How can I find people with similar experiences to connect with?

Calgary is known for its friendly atmosphere and active community life. The city offers dozens of ways to meet people who share your interests, career path, or life circumstances. Below is a detailed guide to platforms, clubs, and events that will help you quickly build new social connections.

1. Online platforms for finding like-minded people

  • Meetup
  • The world's largest network of local groups with flexible filters for age, topic, and location.
  • In Calgary, there are active groups for IT professionals, travelers, board game enthusiasts, dancers, young people aged 20-29, and even clubs for people aged 55+.
  • Eventbrite
  • A catalog of themed events: from movie clubs and master classes to business networking and dog walks.
  • Convenient if you are looking for one-off events rather than regular meetings.
  • Reddit and Discord
  • The subreddit r/CalgarySocialClub organizes meetings and runs a Discord channel for instant communication and finding people to share your hobbies with.
  • A good option for introverts who prefer to chat online first.

2. Social and themed clubs

Club/organization Main audience Meeting format Cost Features
Calgary Newcomers Club Women who are new to the area or have undergone a significant life change 25+ interest groups (hiking, book clubs, line dancing) $25-40/year Over 200 members, friendly peer-support atmosphere
Calgary Sport & Social Club (CSSC) Adults 18+ of all fitness levels Leagues in 15+ sports (coed) Fee (team/individual) Fun first, winning second
Konekt Social Club Poles and Canadians of Polish descent Cultural events, professional networking Membership fee Support for cultural identity, seminars
Experience YYC / ABC’s / Shenanigans Residents aged 20-50 who want to explore the city Bar meetings, picnics, hikes Mostly free Flexible schedule, events several times a week

3. Professional and academic networking communities

  • Calgary UX: Monthly meetings of user experience designers and researchers, workshops, and Design Week.
  • YYC Bitcoin Meetup: Informal discussions about blockchain and fintech trends.
  • GoGeomatics Canada: Business networking in the field of geoinformation, career fairs.
  • Language Exchange YYC: Free speed dating parties (English, French, Spanish).

4. Support for newcomers: meeting “your people”

  • Centre for Newcomers (CFN): Group English classes, career labs, interest clubs in NE Calgary.
  • Gateway Calgary: Concierge service for finding programs and volunteer opportunities for immigrants.
  • Calgary Public Library: Free conversation clubs, book clubs, and digital literacy workshops at 21 branches across the city.

5. Volunteering as a way to meet new people

  • Calgary Food Bank: A mixed team of locals and newcomers, flexible shifts (packing kits, logistics).
  • Women Helping Women: A subgroup of the Calgary Newcomers Club that organizes charity events to support women's shelters.
  • Parks Foundation Calgary: Tree planting in river parks and seasonal festivals.

Volunteering not only helps the city, but also quickly forms “shared memories” — an effective foundation for friendship.

6. Sports and outdoor communities

  • Slow and Steady Hikers: Sunday walks at a relaxed pace, ideal for beginners.
  • Calgary Hikers: A Meetup group with trips to Kananaskis and Banff every weekend.
  • Downtown Chess Meetup: Street chess at Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, drop-in format.

7. Niche and creative formats

  • Camellia Social Club: “Dreamy dinner parties” and coffee tours for female aesthetes on Instagram.
  • Dog-friendly meetups: Regular gatherings for dog owners, such as Corgi Lovers Unite or Weenie Wednesdays.
  • Board-game nights: Board game nights at SentryBox or Hexagon Board Game Café.

8. Step-by-step strategy for networking

  1. Define your goal: Friendship based on shared interests, professional networking, or sports.
  2. Choose a channel: Meetup/Eventbrite for “mass” meetings, niche clubs for deeper connections.
  3. Take the first step: Sign up and choose an event less than 14 days in advance — less chance of “changing your mind.”
  4. Be active: Offer to volunteer at the club, organize a game or carpool — it's a great way to get involved.
  5. Solidify the acquaintance: Add new people on social media, invite them for coffee after the first event.

Conclusion

Calgary is a city where every interest has its own community. From professional meetups and multicultural clubs to outdoor chess nights, there are more than enough options for meeting people. Take advantage of online tools, newcomer centers, and the power of volunteering to quickly find people with similar experiences and turn your move into a new chapter of a fulfilling social life.

Key principle: Step out of your comfort zone at least once a week, and Calgary's literary network of new friends will become your greatest asset.