A Photographer’s Information to Beautiful Areas in Banff Nationwide Park, Canada
Glacial Lakes – Waterfalls – Rugged Peaks + fairly a bit further!
As mist wafts by way of the valley and snow capped peaks rise above reflecting turquoise lakes I couldn’t assist nonetheless assume to myself, that Banff Nationwide Park is perfection.
The Canadian Rockies are a type of dream locations for lots of photographers and from the very first glimpse, the mountains draw you in with their stoic presence and alluring magnificence.
Banff Nationwide Park provides all of the scenic wonders you’d ever have to {{{photograph}}} and relying in your season of selection, you presumably can expertise ice caves, turqouise lakes, snow lined forests or lush inexperienced meadows. From Fort Mountain to Lake Louise and all of the beauties of the decrease Icefields Parkway, you’d merely spend months exploring spherical Banff with out repeating areas or trails.
As a photographer, I do know that priorities all the time lie uncover these fantastic {{photograph}} spots to seize a visit spot so my time in Banff was spent researching the precise vantage elements and footage areas with a aim to compile this information. Yep, horrible job I do know.
Beneath you’ll uncover a map to my curated tips of the precise images areas in Banff Nationwide Park and when you scroll additional down there’s detailed descriptions and {{photograph}} methods for every spot.
Map: Banff Nationwide Park Footage Areas
Click on on on the map to open it in Google and take with you as you uncover the {{photograph}} areas talked about all by this information!
Bow Valley Parkway
Earlier than we get began on the actual individual {{photograph}} spots, this route ought to be talked about. The Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A) presents entry to a number of the greatest images spots in Banff Nationwide Park, connects Banff and Lake Louise whereas being considerably fairly a bit calmer than the freeway.
On the Bow Valley Parkway you’ve bought the next likelihood of seeing wildlife and there’s oodles of {{photograph}} spots and climbing trails to maintain up you snap glad. The Bow Valley Parkway begins merely north of Banff and with a decrease velocity prohibit, it seems like a leisurely drive by way of all of the alpine scenic wonders you’d hope to see on a go to to the Canadian Rockies.
Thought-about one amongst my favorite stops on this route is Storm Mountain Lookout, the place panoramic views look in route of Storm Mountain with the Bow River and forests contained in the foreground. It is usually potential to get fortunate and watch a apply come by way of the valley! There’s a substantial amount of house to maneuver spherical and I uncover it far rather a lot a lot much less crowded than Morant’s Curve.
*Merely to notice, there’s in the mean time a pilot program working which suggests for 3 years 2023-2025, the southern part of the route could have restricted entry from 8am-8pm at sure circumstances of the 12 months to create a protected habitat for wildlife. It’s in place from Could 1st – June twenty fifth and September 1st – October 1st, which suggests you’ll have to entry the Bow Valley Parkway by way of Fort Junction. For people who’re visiting Johnston Canyon, merely go this manner and swap right to maneuver as soon as extra south by way of route 1A. Cyclists are allowed to entry the street, so when you’re hoping to see all the route in daylight, get peddling 🙂
Bow Valley Parkway Journey Tip: There’s a wide range of protected areas/parking spots positioned alongside the Bow Valley Parkway to drag over and scour the encircling panorama to verify for any wildlife. Don’t cease your automotive inside the midst of the street, and watch out for Bear Jams…web site friends jams launched on by of us stopping to {{{photograph}}} bears!
Fort Mountain
Rising up from the forest with rocky ridges stacked from left to right, Fort Mountain is little question most likely essentially the most photographed mountains in Banff Nationwide Park. You presumably can seize this magnificence from a wide range of angles, so I’d counsel making an attempt to get inventive and discovering your personal spot.
In all probability essentially the most well-liked location for photographing Fort Mountain is from the banks of the Bow River beneath the Banff-Windermere Freeway Bridge close to Fort Junction. Entry the river by passing by way of the wildlife gates (on foot) on the western side of the bridge, being in the end cautious to shut the gate behind you. *Merely to notice, this entry could also be restricted so if the gate is closed, uncover an alternate angle elsewhere.
Fort Mountain Picture Tip: Make certain that to change away from the choice of us with tripods put together with a aim to discover a explicit composition and seize your personal angle of the scene. I took a pair of gum boots so I will wade into the river and {{{photograph}}} split-level photos, not solely due to I’m loopy obsessive about this system nonetheless with a aim to discover a present perspective of this widespread {{photograph}} spot.
