Private tour in Banff Patrick T

Discover Banff & Canmore Full-Day Tour

5.0

(10) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Patrick T.

5.0

Guide rating

48

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.

Overview of your Banff tour

The towns of Canmore and Banff are about 20 minutes apart, with a combined population under 25000. Canmore, being outside the national park, has seen incredible grow since hosting some of the 1988 Winter Olympic Events. The Town of Banff cannot grow as it is in the national park, located on 'crown' land. This entire valley is my home. I live in Banff, but even worked for economic development in Canmore (and opened a restaurant). My son is in his last year of high school at the French-speaking school in Canmore. There is so much to visit and discover throughout the Bow Valley including wildlife, spectacular mountain views, indigenous history, Kananaskis Country, Olympic sites and the reminisce of former mining towns. We'll even learn how a local olympian won bronze, silver and gold in the same event at the same olympics!

Recent Reviews

Kimberly R.United States
1 day ago

Patrick was amazing, exactly what I was hoping for. He was very communicative and customized the tour the way I wanted. He is so knowledgeable about the area, its history, geology, geography, flora and fauna. He also knew how to avoid crowds during the busiest time of the year, including finding us a hike that suited our abilities that practically had no one else on the trail. I would highly recommend Patrick for any kind of tour of the area.

Ivan C.United States
2 weeks ago

It was a privilege to spend the day with Patrick. He has many interesting life experiences to share and is a real local. We saw many interesting sites off the beaten track. He was very flexible in terms of how we spent our day and gave us good tips for enjoying Banff on our own for the remainder of our visit. He was fun to be with and a really cool dude.

Cindy T.United States
August 2025

This Floridian loves watching the Winter Olympic Games on TV so I was intrigued by the history of the Canmore Nordic Centre and Alberta’s connection to the Olympics. I enjoyed stopping at Bow Falls and spotting wildlife in the Spray Valley. Patrick is very knowledgeable and fun. You’re sure to enjoy the beauty and history of the area on his tour!

William B.
July 2025

Patrick is a very knowledgeable tour guide, about the Banff/Canmore area as well as all the mountains and topography. Also very helpful and eager to provide service.

William S.United States
May 2025

Phenomenal guide. Interesting, friendly and interactive. Local resident, knows the area and its history well. Hire Patrick, you’ll be delighted!

Erran P.United States
August 2024

Patrick was an incredible and knowledgeable guide. He was very responsive leading up to the trip and prepared a unique and personalized tour for us. We booked him for the start of our trip and ended up learning so much more about Banff and the surrounding areas because of the history he provided us. This really set the tone for the rest of the week. Would definitely book again.

Your Banff tour itinerary

This tour will involve driving and will begin at an agreed upon location in either Canmore or Banff. There is never a bad time to visit, but we will adjust our visits a route according to weather, wildlife and interests! In Canmore we will drive the Three Sisters Parkway, visit the Nordic Centre and perhaps drive up into the Spray Valley (when 'The Edge' was filmed). We'll also focus on public art. Once inside Banff National Park, we will visit Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. We will also look for animals along Tunnel Mountain Road. We will see the Bow Falls and the Cave and Basin. Drop off will be at your location. Throughout the tour, I will help you plan the rest of your visit to this wonderful region. * Itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. Do not hesitate to reach me.

Want to customize this tour?

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.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

2025 Honda Pilot Touring Edition We can also use your vehicle, or I can step onto larger vans or tour coaches.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: We can easily make stops for coffee, snacks or lunch (or I can organize a local lunch)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Banff, Alberta, Canada

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I will pick a place to meet that works for you Canmore or Banff.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Art And Culture
History
Tour reference number
1297752
Languages
Spanish
French
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Banff best suited for?

This private tour in Banff is perfect for travellers who want to explore the beautiful Bow Valley with a local expert. It's ideal for those interested in wildlife, spectacular mountain views, indigenous history, and Olympic sites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or have been here before, Patrick T. can customize the itinerary to suit your interests and help you discover hidden gems.

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?

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

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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