Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour

Itinerary

Guests: Maximum 13

Saturday, September 27 (D)

O Canada! Meet Daniel and Tanya at 1:30pm at the Calgary International Airport, just outside customs/baggage claim. We’ll depart at 2:00 pm in our private 24 passenger chartered vehicle for our first evening shoot in the mountains of Kananaskis Country. After checking in at the Delta Lodge, we’ll head out for a photo shoot working the roads, followed by a “Welcome” group dinner. Overnight Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Sunday, September 28 (B)

Rise and shine for an early morning sunrise shoot! We’ll check out at 6:45am, then work the back roads with many photo stops. At this time of year, the scenery will be spectacular with grizzlies gorging on buffalo berries and elk bugling and rutting. Although we can’t guarantee wildlife viewing, this area is prime habitat for bighorn sheep, moose, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, coyotes, deer, beavers and mountain goats. And don’t forget your binoculars – starting in late September, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Golden Eagles that ride the rocky mountain updrafts in Kananaskis Country during their annual migration. Morning snack bars will be available, and a hot “camp style” breakfast will be prepared mid-morning in the field.

Later in the day, we’ll stop in the town of Canmore for a mid-day break and independent lunch, then continue down the road into Banff National Park, stopping along the way for photo opportunities. Evening shoot TBA. Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Monday, September 29 (B, L)

Sunrise shoot and return to the hotel around 9:30am for breakfast and check out by 11:00am. Go up to get a overall view of this beautiful area by Banff Gondola.

Photo shoot schedule may include:
Vermillion Lakes
Mt. Rundle
Silverton falls
Lake Minnewanka Loop
Bow Valley Parkway

For two nights, we have the luxury of staying in the heart of Banff National Park at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Tuesday, September 30 (Lunch at Tea House, D)

One of the perks of this destination location it that you’ll have the best views of the lake and Victoria Glacier through your room window or right outside the Chateau! Just grab a quick breakfast and coffee at the 24 hour Chateau Deli on the main floor and head outside where you can explore the many trails circling the lake. Dan will be at the lakeside at 7:00am for anyone who wants to accompany him on the trails.

Adventurous guests will take the hike up to Lake Louise Agnes Teahouse, one of the most famous trails in Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies. Situated at an altitude of 7,005 feet, the Tea House is located in a lovely hanging valley on the shores of Lake Agnes. After a forested 2.2 mile hike, the valley opens to reveal spectacular Lake Agnes. Together with Mirror Lake and Lake Louise, these lakes are often referred to as the ‘Lakes in the Clouds’. We’ll enjoy a hearty homemade soup/sandwich and fresh baked goods lunch and of course a cup of tea – more than 100 to choose from!

After our hike, we’ll meet in the Louise Room to have a little photo session. This evening you’ll have some time to explore the area. A casual dinner planned this evening at the Glacier Saloon. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Wednesday, October 1 (L, D)

One last chance to catch the early light on Victoria Glacier, so pick up a quick coffee and danish from the Chateau deli and head out for a sunrise shoot.

In the afternoon we’ll travel north toward Jasper National Park. Along the way, we’ll be going through incredible scenery and stop frequently to photograph. The Icefields Parkway from Banff National Park to Jasper includes a chain of massive glaciers with waterfalls that tumble down the Continental Divide. This drive is considered one of the world’s top 10 most scenic drives. You’ll notice many of the lakes have a peculiar color of icy-blue water due to deposits of glacial silt.

Photo shoot schedule may include:
Herbert Lake
Bow Lake/Crowfoot Glacier – Walk towards Bow Glacier for close
Tangle Falls (Roadside waterfall)
Buck, Osprey and Honeymoon Lakes
Cavelle Meadows – open meadow, views of Mt. Edit Cavelle,
Viewpoint for Mt. Kerkeslin
Old Forte Pointe

We’ll have time to explore some of the areas on our way to Jasper, but beware the elk and stay your distance! They are not friendly in this area so don’t get too close. We’ll set times to meet at each area and eventually head to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where we’ll stay for two nights. Dinner at restaurant in Jasper. Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Late day/evening photo shoot schedule:
Pyramid Lake or Patricia Lake
Lake Edith or Lake Anette

Thursday, October 2 (B, D)

Early morning sunrise shoot scheduled. We’ll venture to the Maligne Lake area to work the roads, a scenic drive that offers potential for seeing a variety of wildlife including grizzly, black bear, deer, moose, big horn sheep, caribou and mountain goats. We’ll photograph the Colin Range from the Palisades picnic site and follow the Miette Hot Springs Road, a narrow and winding scenic road with four pullovers to stop and photograph.

We’ll return to the lodge midday. This afternoon you’ll have time to download your images, relax or photograph around the lodge area. Dan will be available to field any questions you may have about digital storage or software programs.

Late afternoon we’ll go out for a shoot near the east gate of the the park, followed by our final group dinner at “Evil Dave’s Grill” in the town of Jasper. This bistro-type restaurant offers a gourmet menu that combines international flavors and eclectic ingredients likely to tempt anyone’s palate. After a long day, we’ll head back at last to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Friday, October 3 (B)

For our final full day, we’ll work our way back to Calgary along the Icefield Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Park, departing at 7:00am. Bagels, danish and hot beverages will be provided on the coach. You’ll notice the trip south has just as many incredible views as our trip north, affording many stops to photograph along the way. You’ll have a little time in the town of Banff to explore, shop and have lunch on your own. We’ll arrive in Calgary late in the day, where we’ll stay our last night at the Holiday Inn Calgary Airport. Wine and cheese is planned for a farewell toast. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport

Time to repack, prepare for our travel home, and say our final goodbyes…

Saturday, October 4 (B)

Depart Calgary anytime of day. Shuttle service to the airport is provided by the hotel.