Canadian Rockies tips

Winnie & I are spending up to 6 weeks in Canada from early September. I was planning on 3-4 weeks in Banff, Jasper & Glacier NPs. I also wanted to spend the rest of my time doing travel photography in places like Montreal & Quebec. Just wondering if 3-4 weeks will be adequate to cover the national parks. Also I was wondering how to divide the time spent at each park. One of the weeks will be spent at Aurum Lodge shooting with Darwin Wiggett at his fall workshop. I would greatly appreciate any tips or advise. Thanks in advance.

Well, I was about to suggest ask Darwin Wiggett. And you lucky fellow, are going for a full workshop with him.

Have fun!

Kah, I would suggest that you get a copy of Darwin Wiggett's book Photographing the Canadian Rockies. It was invaluable on our trip there last October. I had been there three times before but Darwin's book led me to several places I hadn't been to before. I'd highly recommend it.

3-4 years isn't enough time to cover these parks. I spent 65 days there this past September-November and feel like I only scratched the surface. It's all a matter of perspective. You could start with Darwin's book, but then, I've never researched any place soley by anyone else's accounts and minimize it when possible. It helps me apply my own personal style and preferences on a landscape and follow my own vision of how I want to portray a place. Likewise, I don't take workshops - no offense to Darwin, and I've heard plenty of accounts to the contrary, so again it's just all about your perspective. I'm not saying don't do any research at all of course - do lots of it, and familiarize yourself as much as possible with your options - you need a lifetime to explore them all.

You're visiting a very diverse region at the most diverse time of year. Weather could have a HUGE impact on your plans at this time - from a meter of snow on everything to dry, dusty, end of summer conditions, quite possibly both in the same trip. So have a backup plan for everything! As far as splitting up your time goes, not one of these parks is worth more time than another so do it evenly. Each offers very accessable photo opportunities for the photographer who has limited time. Glacier and Banff probably more so than Jasper, but Jasper is equally as photogenic, even if slightly less populated. And don't forget about adjacent parks like Yoho and Kananaskis near Banff. Both of these attractions are also every bit as impressive!

I'd take note of which areas (often secondary roads or high elevations) may close earlier in the season and see those first if possible. Larch season is often late September, so plan at least one excursion into the high country to shoot those colors. Look carefully at backpacking options - the best way to see the Rockies IMO.

Lastly, I personally recommend Wild Bill's Saloon in downtown Banff.


Marc

One thing you need to keep in mind if you don't already know is you can't go zipping around at 85 mph in Canada like you can in the Dakotas. The highway system up there is no where near as developed as what you're likely used to. Roads are two lane and no one seems to be in a hurry. It's tough to pass on the curvy roads. Many of these roads will close in the time frame you are talking about. I would heed above advice and start either "high" or North. When you talk about Jasper and Montreal all in one trip, I'm not sure if you realize the geography you are staking out. Wife & I did a 3 week trip of just Banff to Jasper once and ran out of time. You would also be wise to find out in advance where hotels will be open after the leaves fall.


Kent in SD

Thanks for your feedback. I have not been on a photo workshop before, I think mixing it up with 80% independent stuff will be good. I think Darwin's workshop will include Yoho & Kananaskis leaving me to do the big 3 myself. I always end up finding my own places to photograph in Australia but on this occasion I'm travelling a large distance & there's a lot to cover so some research is essential.

If you make it to Quebec you'll LOVE Quebec City. Old world charm and French Canadian culture at it's best. But bear Kent's advice in mind. The sheer size of this nation is mind boggling. If you drive 8 hours a day, it's 5 days from Vancouver to Quebec and you're still maybe 2 days to the east coast after that!!!

Please enjoy as much of our beloved country as you can and WELCOME !!!

Bob

Thanks Bob. Hopefully I'll get a chance to practice my French. I'm not going to waste time recovering from those long drives. I'll fly from Vancouver to Calgary to approach the parks then fly into Toronto.

