Private tour in Banff Patrick T
5.0
(3) reviews
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Patrick T.
5.0
Guide rating
35
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Tours delivered
4 hrs
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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)
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Patrick T.
Banff, the most famous mountain town in Canada, is ideal for walking - in fact during the really busy periods, it is simply easier to walk. I am a local guide, author and mountain enthusiast (and I tend to bike everywhere in Banff, year-round). Please let me introduce this famous community to you. We can cover geology, history, culture, activities, and even snails (the smallest protected creature in the National Park)! Every walk will be customized to you interests, mobility and the season. Don't be afraid to come for a snowy, winter walk - even after dark! Banff is breathtakingly beautiful and I will help with framing perfect photos and can help plan your time in Canada's first, and most famous National Park. Indeed, during the walk, I can talk you through places to visit in the entire region.
In 2-3 hours we can visit many of the highlights of the Town Centre of Banff. However you may choose to focus on a specific area such as the Banff Springs Hotel, The Cave and Basin (where Canada's first National Park was established in 1885), the Bow Falls (made famous when Marylin Monroe visited in 1953). We could even choose a gentle nature walk to look for wildflowers, birds and wildlife. When you reach out, we will decide on a route according to your interests, the climate and time of year.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Walking - however we may pick a parking spot as the starting point (I will probably arrive on my bike)
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Anywhere in Banff (or Canmore for a walking tour in that Town)
3 reviews
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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