**I’ve to say an infinite as a result of unbelievable Marta from In A Faraway Land who wrote about this spot in her information to Banff Nationwide Park. Take a peek at her extraordinarily detailed itineraries to photographing the Rockies too!
In each different case, some good {{photograph}} spots embrace a freeway pit cease merely after passing the Redearth turn-off when driving from Banff. From correct proper right here you presumably can see all the mountain and use the valley and Bow River as your foreground elements. There’s furthermore the view from shut up if yow will uncover a protected place to drag over whereas driving alongside the Bow Valley Parkway.
On the Bow Valley Parkway, there’s a small parking spherical merely after the street separates (if travelling from the north). This stage provides an superior viewpoint of Fort Mountain and you might physique the rocky cliffs with greenery.
Johnston Canyon + Falls
A slim gorge crammed with cascading little rapids and towering forests leads one of many easiest methods to Johnston Canyon, a must-see for any photographer visiting Banff Nationwide Park. The hike contains of the Decrease Falls and Higher Falls with these determined to hike somewhat little bit of additional being handled to an unimaginable scene.
For people who’re quick on time although, the decrease falls are a complete dazzler. Stroll all via the bridge and thru somewhat little bit of cave to be overpowered by the roar and drive of thundering water pouring into the canyon.
Johnston Falls Picture tip: On the hike up have a zoom lens useful to seize particulars of the rapids and surrounding atmosphere. In the event you arrive on the falls although, a fish-eye or wide-angle lens will may help you go nicely with them of their entirety, so that you just don’t miss any little little little bit of the magic.
Journey tip: In winter this observe could very nicely be VERY slippery and harmful. There are railings a number of the tactic nonetheless hiring crampons is crucial for my part. I wore them and managed the hike in 20mins whereas I noticed of us on one of many easiest methods as soon as extra that had been nonetheless slipping over and clinging to timber 45mins since I handed them. Go to Wilson Mountain Sports activities actions in Lake Louise to rent!
Vermillion Lakes
This participating spot is true beside Banff which suggests it’s fantastic for dawn or sundown photos in Banff Nationwide Park due to it’s so shut when you’re staying on the town.
The Vermillion Lakes present photographers with a gorgeous vantage stage all via the wetlands in path of the jagged Mount Rundle together with an nearly 360degree view of the encircling peaks. Arrive early when you’re in search of to {{{photograph}}} sundown to seize your self a pleasant place due to it might replenish shortly with photographers.
Vermillion Lakes Picture tip: Use the reeds and water to border your photos and hunt down reflections which is able to make your picture pop. The Vermillion lakes are sometimes fairly shallow which suggests they’ll be comparatively nonetheless until there’s a sturdy wind. It’s an superior spot to seize astrophotography and even extended exposures of clouds as they switch above the mountain peaks.
Bow Lake
Expansive pure wonders are instantly seen when you methodology Bow Lake. Neglect climbing hours to succeed in perfection, at Bow Lake its right in entrance of you and photogenic at each angle.
You’ll uncover Bow Lake positioned alongside the Icefields Parkway nonetheless it’s one amongst many first lakes you’ll come all via when travelling from Banff and is barely a 25min drive from Lake Louise. Due to it’s very straightforward to entry, Bow Lake is a perfect spot to enterprise for a dawn images mission!
Park your automotive on the view stage beside the Parkway and wander down the hill to {{{photograph}}} the scene from the clear water shores of the lake. It’s the right spot to attempt some split-level footage with Crowfoot Mountain looming rigorously behind. Standing at 3,055m, Crowfoot works with the lake to provide a surprising scene enabling you to wander all through the lake and seize various angles.
Bow Lake Picture tip: Attributable to its location, Bow Lake is a great spot for dawn. Arrive early and cross your fingers you’ll witness some morning mist drifting all via the water because of the early morning photograph voltaic rays illuminate the peaks above. For people who’ve bought a water-proof digicam, it’s furthermore a satisfying spot to attempt some split-level underwater images!
Peyto Lake – The Peyto Lake Hike
Is it a canine? Is it a wolf? Peyto Lake is little question one in every of many hottest stops on the Icefields Parkway and for fantastic set off! A brief uphill observe from the automotive park, the Peyto Lake Hike will lead you in path of the best views contained in the Rockies.
