Banff, Banff, and more, you guessed it… Banff

Lovely Lake Louise

One of the most beautiful places on earth that I have seen while traveling is Banff National Park in my very own country, Canada. It’s a photographer’s dream to spend time taking pictures there and my stay was filled with amazing views and incredible experiences. Banff is Canada’s oldest National Park, established in 1885. While the 6,641 square km park came into existence at the end of the nineteenth century, it was inhabited for quite some time before that. There is archeological evidence that shows human habitation in the area dating back nearly ten thousand years!

Along the Bow River Parkway

One of the cool things about Banff is that when you are driving, it is easy to spot dozens of great places to photograph. If you take the time to hike around the various lakes and rivers, you’ll come across even more amazing photographic treasures. One of the best places to see a wide variety of spectacular scenes is on the Bow River Parkway. There are many spots along the road to stop and check out the local flora and fauna and there are information panels in the rest stops describing which animals you can find in the area, as well as the history of the region.

Hiking the trail at Johnston Canyon

One must see place is Johnston Canyon where you’ll see white water rapids, tunnels, and waterfalls where ice climbing is popular in the winter. I highly recommend the hike along the trail that follows Johnston Canyon. The first part is easily accessible for families and hikers of all types, but it does get a little more challenging near the latter part of the trail. If you’re doing the whole hike, be sure to bring water , snacks and a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. It makes for a great all morning or afternoon hike.

Just west of the resort town of Banff  you’ll find the Vermillion lakes. This area is a perfect place to see wildlife and get some beautiful landscape photos. As you approach the third lake you’ll smell the sulphur that emanates from the hot spring found there. One of the typical photos that is taken at the lakes is the reflection of Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain as seen in the photo below.

Mountains and Lakes and Hot Springs Oh My!

One of the most beautiful lakes that I have ever seen in my life is Moraine Lake,and if you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park you will want to have the following 3 lakes on your list of must see places:

1. Peyto Lake – Unbelievable colour and one hell of a view!
2. Moraine Lake – Perhaps the perfect lake, in the perfect location, surrounded by perfect mountains.
3. Lake Louise – As far as having a hotel situated in the most majestic setting in the world, it’s hard to beat the Chateau at Lake Louise.

Click on the links of each of these lakes to see what I’m talking about.

Magical Moraine Lake

One of my hopes is that I get a chance to return to Banff National Park in the winter, to try and capture this majestic place when it is covered in a pristine blanket of white snow. Maybe if I wish hard enough… ;)

 

Enjoy more travel photos and stories: