Planning a trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies is genuinely exciting - and genuinely complicated.
There's a lot to figure out. Which base to use - Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise? How to get to Moraine Lake without a car. Whether your itinerary is trying to do too much. What to cut if you only have five days. When crowds peak and how to work around them.
The information exists online, but it's scattered, often contradictory, and rarely written by someone who actually lives here.
That's where this consultation comes in.
Who This Is For
This service is for visitors who want personalised advice from someone who lives here.
It's a good fit if you:
Are visiting Banff and the Canadian Rockies for the first time
Feel overwhelmed by the planning process
Have limited time and want help prioritising what matters
Want someone to review your existing itinerary and flag any issues
Have specific questions you can't find reliable answers to online
Your Consultant: Jill Jones
I'm Jill, co-founder of The Banff Guide and What's On Banff, trusted by more than 56,000 subscribers, and I'll be the person helping you work through your Banff plans.
I've lived in Canmore for more than 20 years, spending much of that time helping visitors plan trips to the Canadian Rockies. I answer questions on a daily basis from visitors through our newsletter and website.
I know the region across every season, the logistics that catch people out, the trails worth prioritising, where to stay depending on your travel style and budget, and the questions you should be asking but probably aren't.
Testimonial
"Jill is local and knowledgeable. Speaking with her helped us decide what to do and what not to do. She gave us great peace of mind in our decisions because we actually spoke with a human being.” - Darrell, USA
What You'll Leave With
A better plan - and often a more cost-effective one too. By avoiding common mistakes and focusing on what matters most to you, many visitors save money on accommodation, transport, unnecessary tours or extra driving.
More importantly, they make better use of the limited time they have in the Canadian Rockies.
After the consultation, you'll have:
Clear next steps tailored to your trip
A better sense of what to prioritise and what to cut
Practical advice tailored to your dates, interests, budget, pace, and travel style
Local insight on transport, timing, crowds, routes, and seasonal issues
A written summary you can refer back to as you finalise your plans
How It Works
Step 1: Book your consultation
Choose a time that suits you and complete payment online.
Step 2: Complete a short questionnaire
Before the call, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your trip plans, travel style, priorities, and any specific questions you'd like answered. This lets me prepare in advance so your time is used well.
Step 3: Your 50-minute video call
You can cover anything relevant to your trip: where to stay, getting around, hiking and outdoor activities, sightseeing priorities, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, family-friendly options, dining, tour options, seasonal considerations, or feedback on a draft itinerary you've already put together.
Step 4: Written summary and follow-up support
After the call, I'll send you a written summary of everything we discussed, along with relevant links and resources. Follow-up email support is included for reasonable questions connected to your consultation.
What’s Included
50-minute personalised consultation with Jill Jones
Pre-consultation questionnaire
50-minute video call
Written summary with links and resources
Follow-up email support
Cost: USD 250.00
What This Service Is, and Isn't
This is an advice-based consultation, not a travel agent booking service. I don't book hotels, flights, rental cars, tours, or restaurants on your behalf, but I can help you understand your options and point you towards useful providers and resources.
If you'd like a detailed day-by-day itinerary built from scratch, that's outside the scope of a consultation. Whether you're just starting to plan or already have a draft itinerary, we can work through your questions together and help you build a realistic plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have an itinerary already?
No. Some people come with a draft plan; others just have dates, accommodation, or a general idea.
Is this suitable if I'm staying in Calgary, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper?
Yes, as long as your trip includes Banff or the Canadian Rockies.
Will you build a full itinerary for me?
No, this isn’t a full custom itinerary-building service from scratch. But we can talk through your ideas, questions, priorities, routes, timings, and any draft plans you already have.
When should I book?
Anytime that's useful to you. Some people book early, before finalising transport, tours, or accommodation. Others already have most of their trip planned and just want a second opinion, some reassurance, or help fine-tuning the details. Both are a good fit.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, especially if you need help balancing sightseeing, hikes, driving time, rest time, and realistic expectations.
Ready to Plan Your Rockies Trip?
If your Banff plans are starting to look complicated, I’d be happy to help you sort through them and build a clear, realistic plan.
Cost: USD 250.00
