Location & Travel
The City: Calgary
Calgary holds a special place in CPTED history. It was here, in 1996, that the first international CPTED conference was held, an event that directly led to the formation of The International CPTED Association. In 2026, we return not to look backward, but to take stock of where CPTED is headed next.
The CPTED conference will bring you to an outstanding tourist destination. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is one of Canada’s most dynamic cities—known for its innovative urban design, vibrant downtown, river pathways, and proximity to Banff and Lake Louise. You will want to stay a few extra days here.
The conference hotel is offering 3 extra days of discount conference rates before and after the conference (check out the conference hotel and book rooms here). Come enjoy all the City has to offer at this great time of year.
There will be several very exciting post-conference tours, including Banff / Lake Louise, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Vulcan, Alberta. If you prefer to explore on your own, we offer some recommendations:
- Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre (across the street from hotel) > https://www.studiobell.ca
- The Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The national site of music greats from Canada. (directly across the street from the conference hotel) > https://canadianmusichalloffame.ca/plan-your-visit
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Two hour drive east of Calgary – see spectacular dinos, current digs, and avoid being eaten by T-Rex in one of the world’s best Dino museums. > https://tyrrellmuseum.com
- Banff/Lake Louise. World class scenic town and views in the famous Canadian Rocky Mountains. > https://www.banfflakelouise.com
- Vulcan, Alberta. Thousands of visitors from around the globe trek to this Alberta town to explore Star Trek, artifacts, history, and themed events. One hour south of Calgary. > https://www.vulcantourism.com/about
How to get to Calgary & Conference Hotel
Calgary is a vibrant, accessible city located in the heart of Western Canada, with convenient travel options for visitors arriving from near and far.
✈️ By Air
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the primary arrival point for most visitors, with excellent domestic and international flight connections. It’s about 20–30 minutes from downtown Calgary by car or shuttle. Taxis, ride-share services, rental cars, and public transit are readily available from the airport.
Estimated Flight Times to Calgary:
- From Toronto (YYZ): ~4 h 15 min (non-stop)
- From Montreal (YUL): ~4 h 40 min (non-stop)
- From Vancouver (YVR): ~1 h 30 min (non-stop)
- From Edmonton (YEG): ~55 min (non-stop)
- From New York (USA): ~5 h 30 min (approx)
- From London, UK: ~9 h (non-stop)
Once you arrive at Calgary International Airport:
- Airport shuttle buses: ~40–45 min to downtown.
- Taxi / ride-share: ~20–30 min to central Calgary.
- Car rentals are available directly on site.
Getting to conference hotel from YYC:
- Taxi / Ride-share: 20–30 minutes. Ask for Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Downtown Calgary on 4 Street SE.
- Public Transit: Take Calgary Transit from YYC to downtown, then transfer to the CTrain (Blue Line) and exit near Centre Street; walk 5–10 minutes.
- Car Rental: Follow signs to downtown via Deerfoot Trail (Hwy 2 S), exit toward 12 Ave SE, then continue to 4 St SE.
🚗 By Car
Calgary is well connected by major highways and is an easy drive from surrounding provinces and U.S. states.
Approximate Drive Times (no major stops):
- From Edmonton: ~3 h via Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Hwy 2)
- From Vancouver: ~11–12 h via Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1)
- From Toronto: ~35 h driving (long cross-country trip)
- From Banff and the Canadian Rockies: ~1 hour via Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1)
- From Montana, USA: ~4–5 hours via Highway 2 / Interstate connections
Getting to conference hotel:
- Follow major routes into downtown Calgary.
- Navigate to 711 4 St. SE.
- On-site and nearby paid parking is available.
🚆 By Train
VIA Rail provides long-distance passenger service across Canada. While there’s no direct high-speed rail to Calgary yet, Calgary is connected to the national rail network. The historic Calgary railway station is centrally located, offering easy access to downtown hotels and venues.
Getting to conference hotel:
- Arrive at the downtown Calgary rail station.
- Take a short taxi or ride-share, or use the CTrain to Centre Street, then walk 5–10 minutes.
🚌 By Intercity Bus
Several intercity bus services operate routes to Calgary from cities across Alberta and neighboring provinces. Bus terminals are conveniently located with connections to local transit and taxis. Trips can be longer than flying but are a budget-friendly option, especially from nearby cities like Edmonton or Vancouver.
Getting to conference hotel:
- Arrive at the downtown bus terminal.
- Continue by taxi, ride-share, or CTrain to Centre Street, followed by a short walk.
🚍 Getting Around the City
Calgary Transit operates an efficient network of buses and the CTrain (light rail), providing easy access to downtown, major hotels, and conference venues. Taxis and ride-share services are also widely available.