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Thread started 24 Aug 2011 (Wednesday) 07:20
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Western Canada Road Trip

 
JuSlaughter
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Aug 24, 2011 07:20 |  #1

Aftenoon

Last year I posted about choosing between Yellowstone and Hawaii for our 20th wedding anniversary. We chose Canada :oops:

We have planned our itinerary around various places and wondered whether you would be kind enough to recommend great photography locations\places to vist\places to eat.

I am taking my landscape kit and also a 300mm for wildlife (would like a 500mm but can't afford one).

We overnight in Calgary following our flight. We then spend 4 days in around Moraine Lake, then 2 days in Jasper, overnight in Clearwater, Whistler for 2 days then on to Tofino for 4 days, Victoria for 2 days and finally Vancouver for 3 days.

Any help\advice\tips\locat​ions would be greatly appreciated.


Canon 7D2, Canon 5DC, Canon 40D, Canon 350D, 17-40mm F4, 24-105mm F4, 50mm F1.8, 100mm F2.8, 300mm F4, 70-200mm F4 IS, 100-400mm f5.6, Sigma 15mm Fisheye, Sigma 10-20mm F5.6, 580EX II, 430 EX and a bagload of other stuff
website:www.julianslaughterima​gery.co.uk (external link)

  
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sparker1
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Aug 24, 2011 19:36 |  #2

There have been some recent posts regarding Banff/Jasper, so I suggest you read them (and I won't repeat everything here). Not sure you have allowed enough time for that area. I was there for 12 days last summer (third visit), and still felt more time would be helpful. Don't overlook Kootenay and Yoho National Parks.

Not sure why you are going to Clearwater. The Provincial Park nearby has several big waterfalls, but it takes most of a day to see them and can easily be passed over. Also wonder about Whistler's appeal, other than during the winter. It's beautiful country, but you'll see lots of that. I've never been to Tofino, so can't comment there. Time in Victoria and Vancouver seems about right. The drive from Whistler to Vancouver is beautiful, and there are several attractive small towns you will pass through.

If you have specific questions, let us know. This will be a wonderful trip for you.


Stan (See my gallery at http://www.pbase.com/s​parker1 (external link))

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mikeivan
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Aug 24, 2011 21:10 |  #3

I posted in a recent thread but I will repeat myself, you are going to enjoy this trip. We love staying in this lodge, but it is not for everyone, primitive by some standards: http://sntj.ca/ (external link)


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This is the view from the front door of the lodge, Bow Glacier above Bow Lake.


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Peyto Lake is for me, the most photogenic view in the Canadian Rockies. You could spend all day here, watching the changing light.

MIKEIVAN

  
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bboehm
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Aug 24, 2011 21:19 |  #4

Hey- Happy 20th!! We are celebrating our 20th (today as a matter of fact) and my wife wants new furniture - she hates traveling. Can I go with you to Canada?


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JuSlaughter
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Aug 25, 2011 02:32 |  #5

Stan, unfortunately my pockets are bottomless so we are restricted with how long we stay in various places. Clearwater is only a stop-over as the drive from Jasper to Whister is too far apparently.

Mikeivan, Peyto lake has been added to the list, thanks very much.

Bboehm, congratulations to you too. Unlucky with the furniture though ;o)


Canon 7D2, Canon 5DC, Canon 40D, Canon 350D, 17-40mm F4, 24-105mm F4, 50mm F1.8, 100mm F2.8, 300mm F4, 70-200mm F4 IS, 100-400mm f5.6, Sigma 15mm Fisheye, Sigma 10-20mm F5.6, 580EX II, 430 EX and a bagload of other stuff
website:www.julianslaughterima​gery.co.uk (external link)

  
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BreitlingFan
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Aug 25, 2011 08:04 as a reply to  @ JuSlaughter's post |  #6
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If you're looking for wildlife, Jasper trumps Banff. That said, I think the lake views in Banff are better (at least given the limited amount of travel I've done in both)...


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g8trgr8t
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Aug 25, 2011 20:59 |  #7

Peyto Lake - make sure you hike to the top of the hill, away fromt he parking lot. Relatively short uphill hike but the views are much better.

Try and do anything you can to get to Lake O'Hara in Yoho national park. One of the most beautiful spots anywhere.

Hike up to Edith Cavell Meadows. View of the lake and Angel Glacier is great from up there.

Hike plain of 6 glaciers if you can, Great scenery up there.

Try and stay closer to Lake Louise. That is much better area for pics and scenery than Banff. We loved Baker Creek chalets on Bow Valley Road. Ride Bow Valley Road for wildlife am and pm.

In Jasper, ride Maligne Lake Road in am and pm. Lot of wildlife there.

Maligne Canyon in Jasper is great place as is Johnston Canyon on Bow Valley Road (closer to Lake Louise than Banff)

I would take a minimum 400 for wildlife and make sure you have a wide angle for landscapes. I was either using a 10 - 22 or a 100 - 400. I rented the 10 - 22 from lensdepot and that worked out great. left the 17 - 40 in the bag the great majority of the time.

