Postcards from the Parks

If you were a globetrotting landscape photographer and could only take one more breathtaking image, where would you go? What would you shoot? Maritime seascape? Remote desert scene in Africa? Burning lava flows in Hawaii? For many “shooters,” the answer would be a majestic, postcard-perfect scene in the Canadian Rockies. Indeed, the baby-blue lakes, rushing rivers, and jagged, snow-dusted mountains in Alberta and British Columbia, can make for the ultimate photographic prize.

Perhaps the challenge, if you could only choose one location in the mountain parks, would be just that. Choosing just one! Here are five locations that would do just fine for your final postcard.

Lake O’Hara: Getting into the remote Lake O’Hara region – you need to be on the ball and book a seat on the bus (serviced by Parks Canada) or walk up the 11 km road – is not a piece of cake. However, if you find your way there you’ll be rewarded. The region is peppered with lakes, tarns, cirques, crystal-clear streams, and soaring mountains.

Moraine Lake: Good enough to be featured on the Canadian $20 bill for decades, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, as seen from the rock pile at the east end of Moraine Lake, is one of the most famous scenes in the Canadian Rockies. Capture this in the morning, when low-angled light paints the peaks, and you’ve got a keepsake to cherish.

Vermillion Lakes: If you’re staying in Banff, you don’t have to venture far to find some sweet scenes. The Vermillion Lakes Road serves up classic photo-ops that have been shuttered by thousands of visitors. True, you won’t be alone here, but the beauty of Mount Rundle reflected in the calm water of the spring-fed lakes is a shot every serious landscape photographer needs in their portfolio.

Spirit Island: Made famous thanks to an image capturing its surreal beauty was hung in Grand Central Station for over forty years, Spirit Island is the quintessential Canadian Rockies shot. The clutch of pines on the island, the lake, the mountains, it’s simply sublime. From Jasper, drive to Maligne Lake and for $71/adult take the 1.5 hr classic cruise to reach the island and snag your shot. Unfortunately, it’s a quick stop so make sure you’re first off the boat! Or, better yet, take the Premium cruise ($101/adult), a 2 hour tour geared for photographers. (see pg2)

Waterton Lakes National Park: Perched on the wind-blasted bluff above the lake, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel is a striking subject in this classic scene. Getting the shot is simple: pull over when the hotel comes into view and shoot until your heart is content. In fall, when the aspens go gold, the scene can really “pop.” Story and Photos By Andrew Penner

Alberta Fast Facts

Capital City: Edmonton Population: 4.37 million History: Entered Canadian Confederation in 1905 Total Area: 661,848 km sq/255,541 mi sq Highest Point: Mount Columbia, 3,747 m/12,293 ft Lowest Point: Slave River, 152 m/499 ft above sea level Longest River: Peace River, 1,923 km/1,195 mi Provincial Flower: Wild Rose Provincial Tree: Lodgepole Pine Provincial Bird: Great Horned Owl Provincial Fish: Bull Trout Provincial Motto: “Strong and Free”