Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
If you’re thinking about relocating to LGBT Calgary, “the Heart of the New West,” there’s no need to be intimidated by the prospect of making this big change in your life. We all know it can be tough to relocate to a new city or province, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area, but that shouldn’t stop you as we’ve put together all you need to know…
Calgary, the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta and the largest metro area of the three Prairie Provinces is a cosmopolitan metropolis that welcomes all those searching for a progressive and inclusive place for work, play, and family.
Calgary has everything you could want from a metropolitan city and more, thanks to its LGBT-friendly business environment, nightlife, neighborhoods full of independent shops and restaurants that cater to queer customers … and a general atmosphere that it’s easy to love. If you’re thinking of moving here, you might find the accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Even better, just like in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other fabulously gay Canda cities, there is an outsized and often overwhelming gay scene here. Thankfully, this is something a gay realtor in Calgary can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here.
Calgary has no specific “gayborhood,” but you will discover a few gay enclaves and gay-friendly businesses scattered all over the city’s downtown. Calgary has its own Pride celebration known as Calgary Pride Week, which includes a parade that takes place in September. Another event that you will enjoy in Calgary if you move here is the Alberta Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, held each year in May and June.
Despite the rather concealed LGBT culture, moving to this dynamic city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable. The vast majority of people here are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will soon discover that most businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
This mountain-high city is also renowned for its high quality of life, proud ‘Cowboy’ traditions, impressive mountain scene, and meteoric growth as the center of Canada’s oil industry. You can understand why it is often called the ‘Texas’ of Canada.
As a result of this oil boom, Calgary has been the fastest-growing city in Canada for the past decade and now has the youngest average age of any major Canadian city. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse, with around one-in-three people living in Calgary being born outside Canada. And this diversity and youth are part of what makes living here such an attractive proposition.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Calgary, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here! If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Calgary Travel Guide.
Moving to LGBT Calgary is not what you think it is, so leaves all of your preconceived notions at the door…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Calgary
- Does Calgary Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Calgary An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Calgary
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Calgary
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Calgary
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Calgary
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Calgary
- Finding Gay Realtors In Calgary
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Calgary
A modern, spirited and diverse city with community at its core, LGBT Calgary can make an offbeat queer home for those who love to explore. With a petite but proud gay scene, sparkling skylines, avant-garde dining and proximity to the beautiful Canadian Rockies – where Brokeback Mountain was filmed – there is a lot to love here
And trust us – the longer you stay, the more there is to surprise you. Calgary residents will already be well aware that their fabulous city is full of hidden gems. Once you will live here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Calgary is brimming with culture and captivating sights…
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
For those looking for jobs in agriculture, engineering, high tech, or energy, Calgary has plenty of options. Calgary is home to the corporate offices of numerous oil firms. But, that’s not all. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Calgary Is Laid Back
One of the benefits of choosing to live here is unquestionably its laid-back atmosphere. Each Friday night, excellent live music is scheduled, and you can always find a fantastic restaurant close to where you are staying.
Additionally, when you visit a local store, the staff will be more than pleased to show you the items they have available for purchase and won’t think twice about taking your money- without charging you sales tax.
Focused On Community
The fact that so many individuals in Calgary are community is one of its most intriguing characteristics and a feature that distinguishes it from several other Canadian cities. Local enterprises frequently dominate big brands.
There are a ton of support programs available to assist ambitious business owners in realizing their goals. Calgary is a terrific place to be if you’re a fledgling business owner. But if you frequently purchase products from major brands, be ready for some variations.
Commuting
When it comes to transportation and traffic congestion, the majority of the world’s major cities are criticized. Calgary ranks approximately 200 on a scale that ranks the worst traffic in the world. The city also boasts the least amount of traffic and congestion among Canadian cities. This is made feasible by a variety of factors.
In and around Calgary, there is a huge network of paved walking and bicycle pathways. People frequently use those to commute, shop, and other places. The city also features a sophisticated bus and train network for public transportation. Of course, if you’re using private transport, there are many highways and surface streets to get you where you want to go.
