The 7 Best Radio Stations in Calgary for When You Need a Soundtrack to Your Life
When it comes to music listening habits, I’m still a bit old-fashioned. I know that streaming services are what’s in right now, but I can’t help but stick to what I’m used to.
When I’m driving around, I’d rather tune into a radio station than put on a playlist. I find most radio jockeys charming and funny. I also love discovering new songs and bands that I would’ve never known to search for otherwise.
Depending on my mood, there are a couple of stations that I regularly listen to. I’ve listed them down below so that you too can have some great jams playing during your daily commute.
1. CKUA 93.7
– Media credit: ckuaradio
Address: 851 4 Street SE
Contact details: +1 800 494 2582
If you listen to the radio, there’s a huge chance that you’re already familiar with CKUA 93.7. It’s one of Alberta’s favorite stations because of how much it shines a spotlight on local artists.
They’ve got a great lineup of shows and each one has a host that I can listen to for hours. Depending on which time you switch to their station, you might end up listening to some jazz, psych-rock, folk, or even Hollywood symphonic instrumentals.
Personally, one of my favorite things about them is that they barely repeat any tracks. I can always expect something fresh when I tune in.
| Pro tip: CKUA isn’t just a source of great music; it could also be a source of life-changing money! The radio station holds a 50/50 raffle monthly where the cash prize always ends up being upwards of $100,000. |
2. CJSW 90.9
– Media credit: cjsw
Address: Room 312 MacEwan Student Centre, 2500 University Drive NW
Contact details: (403) 220 3902
CJSW 90.9 is run by students so you know you’re going to hear some obscure stuff you’ve never heard before. I’ve discovered so many up-and-coming bands because of this radio station.
They’ve got an eclectic mix of music shows that feature different genres. Expect to hear the newest in hip-hop, electronic, metal, rock, experimental, and more.
Their spoken word programs are just as interesting to listen to. They discuss everything including poetry, gaming, movies, current events, and literature.
Listening to this station is a nice way to get a feel of what’s in with the younger generations.
| Pro tip: In case you miss any of their content, you can download the CJSW app on Apple and Android phones. It has all their shows and podcasts on demand. |
3. 107.3 The Edge
– Media credit: 1073edge
Address: 200, 3320 17th Avenue SW
Contact details: (403)- 264 1073
Self-labeled as “iconic alternative”, The Edge is bringing back all the subcultures from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. They play the type of music that people used to listen to with Walkmans.
This station has only been around for a year, but they’ve already found a pretty good fanbase. I’m willing to bet at least half of their listeners are Gen X.
They play a good mix of the classics and some more underground stuff. Most of the time though, I know I can depend on them if I want to listen to Blink-182, Weezer, or Green Day.
| Pro tip: For a radio station, they’ve got a pretty funny Instagram account. They have a series where they reimagine popular alternative songs as classical tracks (ex. “What if Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus was written in the 1800s?”) and the results are hilarious. |
4. X92.9
– Media credit: x929calgary
Address: 400 255 17th Avenue SW
Contact details: (403) 670 0210
I have to admit, the main reason why I listen to X92.9 isn’t for the music. Typically, they play popular alternative tracks from a few years ago.
Instead, I put on this station to listen to the hosts. They’re always so full of personality. I can’t help but laugh along as if I’m listening to long-time friends.
The shows with duo hosts are overflowing with good chemistry and banter. My personal favorite to listen to is Beckler & Seanna in the mornings. They have meaningful interviews with lots of interesting people, but they also sneak in jokes that always get me.
| Pro tip: X92.9 has a show specifically for undiscovered artists. If you’re still waiting for your big break, you can reach out to the host of the show Xposure and get your song played on the radio. |
5. XL 103.1
– Media credit: xl103calgary
Address: Suite 100, 1110 Centre Street NE
Contact details: (403) 736 1031
XL 103.1 is the station for those who want a bit of a ‘throwback’. They play all the hits from the ’70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.
Don’t be fooled though, their listeners aren’t all old people. A lot of young people say this station was actually their introduction to classic rock.
My family and I especially enjoy tuning every 7:50 in the morning. They have a program called the Thousand Dollar Minute where they do quick-fire trivia in the span of 60 seconds.
The lucky caller who gets all the questions right wins the money. We always try to see if we know all the answers, but so far we’ve never gotten them all correctly. Still, the questions go by so fast that it wakes us up more than coffee.
| Pro tip: XL 103.1 regularly partners up with tribute bands that perform at the Grey Eagle Resort. Just by tuning in, you can win tickets and hear the songs of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and more live. |
6. C97.7
– Media credit: c977fm
Address: 6807 Railway St SE #110
Contact details: (403) 385 4000
C97.7 will help you relive the days of Mariah, Nirvana, and Britney. Regardless of the genre, they’ll broadcast any track as long as it’s from the 90s.
Tuning into this station is like taking a trip down memory lane for me. Most of the songs they play are the ones that dominated MTV back when it actually broadcasted music videos.
The hosts are also so entertaining to listen to. Whenever I put them on, I feel like I’m catching up with some pals over brunch.
| Pro tip: You can participate in the fun polls they have on their website. Sometimes it’s a survey about the music they play and sometimes it’s just ranking a band’s best songs. They usually pick one lucky participant and give them tickets to an upcoming concert. |
7. Sportsnet 960 The Fan
– Media credit: sportsnets960
Address: 535 7th Avenue SW
Contact details: (403) 240 4444
Are you really Canadian if you don’t keep up with sports? There’s no excuse, especially with Sportsnet 960 The Fan making it easy for you.
They may not play much music, but every sports fan should listen in once in a while. They’ll keep you updated with everything you need to know about all your favorite teams and the current season. They’ve got live commentary, discussions, predictions, and more.
This station is also one of the top sources when it comes to all things Calgary Flames. If you’re a true fan, you’ve got to tune into Flames Talk every weekday from 4 pm to 6 pm.
| Pro tip: Sportsnet 960 The Fan frequently has contests for their listeners. All you have to do is tune in and you might just win tickets to a concert or a much-awaited home game. |