Western Canada Vacation

Hi

Last year I posted about choosing between Yellowstone and Hawaii. We chose Canada

If I list the places we are stopping, would it be possible to get some ideas or locations for photo shoots. I have a few in mind already but some knowledge from the "locals" would be appreciated. I like landscapes and wildlife with the odd bit of architecture too.

Flying into Calgary
4 days at Emerald Lake
2 days at Jasper
1 day at Clearwater
2 days at Whistler
3 days at Tofino
2 days at Sooke (visiting long lost relatives hopefully)
3 days at Vancouver

Thanks in advance

dont matter really where you go, anywhere in Alberta/B.C is beautiful. Emerald Lake, Jasper and Whistler are just amazing, the whole spot is a "spot" imo...

Vancouver and Calgary would be best for Architecture, head right down town Van - go check out the olympic torch and the bay, alot of stuff to shoot there.

and enjoy your time in Canada!

Do you hike at all?

We've been to the Canadian Rockies three times and every trip was fantastic. But we're hikers so most of our photos were from the trail. I would try to get a spot on the bus into Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park. One of the most spectacular spots in the Rockies. I think my favorite is Assiniboine Provincial Park, but harder to get into (requires backpacking or a helicopter flight).

I'm sure you know all the standards - Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, etc. These are all beautiful, but usually overrun with people.

What time of year are you going? If you go in September it's very easy to see elk in Jasper. They frequent the campground there and you can see them on the side of the road all over (and hear them bugling). In between Lake Louise and Yoho you can often see bears on the train tracks (we've seen both a black bear and a grizzly bear there on separate trips).

We love it there - you'll have a great trip!

Jasper offers lot if you are ready to get on the trails.

If you primarily wish to drive, catch Medicine Lake in the early or late sunlight on your way to or back from Maligne Lake. It can prove difficult to park the car though if you wish to take your time shooting with a tripod and the whole works. If you don't like the perspective from the small car park at the beginning of Medicine Lake, you'll more or less have to stop on the road at the places where you get the best angles. With a bit of luck you'll also hit on a bunch a bighorn sheep grazing just next to the road. Keep an eye on the wildlife warning signs, they'll give you a clue as to where you should keep your eyes peeled.

To get a breathtaking view of Maligne Lake and the snowy peaks directly skirting the lake on one side, one good option is to hike up the rather easy trail up to the Bald Hills.

As mentioned before, Jasper is also a good place to see elks without bushwhacking for hours or days. That's of course if you wish to share that experience with the crowds

Enjoy it all and post a few pics on the site after you return.

Cheers everyone for your comments, i've made some notes.

@Katherine, more like ambling that hiking 10th September til 28th September

Cheers

With your dates you'll be in prime elk time in Jasper. You'll easily get some elk shots.

Excellent, should be fun then. I've seen some excellent videos on the net "when Elk go bad"

Sept will be beautiful fall weather here in the foothills and all the places you mention will be awesome. The Clearwater area is a favorite of mine - made many road trips thru there. Great scenery.

Out in Tofino you'll see the beginning of the fall stormy season so that should be geat as well.

Enjoy and post some pictures

Maybe you will see a Unicorn?? lmao -- this video cracks me up everytime.

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=AkW-EAkClbE

Gotta go to Peyto Lake

http://tomrichardsphot​ography.carbonmade.com​/projects/2791057#6

Did a similar trip 2 years ago. I recommend to spend a whole day in Stanley Park, Vancouver - walk all the way around the perimeter - you get to see Lionsgate bridge, the Totem poles, the cricket pitch, views out to see all the way round and at the end a great spot for a Pano of downtown Vancouver

Peyto Lake was on the list but your shot confirms it Tom, nice one

Try Grouse Mountain for nice views of Vancouver. While you are driving up, stop at the Capilano Suspension bridge, it's a nice place for phots. Granville Island has lots of great photo ops too. Have a great time!