Working at HI Calgary

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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.

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Meet your managers

Jason Wong, General Manager

Jason started working at HI Calgary in 2000 and has worked as a Night Auditor, Front Desk, and Assistant Manager. He is part of Hostelling International Quality Assurance Standards Work Group (HI QAS) and he likes to be active in the community where he works.

In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, working out, running, walking, travelling, watching documentaries, and movies based on real life.

Linda Gonzalez, Assistant Manager

Linda is originally from Mexico and she has been in the hospitality field for 7 years. She started volunteering at HI Calgary in 2019 and worked as a front desk agent in 2020 through the pandemic up until the hostel shut down.

She is an alumni of SAIT with a Hospitality Management diploma. She speaks English, Spanish, and French, and is currently learning Tagalog. She loves meeting all kinds of people from all over the world. In her spare time, she likes to walk her dog, Arturito, go out with friends, read, and go for road trips.

Staff Amenities
Living Here
Our Stories

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

Calgary is conveniently located super close to Alberta's most picturesque landscapes, between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Prairies. It's got a dry and sunny summer and a relatively warm winter (by Canadian standards!). Besides, the cost of living here is among the best in the country.

In Calgary you'll find friendly, ethnically-diverse people, that share a pride for country music and the city's hockey team, the Calgary Flames. Calgary's got a decent dining scene, festivals (did we mention the Stampede?) and nightlife, but the best part of living here may be its proximity to nature - and all the activities and adventures that await you there.

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!

Hear it From Our Staff

"Working at HI Calgary has been a fantastic experience. I have worked there for almost 6 months and everyday I am excited to come into work. The best part of my job is getting to talk to people from all over the world and hearing about their unique adventures. Furthermore, everyone in the company from co workers to managers are super friendly and supportive. In the short amount of time that I have been working here I have been able to enhance my communication and problem-solving skills which is something that I am very grateful for. All in all, working at HI Calgary has allowed me to meet and work with wonderful people, enhance my professional skills, and create great memories."

Jose Manzano, Front Desk Agent



"I’ve worked at HI Calgary City Centre for 8 months and enjoy coming into work and spending time with my team, we are truly a “work fam.” I have made friendships here that I will cherish for a lifetime. From our busiest days to our most relaxed days there is never a dull moment at HI Calgary. Working here has its perks such as; FAM trips, free coffee and tea all day, a free HI membership, and free stays at other HI locations. It’s also the perfect spot if you want to hit the mountains for some hiking on your days off."

Lydia Harlow-Lawrence, Front Desk Agent

"I have worked with HI Canada for 8 years at several properties and in various departments, and found lifelong friendships along the way. We are blessed to have such an incredibly friendly, welcoming, generous, supportive and inclusive workplace culture. The best teams in hospitality reflect the diversity of their clientele and that's so very true throughout HI Canada. You will always have coworkers, supervisors and managers who support you and work together to make every workday something fun to look forward to."

Melissa La France, Front Desk Agent & Relief Night Auditor