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Spirit Island and Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park |
Private Canadian Rockies
Banff • Jasper • Yoho
Dates to be determined at booking
The Canadian Rockies where superlatives of grandeur become mute in a landscape abounding with peaks competing to dominate the sky, psychedelic lakes that contend for the coolest colors of the light spectrum and rivers that appear to be a pleasing, yet reality defying mistakes in Photoshop.
Being one of the most photogenic landscapes on earth, we have all seen photos of its break away stars, iconic landscapes like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Maligne Lake, but there is so much more. No matter which direction you go, it as if you had the Colorado's San Juan Range on one side of the road, Idaho's Sawtooth Range on the other, and California's Sierra Nevada around the bend. All surging with prodigious streams and waterfalls spilling out of the glaciers like the Chugach Range of Alaska. Of course, all the water feeds the panoply of the colorful lakes that make the place famous.
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Photographer, Peyto Lake, Banff |
I have had the pleasure of visiting Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, and Waterton National Park, and they have wet my appetite to see more. Kootenay National and British Columbia's Glacier National Park I'm sure are as good as the rest, hosting their own endless procession of pyramid-shaped peaks hemming in broad alpine valleys and glacier feed lakes.
I have written how, where I live, close to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone has an embarrassment of riches, but I'm afraid the Canadian Rockies has hoarded more than its share of wilderness splendor relegating northwest Wyoming a notch or two down on the "embarrassment of riches scale, and I wish the Canadian Rockies weren't so far away.
It is my pleasure to lead photography tours into the Canadian Rockies' crown jewels, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks
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Photographers at Bow Lake |
What to Expect
Our main focus will be the crazy landscape of Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks. We are likely to have some shooting opportunities with bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and hopefull some bears, August is good for bears. This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but also to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. We will always be on the look-out for interesting images during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weatherconditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs.
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Couple at Lake Edith Cavell |
Instruction
Weather
Summer is quite pleasent, like all mountains afternoon thunderstorms can be expected, I look forward to them.
October tour in the Canadiian Rockies will be cold, hopefully indian summer cool, but it has the possiblilty of being arctic icy. Be prepared. It is an awesome time, although cold, cold is what makes the leaves on the trees turn yellow. October's proximity to winter can usher in winter storms. Snow enhances an autumn landscape, we just hope clouds don't obstruct the mountains. There are good chances for passing storms which enhance our skies and bluebird days are still common.
What we expect from you
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Mountain Road, Valley of the Ten Peaks |
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Canoers, Lake Louise, Banff National Park |
Banff • Jasper • Yoho
Sample itinerary
Day 1, Calgary to Canmore
Bruster Travel has Banff and Jasper wired, they pickup at Calgary Airport and several Calgary Hotels and deliver to most hotels in Banff, Canmore and Jasper, all on luxury coaches. We will meet in Canmore and have an afternoon/evening shoot in Banff. Hotel in Canmore.
Day 2, Canmore/Banff
We will catch sunrise at the best lake of the region hoping for calm water to capture the great reflections often captured here, hopefully with reflections of Cascade Peak and Mt. Rendell. We then work our way thrugh southern Banff.
Day 3, Banff/Lake Louise
Up before the sun we head out to another lake or river we hope to catch in reflection. We will had back to the hotel and check out to move to the next Hotel at Lake Louise. After checkin we will spend the evening at Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
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Autumn color, Jasper National Park |
Day 4, Banff/Lake Louise • sunrise at Moraine or Bow Lake we will head depending upon our earlier successes or falures. We likely will head north for the lakes and mountain opportunities on the Icefieds parkway.
Day 5, Transit > to Jasper (145 miles)
After morning shoot we will have breakfast, checkout then head off to Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway. Hopefully expeditiously if we have achieved our Banff goals. Evening shoot at Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake.
Day 6, Jasper • Jasper National Park Whistler's Inn. A sunrise shoot at Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake. After breakfast and a break we head for a boat ride on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. We then may wish to hang around for a sunset shoot. On certain days, special photo boat tours are offered for a premium price, about $150.00. Otherwise the regular tour only gives 10 minutes at Spirit Island.
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Athabaska Glacier, Jasper National Park |
Day 7 • Transit > to Banff (179 miles)
Another sunrise shoot at Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake if needed. Then back to the hotel for breakfast check out and. Next stop Lake Edith Cavell. Followed by Athabasca Falls. We then head south back to Canmore.
Day 8 Banff • Morning shoot then Bruster Travel coach back to Calgary.
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Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise. |
Accomodatons
Sample
Most accomodations are upscale, Jasper lodging is midrange, but all upscale Jasper hotels were resorts away from town
Homewood Suites • Calgary Airport
The Homewood Suites by Hilton® Calgary-Airport, Alberta, Canada hotel is a warm and welcoming extended stay hotel conveniently located minutes from Calgary International Airport. Our complimentary shuttle departs the airport to the hotel every nine minutes and is located at pillar 24 at Calgary International Airport.
Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise.
The guest rooms at the Post Hotel and Spa include a spa bathtub. All rooms and suites provide a sitting area and select suites include a fireplace. The Post Hotel features a wine cellar with 32,000 bottles to choose from. Guests can have dinner in the Dining Room restaurant. The hotel has a library and a gym. The Post Spa & Hotel also has laundry facilities.
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Banff Springs Hotel |
Whistler's Inn • Downtown Jasper
This hotel is located within Jasper National Park, 5 miles from the Jasper tramway. The hotel has a rooftop hot tub, 2 on-site restaurants, a pub and free Wi-Fi. Whistler's Inn features cable TV, complimentary bottled water and a coffee maker in every room. The rooms also provide individual air conditioning and a private bathroom. Guests at the Whistler's can use the steam room or visit one of the 3 on-site gift shops.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel • City of Banff
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada's "Castle in the Rockies", has been providing legendary hospitality to our guests for more than 125 years. Enjoy a short stroll from the hotel and explore the charming town of Banff, Alberta. Discover local galleries and museums, upscale shopping and restaurants, year-round Banff Lake Louise events, and popular local attractions including the Banff Gondola and the mineral rich Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Before making reservation in Calgary, make sure Bruster Travel has pick ups there.
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Mt. Kidd reflection, Kananaskis Country Autumn |
To be determined
Custom tours are $600.00 per day + hotel
My day tour at home in Yellowstone and Grand Teton Park is $1,095.00. I'm cheaper in Banff because I'm happy to be in Banff.
What's included in the price?
What's not included in the price?
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Autumn color, Emerald Park, winding road, Yoho National Park, British Columbia |
Deposit & refund policy
Do you recommend trip insurance?
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Panther Falls on the Icefields Parkway |
What type of camera equipment do I need?
Is this a tour or workshop?
Are there any baggage limitations during the trip?
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Autumn color along the Icefields Parkway |
What will the weather be like?
I plan on traveling alone. Do I need to bring someone?
Can a non-photographer friend or spouse attend the workshop?
Most Hole Picture Photo Safari activities are within the capabilities of average people in good health. Some of these trips require the capability of walking a few miles over uneven trails, stepping from boats to a wave-washed rocky beach, flying in small planes and helicopters, and occasionally hiking at high elevations, all while carrying an assortment of camera equipment with a tripod slung over your shoulser. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and trip deposit, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. We reserve the right to request a doctor's statement of good health. The company's trip leader's judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual's ability to embark upon or to continue a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements.
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Kicking Horse River, Yoho National Park |
Does weather ever alter or cancel events?
Do you recommend trip insurance?
Do I need a passport ?
Have more questions?
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Photographer at Two Jack Lake at Sunrise |