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Private tour in Calgary Michael I
Calgary Parks & Nature Riverwalk - Half Day Walking Tour
5.0
(2) reviews
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4 hours
1
Tour date
Start time
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4 hours
1
Michael I.
5.0
Guide rating
7
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13 hrs
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Hi--I'm Michael, and I can't wait to meet you and share everything I know and love about Calgary: architecture, history, music, food, culture, film, urbanism, nature in the city, and more. Calgary has undergone a massive transformation, especially in the past decade or so, which I'm super excited about. I'll share hidden gems and secret knowledge too, just between you and me, so you'll feel like a true local by the end of our time together! I'm also more than happy to work with you to create custom tours, tailored to your specific interests. Just let me know what you're into, and we can design something truly special and absolutely unique to you. As far as travel goes, I've explored most of Europe. I've criss-crossed both Canada and the USA. I've visited Central America and the Caribbean. One of my favorite trips ever was a month in Brazil for the World Cup of soccer in 2014, followed by a week in Uruguay. It was phenomenal! Before making Calgary home 20 years ago, I lived in several other Canadian cities; Berkeley, California; Ithaca, New York; Zurich, Switzerland; Graz, Austria, and most of a year living the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville life in the US Virgin Islands. Before becoming a guide, I did radio journalism, including hosting my own show on CBC Radio. I've also managed non-profit organizations, designed and built environmentally certified houses, and been an ESL teacher. But everything else I have ever done in life pales in comparison to my one true claim to fame: I was a contestant on Jeopardy! (in the '90s). I won my first show, but I lost my second by a dollar. I've been curious about the world my entire life, and I bet you are too! I've studied: biology (premed), business, philosophy, art and architectural history, and got my BA in film studies. Combine that lifelong learning with my radio and teaching experience, and basically I'm just a giant nerd who loves to talk and share his passions and knowledge. Let's go for a walk together! Graduate Diploma in Education (University of Calgary, 2016) TESL Level 2 Certificate (University of Calgary, 2015) First Aid & CPR (Canadian Red Cross, 2012) BA (Honours) in Film Studies (Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, 1987) I am not a commercial driver. I only have a personal driver's license. I can arrange for a vehicle and driver if required.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Michael I.
A river runs through it
Overview of your Calgary tour
For thousands of years, the Bow River was vital to the lives of the First Nations people who lived here. They relied on it for transportation, food, and for their very survival. Today, the Bow runs through the heart of Calgary, providing an oasis of serenity in the middle of a bustling city. It's teeming with nature, both flora and fauna. I guarantee we'll see a variety of birds. We MAY also see beavers and maybe even a coyote! We'll stroll through gentle pathways along the banks of the river and explore island parks with unique features, including a restaurant which is consistently ranked in the top 50 in Canada. When I'm in the islands, I truly feel like the city has disappeared. At the same time, these islands are also home to frequent cultural festivals and events, so there may be something very cool happening when you're here! In the end, we'll walk up to The Confluence Historic Site (Fort Calgary), a short hop to a variety of places to top off your adventure with a beverage or a meal.
Your Calgary tour itinerary
·We'll begin our time together at the Peace Bridge, which has become one of the most iconic spots in Calgary since it opened in 2012. ·From there, we'll make our way along paved or well-groomed unpaved paths along the banks of the Bow River, through a series of interconnected parks and plazas. We'll start at a parkette featuring sculptures made from 60, 000-year-old local sandstone! ·Our next main destination is Prince's Island Park, an urban oasis in the middle of the river where we'll wander the pathways through native plants and constructed wetlands and a lagoon. ·We'll also visit a very moving series of Indigenous art installations. ·Returning to the pathway system, we'll pass through Eau Claire Plaza & Sien Lok Park. ·Then, across George King pedestrian Bridge to St. Patrick's Island Park, which just reopened in 2015 after a major modernization. ·We'll end at Fort Calgary--the oldest part of the city. You can explore the museum there on your own or I can recommend places for a drink or a meal.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour. It is mostly on paved surfaces, but there are also some unpaved walking paths.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
South end of the Peace Bridge in Eau Claire Park. Nearest intersection: 1st Ave SW & 7th St SW If you have another specific preference such as your hotel, please let me know and I'll work with you on meeting location.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
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Languages
EnglishActivity level
Accessibility
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Calgary
2 reviews
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4 hours
1
Tour date
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4 hours
1
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.