Your friends and family are coming to Calgary and it’s time for you to become the ultimate host. Time to show them all of the amazing things to see and do in your city. From sending the invitation and welcoming them at the airport to shopping local and signing the guestbook, get ready for your hosting duties with all of the tips and tricks to be the ultimate host in Calgary.

Extend an Extraordinary Invitation

Great hosting starts with an extraordinary invitation. Invite your friends and family to experience Calgary and show them you are ready to welcome them to your city. Be creative and send a postcard in the mail or text them a special video message. It’s a great way to get the conversation started and begin planning an itinerary they will love. Now’s a great time to ask them about their favourite things to see and do when they travel. It all starts with the invitation.

Shop Local

Collect Maps & Guidebooks

Do your guests a favour and equip them with the best maps and guidebooks to Calgary. No homework required. These are great ways to help friends and family explore on their own and discover activities they might like to experience during their trip. Include a copy of the Calgary Visitor Guide and Mini Map in their welcome package and be ready with maps of parks, pathways and bikeways, off-leash dog areas, the Plus 15 Network, and Calgary Transit routes. Leave the Wi-Fi password nearby for easy access too.

Get Tickets & Admission in Advance

Be ready for your friends and family and purchase important tickets and admission in advance of arrival day. This helps you stay prepared for the itinerary you planned and shows your guests you have been looking forward to their trip as much as they have. It’s also a great way to skip the lines!

Advance admission can be purchased to popular attractions like the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and TELUS Spark Science Centre or you can reserve seats for a night at Theatre Calgary or the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Pickup a pack of Calgary Transit tickets to bypass the ticket machine and speed up the family C-Train trip or ask your guests to download the Neuron or Bird scooter apps before they touch down.

Add Free Activities to Their Trip

Hosting friends and family doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Adding free activities to their itinerary will save everyone some cash and take you to new parts of the city you may not often visit yourself.

Explore parks and green spaces in your neighbourhood to get some fresh air and exercise. Did you know Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America? Get familiar with the public art in Calgary before your guests arrive and point out ‘Conversation’ on Stephen Avenue, the Centre Street Lions, or the ‘Twin Bears’ in the Northwest. Esker Foundation offers free admission and group tours daily. 

Know Your Neighbourhood

Your friends and family are excited to visit Calgary and you’re excited to share it with them. Before they arrive, think about your favourite local spots and unique neighbourhood hangouts. Where do you like to eat, shop, and have fun? Those are the places you should share with them. Grab lunch at a food truck or that hole-in-the-wall restaurant you love, show off the vintage shop around the corner, and take a group shot from the best lookout in the neighbourhood. Exploring neighbourhoods is the perfect way to see Calgary and share your unique experience with your guests.

Keep a Guestbook

You’re a great host and love sharing Calgary with your friends and family. Keep a record of your ultimate host status and include a guestbook and a pen in your guestroom. Ask your friends and family to record their favourite memories, highlights of the trip, the best meals, and when they are planning a return trip to Calgary. The guestroom is always ready, right?

Looking for great accommodations for your stay in Calgary? Check out a list of amazing Calgary Travel Deals from hotels that are keeping guest safety top of mind.