. Furthermore, I like Calgarians and think they generally have good heads on their shoulders; they’re not “activists� like Vancouverites.
If I had stayed in Canada, I probably would have moved to Calgary because it really is a nice city. But the Alberta isolation really got to me and I got bored. You can try to bring up cheap airline fares all you want, but Alberta is a very isolated place and you can’t drive for a few hours to somewhere significant. At least for me, the Rockies got boring after a while and I am more of the beach type.
Overall, I’d move to Calgary if I were you; I think Vancouver is overrated.
#26
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Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Cykotronic
I lived in Edmonton for 14 years, but visited Calgary and Vancouver quite a bit and have some family in both cities.
As a place to visit, Vancouver definitely has more to offer from the natural scenery to “culture�. In terms of living, I’d say Calgary wins hands down. I’d even say it has the highest quality of life of any major city in Canada. It’s clean, safe, relatively affordable and there is ample to do to keep you busy. Calgary also has the best economy of any major Canadian city, so the job prospects are better there compared to the rest of Canada, and especially Vancouver. Furthermore, I like Calgarians and think they generally have good heads on their shoulders; they’re not “activists� like Vancouverites.
If I had stayed in Canada, I probably would have moved to Calgary because it really is a nice city. But the Alberta isolation really got to me and I got bored. You can try to bring up cheap airline fares all you want, but Alberta is a very isolated place and you can’t drive for a few hours to somewhere significant. At least for me, the Rockies got boring after a while and I am more of the beach type.
Overall, I’d move to Calgary if I were you; I think Vancouver is overrated.
I lived in Edmonton for 14 years, but visited Calgary and Vancouver quite a bit and have some family in both cities.
As a place to visit, Vancouver definitely has more to offer from the natural scenery to “culture�. In terms of living, I’d say Calgary wins hands down. I’d even say it has the highest quality of life of any major city in Canada. It’s clean, safe, relatively affordable and there is ample to do to keep you busy. Calgary also has the best economy of any major Canadian city, so the job prospects are better there compared to the rest of Canada, and especially Vancouver. Furthermore, I like Calgarians and think they generally have good heads on their shoulders; they’re not “activists� like Vancouverites.
If I had stayed in Canada, I probably would have moved to Calgary because it really is a nice city. But the Alberta isolation really got to me and I got bored. You can try to bring up cheap airline fares all you want, but Alberta is a very isolated place and you can’t drive for a few hours to somewhere significant. At least for me, the Rockies got boring after a while and I am more of the beach type.
Overall, I’d move to Calgary if I were you; I think Vancouver is overrated.
God....where the hell do they get those surveys from?
#27
You guys make me laugh; if you think that Calgary is "very isolated", you need to live in Yellowknife, or Lewisporte for a year. Then you've have a clue of what you're talking about!!!
Last edited by oceanMDX; Mar 16th 2004 at 6:29 pm.
#28
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: New York City, USA/Sao Paulo, Brazil
Posts: 50
Originally posted by mickj
So overrated it was voted joint first with Vienna as the city with the best standard of living in the world.
God....where the hell do they get those surveys from?
So overrated it was voted joint first with Vienna as the city with the best standard of living in the world.
God....where the hell do they get those surveys from?
You guys make me laugh; if you think that Calgary is "very isolated", you need to live in Yellowknife, or Lewisporte for a year. Then you've have a clue of what you're talking about!!
#29
Originally posted by Cykotronic
LOL! Agreed.
All relative. Compared to Toronto, London, NYC or Sampa, Calgary is a very, very isolated place. Give me those places any day.
LOL! Agreed.
All relative. Compared to Toronto, London, NYC or Sampa, Calgary is a very, very isolated place. Give me those places any day.
What is Sampa? Are you referring to the South African Model Power Boating Association?
#30
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Joined: Jan 2004
Location: New York City, USA/Sao Paulo, Brazil
Posts: 50
Originally posted by oceanMDX
I still don't see how Calgary can be "isolated" when it's the center of the Universe.
What is Sampa? Are you referring to the South African Model Power Boating Association?
I still don't see how Calgary can be "isolated" when it's the center of the Universe.
What is Sampa? Are you referring to the South African Model Power Boating Association?
Sampa=Sao Paulo. As a well traveled man, I thought you'd know already.