September 27th - October 4th, 2014
Join Daniel and Tanya on one of the most scenic drives through the Canadian Rockies. The autumn season is a magical time when the larches turn from green to gold along the rugged Continental Divide. Our small private group will travel on a chartered, guided vehicle throughout Kananaskis Country, Banff and Jasper National Parks. Accommodations include the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This would be a great trip for couples with non-photographing spouses…So close to visit…best time of year to explore. The hoards of summer visitors are gone, the parks and animals are waiting for us…now is the time to enjoy this beautiful province!
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2014 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour Travel Plans
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 ParkwayFor 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 AnetteThursday, 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.
Guest Limits
13 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
$3710 per person based on double occupancy (early booking rate)
Add $250 if booked after
September 1, 2013Single Supplement: $750
Deposit
$500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
January 1, 2014: $1500 First Installment
May 1, 2014: Final PaymentCheck only for first installment and final payment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private coach transportation throughout the trip with plenty of extra space for each person for camera gear
- Private small group travel with Daniel J. Cox
- 7 nights accommodations
- Local guide/driver accompanying the group
- Designated meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Snacks and beverages on bus
- All national park fees and permits
- Gratuity for guide
- Taxes (2% tourism fee, 4% levy fee, 5% GST)
Not Included
- Transportation/airfare to/from Calgary, AB, Canada
- Miscellaneous meals, alcoholic beverages and other personal items
- Travel insurance
Flights to Book
September 27, 2014
Arrive Calgary (YYC) before 1:00pm
Meet Dan and Tanya at 1:30pm at the Calgary International Airport, just outside customs/baggage claim. Please fly in the night before if needed.October 4, 2013
Depart Calgary (YYC) any time of dayTravel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2014 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour
We would be happy to help arrange a hotel pre/post trip if needed.
September 27, 1 Night
Delta Lodge at Kananaskis
September 28, 1 Night
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
September 29-30, 2 Nights
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Rated “North America’s most scenic resort” time after time, the Chateau offers lake view rooms and a variety of restaurants, lounges, spa and shops. After a full day of photographing the scenic drive from Banff to Lake Louise, you’ll have an evening to yourself to unwind and enjoy all the hotel has to offer. Before nodding off, don’t forget to set your alarm: the best light is on the lake in the morning!October 1-2, 2 Nights
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort is surrounded by mountains with a lake view. Our accommodations include charming cabins with rustic elegance.October 3, 1 Night
Holiday Inn Calgary AirportHelpful Information for 2014 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour
Each guest will receive a full itinerary, including suggested camera gear, clothing, etc., closer to trip time. You are welcome to bring a video camera if you prefer this media format.
VISAS
No visa needed, only valid passport for entry into Canada.
ABOUT THE TRIP
Scenic photography is the focus of this trip; seeing wildlife is a bonus. We’ll do our best to get you into the right place at the right time during optimal light for sunrise and sunset shoots.
Approximate sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise: 7:42am
Sunset: 7:22pmThere will be many early mornings and late evenings. Most of the outings are optional, so you can choose whether to go out with the group, stay back and get some rest or explore on your own. This is your vacation and should be pleasurable! Many of the resorts and lodges have walking trails, spas, pools, etc. to relax and enjoy at your own pace.
The activity level on this trip will be fairly non-strenuous. There will be hikes, but all are optional and most are fairly easy. Most photography will be done from the road.
TRANSPORTATION
Our private chartered vehicle seats 24 people with overhead storage and also luggage storage in the rear. Snacks and water will be available on the charter throughout the day.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
“My wife and I visited the Canadian Rockies in 1998 and I took “Snapshots”. Twelve years later, we visited the Canadian Rockies again and having been on previous trips with Dan and Tanya, my photography has improved by leaps and bounds. The images were spectacular. This was an amazing trip with lots of incredible scenery. My wife, being a non-photographer, was made to feel very welcome and we met lots of new friends and got to see friends again from previous trips. Dan and Tanya do an excellent job and we can’t wait until the next trip.”
Fred Kurtz, Indiana
"Canadian Rockies - OH My!
Elk and moose on the loose
Snowy peaks through skies sneak blue
Glacial lakes for goodness sakes!
A memorable trip in so many ways - food, sights, friendships and accommodations"Margie Carroll, Georgia
