Working at HI Calgary
Living and working in Cowtown
Calgary is frequently described as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, the alpine gem of Canada, which give a spectacular backdrop to the city. World-famous skiing and towns of Banff and Lake Louise are only a 90-minute scenic drive to the West. If you drive southeast instead, you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Did you know Calgary is often nicknamed Cowtown because of its cowboy traditions? Living here, expect cowboy-themed events culminating every July with the famous 10-day Calgary Stampede, the city's biggest pride that include the world's largest outdoor rodeo.
HI Calgary is located right downtown in the trendy neighborhood of East Village with many attractions, restaurants, museums, shopping malls and nightlife minutes away. If you're looking for a city vibe but close enough to the Rocky Mountains and other natural wonders for a weekend escape, then look no further.
Meet your managers
Hassan Halawani, Assistant General Manager
With two master’s degrees under my belt and over 15 years of international work experience, you could say I’ve done my fair share of globe-trotting — both for work and for fun! Traveling and cooking are my ultimate passions, whether I’m discovering hidden gems around the world or whipping up something new in the kitchen. When I’m not working or experimenting with recipes, you’ll probably find me teaching my kids fun new skills (and maybe convincing them to be my sous-chefs).
Linda Gonzalez, General Manager
Linda is originally from Mexico and has been in the hospitality industry since 2015. Linda started volunteering at HI Calgary in 2019 and worked as a Front Desk Agent up until the hostel shut down due to the pandemic in 2020. She came back as Assistant General Manager in 2022 when the hostel reopened.
She is an alumni of SAIT with a Hospitality Management diploma. She speaks English, Spanish, and French; but she loves to learn other languages as well and hopes to speak at least 5 soon. She loves meeting all kinds of people from all over the world and the hostel is the best place to learn about different cultures and customs from different places. In her spare time, she likes to hike, watch movies or TV shows, dance, or laze around at home with her cats.
Staff Amenities
On top of the little freebies like breakfasts and hot drinks, you can expect easy-going shifts and the feeling of being part of a friendly international team. A team that wants to explore Alberta (and Canada) as much as you, and with whom you'll surely have the opportunity to travel and stay at other HI hostels for free - thanks to our FAM trip program.
Bonus: if you're a city person like we are, you'll appreciate the central location of the hostel making it easy for you to explore Calgary every day right after work!
• Free breakfast
• Free coffee and tea
• Free meals during social events for guests
• Discounted tours
• Free FAM trips
• Free Wi-Fi
Live your best life
in Calgary
Paddling the Bow River
A favourite pastime in Calgary is floating down the Bow River. It’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a hot afternoon, whether it's in a zodiac or a kayak.
Biking around
Grab a bike and go chase a sunset over the city, or spend the day exploring the city's 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas.
Weekends in the Mountains
Take your car or a bus to the Rockies for the weekend to ski, ride gondolas to breathtaking mountain tops, swim in bright blue lakes, hike in the boreal forest, soak in hot springs, and so much more.
Exploring the City
Between attending cowboy culture events, ice-skating on the Olympic Plaza, strolling the Devonian Gardens or sightseeing the city's murals, we'll make sure to tell you what to see and do in Calgary as soon as you get here!