Canadian Rockies in Fall
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Canadian Rockies in Fall

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Book Trip
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Canadian Rockies in Fall

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop

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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$1,495.00
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   Deposit: $3,000.00
Start/End

Calgary, Canada (YYC) / Calgary, Canada (YYC)

Length

7 Days/6 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights
  • Peak Fall Color in the Rockies – Photograph golden aspens, glowing larches, and the first snow-dusted peaks during the best season for light, weather, and fewer crowds.

  • World-Class Landscapes – From alpine lakes and waterfalls to towering peaks and glacial valleys, the Canadian Rockies are one of the greatest photography destinations on Earth.

  • Iconic & Hidden Locations – Capture legendary spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway, balanced with quieter gems such as Waterfowl Lakes and Johnston Canyon.

  • Unforgettable Portfolio & Skills – Return home with a diverse set of images and the knowledge to work with dynamic mountain light and conditions anywhere you travel.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

There’s a reason the Canadian Rockies are revered as one of the world’s premier landscapes for photography. Towering snow-dusted peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and dramatic waterfalls all combine into a playground of endless photographic possibilities. Add in fiery golden aspens, larch trees glowing yellow on the mountainsides, and long hours of soft alpine light, and you have one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth for landscape photography.

This workshop is timed for peak fall color in Banff and its surrounding parks. It’s a magical season: vibrant yellows and oranges line the valleys, golden reflections shimmer on still lakes, and the first dustings of snow highlight the rugged summits. Even better, fall brings fewer crowds than summer, crisp mountain air, and some of the most stable weather of the year—making it quite literally the best time to experience the Canadian Rockies with a camera in hand.

Our journey begins in Calgary before heading west toward Canmore and Banff. We’ll photograph sunrise over the Three Sisters, explore the expansive shoreline of Lake Minnewanka, and work the varied compositions of Two Jack Lake, Johnston Canyon, and Castle Mountain. Each day will balance grand vistas with more intimate scenes, giving you opportunities to refine your creative eye.

We’ll also venture into Yoho National Park, where Emerald Lake provides glassy reflections, the Natural Bridge carves elegant channels through rushing water, and Takakkaw Falls—one of Canada’s tallest—offers dramatic compositions for both wide and telephoto lenses.

From the turquoise waters of Lake Louise to the quiet beauty of Waterfowl Lakes and the reflection-rich Bow Lake, our itinerary is filled with both iconic locations and hidden gems. If shuttle access allows, we may also include the legendary Moraine Lake, whose jagged peaks and brilliant water make it one of the most famous landscapes in the world.

The Icefields Parkway will be another highlight—this legendary alpine road threads through endless mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Stops at Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and the Columbia Icefield will showcase the Rockies’ incredible variety and scale.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have captured the Rockies at their very best—peak fall color, pristine alpine scenery, and dramatic light in one of the most photogenic places on Earth. You’ll return home with not only a breathtaking portfolio but also the skills and confidence to work with changing mountain light and dynamic conditions anywhere you travel.

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Calgary, Canada

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide and local guides. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (recommended) - see plans here.

Details
  • Final Balance Due 120 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance Optional - but highly recommended​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 – Arrival in Calgary (D)
We’ll meet in Calgary this afternoon, arriving at our hotel near the airport where we can settle in before gathering for our first group dinner. Over the meal, we’ll get to know one another, go over the trip itinerary, and set expectations for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Sunrise & Transfer to Banff (B,L,D)
We’ll begin the morning with a sunrise shoot near Canmore’s iconic Three Sisters, taking advantage of the soft light over the peaks. After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Banff, with time to explore the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka before checking in to our lodge. The day will end with a sunset session at Vermilion Lakes followed by dinner in town.

Day 3 – Banff Lakes Loop (B,L,D)
Our morning starts at Lake Minnewanka for sunrise, followed by some downtime or a midday photo review session. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Two Jack Lake and Johnston Canyon before heading to Castle Mountain for golden-hour light and sunset.

Day 4 – Exploring Yoho National Park (B,L,D)
An early departure will take us into Yoho National Park for sunrise at Emerald Lake. After a late breakfast, we’ll stop at the Natural Bridge and make roadside photo stops along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Takakkaw Falls area before returning toward Banff, pausing for a sunset shoot near the Three Sisters in Canmore.

Day 5 – Moraine & Louise (B,L,D)
While we’ll make every effort to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake for their great alpine scenery, access is only possible by a permitted shuttle and is subject to availability. We have a high chance of securing tickets to visit both lakes, but photographing sunrise at Moraine Lake will be dependent on shuttle time. 

​​​​​​​If we are able to secure tickets, we’ll aim to photograph the lake in the soft morning light, exploring viewpoints such as the Rockpile and shoreline. If shuttle access isn’t available, we’ll adjust our plans to focus on other equally photogenic locations nearby—such as Waterfowl Lakes and Bow Lake—ensuring you still experience exceptional opportunities for dramatic mountain and lake compositions. ​​​​​​​

Day 6 – Icefields Parkway (B,L,D)
We’ll start with sunrise at the Peyto Lake viewpoint before spending the day traveling the Icefields Parkway. Stops may include Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Mistaya Canyon, and the Saskatchewan River Crossing, with a visit to the Columbia Icefield before returning south for sunset at Lake Louise.

Day 7 – Farewell Sunrise & Return to Calgary (B)
Our final morning will feature a sunrise shoot at Wedge Pond, with Mount Kidd reflecting in the still water if conditions allow. After breakfast and checkout, we’ll make the drive back to Calgary, arriving around midday for airport drop-offs and goodbyes.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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