Not solely is the kind of the lake a draw card, nonetheless it’s intense vibrant turquoise coloration modifications as light and ice outcomes its tone all by the day and seasons.
Created by glacier rock flour that flows into the lake inside the summertime months, the water coloration is severely hanging even on a cloudy day. All through the winter months, the lake is frozen, go to in Could to see the lake thawing with unimaginable ice patterns, or inside the summertime months for that intense vibrant blue.
Peyto Lake Picture tip: Peyto Lake is widespread so arrive early or later contained in the day to keep away from sharing the view with tour buses. Within the occasion you might make it correct proper right here for dawn it’ll be properly nicely definitely worth the effort, alternatively later contained in the day will see fewer crowds furthermore.
Moraine Lake
*Attributable to early snowfall and unsafe avenue circumstances, I used to be unable to go to this spot on my journey nonetheless fortunately Adventurer and Twin Olympian Samantha Reid (take a look at her Instagram + Youtube channel) has been based mostly completely in Banff for the sooner 12 months and shares her methods beneath…
Moraine Lake is definitely one among my favorite lakes in Banff Nationwide Park and I’m not the one one who thinks so. Make certain you get to the lake early to get a parking house or catch public transit for a difficulty free go to. The entry avenue to the lake is barely open seasonally so if this one is in your bucket tips ensure you plan to go to between Could 22 and Oct 10 (these dates are native climate dependent and are topic to vary).
In the event you’re on the lake take a fast hike up the rock pile path to get that elementary shot wanting down on Moraine Lake with the ten peaks contained in the background. For an alternate perspective modify to the lakeshore path for magnificent views wanting all via the lake in path of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.
Lake Louise
That is the spot the place your jaw will drop and the one phrase that’ll come out of your mouth is WOW. Lake Louise is postcard perfection and when you’ve dreamt of photographing the Canadian Rockies, it is going to appropriately and really truly actually really feel equal to you’ve arrived.
The one draw once more to its magnificence is after the entire crowds it attracts. Nonetheless, yow will uncover a option to expertise the tranquillity of Lake Louise and {{{photograph}}} it’s atmosphere with out turning right into a member of the tripod wars alongside the lake…get your self a canoe or get climbing!
Paddling on Lake Louise ought to be the best images experiences I’ve ever had. Regardless of the steep value of $115+tax per hour ($105+tax per 30mins), when you’re excessive about capturing some distinctive photos of the panorama that’s doubtless one of many best strategies to do it. Canoes can match as rather a lot as 3 of us so splitting the associated fee makes it a little bit of further low cost. Have a look at my expertise canoeing on Lake Louise correct proper right here.
As shortly as out on the lake, paddle up in path of the glacier, alongside the shore line to {{{photograph}}} the forests and rocky atmosphere then don’t neglect to spotlight the turquoise blue contained in the foreground, it’s exhausting to get a foul shot correct proper right here!
I furthermore opted to take out my underwater housing, dunking it off the side of the canoe to aim a novel shot of Lake Louise with some split-levels. It meant I bought somewhat little bit of moist every time the digicam purchased proper right here as soon as extra into the canoe nonetheless it made the expertise much more satisfying and thrilling.
These not determined to paddle can enterprise alongside the make climbing trails that weave spherical and above Lake Louise. There’s a path right alongside the lake’s edge that requires no excessive stage of nicely being and presents a wide range of alternate views all via the lake right up till the foot of the glacier.
Lake Louise Picture Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and when you might’t, ensure you wander alongside the climbing trails to keep away from selfie sticks and completely different people posing on rocks.
Lake Louise Journey Tip: On account of the seasons change, Lake Louise takes on a singular look. You presumably can get pleasure from ice sculptures and skate as shortly as a result of it’s frozen over in winter, or in summer time season season, take inside the sunshine and even take a dip when you don’t concepts the chilliness of glacial fed water.
Morant’s Curve
Iconic views await at this unassuming nook discovered alongside the Bow Valley Parkway. I’d seen photos of this spot nonetheless till driving right upon it and pulling over due to it appeared fairly, didn’t have it on my itinerary nonetheless wish to ensure you do!
The Canadian Pacific Rail observe winds alongside the forested banks of the Bow River offering a inconceivable {{photograph}} spot to seize the panorama.