Kah, you would do well to pick up a copy of Parkways of the Canadian Rockies- A Road Guide by Brian Patton. It is a kilometer (and mile by mile) guide of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. It will help your research immensily.

Glacier National Park (the Canadian one) caters more to the backpacker-backcountry adventurer. I do not know of any day hikes there. The drive through is beautiful but I am not sure how easy it is to stop and take photos. I think this is a park that you have to plan differently for than Banff or Jasper. Also if you choose Glacier last you could very easily run into winter conditions. That is also true of the higher elevations such as Lake Louise area in Banff and the Columbia Icefields in Jasper. One of the most spectacular day hikes in Jasper is the Wilcox Pass trail near the Columbia Icefields. We seen our first grizzly in that area

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

We will cover the lesser know n and secret spots in Banff, and Jasper National Park and the un-visited Bighorn Wildlands and Kootenay Plains. You will have Kananaskis, Yoho, and Kootenay to do on your own (covered in my book - copies still available at www.thecamerastore.com). My book will get you to great places at the right time. Personal style is up to you. I don't believe that because someone told me how to get to a place or what time to go (or that I have seen previously published photos) from the location that that info will affect my personal style - so I use info from others freely. I say research is great as long as your goal is not to replicate shots that others have done before you (I think that is more what Marc is getting at). Darwin

Yeah, that's mostly what I'm getting at.

Thanks Bill, Darwin & Marc. The thing is the area is so big, a workshop to focus on some nice areas for a week would be great. I notice you've got a section on your website on workshops Marc yourself.

I never took any myself, but at the same time I get a LOT of demand for it, so I had to comprimise. I'm not exactly a people person, but I can talk about things I know and deliver a pleasant experience that includes a lot of hiking and beautiful places. Just because I didn't favor going to workshops dosen't mean others might not learn anything by coming to one of mine. It's just a matter of personal learning styles and the experiences you wish to have. There are some people that might not have a lot of time and want little more than to follow me around to interesting spots. I've gotten a lot of requests like that for the gorge this year. You're a pretty talented photographer, but I'll bet Dawin will show you some really cool stuff you wouldn't have found on your own.

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice from personal experience, as I haven't been to that area since high school a long time ago!! However, I can send you to my good buddy Darren's excellent trip report from his 6 week Canadian Rockies Tour from a couple years ago. It's a massive report, lots of good info, and tons of great images. Have a fun, and safe trip!!!

I've never done a photo tour Marc but I think when you have to travel far, cover a large area in a very limited time, a good tour would help to give direction. I reckon you would be able to run a great workshop, even if it's not really something you would do yourself. Brent, thanks for your fantastic link.

"One thing you need to keep in mind if you don't already know is you can't go zipping around at 85 mph in Canada like you can in the Dakotas. The highway system up there is no where near as developed as what you're likely used to. Roads are two lane and no one seems to be in a hurry. It's tough to pass on the curvy roads"

And if you plan to drive like this, I would suggest you stay home...

Too many animals (and people) are killed every year in our National Parks by idiots who can't obey speed limits.

Hi Kit Yoong,

I think you have quite a lot to go on from the above suggestions already, but when you drive the Columbia Icefields Parkway linking Jasper and Bannf, do drop by a souvenir shop at either place first and pick up an audio Tour tape to play in the car. It will guide you along the way and give you plenty of information on what's ahead. I think you'll need a few days on this Parkway, especially since you are photographing, as mountain light in the clear air tends to get harsh quickly. Incidentally, I remember the fall colours as being a bit better in late September, rather than early.

Have a great trip!
Cheers,

You you lucky you! I've been living in Canada for 6 years now and haven't found the time to make it to the Rockies!

If you are going to be in Quebec towards the end of September, we could meet up - I know a couple of places in the province of Quebec that are literally ablaze in the fall.

BTW, in case you are still wondering, I live in Montreal.

Thanks for the further tips guys. Ashutosh I am planning to be in Quebec early October if that suits you.

Actually Quebec is fine till mid-October. After that the leaves start deserting the trees rather quickly - within a week if there is a freak rainstorm.