Living in Canada - where?

Question

We are moving to Canada this month. We planned to stay in Banff but it seems very hard to get accommodation - we might move there nearer to the ski season. We have about 2 months to kill until then - we are thinking of staying in either Calgary or Vancouver until then. We will need to find somewhere to stay, probably a rented basement, and will need to work while we are there as well.

What are the pros and cons of Calgary and Vancouver - what place would be best?

Answer 1

If I had to choose, I would pick Vancouver over Calgary in a heartbeat.  It is a much more beautiful city and, if you like to ski there are world-class ski hills nearby.  Both are expensive cities to live in, and they might be about the same in that regard.  Depending on the job, Vancouver has higher wages as the minimum wage is really low in Alberta.  But if you are only there for a couple of months until you can go to Banff, then you might choose Calgary because of its location.  Calgary is a lot closer to Banff.