Morant’s Curve Picture tip: Affirm the apply schedules or enable time to attend it out for a apply to maneuver alongside the tracks. In each different case, any time of day will work on this location and as I acknowledged, the picture beneath was taken with none plans spherical 2pm. There’s a substantial amount of house to share the spot with utterly completely different photographers!
Journey tip: Park contained in the small automotive park reverse the {{photograph}} spot and shield a watch out when crossing the street.
Saskatchewan Crossing
Positioned alongside the Icefields Parkway in Banff Nationwide Park, this spot permits for an superior likelihood to stretch your legs and snap some photos of the expansive landscapes of Saskatchewan Crossing.
Initially utilized by fur retailers and travellers to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their option to British Columbia, now it’s the place a wide range of climbing trails start, notably one to the enticing Glacier Lake. It’s furthermore not too far from the very photogenic Abraham Lake, the place the ice bubbles shield photographers very occupied in winter!
For people who’re driving the Icefields Parkway and heading north, there’s a leisure cease on the left side of the street the place you presumably can seize some footage wanting down over the river basin.
Lake Minnewanka
Solely a quick drive from Banff you’ll uncover this gem, Lake Minnewanka which is little question one in every of many most fascinating areas to go for an all-day hike and uncover the wilderness of Banff Nationwide Park.
Lake Minnewanka could very nicely be explored by boat with a cruise accessible and kayaks to rent nonetheless for my part, the path that leads all through the shore is simply virtually almost pretty much as good and may enable you a substantial amount of time to wander at your personal tempo and {{{photograph}}} the landscapes. From the shore you presumably can nab some good photos of Mount Inglismaldie and Mount Girouard when you get somewhat little bit of additional all through the lake.
Merely beside you’ll uncover the equally lovely Two-Jack Lake which provides a stunning perspective as soon as extra in path of Mount Rundle, an superior spot for dawn and sundown images!
Lake Minnewanka Picture tip: The path is photogenic in itself providing a substantial amount of little coves to incorporate in your composition of the enticing atmosphere, a rocky shoreline and loads of locations to get pleasure from a picnic. (Merely ensure you pack your meals up and keep away from any lingering smells so that you just don’t entice bears!)
Banff Gondola – Sulphur Mountain Banff
Float above the forests in a gondola that’s taking you all one of many easiest methods to the perfect of Sulphur Mountain to entry the best views in Banff Nationwide Park! A go to on the Banff Gondola is little question one in every of many most fascinating factors to do in Banff and certainly not solely is it photogenic, it saves you climbing all one of many easiest methods up hill…I’m all for visiting any images location that doesn’t make my legs hurt!
As shortly as up on extreme there’s a purchaser centre with indoor experiences to test concerning the house together with a café, memento retailer and restaurant. On the perfect deck there’s fireplaces, out of doors seating and an superior terrace to start out out out photographing the atmosphere. In my view although, the precise images spots from the Banff Gondola are alongside the walkway in path of Samson’s Peak.
There’s a 1km picket boardwalk that ventures all via the perfect of the mountain offering spectacular views over the peaks and valleys in all instructions. In the event you attain the tip, there’s a 360 diploma view over Banff Nationwide Park, correct proper right down to the city of Banff, over in path of Lake Minnewanka, and Mount Norquay.
Picture tip: Time your go to so it helps you to {{{photograph}}} contained in the afternoon light after which wait spherical for sundown, it’s such a gorgeous situation to {{{photograph}}} the nightfall colors as they fall over the peaks of Banff Nationwide Park. In winter you’ll uncover it’s really, really chilly up the perfect so guarantee you may need native climate prepared clothes and hand heaters for inside your gloves, my fingers nearly froze!
Getting caught in a Bear Jam –
Whereas exploring Banff Nationwide Park you’ll little question end up in a “Bear Jam” or some type of avenue block launched on by wildlife. That is in the end what everyone seems to be hoping to see nonetheless normally this occasion could very nicely be harmful, notably when vacationers go away their vehicles and methodology the wildlife.
In any case, it’s most secure to remain inside your automotive, don’t methodology the wildlife and positively don’t try a selfie with a bear. If you end up in a bear jam seize your zoom lens and get snapping stalker vogue by way of the home residence home windows of your automotive in its place.