The Stampede
Every year, a significant event called the Calgary Stampede takes place. It features a rodeo, a festival, and an exhibition that attracts large crowds to the city. This stampede happens during the first half of July. You should absolutely check it out if you’re new to the area. Be ready for large crowds, really expensive food and drink, and plenty of fun.
For the entire period, the city carries a party atmosphere, so you will either like it or hate it. If you end up enjoying it, terrific; it will take place again the following year and the year after. If you detest it, now would be a good time to organize your yearly trip outside of the city.
Does Calgary Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The rights of lesbians, gay men, lesbian women, and transgender people (LGBT) in Canada are among the most robust and comprehensive in the world. In 1969, same-sex relationships became legal throughout Canada, and later the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1995 that sexual orientation is protected by the constitution.
Later, Canada became the first nation in the Americas and the fourth country overall to allow same-sex unions on a national level in 2005. According to polls, 76% of Canadians felt that same-sex couples are equally likely as other parents to raise children effectively, and 70% of the country thought that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples have.
Similar surveys have revealed that 87.6% of respondents stated they would feel “comfortable” living next to a transgender person and that 91.8% of those asked in a survey commissioned by the Privy Council Office said they were “comfortable” living next door to someone how was gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Obviously, we would love to see all these numbers at 100%, but for now, they are some of the highest rates of acceptance in the world – making Canada an extremely gay-friendly place to live.
When it comes to Calgary specifically, those in the LGBT community are typically treated with the same Western Hospitality for which the city is renowned worldwide. In true pleasant Canadian fashion, Calgary values diversity and coexists with it peacefully. The world’s most significant gay rodeo association and the largest gay nightclub this side of Montreal, Twisted Element, are both located in Calgary, the country’s most conservative province.
Yes, we can’t gloss over the fact that Calgary has a reputation as a conservative stronghold – but we don’t want you to associate this as strongly with the toxic culture wars of their neighbors to the south. Here conservatism very much depends a lot on the issue and the level of government.
On some issues, like energy policy, carbon taxes and pipelines, Calgarians have distinctively conservative tendencies – unsurprising given the role oil plays in the economy here. However, on many other issues, from medically assisted dying to foreign trade to LGBT rights, their views are indistinguishable from demographically similar Canadians outside of Calgary. That is, they are broadly progressive urban Canadians.
When moving to LGBT Calgary, expect to find vibrant LGBT communities scattered around the city, especially in the bustling downtown, where the best gay events take place. The city places a high value on showing its gay pride. The Alberta Gay and Lesbian Film Festival held in May and June each year attract big crowds, while Calgary’s Pride Week and associated parade are held in September. Between January to May, the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association also holds an ARGRA Dance.
Queer people should feel at ease to explore the city peacefully and safely, even though there might not be as numerous physical and visual representations of Calgary’s LGBTQ+ community as in other cities. Although it may occasionally feel like it, Calgary’s LGBT community is less segregated than that of many other large North American cities.
The Calgary Police have put forth a lot of work to establish relationships with the LGBT community. You should have faith that you won’t experience discrimination if you encounter any problems in the city that call for law enforcement action.
Is Calgary An Expensive City to Move To?
One of the main financial considerations when deciding on a city to call home is the cost of housing. Calgary is strongly dependent on the gas and oil sector, and home prices typically change in response to the state of the economy. Currently, as the economy is coming out of a recession, rent and home prices are extremely competitive.
When it comes to housing, the city’s cost of living is reasonable. In fact, with prices currently at low levels, it’s a wonderful time to buy or rent in the city. You can find studio apartments downtown for $700-1,000 if you want to live independently.
Calgary’s three-bed rentals average between $1,200 and 1,800, which is relatively affordable. If you’re seeking housing in the well-known Southwest and Northwest neighborhoods, rent will be toward the upper end of the scale.
Due to Calgary’s underdeveloped public transportation infrastructure compared to other major cities in the country, which can dramatically raise your actual cost of living in the city, owning a car is a considerable advantage.
