Let the epic wild of the Rockies sink into your lens
O Canada, the glorious land of maple syrup, epic vast spaces and jaw-dropping moments that will rock your world! Home to five national parks and cute alpine towns, Canadian Rockies are just overflowing with dramatic mountain peaks, hanging glaciers, ethereally turquoise lakes, towering waterfalls, deep canyons, lush forests and wildlife.
So round up your gear and get ready to have your socks knocked off from all the spine-tingling beauty nature has in store for you. Simply put, great shots guaranteed.
Tour Itinerary
Locations up Rockies’ sleeve
Day 1 / Calgary
Arrival
Calgary meet. Pickup at the airport and arrival at the hotel. Once properly rested, we’ll go over the travel plans for the upcoming week and get to know each other a little bit.
Day 2 / Banff
Vermilion Lakes
Our sunrise location will take us to Vermilion Lakes on the outskirts of Banff, offering the famous view of Mt. Rundle in the back. Reflecting in the lakes, the mountain range is a great reward for all early risers. If lucky, we might be in for some alpenglow that turns the landscape into even more amazing colors.
Later that day, we will fill up on the beauty of the mysterious Johnston Canyon. Carved by the cold waters of Bow River, the steep walls of the canyon jutting high above are just something to watch and photograph. Just like the deep blue pools of the creek, waterfalls and river bends that we will be shooting as well.
Day 2 / Banff
Castle Mountain
Sitting silently with the Bow River in the foreground, Castle Mountain will be our sunset treat. This castle-like mountain dominates the views and is one of the most imposing peaks of the Bow Valley.
Day 3 / Banff
Moraine Lake
Getting up early, we’ll be headed to the famous Moraine Lake. Being one of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies, its beauty is simply out of this world and is a must-see on our list. Here, we’ll be shooting different compositions from the rock pile above the lake or the lake shore. Pure and turquoise waters, this one’s a real candy.
Leaving Moraine Lake behind, we cannot miss the crystal clear Consolation Lakes surrounded by magnificent glacier panoramas. This will be our photographer’s yummy.
Day 3 / Banff
Larch Valley
We might also decide for a hike to Larch Valley above the Moraine Lake, offering fantastic views of several lakes and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with ten notable peaks crowning the valley.
Day 3 / Banff
Herbert Lake
In the evening, we will hit the road to Herbert Lake. Surrounded by deep woods, the waters of this tiny slice of paradise reflect the snowy peaks of the Rockies, waiting for the admiration of our lenses...
Day 4 / Banff
Bow Lake
Our morning agenda will take us to the pristine Bow Lake, one of the smaller lakes in Banff National Park. Boasting spectacularly colored water and a ring of peaks towering above, this site a top-notch mountain scenery.
Day 4 / Banff
Peyto Lake
The next spot will be about the unbelievably blue Peyto Lake. Getting its blue from large amounts of glacial rock flour, it changes color depending on the time of year and day. Another sunset spent photo shooting is another sunset well spent!
Day 4 / Banff
Takakkaw Falls
Our next stop, Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfalls in Canada resounding with a tremendous thunder, will leave your jaw drop. We’ll also go to capture the Natural Bridge with the Kicking Horse River sculpting its way through it.
Day 4 / Banff
Emerald Lake
Evening will see us chasing sunset at the Emerald Lake with the iconic lodge perched on its edge. This site is a great proof that Rocky Mountain Lakes are all different in color - from green to bright blue or even brownish. Vivid turquoise is the color of Emerald Lake, just you wait.
Day 5 / Jasper
Mistaya Canyon
The greater part of the day will be revolving around the mysteriously deep Mistaya Canyon and the duo of Sunwapta Falls, both locations along the way of the iconic Icefields Parkway which we will take on our way to Jasper where we will check in.
Day 5 / Banff
Icefields Parkway Road
After that, we have another unforgettable experience ahead of us - the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s national treasures. Riding along this iconic route, numerous stops can be expected along the way, as we want to make the best of our Rockies tour.
We’ll make a stop at the Morant’s Curve viewpoint to photograph the railroad tracks running below - long trains and magnificent mountain scenery will be a great mixture of nature meeting with the human element.
Day 5 / Jasper
Pyramid Lake
Sunset will catch us at Pyramid Lake at the foot of Pyramid Mountain. If there’s time, we might make it to Patricia Lake on top of it the very same evening.
Day 6 / Jasper
Athabasca Falls
You will find the force of the powerful Athabasca Falls astonishing. Just like the Horseshoe Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Jasper, surrounded by tall cliffs.
Day 6 / Jasper
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
This is the day of the promised cruise to the sacred Spirit Island nestled on the iconic Maligne Lake. Gliding past the jagged mountain peaks, we’ll find ourselves on the track of one of Canada’s most popular attractions.
On this night, we will be enjoying the warm evening light around Medicine Lake, a fascinating body of water that actually is not a lake. The peaks and trees reflecting in its waters are definitely worth your photographer’s while.
Day 7 / Jasper
Cavell Meadows
On our last day before departure, we’ll be catching the first morning rays orchestrating a play of light on icebergs set in a valley with a lake, surrounded by mountain peaks and smashing meadows. Pure delight.
Meet Your Tutors
Explore the Canadian Rockies with the real adventures
Tour Details
Check out price, accommodation, and other details about the tour
6 nights
up to 10 attendees
intermediate photographers
moderate hiking involved
Included in the price
- Professional photography instructors
who will guide you through the area, show you the best photo locations of Canadian Rockies and lead you throughout the whole workflow of landscape photography (choosing the right gear, scene selection, composition, post production). - 6 nights of accommodation
- Transport
including airport pick-up / drop-off - One boat cruise
- Park entry fees
- In-field water and snacks
while shooting
Excluded from the price
- Flight tickets
to and from Calgary - Travel insurance
please note that travel insurance is compulsory - Meals and drinks
excluding in-field water and snacks - Any visa fees
when applicable
Recommended Gear
We want you to get a kick out of the tour, so we suggest that you bring the following:
- Good tripod
and a remote shutter release (for tack sharp pictures) - Lens filters
Neutral density and polarizer filters (if you have any) - Wide angle lenses
highly recommended for landscape photos - Telephoto lens
comes in real handy, as we may spot wildlife - deer, moose, bears or coyotes
- Headlamp
- Warm and waterproof gear
Make sure you pack up some. You know, it can get pretty cold or damp. This is Canada we’re talking :)
Accommodation
Featuring a heated indoor pool and hot tubs, this Lake Louise Inn offers 2 on-site restaurants and a lounge. Guest rooms include views of the surrounding mountains.
A flat-screen cable TV and a coffee machine are provided in each room at Lake Louise Inn. Each private bathroom includes a hairdryer. All suites and apartments includes a balcony and fireplace.
Jasper Inn & Suites, located in the heart of Jasper National Park, this hotel offers on-site dining and an indoor pool and hot tub. A sauna and steam room is available. Free Wi-Fi is included in all guest rooms.
A flat-screen TV with cable is featured in each room at Jasper Inn & Suites. Comfortably furnished, each room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities. A fridge is provided.
Ready to book the tour?
Or do you want to ask a few questions first?
- Is the tour itinerary fixed?
- Will there be any night photography included?
- How difficult will the hiking be?
Mariel Feldman, Designer, United States of America“Between the gorgeous landscapes, the wildlife, the photography lessons, and the overall fun energy of the group, the trip to the Canadian Rockies far exceeded my expectations and created memories that will last a lifetime.”