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Visiting Canada’s Rocky Mountains had long been on my bucket list, and finally, I was here on the Inspiring Vacations 7 Day Inspiring Canadian Rockies tour. As a photography enthusiast, I knew I was in for a treat and relished the opportunity to try and capture the grandeur of the stunning scenery and experiences to be had.
Generally, my focus is wildlife photography, so capturing landscapes would put my skills to the test. And while it’s not a guided Canadian Rockies tour for photographers per se, shutterbugs like me will find endless inspiration in the landscapes, light, and scenery on this tour.
Why the Canadian Rockies are a must for travel photographers
From the moment you reach Banff National Park, the scenery is magnificent. The landscape rises before you, covered in verdant green forest, the alpine peaks getting higher the further you venture into the park. Eventually, the forests give way to steep rocky outcrops capped with sparkling glacial ice. Backed by the summer blue sky, the light is perfect for capturing postcard-perfect images.
The Canadian Rockies photography tour experience is made even more special by the many stunning lakes—each one a shade of blue that almost defies belief. The most famous is Lake Louise, nestled in a valley with milky turquoise waters still but for the gliding of bright red canoes. Walking the path around the lake gave me a variety of outlooks, and the colours and reflections off the surface allowed for more than just the cliché shot. (Read on for my Lake Louise photography tips!)
Some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trip was found while photographing the Icefields Parkway en route to Athabasca Glacier, in the heart of the Columbia Icefields. Here, the mountains soar towards the sky, each topped with a glacier like rows of frosted cupcakes. The challenge of shooting from a moving coach is offset by scenic stops along the way. The air is crisp and fresh; no smog or haze here to interfere with capturing the full radiance of the scene.
Top photography moments by tour day
Here are a few of my favourite photography moments from the journey and the spots that truly brought my camera to life.
Day 2 - Banff Gondola
We took the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, with views of the small town of Banff below. With 360-degree views, every direction offered a new perspective of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Taking the ride in the afternoon meant soft light in one direction and the beginning of the sunset in the other. Even with a wide 18–45mm lens, the best way to capture the full sweep was using the panoramic setting on my camera.
Day 3 - Lake Peyto
Our first stop on the morning of our Icefields Parkway excursion was Lake Peyto. While Lake Louise is beautifully blue, Lake Peyto was next level. The lookout sits far above the lake's surface, and the added elevation made the turquoise water appear even more surreal. I had assumed photos I'd seen were enhanced but seeing it in person and knowing my own photos reflected the real thing was very satisfying.
Day 4 - Emerald Lake
At this point, I was officially obsessed with these colourful, glacier-fed lakes, and I was overjoyed to see another en route to Vancouver. Emerald Lake, as the name suggests, was another photogenic beauty. It's less visited than its more famous cousins, and that morning, we were the first to arrive. The sunlight was still soft and low, and I shot towards the sun to let it flare, adding dancing light across the lake’s surface.
Tips for photographers considering this tour
These are some tips that helped me capture the best moments and make the most of my photography experience on tour.
- Bring the right gear: A lightweight DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, zoom, ND filter, spare batteries (the cold weather drains them!), and a light tripod. My Canon DSLR R50 and 18–45mm lens worked perfectly.
- Gear tips for landscape shots: For most of the tour I stuck to my 18-45mm lens, just occasionally opting for the zoom. I always travel with two batteries, ensuring the spare if always fully charged.
- For landscapes, it is always best to have your camera set to a high aperture to increase the depth of field, capturing all details, both near and far. Consider packing a neutral density (ND) filter as this will manage bright reflections on lakes and icefields. And finally, a sturdy tripod is important for low-light or long-exposure shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Use the light: Take advantage of early mornings and late evenings (especially if you’re visiting in summer) for the best golden hour shots. I took a wildlife tour in Banff one evening and the light was just stunning.
- Smartphones welcome: Travelling light with just your phone camera was the main choice for most of my travel companions. While newer models deliver excellent image quality, your phone will still capture epic shots if you decide against a DSLR.
- Make the most of your time at each stop: Throughout the tour we had plenty of time to explore each location so I never felt rushed. I could move at my own pace, compose my shots thoughtfully, and take as many as I liked. Now I just need the time to sort through and select my favourites, which given the beauty of the Rocky Mountains is a difficult task and every image tells a thousand words.
Why a guided tour is ideal for photographers
Taking a guided tour through the Rockies made visiting all the best photo spots in Banff seamless. I could sit back on the comfortable coach and enjoy the views through the panoramic windows. And even from the coach, I captured some great on-the-go shots by increasing my shutter speed.
Our guide gave great advice on the best vantage points and where to find the most iconic and unique views. We also had free time at each stop to wander, set up tripods, or just get creative. Whether you're into phone photography or have a full camera kit with you, this is a magical itinerary.
Final thoughts
With a dream trip fulfilled, I now enjoy looking through my many images and reliving the special moments. While I may not have the pristine alpine air to breathe back home in Melbourne, my photos transport me back to a place where I was in total awe that such beauty could exist.
If you’re thinking about photographing the Icefields Parkway or Lake Louise, this tour delivers the goods—even if you're not a professional. With breathtaking scenery, a relaxed pace, and plenty of time at each stop, it’s a truly rewarding journey for anyone with a love of nature and photography. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the best photo spots in Banff right outside your window.
Inspired to experience Canada with your camera like Kate? Our week-long Inspiring Canadian Rockies Tour visits Banff National Park (including the Icefields Parkway), Lake Louise, Calgary and Vancouver. Have more time to explore? Add a magical Alaska cruise and Denali National Park stay to your Inspiring Canadian Rockies tour. View our full range of Canada tours here.