Compared to what you could be used to, groceries are frequently more expensive, especially meat and other dairy goods like cheese. However, going to a decent restaurant usually offers a fair value, so there’s no need to think of it as a waste of money.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Calgary
There are thankfully many other places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still LGBT-friendly environment as not all LGBT people want to be close to the relative chaos of Downtown Calgary.
When moving to LGBTQ Calgary, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Calgary. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Calgary, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Calgary and talk about the Calgary gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Beltline
This vibrant inner-city district lies southwest of Downtown, making it convenient to commute to work. It is one of the city’s hippest and most popular neighborhoods. The area features a vibrant nightlife, retail, and entertainment areas full of stores and amenities like yoga studios.
The district’s distinctive furniture and gallery stores let you express your inner interior decorator. The neighborhood also offers a plethora of apartments and condos for sale or rent, together with a modest amount of housing, and is brimming with the excitement that young urbanites want. It also appeals to parents who don’t mind giving up room in exchange for convenience.
Beltline is known as the city’s hub, is well-populated and also one of the best areas to live and work if you want to be close. This wonderful inner-city neighborhood is constantly busy. It is situated in the downtown southern area.
Many people, particularly young professionals, adore this neighborhood. This thriving neighborhood, which is home to the renowned 17th Ave, aka “the red mile” during hockey season, is jam-packed with shops, yoga studios, gyms, amenities, gyms, and nightlife.
Edgemont
Consider moving to this distinctive hilltop community in northwest Calgary if you require a lot of green space. Edgemont offers paths for cycling and running around Edgemont Ravine, a network of ravines in northwest Calgary. Additionally, it provides quick access to Nose Hill Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country with panoramic city views.
It is thought to be one of the city’s safest neighborhoods, and both a junior high and elementary school are located there. Additionally, Country Hills Village, a shopping center with all you need from restaurants, spas, doctor’s offices, and auto repair businesses, is only a short drive away.
Inglewood
Many people in Calgary believe Inglewood is one of the nicest neighborhoods in which to live. It is a very popular neighborhood. In order to accommodate the market’s need for new homes, property developers are making significant investments.
It is the oldest neighborhood in the entire city and is situated in the center of Calgary. After the establishment of a fort here in 1875, this hamlet expanded. Today, Inglewood offers inhabitants a fully integrated neighborhood that includes some of the city’s top restaurants, shops, and festivals.
32 single-family houses were sold here in 2020, with a median price of little over $522,000 and an average time on the marketplace of 45 days.
Brentwood
If you’re searching for peaceful, established, mature communities and an area with a variety of transit alternatives, the community of Brentwood is a great choice. Due to its popularity, there are a lot of Brentwood houses for sale. There are several excellent schools targeting kids of all ages, plus its friendliness and tranquility make it a perfect neighborhood for family living.
Brentwood is a great place to raise a family and provides housing opportunities for people from many walks of life. Townhouses, condos, and single-family detached homes are among the charming Brentwood properties for sale. The average cost of a house in the area is $600,000, with the typical unit costing more than $250,000. Single-family homes feature spacious yards on streets lined with trees.
The Brentwood Sportsplex is home to the 1963-founded Brentwood Community Association. Available amenities here include skating, playgroups for kids, and many community-sponsored activities available to families.
The neighborhood organization provides events for people of all ages, such as bridge games for people over 55 and dance and fitness classes available to everyone in the area and other communities.
Every year, the Brentwood Community Association is proud to host a barbecue for the locals. For local hockey fans, the association provides programming through the Westwood Hockey association. The association’s care for the Brentwood Community Garden is a major source of neighborhood pride.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Calgary
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Calgary plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Western Canada’s largest Bear weekend. Bears, cubs, otters, and gentlemen of all shapes and sizes converge on Calgary for a weekend of local culture, events, and parties. It is organized by The Fellowship of Alberta Bears, a local group dedicated to providing a gathering space for individuals who appreciate and enjoy the brotherhood of the gay bear community.
