2018 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2018 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour Travel Plans

  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.

  SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW GUEST PHOTO GALLERIES FROM PAST CANADIAN ROCKIES TOURS

  • Guest Limits

    13 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    Early Booking Rate
    4700 per person based on double occupancy

    Add 250 if booked after
    September 1, 2017

    Single Supplement: 1100

    Pricing in USD

  • Deposit

    $500 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits 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, 2018: $2000 per person first installment
    May 1, 2018: Final payment

    Check only for first and final installments. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Private 30-seat coach transportation throughout the trip—plenty of space for each person and their camera gear
    • Private small group travel with Daniel J. Cox
    • 8 nights of accommodations
    • Local guide/driver accompanying the group
    • Designated meals as indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Snacks and beverages on bus
    • All national park fees and permits
    • Taxes

  • Not Included

    • Transportation/airfare to/from Calgary, AB, Canada
    • Miscellaneous meals, alcoholic beverages, and other personal items
    • Travel insurance
    • Gratuities for guide-bus driver

  • Flights to Book

    September 29, 2018
    Arrive in Calgary (YYC) before 1:00pm
    Meet Dan and Tanya just outside customs/baggage claim at the Calgary International Airport at 1:30pm. Please fly in the night before if needed.

    October 7, 2018
    Depart Calgary (YYC) any time of day

  • Travel 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)

    Insure My Trip

  • 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 2018 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour

  September 29, 1 Night
  Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
  Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Autograph Collection Hotels is a world-class resort in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Located one hour west of Calgary, guests experience an authentic and comfortable retreat, nestled quietly amidst rugged terrain and breathtaking views. Serenity awaits throughout all newly renovated guest rooms & suites. Amenities include a full service spa, fitness center, pool, and complimentary in-room wireless Internet.

  September 30, 1 Night
  Delta Hotels Banff Royal Canadian Lodge
  Banff may be a small resort town, but with its rich history, outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, it’s a worthy alternative to the big city. Nestled in the heart of town at the base of Sulfur Mountain, Banff Royal lodge offers the perfect location, surrounded by the majestic mountains, lakes, and forests of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it easy to truly unwind. Relaxation comes in all forms, including a fitness center, mineral pool, and the full-service Grotto Spa. Sit down to a delicious locally sourced meal at Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge, or enjoy dining in the comfort of your guest room, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, a 37-inch LCD TV, and a cozy Sanctuary bed.

  October 1 and 2, 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, a 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! Wi-Fi and hair dyer available in rooms.

  October 3-5, 3 Nights
  Sawridge Inn Jasper
  Set amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, the Sawridge Inn Jasper is a resort style hotel that offers true rustic charm. Beautiful guest rooms, on-site spa, decadent dining, and a heated pool with jacuzzi and steam room add to the luxury you want in your mountain getaway. Complimentary business station and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

  October 6, 1 Night
  Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
  Located immediately within YYC, you are just steps from your gate, eliminating stress and maximizing efficiency. The city’s vibrant downtown district is just a short drive away. Contemporary rooms showcase custom duvets, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi access. Windows feature views of the Calgary skyline, the Alberta Prairies, and the Canadian Rocky Mountains; some also offer views of the airport runway. Enjoy a locally sourced meal at Yakima, the hotel restaurant and bar, or challenge yourself to a workout in the fitness center and pool.

• Helpful Information for 2018 Canadian Rockies Fall Photography Tour

  Each guest will receive a full itinerary with suggested camera gear, clothing, etc. closer to trip time. You are welcome to bring a video camera if you prefer this media format.

  VISA and PASSPORT

  Your passport must be valid at the time of entry, and one empty passport page is required for entry. No visa needed.

  ABOUT THE TRIP

  Scenic photography is the focus of this trip; seeing wildlife is a bonus. We’ll do our best to get you to the right place at the right time during optimal light for sunrise and sunset shoots.

  Approximate sunrise and sunset times:
  Sunrise: 7:42am
  Sunset: 7:22pm

  There 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/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 30 people and has 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.

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• 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

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

  • "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

  • "Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."

    Linda Henry, Oregon

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