Meet the founder of Canadian Rockies Experiences, one of our preferred service vendors!
Why did you start Canadian Rockies Experiences?
Canadian Rockies Experience was founded to provide private, personalized and authentic experiences in the Rockies. We saw a gap in the market for a luxurious, all inclusive private tour guiding company. Our guests are exceptionally well taken care of from the moment they step into our vehicle until we drop them off, we aim to spoil our guests with great food, relaxed and knowledgeable guides and of course the scenery speaks for itself.
Group hiking picture – Photo credit: Travel Alberta – John Price
What’s your background?
I am originally from Ireland, and was a phys. ed. teacher in the Irish Prison System for almost 10 years. I left this role to travel and spend some time living and working in Australia and New Zealand before making it to Canada. Once I had arrived in Canmore, I signed up to do an apprentice guiding course with the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA). This was the perfect combination of being active and also educating people in a relaxed situation. I have definitely found my passion!
What kinds of experiences do you offer?
Canadian Rockies Experience is a Canmore based company offering all inclusive private sightseeing tours, guided hiking, snowshoeing and ice walks in the Winter. We run tours in both the Provincial and National parks. We have multiple tours on our website but specialize in tailor-made tours. These give our guests multiple options and also allows us to customize the exact tour the guest requires. The majority of our tours ensure that guests arrive at busy locations at times when there are smaller crowds. See our Lake Louise Twilight Tour for details. We provide food from local bakeries and suppliers and use top class restaurants. We use SUV size vehicles only, which ensures an intimate experience.
Lake Louise picture – Photo Credit: Travel Alberta
Who are your typical clients?
Generally, our clientele are guests looking for a unique, special experience. Our clients range from honeymooners to planning the perfect proposal or guests who want a hassle free tour with no worries. Many of our guests want to feel safe and have an expert to rely on when they are a little out of their comfort zone, such as hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains. Our guests are both local and international and we have some wonderful repeat guests who keep coming back.
What makes your experiences unique?
Time and time again we get feedback saying “We felt so well looked after” – we aim to take the hassle out of their tour, providing everything they need without our guests needing to make any decisions apart from booking the tour.
Vermillion lakes – part of Banff Sunrise Tour – Photo Credit: Canadian Rockies Experience
What’s your most popular tour?
Banff Sunrise Tour is a popular sightseeing tour, it gives our guests the chance to see the sights of Banff with very few people around. We set up chairs, tables and supply hot beverages, pastries and blankets to give our guests the best experience when watching the sunrise. Sightseeing follows at all Banff’s great locations and a few hidden gems. Breakfast is also included at the historic Banff Springs Hotel.
Our Kananaskis Mini Tour is proving popular this summer, it gives a little taste of Kananaskis country with a short, family friendly hike and sightseeing stops. A delicious charcuterie picnic and dessert are served in the perfect scenic location. This is a great way to explore a lesser known area of the Canadian Rockies.
Moraine Lake – photo credit: Canadian Rockies Experience
Are you offering anything new this summer?
We put together a Mini Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour. This is a difficult area to access but as a tour operator we are guaranteed access. You should not leave the Canadian Rockies without seeing both of these iconic lakes. This 4 hour tour stops at both lakes and also includes a drive down the Bow Valley Parkway to Castle Junction. Delicious pastries, snacks, hot and cold drinks are all included.
Ice waterfalls – Part of our Grotto Canyon Evening Ice Walk – Photo Credit: Canadian Rockies Experience
Any exciting plans for next winter?
We are excited to welcome our international guests back, fingers crossed! We are constantly adding and changing our tours. One of our most popular tours last winter was the Grotto Canyon Evening Ice Walk. Guests are collected after dinner and a short drive brings them to the trailhead. Traction aids and headlamps are attached before starting the evening adventure. Snow and ice glisten as headlamps change direction as we make our way towards frozen waterfalls where hot beverages and desserts are served. It truly is a unique experience.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Rockies Rental guests get 10% off! Promo code Rockies10.
Even if you have been to the Canadian Rockies many times, we are sure we can find a unique spot to ignite your wonder.