Calgary Safety: Safety

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Although Calgary is generally a very safe place, walking at night should be avoided in the East Village and Victoria Park areas of downtown (generally speaking, this is the area adjacent to the Stampede Grounds and north to the Bow River). Calgary's 2005 murder rate of 2 murders per 100,000 inhabitants was, for example, less than one-tenth the murder rate of Chicago and one-twentieth that of Baltimore. Always keep your wits about you when the bars close, regardless of the area of town.

Panhandlers are a common sight in Calgary's downtown core. The majority of them just need to be told 'No' but some can be persistent. Others can be much more dangerous, so it would be wise to keep your distance. A great number of agencies exist to assist the disadvantaged in Calgary and true charity cases receive assistance from them regularly; money is far better spent donating to these agencies as it ensures that those truly in need will receive it. For that reason, visitors are encouraged not to give money to strangers in the street.

Take care when crossing LRT tracks, as the trains are large, silent, fast and deadly. There are no electrified rails.

Boaters on the Bow River should note the Weir located just downstream of the Calgary Zoo; heed the warning signs. People can and do perish here, the strongest swimmers among them.

Driving within Calgary can be extremely frustrating during the winter months. This is because despite its lack of heavy snow, temperatures still remain below freezing and thus allow ice to form on many roads. The most dangerous times are when the ice is a clear sheet which resembles the road, rightly called "Black Ice".

Weather in Calgary is unpredictable. It is always best to dress in layers and come prepared for extremes, even within the same day.