Laura Dowling - Guide and Co-Founder of Canadian Rockies Experience

Laura’s journey started with a degree in Sports Science & Biology in England and led her into a career as a Phys Ed. teacher in the Irish Prison System.

In 2011, Laura took a career break from her job and decided to travel the world and discover what else was out there. Spending time in Australia and New Zealand gave her a new perspective on life and introduced new opportunities. Arriving in Calgary in January 2014, was quiet the shock with the -20°C temperatures.

Laura is an IGA professional guide with 4 seasons group management and is also Certified in Wilderness first aid.

Darrell was born in British Columbia, Canada. He is an expert in nature having grown up surrounded by wilderness and spending his free time hiking and biking in the mountains.

Darrell is passionate about giving guests a top class experience regardless of age or ability. Darrell constantly increases his knowledge and is passionate about the Mountain environment he lives in.

Darrell is an IGA apprentice guide with Wilderness First Aid Training.

Arriving in Canada from south-east England in 2014, Andrew quickly traded his quaint, countryside village for the rugged, endless peaks of the Canadian Rockies. An avid hiker and outdoorsman, he soon found a home in the bustling tourist town of Banff, Alberta and decided that a career in the outdoor tourism was the way forward.

Utilising his academic background in British colonial history, he soon expanded his knowledge base to cover the geology and ecology of the mountains.

Now a Banff local, Andrew enjoys exploring the mountains in all seasons - whether that be with a pair of hiking boots or a pair of snowshoes - and is always looking to expand his knowledge of the local area through the best learning method there is: experience.

Tony Esteves has over a decade of expertise in showcasing the stunning Canadian Rockies. He brings a global perspective through visits to 40 countries.

He is the author of, "Talk2MorePeople: Change Your Life by Meeting People” which guides readers how to step away from screens and embrace face-to-face connections. 

A master of communication, Tony speaks English and Japanese and is proficient in Russian, Portuguese and Spanish. He served the world leaders during the G8 Summit in Kananaskis in 2001, a testament to his exceptional customer service skills, and he is also a performing artist.

Tony takes immense pride in extending that same level of excellence to discerning guests. He ensures that every luxury tour under his guidance is not just an expedition but a seamless and unforgettable experience. 

Join Tony Esteves on a journey where luxury meets adventure, and let him unveil the splendours of the Canadian Rockies in a way that transcends expectations.

Sara’s passion for snowboarding brought her to Canmore from Calgary ten years ago. Since then, she has explored hundreds of trails and mountains, and developed a deep passion for leading others into the heart of Canada’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Sara brings many years of experience in the backcountry along with extensive knowledge, safety-focused leadership, and infectious enthusiasm that bring the Rockies to life.

Whether guiding beginner hikers or seasoned trekkers, her mission is to help others build confidence, foster respect for the land, learn new skills, and create meaningful connections with the natural world. Her guests don’t just learn the history of this living museum—they become part of it.

Candela, originally from Córdoba, Argentina, has been driven by a deep curiosity for learning and exploring since childhood. She began studying English at a young age, knowing it would one day open doors to the world.

After earning two bachelor’s degrees—one in Tourism Management and another in English Translation—she spent three years living and traveling in New Zealand and Australia before eventually making her home in the stunning Canadian Rockies.

Now based in Canmore, Candela works as an Administrative and Operations Assistant and is also an IGA Apprentice Interpreter. She is grateful to connect people to the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies, helping them experience and appreciate this incredible place.

 Matthew

Operations Manager & Guide

Originally from the southeast of England, Matt has always felt a deep connection to wild animals and untamed landscapes. His journey into the outdoors led him north to the rugged beauty of Snowdonia and the Scottish Highlands, where he spent years exploring, training, and building his experience in remote environments.

An ultramarathon runner and skilled navigator, Matt has raced through mountain ranges across the UK and Europe. These adventures sparked a lifelong appreciation for the endurance, beauty, and silence of the wild — and inspired him to share that with others.

