Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise for the less than fully mobile
Mar 28, 2023 14:33:57 #
I'll be going to Banff , Jasper and Icefield Parkway in mid June. I'm 81 yrs young and limited by COPD, Bad back (Post surgery) and am in recovery from radiation treatments and weakness inducing hormone therapy for cancer. My bad balance and the above makes anything much longer than 1 mile round trip on a mostly improved (smooth) path difficult. ( My rock hopping days are over until the darned hormone treatments wear off). Given my shortcomings, what landscape photo opportunities are likely to be within my reach?
Mar 28, 2023 16:59:46 #
photogeneralist wrote:
I'll be going to Banff , Jasper and Icefield Parkw... (show quote)
Endless. There is no better photographic venue for a person with limitations. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are easily accessible, with short flat walks from adjacent parking areas. Icefields Parkway is like one long tripod set-up location. You can make wonderful photos right from the road. Some especially beautiful areas - like Peyto Lake and Sunwapta Falls - are short walks from parking lots. Bow Valley Parkway has opportunities to photograph animals right next to the road - bears, eagles, elk, osprey, wolves, etc. If you make it a bit past Jasper, there's a nice boat ride on Maligne lake that takes you past and to some very scenic spots.
I am not sure they are still in print but Darwin Wigget's photography guides to Banff and Icefields Parkway were very helpful to me the first time I visited.
Mar 28, 2023 17:05:06 #
My wife and I went there a few years ago with a friend that knew he was dieing of lung cancer. It was his last "big trip". There were plenty of low energy opportunities. Banff, Jasper and the Icefield Parkway are all "accessable" tourist centers.
I haven't been to Lopez for awhile! I should put it back on my list!
I haven't been to Lopez for awhile! I should put it back on my list!
Mar 28, 2023 17:28:23 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
photogeneralist wrote:
I'll be going to Banff , Jasper and Icefield Parkw... (show quote)
All you need do is drive through the area, hit you brakes randomly, and shoot. Scenes everywhere you look. Make sure you can pull off when you hit your brakes, of course.
Mar 28, 2023 19:51:40 #
Took a tour thru the Canadian Rockies in 2019 with my wife, our daughter, and our grandson. Been to all 3 of those places, and found MANY places for great shots from right along the roadways. All of the mentioned sites are well worth a look, and you will definitely run out of vacation before you run out of photo ops. Most of the "tourist" sites have parking very close to the attraction, so walking at those places should be a non issue.
Go out on a glacier at the Icefields Parkway on one of these Glacier Buses, or take a boatride to Spirit Island on Lake Maligne. No matter what you decide to do, I'm sure that you'll enjoy yourself.
Have fun............
Andy
P.S. those 2 pictures were taken with an iPhone 7+, so they aren't the best
Go out on a glacier at the Icefields Parkway on one of these Glacier Buses, or take a boatride to Spirit Island on Lake Maligne. No matter what you decide to do, I'm sure that you'll enjoy yourself.
Have fun............
Andy
P.S. those 2 pictures were taken with an iPhone 7+, so they aren't the best
Mar 28, 2023 21:26:39 #
When I have been to Banff and Jasper if I recall correctly, many of the sites that you would want to photograph are as easy as parking your vehicle, and make a decent photo from the edge of the parking lot.
Others will give you suggestions. Remember that you will be at altitude so you may need to walk carefully and not rush things. Have a wonderful trip.
Others will give you suggestions. Remember that you will be at altitude so you may need to walk carefully and not rush things. Have a wonderful trip.
Mar 29, 2023 09:30:04 #
minniev wrote:
Endless. There is no better photographic venue for... (show quote)
I agree with minniev, but a caveat or two. My wife and I were in Banff last year. Lake Louise was so crowded that they wanted you to park remotely and take a shuttle. Turns out you had to go online to buy a shuttle ticket, but there was no service in the parking lot where the shuttle picked up. Similar experience at Moraine Lake, where the somewhat limited parking was full and nowhere else to park. You either get to those locations early, or you may not get there, depending on when you go.
Bill
Mar 29, 2023 09:46:34 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Lots of easy access vistas. Your biggest issue will be finding a parking spot. At Lake Moraine we had my daughter drive our rig around and come pick us up after we got some photos.
Mar 29, 2023 10:11:47 #
photogeneralist wrote:
I'll be going to Banff , Jasper and Icefield Parkw... (show quote)
As someone that grew up in the area, take many of.these comments with a grain of salt. With limited mobility you will be on the outskirts of photo ops. I have tried it a couple of times after healing from back surgery and being younger by 12 years. Sure there are some places with good access but for the most part you gotta be healthy if your planning to walk. Remember it is all mountain terrain
Mar 29, 2023 12:29:42 #
Vermillion Lakes right on the edge of Banff is great, especially around sunrise or sunset. Lakes, mountains, reflections, tall grasses reflecting in the late, etc. Also be aware that places like Moraine Lake are no longer allowing private vehicles. Advance tickets and shuttle bus required.
Mar 29, 2023 14:18:35 #
TheShoe
Loc: Lacey, WA
You might like the views from the top of Copper Mountain. It is accessible via gondola ride, and there are scenic views from anywhere on the 360 degree observation deck. Like every one has said, there are accessible scenic views galore from the highway.
Mar 29, 2023 14:58:01 #
John H.
Loc: Central Washington State
All interesting comments.
I visited these places, and parks in the U. S., before the rush. Late 1960s and early 1970s.
I think Kodachrome II was the film. We did camp and hike.
These are great places and thanks to Canada for their care.
I visited these places, and parks in the U. S., before the rush. Late 1960s and early 1970s.
I think Kodachrome II was the film. We did camp and hike.
These are great places and thanks to Canada for their care.
Mar 29, 2023 15:04:26 #
cyclespeed
Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada
The Snocoach you might like to know hs since rolled over killing and maiming many of the occupants. Needless to say it is no longer operating and the law suit continues.
Operator came too close to the edge and it slid off the snow road and rolled multiple times.
Operator came too close to the edge and it slid off the snow road and rolled multiple times.
Mar 30, 2023 07:09:52 #
photogeneralist wrote:
I'll be going to Banff , Jasper and Icefield Parkw... (show quote)
As discussed, many access areas. Bring a handicapped hanger placard for your car.
Mar 30, 2023 09:14:52 #
cyclespeed
Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada
billmck wrote:
I agree with minniev, but a caveat or two. My wif... (show quote)
This year there will only be shuttle available to Moraine Lake. According to my friends in Tourism Alberta Banff got totally overrun once the town sign got updated to a large all carved wooden structure that is easy to climb on and social media has 10's of thousands of selfies with that content.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.