The world-famous Calgary Stampede is a unique event and atmosphere that everyone will love – gay, straight, or unicorn. The annual 10-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival is a century-old tradition featuring authentic rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, grandstand shows, and much more — a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of the Wild West in Alberta, Canada.
Calgary Pride Festival & Parade (August)
The most significant annual LGBT event in Calgary. They aim to bring the queer community together, raise awareness of the issues, end hatred, and claim equal rights for all. While many parties and gay events take place in the surrounding weeks, the Parade itself is very much a political event intended to give visibility to those who are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, identity, or gender expression.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Calgary
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Calgary LGBT community organizations are some of the best.
Every LGBT person has benefited from their tireless labor to secure the advancement and rights we enjoy now. Being aware of them is good whether you need their help now or potentially in the future.
These are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
Calgary Outlink is a non-profit, community-based organization that works to support, educate, engage, and refer members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and related communities in Calgary.
The hub encourages community involvement and assistance for people of all genders and sexual orientations. The community that Calgary Outlink dreams of is one where people of all genders and sexual orientations may live in harmony and with resilience.
Center for Sexuality teaches people how to have healthy relationships by teaching decision-making, consent, and communication. They run school-based education initiatives that teach learners about sexual health and relationships to around 10,000 youth each year.
Alex has been providing care to a population dealing with complicated health issues for around 50 years. The organization addresses poverty, trauma, finances as well as housing, food insecurity, and the need for community and social involvement.
Youths aged 12 to 24 can get social and health care from a dependable and compassionate group of doctors, social workers, and nurses, at the organization’s Youth Health Centre.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Calgary
After moving to LGBT Calgary, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Calgary you can invest in with your pink dollars…
The largest gay nightclub in Canada west of Montreal opened in 2004 and brought the gay scene into the 21st century. Whether you come to drink, dance, sing, or hang out by pool tables or the fireplace – there is something for everyone. Everyone is embraced here and always welcomed. There are so many reasons to head here, but we have to say the drag shows are not only super entertaining and engaging – but some of the best we have ever seen in the world.
The production, the ensemble, the lights, the sheer electricity from the crowd – it is all palpable. Check out their upcoming events calendar for karaoke, shows, DJs nights, and the occasional RuPaul Drag Queen. Easily our favorite spot in LGBT Calgary for dancing the night away with friendly staff, great lighting, a spacious dance floor, and music that will keep you going all night long!
The only gay bathhouse located in Calgary, but at least it is open 24/7 for men seeking hot encounters. Goliaths is a private men’s club, and so membership – which you can purchase at the door – is mandatory, and a photo ID is required. There is a hot tub, showers, adult video rooms and steam room, plus rentals of lockers and single/double rooms. It may be a bit run down and in need of updating, but as the only game in town, it is your only option if you have a hankering. Conveniently located next to the Texas Lounge gay bar.
The Little Rainbow Paper Co. is the place to go if you need something extra to make your day brighter. With a dedication to serving the LGBTQ2+ community, this LGBTQ2+-owned stationery company with headquarters in Calgary sells queer and unique greeting cards and other novelty items.
Giving back is ingrained in the brand’s ideology; 1% of every transaction is donated to charities that help Black women and LGBTQ2+ people.
With a healthy love of moving bodies, the duo behind Hot Mess, Blake and Sean, have become masters at throwing the ultimate dance party. Usually taking over various locations in Gay Calgary once a month, Hot Mess is a (straight-friendly) all-inclusive gay dance party for those who preach Love is Love. If you are lucky enough to be in town when they throw a shindig, it will be the most fun you’ve ever had on a dance floor.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Calgary
A youthful city with strong creative tendencies, a thriving culinary scene, live music to die for, and more outdoor adventures than you could ever want…Moving to LGBT Calgary is guaranteed to be a roaring good time! While the LGBTQ scene here isn’t as vibrant as in other major cities in the country, it is enough to make you feel at home.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Calgary, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Calgary.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Calgary will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Calgary
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Calgary is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Calgary – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Calgary to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