In 2024, Matt moved to Canmore to join Canadian Rockies Experience. Alongside guiding, he now leads our operations, ensuring every detail behind the scenes runs as smoothly as our trails. From scheduling to logistics, he brings the same passion and precision to his management role that he does to the mountains.

Matt is a certified Wilderness First Responder, an ice swimming trainer, and a trail running specialist. He also has a deep interest in wolves, having spent time observing their behavior and learning about their unique social structures — insights he often weaves into his guiding.

When he’s not out on the trail or fine-tuning logistics, you’ll find Matt chasing sunrises in the alpine, training on local peaks, or enjoying a quiet moment beside a glacial lake.

“Every trail teaches you something new — and I love helping guests discover that for themselves.”

Evan is an ACMG Apprentice Hiking Guide with Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification, and an internationally awarded photographer with a passion for wild landscapes and meaningful connection. With over 20 years of experience exploring the backcountry, he brings both a deep respect for nature and a storyteller’s eye to every guided journey.

Originally from Alberta, Evan spent six years owning and operating a commercial photography studio in Tokyo, where he honed his craft working with clients from around the world. His work has taken him across continents, capturing everything from remote mountain ranges to quiet, human moments—and earning recognition in international photography competitions along the way.

Now splitting his time between the Canadian Rockies and the Scottish Highlands, Evan is known for his calm presence, attention to safety, and ability to bring the landscape to life through stories that blend ecology, culture, and adventure. Whether leading a gentle valley walk or a more ambitious alpine hike, he tailors each experience to the group, ensuring a rewarding day in the mountains.

When he’s not guiding, Evan is out hiking or ski touring with his partner Kristen, scouting his next shoot, or testing out backcountry recipes. He’s always chasing light, stories, and the next unforgettable view.

Raising my family, 2 kids and a dog, and living in Canmore for over 30 years, I feel so lucky to share my passion for mountain life with visitors from all over the world.

My initial love of the mountains started when I was living in Switzerland attending University. When I returned to Canada, I spent 10 years in Montreal followed by moving out West, as the mountains were calling.

A licensed Ayurvedic Medicine Practitioner, I coach patients on finding optimal health and how to integrate body, mind and spirit. My latest project is a signature course designed to help women prepare and find relief as they transition through menopause. Taking the time to be in nature heals us on all levels.

Chris was born in England and grew up in an active family. At an early age she moved to the European Alps for the love of the mountains and has never really left them.  She spent 14 years living in New Zealand and traveling various parts of the world and has now made her home in Canmore, Canada.

Using her background in outdoors adventures and local knowledge Chris has been a tour guide in the local area since 2023.  Prior to moving to Canada, she was a Paramedic and SAR member in New Zealand for 10 years and enjoys caring and helping people.

Chris is a passionate outdoors enthusiast who, in her free time, can be found hiking, biking and rock climbing in the local area. She is keen to share her knowledge, continue learning and meet incredible people on the way.

Originally from Ireland, Shaina grew up in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, where a deep appreciation for nature and adventure was instilled in her from a young age. In 2020, she rediscovered that connection and began exploring further afield, taking her first international hiking trips through the Himalayas, New Zealand, and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.

Shaina holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance and spent several years working in the field before deciding to follow her true passion for the outdoors. What began as a career break to develop her mountain skills and explore remote trails across Europe and North America eventually led her to the Canadian Rockies, where she has now happily traded the office for the outdoors.

Shaina feels most at home in the outdoors. Whether she’s guiding a peaceful forest walk or a more challenging mountain adventure, Shaina is passionate about creating meaningful, memorable experiences and helping others discover the magic of the natural world.

Laurie has made Banff her home for nearly four decades. She is passionate about all aspects of mountain living; environment, culture, art, sport, community and people. She loves to explore the mountains by foot and on skis.

An avid mountain women, Laurie has lots of great stories about her explorations and an indepth knowledge of the area.

As a new interpretive guide she is excited to share her passion and knowledge with visitors.