Calgary Transit System (tel. 403/276-1000; www.calgarytransit.com) operates buses and a light-rail system called the C-Train. You can transfer from the light rail to buses on the same ticket. The ride costs C$2.75 for adults and C$1.75 for children; the C-Train (a light rail train that runs above ground) is free (buses are not) in the downtown stretch between 10th Street and City Hall. Tickets are good for travel in only one direction.
Car-rental firms include Avis, 211 6th Ave. SW (tel. 403/269-6166); Budget, 140 6th Ave. SE (tel. 403/226-0000); and Hertz, 227 6th Ave. SW (tel. 403/221-1681). Each of these has a bureau at the airport.
To summon a taxi, call Checker Cabs (tel. 403/299-9999), Red Top Cabs (tel. 403/974-4444), or Yellow Cabs (tel. 403/974-1111).
City Layout
Central Calgary lies between the Bow River in the north and the Elbow River to the south. The two rivers meet at the eastern end of the city, forming St. George's Island, which houses a park and the zoo. South of the island stands Fort Calgary, birthplace of the city. The Bow River makes a bend north of downtown, and in this bend nestles Prince's Island Park and Eau Claire Market. The Canadian Pacific Railway tracks run between 9th and 10th avenues, and Central Park and Stampede Park, scene of Calgary's greatest annual festival, stretch south of the tracks. Northwest, across the Bow River, is the University of Calgary's lovely campus. The airport is northeast of the city.
Calgary is divided into four segments: northeast (NE), southeast (SE), northwest (NW), and southwest (SW), with avenues running east-west and streets north-south. The north and south numbers begin at Centre Avenue, the east and west numbers at Centre Street -- a recipe for confusion if ever there was one.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
