Gems of the Rockies: Jasper & Icefields Parkway Photo Workshop
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Gems of the Rockies: Jasper & Icefields Parkway

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop

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Upcoming Departures

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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$995.00
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   Deposit: $3,000.00

Start/End

Calgary, AB / Calgary, AB

Length

7 Days/6 Nights​​​​​​​

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights

  • Photograph towering peaks, turquoise lakes, summer wildflowers, and wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and bears.

  • Cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of Canada's most iconic mountain landscapes.

  • Explore the legendary Icefields Parkway, photographing Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and the Columbia Icefield.

  • Capture Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Mistaya Canyon, with a remote base at Saskatchewan River Crossing for closer proximity to the best spots. 

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Trip Description:

In the Canadian Rockies, the scenery is so spectacular that it almost seems unreasonable. Mountains rise thousands of feet above turquoise lakes. Glaciers cling to ancient peaks, slowly carving their way through valleys shaped over millions of years. Waterfalls thunder through narrow limestone gorges, alpine meadows burst with summer wildflowers, and somewhere along a quiet mountain road, a bull elk or grizzly bear may appear as if to remind you that this magnificent landscape belongs to the wildlife first.

While travelers flock to the famous sights around Banff and Lake Louise, fewer venture farther north into Jasper National Park. And that is precisely part of its appeal. Here, the mountains seem bigger, the valleys stretch farther, and the wilderness feels wonderfully untamed. Canada's largest Rocky Mountain national park protects more than 4,200 square miles of rugged peaks, forests, glacial rivers, and wildlife habitat. It is a place that rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to see what might be waiting around the next bend.

For photographers, it is something close to paradise.

Our 7-day photography workshop takes us deep into this remarkable landscape, beginning in Calgary and traveling north to Jasper before following the legendary Icefields Parkway south through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on Earth.

In Jasper, we'll explore a world of mirrorlike alpine lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife-rich valleys. Summer brings a wonderful energy to the mountains. Wildflowers brighten the meadows, long daylight hours open up opportunities for photography, and the forests and river corridors come alive with activity. We'll search for elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bears, always keeping our plans flexible enough to make the most of unexpected encounters.

One of our signature experiences takes us onto the brilliant blue waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by immense mountains and glaciers, this spectacular lake stretches more than 13 miles into the wilderness. We'll travel by boat to the celebrated Spirit Island, a tiny, forested peninsula framed by soaring peaks and one of the most extraordinary mountain compositions anywhere in North America.

But Jasper is only the beginning.

Leaving town, we'll journey south along the Icefields Parkway. Around nearly every bend, another mountain appears, another glacier hangs above a valley, or another impossibly blue river winds through the wilderness. We'll photograph the tremendous power of Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, explore viewpoints overlooking the Columbia Icefield, and discover landscapes sculpted by the relentless movement of ice.

The Columbia Icefield itself is a marvel of natural history. This immense accumulation of glacial ice feeds rivers that eventually reach three different oceans. It's an astonishing thought: snow falling on these mountains can ultimately find its way to the Pacific, Atlantic, or Arctic. Standing beneath the surrounding peaks, you begin to appreciate just how enormous and interconnected this wilderness really is.

For the latter part of our adventure, we'll settle into the remote Saskatchewan River Crossing area, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rockies. Far from the bustle of the major resort towns, this is an exceptional base for photographers. Here, the North Saskatchewan, Mistaya, and Howse rivers converge beneath towering mountains, and some of the region's finest photographic locations are within reach.

We'll seek out the remarkable turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, photograph the sweeping mountain backdrops of Waterfowl Lakes and Bow Lake, and explore the intricate rock formations and rushing waters of Mistaya Canyon. With time dedicated to the changing light, we'll have opportunities to photograph grand mountain landscapes as well as the quieter details that make these places so compelling: wildflowers moving in the breeze, patterns in glacial rivers, and the last warm sunlight catching a distant summit.

