I grew up in Calgary, but for the past six years, I’ve been calling Edmonton home. And honestly? I love it here. From the people and the culture to my little neighbourhood, this city has really grown on me. Sure, I get nostalgic for Calgary sometimes, but these days, Edmonton is where I’d rather be.

That said, moving here wasn’t without a bit of culture shock. I say “a bit” because, whether or not Calgarians and Edmontonians want to admit it, the two cities share more similarities than differences — the challenges, the friendly people, and yes… you can grab Peter’s Drive-In in both. Still, a few things about Edmonton caught me off guard when I first arrived.

The Bin Situation

In Calgary, we’ve had three bins forever — black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organics. When I first moved to Edmonton, I was surprised to see many neighbourhoods still using nothing but old-school garbage cans. Things have changed since then, with more green and black bins now in place, but the recycling system is still a little different.

Crossing the River = A Big Deal

For reasons I can’t quite explain, crossing the North Saskatchewan River feels like an event. Maybe it’s because my early days of driving here were spent nervously navigating all those winding roads in and out of the river valley. Whatever it is, I rarely make a “spontaneous” trip across the river — it always feels like a trek.

What’s With All the NW?

Even after six years, Edmonton’s street system still baffles me. Between addresses in the hundreds (112th Street and 167th Avenue?!) and the fact that almost everything is labeled “NW,” I’m constantly confused. Calgary’s quadrant system spoiled me — each area felt like its own little town. Maybe this is how Edmontonians feel about living on one side of the river versus the other.

West Edmonton Mall Isn’t Quite the Same

As a kid, trips to West Edmonton Mall felt magical — Galaxyland, the Waterpark, the whole deal. But once I became a local, I realized Edmontonians only go when they absolutely have to. The sparkle wears off fast when parking is a nightmare (seriously, bring on the West Valley LRT!).

The River Valley Is the Real Deal

I’ll admit, I had no idea Edmonton’s river valley was such a gem until I lived here. A massive greenbelt running through the city, full of trails, ravines, and wildlife? It’s easily one of the most beautiful features of the city and a paradise for cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers alike. This is something Edmonton can brag about — and rightfully so.

The Oilers Are Edmonton

This one took me a while to truly get. The Oilers aren’t just a hockey team — they’re part of Edmonton’s identity. When I moved here, I arrived just after their tough years and have since watched them make playoff runs almost every season. Much to my Calgary friends’ disappointment, I’ve fully joined the Oilers fan club. Because honestly, there’s nothing more fun than being in Edmonton when the Oilers are winning.

👉 Edmonton has its quirks, but that’s part of its charm. It didn’t take long for this city to feel like home — and now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.