Wilcox Pass hike on Icefields Parkway ahs some great views and a whole family of bighorn sheep that live up at the top. There were at least 30 of them that I counted before a thunderstorm ran us off the hill.

Best palce to stay in Jasper was Patricia Lake Bungalows. Gorgeous place, great rooms, right on Patricia Lake with Pyramid Mountain for backdrop

Here are a few pics

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5970311059_61419786fb_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​970311059/  (external link)
LakeOhara 359 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

Lake O/Hara

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5968451587_f015fe15f4_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​968451587/  (external link)
LakeOhara 193 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5961011421_fedf67835c_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​961011421/  (external link)
SixGlaciers 241a (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5964379433_a420410ca6_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​964379433/  (external link)
Jasper1 102 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5965940266_c2482b58df_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​965940266/  (external link)
Jasper1 450a (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

Angel Glacier and Lake Edith Cavell Jasper

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5958557364_840c9cecdb_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​958557364/  (external link)
IcefieldPkwy 302 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

Peyto Lake from Bow Summit

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5960958617_f8c3964504_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​960958617/  (external link)
Jasper1 275b (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/5961543654_108d94835d_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​961543654/  (external link)
Many Glacier (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

more pics here of our trip to Glacier, Waterton, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Calgary

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/65452082@N04/ (external link)


skip to page 4 to get past rodeo pics

and more here

http://s278.photobucke​t.com …acierBanffJaspe​rStampede/ (external link)



  
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JuSlaughter
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Aug 26, 2011 12:10 |  #8

g8, those are some stunning images, and thanks for the tips too.


Canon 7D2, Canon 5DC, Canon 40D, Canon 350D, 17-40mm F4, 24-105mm F4, 50mm F1.8, 100mm F2.8, 300mm F4, 70-200mm F4 IS, 100-400mm f5.6, Sigma 15mm Fisheye, Sigma 10-20mm F5.6, 580EX II, 430 EX and a bagload of other stuff
website:www.julianslaughterima​gery.co.uk (external link)

  
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g8trgr8t
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Aug 26, 2011 15:41 |  #9

thanks, wish I was better at processing so I could clean them up some. visit the flickr page for more and some of the Calgary Stampede

fyi, for Lake O'Hara, you either have to call ahead of time, usually 3 months to the day, or show up at 7 am (may change for September) and put your name on the list and hope somebody with resevations doesn't show up to get into Lake O'Hara. It is limited access and they limit the visitors to 47 (???bad memory) daytrippers a day. You park and ride an old school bus the 6k into the base area. It was one of, if not the, prettiest places we saw the whole trip. Hated to leave there, if/when we return, we will try and camp for 3 days there so we can explore the rest of the area.

Other option is to hire local hiking guide that may already have spots reserved and will lead you on a hike. Here is one group, google for others. We didn't use any but made reservations ahead of time for peak season (July)
http://www.greatdivide​.ca/top9.html (external link)

Here is the link to Lake O'Hara reservations. Keep trying if they don't answer

http://www.pc.gc.ca …c/yoho/activ/oh​ara/a.aspx (external link)

a few more to encourage you, forgot to mention that we saw lots of black bear on the Icefields Parkway

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5961489222_0468edb6be_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​961489222/  (external link)
Jasper1 234a (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5960880599_a613619583_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​960880599/  (external link)
Jasper1 024 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5958553306_254b305183_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​958553306/  (external link)
IcefieldPkwy 148 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5968451555_fb119993d6_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​968451555/  (external link)
LakeOhara 039 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5968451607_36eacae58f_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/5​968451607/  (external link)
LakeOhara 227 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr

IMAGE: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/6003663688_ca44873501_b.jpg
IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/65452082@N04/6​003663688/  (external link)
Stampede 621 (external link) by g8trgr8t (external link), on Flickr



  
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Leftcoast_Mike
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Aug 26, 2011 15:45 |  #10

You'll love Whistler, I go there often but Tofino will blow your mind...nothing but beautiful ocean and beaches...the town itself is really great as well :) Mind if I ask where you're staying in Tofino and what time of year?

happy travels and looking forward to photos!


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JuSlaughter
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Aug 29, 2011 02:45 |  #11

Hi Mike, we are staying at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort towards the end of September


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Leftcoast_Mike
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Aug 29, 2011 08:01 |  #12

JuSlaughter wrote in post #13017418 (external link)
Hi Mike, we are staying at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort towards the end of September

Thats where I stayed and I didnt want to leave! Enjoy :)


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thedge
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Aug 31, 2011 10:12 |  #13

For wildlife around Banff, take Highway 1A aka the Bow Valley Parkway. It parallels the Trans Canada, so it will take you from just outside Banff to Lake Louise. I did some camping recently in Banff and Jasper and that road is where we saw the bulk of the wildlife. Bears, deer, big horn sheep were the most frequent.

My experience was opposite, I saw next to no wildlife on the apparently extremely wildlife packed Ice Valley Parkway, nor did I see any in Jasper.... But that was my luck. For the wildlife on Bow Valley Parkway a 300 is going to be a good lens. Youll be amazed how close they are to the road. I bought a 100-400 for my trip and a lot of my wildlife shots were in the 300-350 range. Some were even less, 100-200 range. They do get very close. Drive it in the mornings and late afternoon/early evening for best chances to see some.

