Welcome to Calgary!

A visit to Calgary is an opportunity to experience something amazing; world-renowned cultural attractions, excellent restaurants, shopping destination and acres of urban parkland. Community spirit is what truly sets Calgary apart. No matter where you go, you will see a unique brand of western hospitality in action. If you choose to accompany a registered attendee at ACE as their Guest, for a reduced price, your registration in the Guest Program affords you full access to the conference and an opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremony, Refreshment Breaks and End of Day Receptions in the Exhibition with the person you accompany, or branch out on your own to see the city sights!

A registered Guest at ACE may visit the Guest Hospitality Suite, where volunteers from the Guest Program Committee will be on hand to answer questions about the Calgary area. Let us help you get acquainted with our city and the surrounding area. The Hospitality Suite is also a great place to sit, relax and enjoy refreshments or to meet up with others who accompany a professional in the geosciences to ACE in Calgary.

Guest Hospitality Suite Hours and Location:
Hyatt Regency Calgary
Monday, 20 June 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 21 June 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 22 June 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

A Registered Guest is:

  • An ACE attendee who accompanies a registered attendee of ACE that could be a spouse, partner, friend or family member.
  • Not a geoscientist.
  • An ACE attendee who receives a unique gift selected by our Guest Program Committee.
  • An individual who is welcome to enjoy the ACE Guest Hospitality Suite at AAPG’s headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Regency Calgary.
  • An ACE attendee who may attend the Opening Ceremony, Exhibition, Icebreaker, End of Day Receptions, Poster and Technical Sessions and the Refreshment Breaks at ACE.

Guests, along with the registered attendee they accompany, may sign up to enjoy any of three Guest Tours. All Guest Tours will depart from and return to the Hyatt Regency Calgary. Participants should plan to arrive in the lobby 15 minutes prior to the published departure times. Participants need to wear comfortable walking shoes and wear appropriate clothing for both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Guest Tours

Departing from Calgary east into the endless golden prairies, the fertile land suddenly drops away into a strange and stark moonscape of weird striped hills and otherworldly rock formations – The Badlands. View the impressive Horseshoe Canyon and learn about the geology, history and native plants and animals at the Interpretive Centre.

Next is the town of Drumheller, Dinosaur Capital of the World, and a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, home of 130,000 fossils of over 300 different species and one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. Explore the fascinating exhibits, watch a raptor skeleton being assembled, meet the scientists that interpret the past and learn what happens behind the scenes to collected fossils. You can also take the optional Dinosite Tour, a 3 km guided walk to search for fossils, see dinosaur bones in the ground and learn about ancient Alberta.

Leaving Drumheller, take a stroll across the Rosedale Suspension Bridge and stop to view the Hoodoos, unique geological formations that resemble sandstone giants. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.

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Departing from Calgary east into the endless golden prairies, the fertile land suddenly drops away into a strange and stark moonscape of weird striped hills and otherworldly rock formations – The Badlands. View the impressive Horseshoe Canyon and learn about the geology, history and native plants and animals at the Interpretive Centre.

Next is the town of Drumheller, Dinosaur Capital of the World, and a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, home of 130,000 fossils of over 300 different species and one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. Explore the fascinating exhibits, watch a raptor skeleton being assembled, meet the scientists that interpret the past and learn what happens behind the scenes to collected fossils. You can also take the optional Dinosite Tour, a 3 km guided walk to search for fossils, see dinosaur bones in the ground and learn about ancient Alberta.

Leaving Drumheller, take a stroll across the Rosedale Suspension Bridge and stop to view the Hoodoos, unique geological formations that resemble sandstone giants. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.

Panel_24544 Panel_24544 Drumheller & Badlands Day Tour Monday, 20 June, 2016 Monday, 20 June, 2016 8:00 AM 5:00 PM

Every building tells a story. Calgary’s downtown core spins a yarn of a brash frontier town that has grown into a lively urban center where you can literally stand with one foot in the past and one in the present — and follow a “ribbon of steel” through the heart of the city. As you explore Stephen Avenue Mall (no cars allowed 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) and the Bow River Pathway, you’ll have an on-the-ground experience that Google Earth could never deliver. You’ll find out where Calgarians go for fine food and dining. (We’ll show you how to go back later on public transit — it’s free in the downtown core).

You may hear the echoes of history at the site of an 1880’s saw mill and the location of the 1988 Winter Olympics award ceremonies — and perhaps modern day music from the Folk Fest held on Prince’s Island Park. The tour concludes at the Calgary Tower, offering the best view in the city and a must-see attraction! On the observation deck, you’ll experience a spectacular 360 degree view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills and the prairies. Stand on the amazing glass-floor for a birds-eye view of the city streets below.

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Every building tells a story. Calgary’s downtown core spins a yarn of a brash frontier town that has grown into a lively urban center where you can literally stand with one foot in the past and one in the present — and follow a “ribbon of steel” through the heart of the city. As you explore Stephen Avenue Mall (no cars allowed 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) and the Bow River Pathway, you’ll have an on-the-ground experience that Google Earth could never deliver. You’ll find out where Calgarians go for fine food and dining. (We’ll show you how to go back later on public transit — it’s free in the downtown core).

You may hear the echoes of history at the site of an 1880’s saw mill and the location of the 1988 Winter Olympics award ceremonies — and perhaps modern day music from the Folk Fest held on Prince’s Island Park. The tour concludes at the Calgary Tower, offering the best view in the city and a must-see attraction! On the observation deck, you’ll experience a spectacular 360 degree view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills and the prairies. Stand on the amazing glass-floor for a birds-eye view of the city streets below.

Panel_24576 Panel_24576 Downtown Calgary City Walking Tour Monday, 20 June, 2016 Monday, 20 June, 2016 9:00 AM 11:00 AM

This morning begin making your way to the town of Banff and Canada’s first National Park. Visit the landmark sights of Banff with stops at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos viewpoint and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way! You will have some leisure time today to wonder the busy streets of Banff Avenue for lunch and to check out the many specialty shops, souvenir stores and cafes. Top off the day with Banff’s Peak Attraction and ride up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Take in the amazing view from several viewpoints, look out over a sea of mountain tops and the Bow Valley far below. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.

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This morning begin making your way to the town of Banff and Canada’s first National Park. Visit the landmark sights of Banff with stops at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos viewpoint and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way! You will have some leisure time today to wonder the busy streets of Banff Avenue for lunch and to check out the many specialty shops, souvenir stores and cafes. Top off the day with Banff’s Peak Attraction and ride up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Take in the amazing view from several viewpoints, look out over a sea of mountain tops and the Bow Valley far below. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.

Panel_24588 Panel_24588 Banff Highlights Tour Tuesday, 21 June, 2016 Tuesday, 21 June, 2016 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Questions? Please contact:
Theresa Curry Meeting Planner +1 918 560 2683
Alicia Collins Events Coordinator +1 918 560 2616
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