The mindset

“We have a Muslim mayor and a female premier,” says Scott McLeman, a partner at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, of Calgary’s undeserved conservative reputation. “The government is conservative fiscally, but not with policy.” Brian Feick, director of marketing and business development at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP, says the work being done here isn’t conventional either: “The city is full of entrepreneurs who take risks.”

Where to shop

The Core Shopping Centre is home to Holt Renfrew and made-in-Canada Judith & Charles, and the Chinook Centre will soon have a Nordstroms. For casual wear, Stikeman Elliott LLP associate Aimee Halfyard recommends the indie shops in Kensington such as Purr, which carries brands like Free People and Ben Sherman. For men, McLeman suggests Umberto’s Custom Tailors. “You can get a bespoke suit for the same cost as a suit at Harry Rosen.”

Where to eat and drink

You won’t go hungry or thirsty here, particularly on and around 8th Avenue SW. McLeman recommends Catch, for its lobster chowder and Pacific halibut, or roast house Charcut, co-owned by Connie DeSousa, a finalist on Top Chef Canada. He suggests Belgo for drinks. Halfyard says local institution Caesar’s Steakhouse is de rigueur for a medium-rare. “If someone’s visiting, take them here.” It is possible to be a vegetarian in this beef-loving town, but options are limited. Marshall suggests The Coup, which features international veggie dishes and even vegan cocktails.

The weather

June’s devastating flood aside, summers are warm and dry while winters can be harsh. “But we get breaks,” says Jennifer Marshall, an associate at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, of the city’s famous chinooks. Temperatures can jump from -20 C to 7 C when the warm winds sweep in several times each winter. Avoid the outdoors entirely via the city’s +15 Skywalk — an elevated, enclosed walkway that connects downtown office buildings.

Where to play

If you’re into watching sports, there are the Flames and Stampeders. Fitness enthusiasts can hit the trails in Prince’s Island Park or along Bow River and in the winter, the Rockies provide ample ski and snowboard opportunities. The arts scene is small, says Sean Carrie, an associate at Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP, but tickets to shows and cultural events come relatively cheap. “I could never afford to go to the opera in Toronto but here it’s not something you have to plan out and budget for.”

Where to stay

Most young lawyers live close to downtown in neighbourhoods around 17th Avenue SW such as Mission or Beltline, or on the other side of Bow River in Sunnyside or Kensington. (Post-flood, the rental market is tight and you should ask about water damage.) Partners prefer the western edge of town in areas such as Wentworth Estates, Elbow Park and Mount Royal.

Stampede

Halfyard describes this festival held each July as “10 days of fun and chaos.” Most people don’t wear suits during the Stampede, “not even in court.” At work, show up in jeans and a western- style top. Cowboy boots and a hat are not mandatory, but be sure to sport a belt buckle — bigger is always better. Be prepared for liquid breakfasts and endless lunches, nightly chuck wagon races and rollicking revelry with cowboys. Whatever happens, Feick advises, “Jump in with both feet.”