For people who’re hoping to maneuver alongside before all folks else merely drive really slowly if doable to proceed your journey. There’s normally big teams of Rocky Mountain Sheep that favor to nibble on vehicles and resolve up and squished bugs, it’s fairly exhausting to maneuver alongside till they’re achieved so endurance might also be an infinite drawback correct proper right here and it’s value going with the movement and realizing that it’s not a state of affairs that you just simply’ll end up in generally!
The place to Protect in Banff Nationwide Park?
So, that is the satisfying half due to there are SO many choices of the place to remain in or spherical Banff that whether or not or not or not you’re a lover of luxurious or camper, there’s one issue for everybody.
Let’s begin with the posh side of factors due to normally when there’s an opulent resort concerned, it’s bigger than most certainly going to be photogenic in its personal right. That is absolutely the case with The Publish Lodge in Lake Louise, it’s bought that cosy, picket chalet vibe and welcome’s you with all of the trimmings of a five-star institution.
Like getting into into a non-public ski lodge, The Publish Lodge selections rooms with a fireplace, charming interiors and the child of setting that makes that you should snuggle up beneath a blanket and watch the snowfall exterior. The simplest satisfying retreat after you’ve been out photographing in Banff Nationwide Park. I’ll be sharing a further detailed seen analysis of The Publish Lodge shortly so shield a watch out for extra footage!
These eager to maintain up factors easy and keep every in a self-catering residence or resort, listed beneath are some selections to look by way of which is able to match the invoice.
Advisable Banff Lodges –
On my most fashionable go to, I stayed at varied properties beneath the Basecamp Resorts model and may absolutely say, they’re a superb wanting place to base your self when exploring Banff Nationwide Park.
Their Banff resort, Basecamp Suites Banff, is ideally positioned right contained in the centre of Banff, near cafes, consuming places, strolling trails and the Bow River. Every of their modern, nonetheless low cost properties function flats, which suggests you’ve bought the entire points wished to quiet down, unpack and uncover the mountains. They’ve bought kitchens, tub tubs, cozy beds and parking.
With varied lodges, resorts and cabins, you presumably can choose to remain only some days in Banff, Canmore, at Baker Creek after which head over to Golden the place they’ve not too means again opened a mannequin new lodge.
Be taught my analysis of Basecamp Resorts correct proper right here.
Elk + Avenue – Newly refurbished and proper contained in the centre of Banff
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – An adventurer’s retreat with pool, tennis courts, spa and self-catered flats.
Banff Boutique Inn, Pension Tannehof – An opulent B&B nestled alongside Cave Ave solely a quick stroll all via the Bow River from downtown Banff.
Data on tenting in Banff Nationwide Park could very nicely be discovered by way of the Parks Canada website which lists availability of over 2400+ internet sites all by the park together with pricing and amenities information.
Greatest Time to Go to Banff Nationwide Park
In precise truth this depends upon what you’re hoping to {{{photograph}}} and what actions you’re most obsessed with doing. If it’s snowboarding and snow, then winter will most certainly be your ticket, nonetheless my visits in late autumn and as quickly as additional in early spring felt like they’d been timed merely absolutely. In late autumn, the summer time season season crowds had diminished, the larch timber had been displayed a vibrant golden coloration, there was early snowfall ensuing contained in the alpine atmosphere wanting fab and photogenic. Could launched thawing lakes, nonetheless lined with participating ice patterns and peeks of the participating blue colored water, plus far rather a lot a lot much less crowds.
Visiting in Could felt like I used to be watching the mountains stand up from their winter slumber, hotter and longer days launched a great deal of wildlife sightings, no mosquitos and chilly nights.
Summer season in Banff Nationwide Park can get somewhat little bit of chaotic with the quantity of individuals visiting nonetheless when you’re hoping to camp, expertise the floor and seize that summertime glow of the mountains, it’s value a go to.
Actually, I can’t think about a foul time to go to Banff Nationwide Park, these mountain landscapes are simply so enticing from each angle that it might very nicely be exhausting to go away dissatisfied regardless of while you get an opportunity to go to.
Everytime you’re planning factors to do in Banff Nationwide Park, ensure you verify native native climate forecasts so that you just’re not caught in a snow storm or harsh circumstances. My information ‘Native climate Forecasting for Panorama Photographers‘ hyperlinks to a few of my favorite native climate apps and net pages for monitoring wind velocity and cloud cowl.
Whats up there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as educated journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and wish to take heed to contained in the recommendations about your journeys and experiences world huge.