The Birth of Cool - Half Day Walking Tour in Calgary

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.