Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour I

Itinerary

Thursday, September 15 (D)

O Canada! Meet Dan and Tanya at 1:30pm just outside of customs/baggage claim at Calgary International Airport.  We’ll depart at 2:00pm in our private vehicles and drive to Kananaskis Country. After checking in at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, we’ll head out for an evening photo shoot, followed by a group welcome dinner. Overnight Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Autograph Collection

Friday, September 16 (B)

There is plenty to photograph in Kananaskis Country, and today we will explore all that it has to offer. The area hosts five Provincial Parks, including Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, one of the largest in all of Canada. Brilliant autumn colors, alpine meadows, and blue-green mountain lakes set among the snow-capped summits of the Rocky Mountain Front Range produce spectacular landscapes. Overnight Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Saturday, September 17 (B, D)

Rise and shine for an early morning sunrise shoot! We’ll check out at 6:45am and start to work the backroads for many photo possibilities.

During this time of year the scenery is spectacular, grizzlies gorge on buffalo berries, and elk in rut bugle for their mates. Although we can’t guarantee wildlife, this area is prime habitat for bighorn sheep, moose, elk, black and grizzly bears, coyote, deer, beaver, and mountain goat. Don’t forget your binoculars! In late September, we may catch a glimpse of the golden eagles that ride the Rocky Mountain updrafts during their annual migration. Morning snack bars will be provided, and a hot “camp style” breakfast will be served mid-morning in the field.

We’ll take some time for a midday break and an independent lunch in the charming town of Canmore. Following, we’ll continue down the road into Banff National Park, stopping along the way for photo opportunities. Evening shoot TBA. Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa

Sunday, September 18 (B, L)

Wake early for a sunrise shoot and then return to the hotel around 9:30am for breakfast. At 11:00am, we’ll check out of the hotel and continue on our journey. A picnic lunch will be served in the field.

Today’s photo shoot schedule may include:

• Vermillion Lakes
• Mount 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. Deluxe Mount Temple Rooms

Monday, September 19 (B, D)

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

Adventurous guests can hike one of the most iconic trails in the Canadian Rockies. A forested 2.2 mile trail passes by Mirror Lake and leads to an open valley, revealing spectacular Lake Agnes. Situated on the lake’s shoreline at 7.005 feet, you’ll find Lake Agnes Tea House. Boost your energy for the return trip with a hearty homemade soup/sandwich, fresh baked goods, and a cup of tea (more than 100 varieties to choose from!).

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

Tuesday, September 20 (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.

Today we’ll travel north toward Jasper National Park and stop frequently to photograph the incredible scenery. The Icefields Parkway from Banff National Park to Jasper encompass a chain of massive glaciers with waterfalls that tumble down the Continental Divide. This is considered one of the world’s top 10 most scenic drives, and you’ll notice many of the lakes have a peculiar icy blue color due to deposits of glacial silt.

Today’s photo shoot schedule may include:

• Herbert Lake
• Bow Lake/Crowfoot Glacier (walk toward Bow Glacier to get closer)
• Tangle Falls (roadside waterfall)
• Buck, Osprey, and Honeymoon Lakes
• Cavell Meadows (open meadow with views of Mt. Edith Cavell)
• Viewpoint for Mount Kerkeslin
• Old Forte Pointe

You’ll have time to explore some of these areas, but beware of the elk. They are not friendly, so don’t get close! We’ll set times to meet at each area and eventually make our way to Jasper Inn & Suites where we’ll stay for three nights. Overnight Jasper Inn & Suites

Late day/evening photo shoot schedule:

• Pyramid Lake or Patricia Lake
• Lake Edith or Lake Anette

Wednesday, September 21 and Thursday, September 22 (2B, 1D)

Start each morning with a sunrise shoot. We’ll venture to the Maligne Lake area, a scenic drive that offers potential to see a variety of wildlife including grizzlies, black bears, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou, and mountain goats. There is also the opportunity to photograph the Colin Range from the Palisades picnic site and follow the Miette Hot Springs Road, a pleasant narrow and winding road with four pullovers to stop and photograph from.

Return to the lodge midday. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to go to lunch, download images, relax, or photograph around the lodge. Dan will be available for any questions you have about digital storage or software programs.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll go out to shoot near the east gate of the Park. Our final group dinner will be at Evil Dave’s Grill (September 22nd) in the town of Jasper. This bistro-type restaurant offers a gourmet menu that combines international flavors and eclectic ingredients sure to tempt anyone’s palate. Overnight Jasper Inn & Suites

Friday, September 23  (B)

For our final full day, we’ll eat a quick breakfast at the bakery and then depart early to work our way back to Calgary along the Icefields Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Parks. The trip south has just as many magnificent 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. Arrive in Calgary late in the day and stay overnight at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel.

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

Saturday, September 24

Depart Calgary anytime of day.

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