Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour

Itinerary

Saturday, September 29 (D)

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

Sunday, September 30 (B, D)

Rise and shine for an early morning sunrise shoot! We’ll check out at 6:45am and then work the back roads for 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! 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 midday break and independent lunch, and then continue down the road into Banff National Park, stopping along the way for photo opportunities. Evening shoot TBA. Overnight Delta Hotels Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Monday, October 1 (B, L)

Sunrise shoot and return to the hotel around 9:30am for breakfast. Check out by 11:00am. Picnic lunch today.

Today’s 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, October 2 (B, D)

One of the perks while staying at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is that you’ll have the best views of the lake and Victoria Glacier through your room window or right outside the chateau! Dan will be lakeside at 7:00am for anyone who wants to accompany him exploring trails circling the lake. A full, scrumptious Fairmont breakfast is on the menu this morning, be sure to indulge before or after heading out to the lake!

Adventurous guests can 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.’ Before you head back down, re-up your energy with a hearty homemade soup/sandwich, fresh baked goods, and a cup of tea, more than 100 teas to choose from!

This evening you’ll have some time to explore the area on your own, and we’ll eat dinner as a group at the hotel. Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Wednesday, October 3 (B, 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. We’ll drive through incredible scenery and stop frequently to photograph. The Icefields Parkway from Banff National Park to Jasper include 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 toward Bow Glacier for close
Tangle Falls (roadside waterfall)
Buck, Osprey, and Honeymoon Lakes
Cavelle Meadows – Open meadow with 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 of 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 Sawridge Inn Jasper where we’ll stay for three nights. Overnight Sawridge Inn Jasper

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

Thursday, October 4 and Friday, October 5 (2B, 1D)

Early morning sunrise shoots 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 grizzlies, black bears, 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. In the afternoon you’ll have time to go out and have lunch and then download your images, relax, or photograph around the lodge area. Dan will be available for any questions you may have about digital storage or software programs.

Late afternoon, we’ll go out for shoots near the east gate of the the park. Our final group dinner will be at Evil Dave’s Grill (October 5th) 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. Overnight Sawridge Inn Jasper

Saturday, October 6  (B)

For our final full day, we’ll have a quick breakfast at the bakery and then depart early to work our way back to Calgary along the Icefield Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Parks. 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 Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. Overnight at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel

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

Sunday, October 7

Depart Calgary anytime of day.

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