Count on a long drive up the Ice Valley Parkway. There is lots to stop and take pictures of. Very scenic and beautiful.

Johnston Canyon Falls trail is on the Bow Valley Parkway. This is a nice hike BUT if you want to hike it you must start early. It is one of the most popular trails in Banff and Jasper and gets VERY busy. Has some nice waterfall shots and opportunities for ND filters for milky water but space can be tight for tripods with all the crowds. There are railings to set your camera on which can actually get you some nice shots of stuff so dont worry too much. You can see the waterfalls and go all the way to the Ink Pots which are apparently a neat site (I didnt see them due to timing and the crowds, my girlfriend and I arent much for hiking in crowds).

Lake Louise has some trails around it too. Again very busy and popular. The Tea House trail is steep but offers some nice views of the lake and mountains. Depending on your endurance level you can go all the way up to the Beehives for some views from those mountains.

Athabasca Falls is a great stop for later in the day when the sun is low. Light is somewhat harsh at mid day.

Tangle Creek Falls is a nice waterfall stop but its at the side of the road and very busy.

Moraine Lake on the Rock Pile at sunset is a must do, even multiple times. Also a must do if its stormy looking, theres some great views from the Rock Pile.

Sit down now and console yourself with a few beers that you wont see everything you want to :(

I cant help you on the Clearwater area, I took a different route to Banff and Jasper.

Ill say it now since it fits in your itinerary. Vancouver doesnt really have a zoo with mammals, so if you want to see some stop in the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops. Its part zoo and part wildlife rehab. Its not really like most "true" zoos though, its quite geared towards wildlife rescue and such. BC Zoo (external link)

Your itinerary said Clearwater then Whistler. I would suggest avoiding Highway 5 to Vancouver and going straight to Whistler via the 99.
Highway 99 to Whistler (external link)
This will help you avoid some traffic and take the scenic route into Whistler. Check road reports before leaving though, this road can be blocked by rockslides, accidents, Albertans confused by a road curve, or construction. Its not a wide or fast highway but a great drive.

Theres lots to do in and around Whistler. Take the Peak to Peak Gondola for sure.

Cant help much on Tofino, never been there myself. Heard its amazing though.

Victoria is nice, dont expect a big city feel like Vancouver though. The Royal BC Museum is a great place to go.
http://www.royalbcmuse​um.bc.ca (external link)

Vancouver is a great place, plenty to see and do. Stanley Park for hiking, views and the BC Aquarium. Granville Island for views and food. Gastown for Vancouver's history and past. Check out the Steam Clock. There is also a statue that explains how Gastown got its name. Its probably not what you expect. The answer can be found on Wikipedia but thats less fun.

If you have a car drive up to the Cypress Bowl Road to the viewpoint thats mid way up (cant miss it). Great in the evening and at sunrise or sunset.

Science World is a fun visit.

f you are into hiking, Vancouver has a huge number of trails. If you post what your skill level is I can suggest a few to match if you want.

Youll have to post what kind of food you like as Vancouver has pretty much any kind you can think of. If you like Indian, there is a place called Vijs that is world class but very busy. Make a reservation. Make sure you have some ceder plank smoked Salmon, Granville Island has some good places for that.

Grouse Mountain is also a fun visit. There is a large gondola that goes up to the top. There is no road, only the gondola. There is also the Grouse Grind. This is a hike up the side of the mountain to the top. Its quite a workout and supposed to be one way only (UP). You get a discount ticket at the top for the gondola down. Depending on your fitness level this is one of the quintessential Vancouver things to do. Things to do up top vary on time of year but there is stuff at all times. The gondola itself is fun, there is hiking or skiing and snowboarding up there. There is also a large wind power station up there and it has its own viewpoint.
Grouse Mountain (external link)

Capilano Suspension Bridge, also has some hiking trails and other stuff.
Capilano Suspension Bridge (external link)

Edit: Dont forget the power converters and a Metric conversion app for your phone.


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WaltA
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Aug 31, 2011 10:40 |  #14

thedge wrote in post #13029985 (external link)
Ill say it now since it fits in your itinerary. Vancouver doesnt really have a zoo with mammals, so if you want to see some stop in the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops. Its part zoo and part wildlife rehab. Its not really like most "true" zoos though, its quite geared towards wildlife rescue and such. BC Zoo (external link)

Thats funny - what do you call this guy?

http://www.gvzoo.com/G​eneral-Info (external link)


Walt
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thedge
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Aug 31, 2011 10:43 |  #15

WaltA wrote in post #13030142 (external link)
Thats funny - what do you call this guy?

http://www.gvzoo.com/G​eneral-Info (external link)

Vancouver itself, but I guess if he wants to go out to that he can. I was more getting at how most big cities have a zoo near the center. Ive never been to GV Zoo but heard it was a sad affair anyway, as city zoos go.


7D - 100-400 L, Sigma 28, Sigma 17-70 2.8-4

  
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