This city in Alberta was just named among the best in the world

Some of the world’s very best cities are easily recognizable — spots like London, New York, Paris and Tokyo are among the most fast-paced, successful urban centres globally, and it’s no surprise to see them on 2026’s recent World’s Best Cities report.

But there’s a major city in Alberta that also broke the top 100 this year, and it might surprise you.

Although Edmonton was previously listed in spot 65 of 2025’s World’s Best Cities report, the capital of Alberta fell from its position in 2026.

Calgary was previously listed in position 54 in 2025 as the only other Alberta-based city. In 2026, Calgary dropped to position 85, but it still cracked the top 100.

That’s great news for our humble Canadian city, one that has had to recently transform its energy capital identity to reflect emerging creative and tech sectors.

In good company

Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa were the Canadian contingent among the top 100 cities in the world.

Calgary was listed as well — the only urban centre in Alberta, and also one of only two other western Canadian locales.

The list evoked Calgary’s proximity to the mountains in its quick description of the city, noting the “youthful energy and big infrastructure” that are, “gushing at the foot of the Canadian Rockies.”

The report also listed Calgary’s $500-million expansion of the BMO Centre in Stampede Park, which has elevated its profile among top-tier North American Convention destinations.

The transformation of Calgary’s downtown core, with a refreshed Stephen Avenue pedestrian corridor set to be unveiled in June 2026, was also a major draw for the Blue Sky City.

Calgary has invested $250 million in office-to-residential conversions, with more than 1,200 new units expected in the city core by 2026.

Calgary’s secret sauce

The report described talent as Calgary’s “secret sauce.” The city reached #9 in global rankings for the Educational Attainment subcategory, which is helping to fuel new life science, agricultural technology and clean energy ventures.

The Green Line LRT project will be a game-changer for infusing that economic energy throughout the city. The LRT will create a convenient and affordable north-south transit option for Calgary citizens, further connecting communities throughout the commuter city.

The median age is 38 years in 2021, which also makes Calgary one of the country’s youngest major city centres.

The future of Calgary is looking bright and bold, and it’s a real honour to be included among some of the most renowned cities in the world.

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