I think it's actually impossible to take a bad photo in Banff, Canada. This whole area is straight out of a post card! But here's a guide of where to go to get the best photos possible. (And a shout out to my amazing husband who had no choice but to serve as my male model this trip-ha!)
Moraine Lake
I have seen a ridiculous amount of photos that look just like this. It's always so surreal to be standing in that exact spot that you have been staring at on your computer screen for the past 2 months. It's like stepping inside of the photo (minus the 3 am wake up call, 2 hour layover, stuffy small plane, 2 valiums and the 2 1/2 hour drive it took to get you to this point). That three dimensional photo comes to life as you breathe in that crisp mountain air and enjoy the view from every possible angle and vantage point. And as you wait patiently through crowds of tourists for your turn to stand on "the" rock to make it appear like you have the whole place to yourself (also not pictured, me wheezing as I tried to scramble to the top of this rock pile as fast as I could before the sun went back behind the clouds).
Tips: Take the Rockpile Trail that you'll see on your left as you come to the lake. It's about 1/4 mile of switchbacks and stone steps but will take you to the best location for photos. Once you get to the first viewpoint, keep going up to the very top and you'll see this particular rock that juts out a little bit that you can stand on to take photos. The lake is the brightest blue when the sun is shining on it, but the bright sun also washes out the sky. Early morning and evenings are the best light for photography, but it is amazing to see the colors of the water change as the sky changes, and as you look at it from different angles. Take photos from different perspectives while you're up there, framing it with the trees like this adds more interest. When you get down be sure to take some or all of the Moraine Lake Shore Trail. Most of the tourists don't venture out there since the tour buses are limited on time, so you'll likely have it mostly to yourself. Parking is limited so try to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening, or there is a shuttle available for a fee. June-July is the best time to visit because the water level is high enough to get that deep turquoise color. Keep in mind when planning your trip that the road to Moraine Lake is closed in the winter, so plan accordingly it is definitely a site you don't want to miss!
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada, possibly the world. It is usually packed with tourists (up to 15,000 a day during peak summer), so the tricky part is trying to take photos without a hundred people in the background. Either go in the early morning or evening when the crowds are smaller and the lighting is best. Or just look for a break in the crowds and snap a shot like I did here. Thankfully everyone is pretty good about giving each other space for a photo.
I know it looks like we have the entire place to ourselves, but don't be fooled, this is what it looks like just off to the side.
Grab a hot chocolate to go from the cafe at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel then wander around the lake admiring the beauty and taking photos of whatever grabs your eye. Be sure to include the beautiful red canoes at the boat house to the left of the lake and even some canoes out on the water. The bright red of the canoe against that deep turquoise water is stunning. You can also rent a canoe (for $95/hr-yikes!) and get shots of the lake from a different perspective.
Be sure to take the Lake Agnes Tea House trail for even more spectacular views. Follow the Lakeshore pathway to the right then you will shortly see another path that breaks off to the right. It's a good up hill climb through the forest with switchbacks, but a little after the one mile point you'll be rewarded with this view, be sure to capture a photo here.
In another one mile or so you will come to Mirror Lake. Take a quick break and a photo then continue another 3/4 mile or so until you reach the Lake Agnes Tea House (the total hike is 4.5 miles roundtrip). Even in June there was snow on the ground and ice floating in the lake, it was so serene and beautiful. Take a walk around the lake to the right to get the best shots of the Tea House. And then be sure to grab a warm meal at the tea house while you take in the amazing views (unfortunately we got there after it closed).
Lake Louise Gondola
Take the Lake Louise Gondola for amazing views of the valley and also Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Hotel from a distance. It is also a great place to see bears roaming below, we didn't happen to see any this time. For only $3 more you can upgrade your lift ticket to a "ride and dine" that includes a hot breakfast buffet at the restaurant at the top.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is an incredible hike along steel catwalks attached to the canyon wall. It's 1/2 mile to the lower falls and 1 1/2 miles to the upper falls and absolutely beautiful the whole way there. To get photos of the water in motion set your camera on manual. Turn your ISO down low and slow down your shutter speed, adjusting until you reach the right exposure. If you don't have a tripod, balance your camera on the railing to avoid camera shake.
Bow Valley Parkway
This beautiful drive is one of the best places to see wildlife. And by wildlife I mean bears. And it did not disappoint. Keep your space, stay in your car and use a zoom lens to capture these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. The Famous Morant's Curve is located on the Western end of Bow Valley Parkway, it is a picturesque setting if you're lucky enough to be there when a train is passing through. There is a pullout that you can use to sit and wait if you're patient, we had no such luck but it was still beautiful.
Town of Banff
The town of Banff is so charming with it's little shops and cafes. Stroll around, buy some souvenirs, eat some great food (can't go to Canada without trying their Beaver Tails and Poutine!), and capture shots that show the character of this cute town!
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is not only beautiful but also holds a secret. Deep under the surface lies an entire village that was submerged due to a dam. It's a cool place to go scuba diving. If you scuba dive. Which we don't so we sat on the shore eating our favorite lunch, take out from the deli counter at the local Save-on grocery store. Sushi, kale salad and gouda cheese with crackers. We ate this for three meals straight and loved it. And that's what I call dinner with a view.
The Columbia Icefield Parkway
Arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world, this stretch of highway is a photographer's dream. Here are the photo-op stops that can't be missed. They are listed in order of location from Banff to the Athabasca Glacier, most stops are clearly signposted but just check your GPS to make sure you don't miss any. But first of all just go ahead and climb in the backseat while your husband is driving so you can capture the beauty on the road. Go on now. He'll love it. Especially when you accidentally kick him as you not so gracefully climb over the seats.
1. Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake
2. Peyto Lake
3. Mistaya Canyon
4. The Big Bend (not too far before you get to the glacier, there is a viewpoint so that you can safely pull over to take photos)
5. Athabasca Glacier (you can take a tour bus that takes you out onto the glacier where you can walk around on it. Unfortunately we didn't have time, but it was still so beautiful to walk around and admire it from a distance. My favorite shot is actually taken before you walk up, just climb up the top of this little hill to the left of the glacier as you are walking up from the parking lot)
As you're heading back to Banff there's this amazing stretch of down hill road. I made my husband pull over then keep lookout as I ran and snapped this photo. That's how much he loves me. I don't remember the exact location, but keep your eye out for it because it is a postcard worthy snap! Or I should say instagram worthy since sadly no one sends postcards these days.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is so scenic, I decided it's the perfect location to film a summer camp movie, I felt like we stepped onto the set of Parent Trap or Camp Rock. I know that I for one would love to spend a summer camping here. But alas I was happy just to spend an hour wandering around. There is a path to the left through the woods that takes you to the bottom of the avalanche slide. The canoe rentals are also cheaper here than Moraine or Louise, sadly we got here after they had closed, which seems to be a common theme this trip.
Natural Bridge Falls
The Natural Bridge Falls are located just a short distance from Emerald Lake and is well worth the stop. There was a couple getting bridal photos taken while we were there and I was immediately convinced that there's never been a more beautiful location for a bridal shoot.
So there you have it! This is by no means a complete guide, there are so many opportunities for incredible shots in this beautiful pocket of the world, but hopefully this will be a great start! Let me know your favorites or if you have any questions!
