In recent years Calgary has developed into an important business center, and more than 50 of Canada’s top 500 companies now have their head offices there. Most are engaged in transportation or in energy production. The oil and gas industry alone employs about 75,000 people in more than 400 companies. Calgary also has a large concentration of research facilities and advanced technology companies working in such fields as computer software and seismic data processing. In a related development, telecommunications equipment has become the single largest manufacturing industry, although more traditional industries, like food processing, continue to be important.

As a transportation center, Calgary holds a commanding position in the rail, road, and air networks of western Canada. It has long been the main western base of the Canadian Pacific Railway; for many years, the railway repair shops were the city’s largest industry. In 1995 the company moved its head office to Calgary from Montréal. In addition, Calgary is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, at its junction with Alberta’s main north-south highway, and is a regional airline hub with regular flights to cities in the United States and Europe. A light rail transit (LRT) system called the C-Train connects downtown Calgary with the southern, northwestern, and northeastern suburbs.

Real Estate: Canada - Alberta

Cabin & Cottage Rental: Alberta - Southern Alberta