We'll make the most of early mornings and beautiful evening light, taking time to refine compositions, and remaining flexible when weather or wildlife presents an unexpected opportunity. Our small group will be led by a professional photographer who understands that creating a memorable image often requires more than arriving at a viewpoint and taking a quick photograph.

Seven days. Two magnificent national parks. One unforgettable photographic adventure into the wild Canadian Rockies.

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

  • Maligne Lake Cruise 

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from Calgary, AB (YYC)

  • 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 (required) - see plans here.

Details

  • Final Balance Due 120 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance Required​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 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 welcome dinner. Over the meal, we'll get to know one another, review the itinerary, and discuss the exciting photography opportunities awaiting us in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 2 – Journey to Jasper National Park (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we'll begin our journey north toward Jasper National Park, traveling through the spectacular mountain landscapes of Banff and along the legendary Icefields Parkway. We'll make scenic photography stops along the way, taking advantage of beautiful mountain scenery and potential wildlife encounters. Upon arriving in Jasper, we'll settle into our accommodations before heading out for an evening photography session, weather and conditions permitting.

Day 3 – Maligne Lake & Spirit Island (B,L,D)

We'll begin the morning exploring Jasper's mountain landscapes and searching for wildlife before making our way into the beautiful Maligne Valley. Along the way, we'll enjoy opportunities to photograph alpine scenery, glacial waters, and wildlife in their natural habitat.

One of the highlights of our adventure is a scenic boat excursion on Maligne Lake to the celebrated Spirit Island. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and brilliant blue waters, this iconic destination offers some of Canada's most extraordinary mountain scenery. After our cruise, we'll continue exploring the region, keeping our plans flexible to take advantage of changing light and wildlife opportunities.

Day 4 – Jasper Wildlife & Mountain Landscapes (B,L,D)

Our day begins with an early morning photography session, taking advantage of soft light over Jasper's beautiful mountain landscapes. We'll spend the day exploring wildlife-rich valleys, alpine lakes, and scenic mountain roads, searching for elk, bighorn sheep, bears, and other wildlife.

Our schedule will remain flexible throughout the day, allowing us to respond to wildlife sightings, weather conditions, and photographic opportunities. We'll also have time for photography instruction and image review before heading out for another evening session.

Day 5 – Waterfalls, Glaciers & the Icefields Parkway (B,L,D)

After an early morning photography session and breakfast, we'll depart Jasper and journey south along the legendary Icefields Parkway. We'll spend the day exploring some of the Canadian Rockies' most dramatic landscapes, from powerful waterfalls and glacial rivers to towering peaks and ancient icefields.

Our route offers countless photography opportunities, and we'll make stops based on the best available light and conditions. By late afternoon, we'll arrive at our accommodations near Saskatchewan River Crossing, where we'll settle in before heading out for an evening photography session.

Day 6 – Exploring the Icefields Parkway (B,L,D)

We'll rise early to photograph the magnificent mountain scenery surrounding Saskatchewan River Crossing. Our day will be devoted to exploring the southern Icefields Parkway, where turquoise alpine lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, winding rivers, and rugged canyons provide an incredible variety of photographic subjects.

With our accommodations conveniently located in this remote region, we'll have the flexibility to explore different locations throughout the day, returning to promising viewpoints as light and conditions change. We'll conclude our final full day with a sunset photography session amid the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7 – Banff National Park & Return to Calgary (B,L)

After breakfast, we'll begin our scenic journey south toward Calgary, traveling through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Banff National Park. Along the way, we'll make photography stops as time and conditions allow, enjoying our final opportunities to capture the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.

We'll continue through the Bow Valley before arriving at Calgary International Airport around 4:00 PM for departures 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.

Physical Requirements 

This is a Level 1 trip with moderate physical demands. Photography locations are accessed by vehicle with only short walks to viewpoints over uneven ground such as lakeshores, meadows, or light forest trails. Days can be busy with early starts for sunrise and long days that often extend through sunset. Carrying your own camera gear is the main physical component, and mountain weather can be cool and wet. Waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are recommended.

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We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

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