Passport and Canadian Visa Requirements
A reminder that you will be required to clear Canadian Customs upon your first point of entry into Canada. A valid passport is required for all visitors to Canada. Depending on your citizenship and passport, you may be required to obtain a visa prior to entering Canada. For more information and to see whether you require a visa, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca/English/visit/index.asp). Also note that if you are flying from Calgary to the U.S., or from Calgary to another locale via the U.S., you will be clearing U.S. Customs in Calgary and will be required to possess appropriate documents. The lineups to clear U.S. Customs are typically 40–60 minutes on average. Therefore, please plan accordingly when departing: Check-in for flights to the U.S. close EXACTLY 60 minutes prior to boarding.
By Air
The Calgary International Airport (YYC) has a single terminal serving many airlines including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Delta Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines, and Westjet. The airport is located 10 miles (16 km) from the University of Calgary and travel time by taxi or car to campus and the residence halls is about twenty minutes.
Ground transportation from the airport
The best way to get from the airport to the University of Calgary campus is through taxi. The typical cost is $25 one way. Rental cars are also available from six major companies on-site at the airport. Ground transportation services are located near the baggage area.
By Land
The Trans Canada Highway connects to all major highways throughout Canada and the U.S. Additionally, Calgary is serviced by Greyhound Canada bus lines, which provides service to many communities in Alberta and throughout Canada. Calgary is also serviced by Red Arrow bus lines, which provides intraprovincial connections to most major Alberta communities. Note: In Alberta, it is against the law to text message or use a handheld cell phone while driving. All drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt.
Weather
The average high for late June in Calgary is 72F (22C) with lows around 50F (10C). Calgary is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of 3000 feet (1000 m). Because of its location near the mountains, Calgary’s weather can change suddenly at times. Although summers are usually warm and dry, occasional storms can develop suddenly in the afternoons. Evenings are also typically cool and pleasant, even on the warmest days midsummer. Summer days are long – by late June, the sun rises around 5:20 AM and sets around 10:00 PM.
Make it a vacation!
Please visit Tourism Calgary (www.visitcalgary.com) for information on the many different and exciting things happening in and around Calgary in June.
Currency
Canadian dollars ($CAD) are the currency used in Canada. Major international credit cards are widely accepted. Most Canadian bank machines accept cards issued by members of Interac, Cirrus, and other major networks. For currency calculations, please visit www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/.
Taxes
Visitors may be able to apply for a refund on GST. For further information on GST rebates, please visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rbts/vstrs/fctp-eng.html.