The Canadian Rockies have a way of making even the most experienced landscape photographers stop and take it all in. Towering mountain peaks rise above impossibly blue glacial lakes, waterfalls carve through ancient stone, and expansive alpine valleys offer a seemingly endless collection of photographic possibilities

For those who have been dreaming of photographing this remarkable region, there are new opportunities on the calendar.

Backcountry Journeys is announcing two new departures of Gems of the Rockies: Jasper & Icefields Parkway, with trips scheduled for August 2027 and August 2028. These seven-day photography workshops offer an immersive journey through Jasper and Banff National Parks, following the legendary Icefields Parkway through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America.

With just seven guests per departure, both trips are designed to give photographers the time, flexibility, and professional instruction needed to make the most of their time in the mountains.

Two New Opportunities to Explore the Canadian Rockies

The newly announced departures offer two opportunities to experience the Canadian Rockies during the summer photography season.

Each departure is limited to seven photographers, creating a small-group environment where guests can work alongside a professional photography leader without feeling rushed through the landscape.

From Jasper's Wild Valleys to the Icefields Parkway

The journey begins in Calgary before heading north into Jasper National Park, a vast wilderness of glacier-fed lakes, forested valleys, dramatic mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife.

Jasper offers a different experience from some of the more heavily visited areas of the Canadian Rockies. Its expansive landscapes and quieter valleys create opportunities to photograph the mountains from a variety of perspectives. Depending on conditions, photographers may encounter elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bears along the way.

One of the signature experiences is a cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Framed by towering peaks and surrounded by brilliant glacial water, this iconic location offers one of Canada's most recognizable mountain compositions. Seeing it from the water provides a memorable perspective on the immense scale of the surrounding landscape.

From Jasper, the workshop continues south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's great scenic drives. Here, the photographic opportunities seem to change around every bend. Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls offer opportunities to explore moving water, while views of the Columbia Icefield reveal the immense geological forces that have shaped this region.

The final portion of the journey focuses on the southern Icefields Parkway, with time to explore Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, and Mistaya Canyon. With accommodations near Saskatchewan River Crossing, the group is well positioned to reach several remarkable locations during the best photographic hours!

A Photography Workshop Built Around the Light

The Canadian Rockies are spectacular at almost any time of day, but the difference between simply seeing a landscape and photographing it well often comes down to timing.

That's why Gems of the Rockies is designed around photography rather than a traditional sightseeing schedule. Early starts and evening photography sessions provide opportunities to work with changing mountain light, while a flexible itinerary allows the group to adapt to weather, wildlife activity, and emerging photographic opportunities.
Throughout the journey, a professional photography leader provides field instruction and guidance, helping guests refine compositions, work with challenging lighting conditions, and make the most of the landscapes in front of them.

The experience also takes care of the logistics that can otherwise complicate a photography-focused trip. Workshop lodging, transportation, listed meals, park fees, permits, and the Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island are included.

With a maximum of seven guests, there is room for a more personal experience, meaningful instruction, and time to explore each location rather than simply moving on to the next stop.

Your Next Mountain Photography Adventure Awaits

Whether you've been wanting to photograph the turquoise waters of the Canadian Rockies, explore the quieter wilderness of Jasper, or finally experience the Icefields Parkway with your camera in hand, Gems of the Rockies brings these opportunities together in one carefully planned photography workshop.

With new departures now available for August 2027 and August 2028, photographers have two opportunities to plan their next mountain adventure.

Both departures are limited to seven guests. Explore the dates, review the itinerary, and reserve your place on Gems of the Rockies with Backcountry Journeys!