Calgary

Calgary is a city in southern Alberta, Canada, on the Bow River near the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

Calgary is a city in southern Alberta, Canada, on the Bow River near the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It is commonly cited at about 1,045–1,048 metres above sea level in the downtown core, with higher elevations in outlying areas and lower elevations in the river valleys. It is one of Canada's higher-elevation major cities.

Elevation

Calgary’s elevation is typically given as about 1,045 metres above sea level, with some sources rounding it to 1,042 or 1,048 metres. Different figures reflect whether the measurement refers to downtown, the city average, or specific locations such as the airport. This is much higher than Charlottetown.

Topography

The city has varied terrain shaped by the Bow and Elbow rivers, including bluffs, floodplains, and valley bottoms. Published maps show elevations ranging from under 1,000 metres in some low areas to well above 1,200 metres in higher western parts of the city, unlike the relatively flat Scarborough.

Geographic setting

Calgary lies in southern Alberta near the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Its location helps explain its relatively high elevation compared with many other Canadian cities, such as Vancouver.

City profile

Calgary is Alberta’s largest city and a major urban centre in western Canada. Its population and geographic position make it one of the most prominent Canadian cities at higher elevation.