Tour guide in Banff Patrick T.

Hi! (Hola / Bonjour) - I live right here in Banff and have been leading tours around the world for over 25 years. I have travelled, lived, worked and studied in over 70 countries, but always make my way back home to the Canadian Rockies. My first published book was a guide to skiing in Canada - and I still buy a ski pass to Lake Louise each year. In 2023, I was featured in National Geographic discussing best ways to visit the Rockies. As a Banff local I feel honoured to be a custodian of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. My love for this environment is infectious and even after two decades of guiding, I still discover new special places and aspects of our culture and history, which I am happy to share! During the pandemic when the border was closed, I embraced virtual guiding. Since that time I have offered over 1000 virtual tours - even taking people skiing and biking from the comfort of their homes. It is important to recognize that Banff is located within Treaty 7 territory and First Nations peoples have been living in this valley for over 14 000 years. As a National Park, Banff is Canada's First (and Park's Canada is the world's first National Park Service). The trains that united Canada were financed by the great chain of hotels, of which the Banff Springs is undoubtedly the flagship. My educational journey started at the University of Calgary, where I studied History. Subsequently I studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. At the graduate level, I studied Latin American Studies and worked with the Chilean Park Service where I developed a guide training course and manual. Later I pursued an International MBA in Paris and worked in Canmore Kananaskis (just outside Banff) as Director of Market Development. As a lover of all mountains, I accepted a year contract in Cusco, Peru where I worked alongside the local government and my son even went to school in that spectacular, high-altitude city! I genuinely love guiding and intend to continue for years to come. I still run several international tours every year, but here at home, and in partnership with ToursByLocals, I have the opportunity to welcome people from around the world while staying closer to home! I am happy to step-on as a guide for larger groups (en español / en français), take you for a walk in Banff, Canmore or take you around in my car or yours. Please allow me to customize each experience to you specific interests, the weather, time of year and, of course, wildlife! Welcome to the Canadian Rockies. . . IGA (Interpretive Guide Association) Banff Business License Canadian Red Cross First Aid / CPR 20+ years guiding / tour directing Published Author / Masters Level Education Class 4 (commercial) drivers license I will not guide in the back country where an official outfitter is more appropriate We will maintain an appropriate distance from wildlife We can no longer drive into Moraine Lake (unless I step onto a commercial tour coach)