Private tour in Calgary Michael I
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Michael I.
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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.
Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighborhood. East Village is the city's newest. They're side-by-side, straddling the Elbow River. Together they represent the past, present, and future of Calgary. We'll explore them together in an urban adventure. Inglewood was just named one of Canada's coolest neighborhoods for 2023. It's home to funky shopping, historic architecture, microbreweries, cafes, and restaurants, from diners to haute cuisine. Inglewood and East Village share Calgary's "Music Mile", which starts with the National Music Centre--home to the Rolling Stones famous Mobile Recording Studio among other priceless musical artifacts. Also in East Village is a former mattress factory/warehouse that's now home to Calgary's coolest coffee shop, an incredible bakery, and an amazing farm-to-table restaurant (with a rooftop patio) run by a Top Chef contestant and Food Network judge. Join me for a vibrant and exciting walk through these two fabulous neighborhoods! There's always something happening.
·We'll start our adventure in Pearce Estate Park, which embodies the "old & new" theme of our tour. It was gifted to the city almost 100 years ago (a long time here!), but it has also just had some cool new work done, including whitewater rapids and river surfing! ·We'll then head over to Smithbilt Hats, which is home to Calgary's famous white cowboy hat and has made hats for many movies & TV shows. We can have a quick visit or take an optional tour if you wish. ·Next we'll stroll Ninth Avenue in Inglewood, home to music venues, cafes, restaurants, funky shops of all kinds, art galleries, and some of Calgary's oldest architecture. We could get lost in Recordland (music) or Fair's Fair (books) for hours--but we've got other places to see! ·At last, we'll jump over the Elbow River to East Village, Calgary's newest neighborhood and home to many very cool public art pieces and cutting-edge architecture, including the new Central Library and the National Music Centre- which is where we'll end our time together.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is an urban walking tour. We will be walking on level, even, paved surfaces. If you have mobility concerns, please let me know, and we can make accommodations.
1440 17A Street Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T9, Canada
Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery 1440 17a St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T9 If you have another specific preference, please let me know and I'll work with you on meeting location.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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