Patrick was WONDERFUL. He made the trip for us
Private tour in Banff Patrick T
5.0
(11) reviews
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Patrick T.
5.0
Guide rating
55
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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.
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!
Patrick was WONDERFUL. He made the trip for us
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.
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.
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!
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.
Phenomenal guide. Interesting, friendly and interactive. Local resident, knows the area and its history well. Hire Patrick, you’ll be delighted!
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.
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2025 Honda Pilot Touring Edition We can also use your vehicle, or I can step onto larger vans or tour coaches.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I will pick a place to meet that works for you Canmore or Banff.
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