Quote:
Originally Posted by Corral
Northern California and the Sierras I think rolls over Calgary on every category IMHO. Likewise the coastal range north of Vancouver is far more than just Whistler and having the ocean beside you is a huge plus for YVR. Could say likewise for Seattle Denver Colorado provides similar access to the Rockies with a much shorter winter - and much of the Colorado range is over 14000 feet.
the Rockies are incredibly scenic but the rock can be quite poor in quality and the skiing here is actually not that great because we live in a dry pocket (ie. low snowfall) and the winter is too damn cold.
Off this continent but staying in the G8 - Southern france and the Alps are amazing - with a better climate and granite mountains - albeit very crowded. Auckland New Zealand is also highly ranked for urban living and outdoor lifestyle - again with the climate that beats Calgary every time.
I like it here - but its far from #1
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Not sure where you would live to have good access to the Sierras. (Ie day trips possible). Though you do have better climbing rock it's certainly not as scenic. I'd argue the Colorado Rockies and PNW are underwhelming. A 14000 ft mountain you can drive to the top of is not that exciting. But some of that is preference. Alps are far to busy. There is barely something resembling the outdoors left. It's all developed. Though that might be a pro for some people. Vancouver barely has mountains. Though if you are a Ocean person in does have that.
I'll give you Auckland New Zealand. I have never been there but from talking with people who have I think you are probably right. You also seem to dislike winter which appears to suppress your view of Calgary.
I think in general you under appreciate what you have here in terms of the combination of a high paying job in a city with good but not great amenities with premiere access to the outdoors.