Private tour in Banff Patrick T
5.0
(19) reviews
1
1
Patrick T.
5.0
Guide rating
35
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
This is a full day out in Banff National Park, with a visit to British Columbia (and totally customizable). Banff National Park is one of four contiguous Rocky Mountain parks. Across the continental divide - where waters flow to the Pacific Ocean - in the province of British Columbia are the parks of Kootenay and Yoho. Yoho is a Cree expresion of awe. We simply translate it as 'wow!' One could easily spend a week exploring the area around Banff, so on this full day out, we will pick a few highlights according to weather, snow pack, time of year and your interests! If we are lucky we'll see a train in the Spiral Tunnels . . and I have to show you the 'secret' escape route in the Town of Field (home to 169 people).
Starting in Banff we will drive west towards the Lake Louise area and over the continental divide into Yoho Park and British Columbia. When the road opens (often mid-June) we will drive up to Takkakaw Falls - thundering water! Stop will be governed by weather / snow conditions, but stops may include: Lake Louise Village / Lake Louise Ski Resort / the Town of Field / Emerald Lake / Natural Bridge / Morant's Curve and all the sites along the 1A (old) Highway. Storm Mountain viewpoint / Castle Mountain and so much more! If you would like to go to Lake Louise during the summer months we will need to leave very early as parking fills up!
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.
2025 Honda Pilot Touring Edition We can also use your vehicle, or I can step onto larger vans or tour coaches.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Anywhere in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise with planning
19 reviews
Who is this private tour in Banff best suited for?
Can this private tour in Banff be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
1
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works