Excellent guide with great fund of knowledge. Informed us on sites demographics experiences what it is like living there Highly recommend him!
Private tour in Banff Patrick T
5.0
(8) reviews
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Patrick T.
5.0
Guide rating
55
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.
Welcome to the Town of Banff. This world famous community is home to fewer than 9000 permanent residents, yet our community hosts millions of visitors each year. Banff is not just another mountain resort. With a limit to its boundaries and a special need to reside requirement, this little mountain town is centre of culture with a global reputation. On this 3-4 hour visit, you will discover the formation of the mountains, learn about the First Nations (who still live here) and discover the many special areas all within a short distance of the Town Centre. Trains arrived in 1883 and the park was born around the natural hot springs in 1885. In 1911 the Dominion Park Service - the world's first National Park Service - was established. That was the same year visitors could arrive by car or plane! This introduction to Banff will frame your entire visit! We will laugh, learn and perhaps discover wildlife!
Excellent guide with great fund of knowledge. Informed us on sites demographics experiences what it is like living there Highly recommend him!
Patrick was amazing! Smart friendly Caring a family man world traveler Banff ambassador Canadian ambassador Flexible on tour just wanted to please us Most importantly a very nice man This was my best move picking Patrick For my last 4 hours in Banff taking me to Johnston and Marble canyon also seeing a Grizzly bear on the road who he has seen before . You must use Patrick!
Patrick was wonderful. We had our 2 granddaughters and he customized our tours flawlessly. Patrick, thank you. It was amazing
It rained the entire stay in Banff but the tour was lovely anyway. Rising river waters made for some great photos despite the weather. Patrick was well-versed in the area and gave a lot of detail along the way. We didn't go up into the mountains as there weren't any views with heavy fog. We did see moose and a newborn baby. Would recommend this tour.
Banff when things are frozen is a different place than what you see in all the photos but Patrick showed us Banff from the local eyes who are able to appreciate the beauty year round. We enjoyed our half day tour so much that we asked Patrick if we could continue and see more which were did. It was a great day. Patrick even helped us plan our next days travels.
Patrick Twomey was personable, friendly, and best of all a font of knowledge! We have enjoyed many tours in many countries, but today’s outing was the best.
We'll pick an appropriate starting point anywhere in Town (or in Canmore) and do a large figure-8 circuit throughout the area, according to weather, wildlife and the time of year. I will introduce you to the Town, Park and Region. Then, we will visit the places you probably will not find on your own, and I'd be glad to help you plan the rest of your visit. Generally we would plan to do the Lake Minnewanka Loop (with Two Jack Lake), the Norquay viewpoint, Bow Falls (of course), Tunnel Mountain Road, the Banff Centre and several other stops / visits I would rather save as a surprise. If you have been before, or if this is your first introduction to Banff, we will visit new areas and focus on your specific interests from wildlife, to culture, to architecture to all the activities and history that has made our small community one of the most famous destinations anywhere. Drop off will be at your hotel or accommodation. * Itinerary can be customized. Feel free to contact 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
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