Senior Tour Guide - Calgary
Toonie Tours is a vibrant, customer-centric tour company dedicated to connecting people with the heart of Canada through authentic experiences. Established in 2018 by three friends with a shared passion for adventure, Toonie Tours has grown into one of Canada's leading tour operators, delivering exceptional walking tours, bike tours, and private experiences across multiple cities nationwide.
Our success is built on creating memorable guest experiences, supporting incredible local guides, and fostering strong connections within the communities we operate.
Position Overview
Toonie Tours is seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial, and people-focused Senior Guide to oversee our Calgary operations while supporting the continued growth and success of our Banff market.
This role combines leadership, tour guiding, partnership development, team management, and business growth. As the local face of Toonie Tours, you will be responsible for maintaining exceptional guest experiences, supporting and developing guides, building relationships within the tourism community, and ensuring Calgary and Banff continue to thrive.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys leading people, building community relationships, and taking ownership of a growing tourism operation. As Senior Guide, you will be the primary point of contact and leader for guides in Calgary and Banff.
Roles & Responsibilities
As the Senior Guide for Calgary & Banff, you will lead by example through exceptional tour delivery while supporting guide development, tour quality, and local operations. You will act as the senior on-the-ground representative for Toonie Tours, helping ensure guests receive an outstanding experience and guides have the support they need to succeed.
Tour Delivery & Guest Experience
- Deliver engaging, informative, and memorable walking, bike, private, and group tours.
- Maintain expert knowledge of Calgary, Banff, local history, attractions, culture, and tourism trends.
- Create fun and personalized guest experiences tailored to a variety of audiences.
- Provide recommendations, directions, and local travel advice to guests.
- Professionally resolve guest concerns and challenges during tours.
- Consistently uphold Toonie Tours' standards of hospitality, storytelling, and customer service.
- Be capable of covering any Calgary or Banff tour when operational needs require.
Leadership & Team Development
- Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new Tour Guides.
- Conduct guide shadowing, observations, and ongoing coaching.
- Serve as a primary point of contact and mentor for guides in Calgary and Banff.
- Support guide development by sharing best practices, feedback, and local knowledge.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture.
- Lead by example and maintain high standards of professionalism and performance.
Tour Quality & Operations
- Support scheduling and guide coverage planning alongside management.
- Ensure tours are prepared, adequately staffed, and delivered to company standards.
- Monitor guest feedback and identify opportunities to improve tour quality and guest experience.
- Conduct periodic visits to Banff to support guides and maintain consistency across both markets.
- Communicate operational concerns, opportunities, and local insights to management.
This role is ideal for an experienced guide who is passionate about tourism, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to play a larger role in supporting the success of the Calgary and Banff teams.
Key Attributes
- Leadership - You inspire, motivate, and support others while holding yourself and your team to high standards.
- Ownership Mentality - You treat the Calgary and Banff markets as if they were your own business and take pride in their success.
- Relationship Builder - You enjoy meeting people and building strong partnerships within the tourism community.
- Customer-Focused - You consistently strive to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
- Proactive - You identify opportunities and solve problems before they become challenges.
- Adaptable - You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where every day is different.
- Storyteller & Communicator - You are confident speaking to groups, building rapport, and communicating effectively with guests, partners, and team members.
Must Haves
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
- Experience in tourism, hospitality, events, recreation, or a related industry.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and modern technology platforms.
- Legally authorized to work in Canada.
- Valid driver's licence and ability to travel between Calgary and Banff as required.
Why Join Toonie Tours?
- Opportunity to lead one of Canada's fastest-growing tour companies.
- Play a key role in shaping the future of Calgary and Banff operations.
- Work alongside passionate tourism professionals.
- Develop leadership, operations, and business development skills.
- Be part of a fun, supportive, and entrepreneurial team culture.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.50-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Why do you want to work for Toonie Tours?
- What other skills do you have that you could offer?
- Have you taken a Free Walking Tour before? Have you ever guided one before?
- What languages do you speak fluently?
- What does leadership mean to you?
- How long have you lived in Calgary?
Licence/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
