mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Hello fellow Uglies:

I am pre-planning a photography vacation to the Banff, Jasper National Park area in Alberta, Canada, hopefully for late September or early October, 2018, and asking fellow UHHers for some insight. There is a wealth of info on the web, but I would like to get the opinions of those of you who have visited this area (or live nearby), as to the 'can't miss' autumn scenics, best areas to photograph wildlife, best hiking trails, a good 'base camp' to leave from each morning, best hotel(s) and/or campground(s) for a travel trailer. Not sure if I want to fly into Calgary and rent a vehicle or pull a travel trailer. I'm tentatively planning a 7-10 day visit. Also, is there anything I need to be aware of (ex - 'remember your passport', 'know your km to mph conversions, etc.)?

Thank you in advance for your replies!

SonyBug

Here is my advice. 1. Don't take a gun. The Canadians really do not like guns. 2. Drive. Go by Devils Tower, Glacier NP, and up thru Calgary. 3. Go up the Icefield Parkway to Jasper. Anything is that area is beautiful and there are many opportunities for photos. Also lots of camps for the TT.

TheDman Loc: USA

If I were going at that time I would make a point to get to Assiniboine for the snow-covered peaks and golden larches, but that's a 17 mile hike or $150 helicopter ride. Otherwise be sure to hit Moraine Lake and get there early in the morning when the light is best, lake is calm, and people aren't there yet.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Stay here: http://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/

Or camp here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping/lltrailer

current Loc: Hooper Utah

As a Canadian citizen now living in the US and travelling back and forth, I know you will NEED a valid passport.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

You are in for the photographic experience of a lifetime. I've traveled this world extensively, often with a focus on mountains, and the scenery of the Icefields Parkway is the most beautiful alpine scenery I've ever seen. I've been there six times and I rarely visit the same location twice. And I'm writing this just after just shooting the most gorgeous sunrise on the Teton Range I've ever seen in the almost ten years I've lived on the west side of that beautiful mountain range, but not quite as beautiful as the Alberta Rockies.

From a few miles north of Banff to a few miles south of Jasper it's almost non-stop beauty - high alpine peaks, beautiful emerald green glacier fed lakes, etc. etc. with great photo ops right from the road. It's worth driving several times while you are there - this is not a one stop place! Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are well worth visiting. There's also a beautiful water fall near the north end of the parkway (can't recall the name - it's been a few years). And on and on and on.

And there are other beautiful mountain locations in the general area of the BC - Alberta Rockies worth visiting. Research done in advance, as you are doing, will pay dividends. Be sure to check on the timing of the best call color which, if it's like the Rockies here, can vary somewhat year to year.

Approach it as if it will be the trip of a lifetime - that's not too much to hope for when it comes to the Alberta Rockies, and it may well turn out to be!

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Do the drive through Kananaskis Country. It's a series of parks running south from the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Banff. Fewer people, better chance of seeing wildlife, especially Grizzlies. Thats where I usually head when I'm looking for grizzly photos. Saw eight in one day a couple years ago. Beautiful country too.

Jasper is less crowded than Banff, although in late September they will be thinned out considerably. Take your time driving up the Icefields Parkway. Several days are needed to do it right.

Buy online a series of books by Darwin Wiggettt. He's a local photographer/author/teacher who has written a number of excellent guides to the National Parks of Alberta. Invaluable for that trip. Highly detailed about when/where to photograph.

PM me if you want more detail. I've extensively travellled, camped throughout that area every year for years. I live just a few hours away so can get there easily.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

My best advice is to purchase Darwin Wiggett's inexpensive ebooks on Banff, Jasper and Icefields Parkway. They are beautiful and useful, and will lead you to wonderfully photogenic locations you'd never find even though they are easy to get to, with great directions and GPS coordinates. My second best advice is to extend your stay, since 7-10 days is not enough to see all these amazing parks have in store for you. Icefields Parkway is enough to keep you busy that long. I've spent that amount of time in these parks on four occasions over the past few years and still have barely scratched the surface.

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

I've heard firearms aren't appreciated in Canada. Thanks for your input Nikon bug!

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thanks TheDman, I will do further research on Moraine Lake.

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thank you for the links bsprague!

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thanks current! I fish once a year in Ontario so the passport is covered.

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thanks Teton Viewer! Your enthusiasm for this area makes me want to make this trip happen. Thanks for sharing!

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thanks Keldon, for the suggestions and insight! I appreciate you taking the time to provide this information.

mac430 Loc: NE Wisconsin

Thanks for your suggestions minniev! It appears that this trip will be more than a one time experience!