Moving to a new city and country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to finding a community and friends. As Canada's third most diverse city, Calgary offers numerous opportunities for immigrants to find their place and meet other newcomers. This guide explores all the available ways to connect with other immigrants in this dynamic city.
Key organizations supporting newcomers
Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)
Immigrant Services Calgary is the oldest and one of the most influential organizations in the city, helping newcomers for over 40 years. The organization serves more than 10,000 newcomers each year and offers services in over 85 languages.
ISC offers a variety of programs to help you meet other immigrants:
- Cross-Cultural Adaptation Program (CCAP) - a program to meet people from different countries and learn life skills in Canada
- Share and Learn - weekly support groups for immigrant women at risk of social isolation
- Community Action Program for Children - a free program for parents with children under 6 years of age
Centre for Newcomers
The Centre for Newcomers is one of the largest immigrant service organizations in Canada. In 2022, the organization opened a new 53,000-square-foot center in northeast Calgary with a 200-seat auditorium, a comprehensive spiritual space, and a youth center.
Main programs for meeting people:
- Settlement Services - individual counseling and group activities
- Community Connections - a program for full participation in civil society
- Volunteer Development Program - volunteer opportunities with other newcomers
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
CIWA serves women from over 140 countries and 135 languages, offering a wide range of socialization programs.
- New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups - CIWA's flagship program:
- Free weekly group meetings
- 13 different locations across the city
- Option to attend in person or online via Zoom
- Field trips and guest speakers
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
CCIS is the largest immigrant-serving organization in the Prairies and offers a unique program called Community Connections for Newcomers, which has been in existence since 1985.
- Canada Connects - Mentoring Program:
- Matching Canadian volunteers with newly arrived families
- Practical assistance with orientation and access to resources
- Help with English language development through informal conversation
Language Programs and Language Exchange
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programs
LINC programs are a great way to meet other newcomers while learning English.
- YMCA Calgary offers LINC classes at three locations: Saddletowne, Shane Homes at Rocky Ridge, and Shawnessy YMCA
- Columbia College offers full-time (22.5 hours per week) and part-time (5 hours per week) classes
- YW Calgary offers CLB levels 1-4 online and in-person classes
Language exchange programs
- Calgary Language Exchange - active meetings for practicing different languages
- Japanglish at the Calgary Japanese Community Association
- University of Calgary USpeak Program
ESL classes
- Immigrant Education Society offers drop-in ESL classes at three levels
- Agapé Language Centre provides basic, intermediate, and advanced levels
Sports and recreational activities
Soccer Without Boundaries
A program for newcomers, refugees, and low-income families at the Glenbrook Community Association.
Calgary Sport and Social Club
Calgary's leading provider of adult sports with over 15 sports each season.
Sport for Newcomers Calgary
SportWORKS program with sports clinics and master classes for youth and adults.
WinSport
Winter recreation for newcomers in partnership with CCIS.
City recreation programs
- Fair Entry Program — access to programs at reduced prices
- Sport Hub — a variety of sports lessons in targeted areas
Cultural and Ethnic Organizations
Calgary Interfaith Council
Brings together over 50 religious communities to overcome stereotypes.
Ethnic clubs and associations
- Chinese Cultural Centre
- Calgary Japanese Community Association
- German-Canadian Association of Calgary
- Hellenic Society of Calgary
- Irish Cultural Society of Calgary
- Latin American and African associations
Centre Street Church
Partnership with eight organizations — serves hundreds of newcomers every month.
Meetup groups and social networks
Calgary Social Groups
Weekly Thursday meetings for locals and newcomers.
New In Canada Community
Monthly Meet & Greet and language cafes.
Language Exchange Groups
Groups for practicing English, Spanish, and other languages.
InterNations Calgary
A network of expats with newcomers and themed groups.
Volunteering and community involvement
Volunteer opportunities with newcomer organizations
- CRIEC — mentoring for newcomer professionals
- Centre for Newcomers Volunteer Development — ESL instruction and child support
City volunteer programs
- Calgary Neighbourhoods volunteer opportunities
- Animal Services Centre volunteering
Educational programs and workshops
Calgary Public Library
Newcomers Desk, English Conversation Groups, New Friends Group for Women.
Citizenship programs
Citizenship test preparation at ISC, Agapé Language Centre, PTP.
University programs
University of Calgary Continuing Education — part-time ESL courses.
Cultural festivals and community events
Major multicultural festivals
- Calgary Culture Days
- Calgary Multicultural Music Fest
Specific cultural festivals
- Carifest (August)
- Afrikadey! (August)
- Calgary Intercultural Festival
Religious and spiritual events
Family Day Festival & Pow Wow
Celebration of indigenous culture with traditional dances and crafts.
Programs for various groups
Programs for women
CIWA — New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups in 13 locations.
Programs for youth
Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth — annual Power of Voice conference.
Programs for seniors
CSEN and ISC — classes, fitness, and support in your first language.
Neighborhoods and community centers
Calgary Newcomers Collaborative (CNC)
A neighborhood approach in East Calgary for free services.
Gateway Calgary
One-on-one meetings and connections to 200+ programs.
Practical tips for building connections
- Start with basic services for newcomers (ISC, Centre for Newcomers, CIWA, CCIS).
- Combine learning with socializing through LINC, ESL, and language exchanges.
- Explore interest groups on Meetup and other platforms.
- Volunteering will help you find like-minded people and contribute to the community.
- Attend cultural events to get to know different communities.
- Use Calgary Public Library resources for programs and meetings.
- Be open and patient—building connections takes time.
Calgary offers many opportunities for immigrants to meet other newcomers and integrate into the community. From structured programs to informal gatherings and cultural events, the city provides a supportive ecosystem for new connections and a sense of home.