Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies
Each week I get emails or messages from fellow photographers asking where they should photograph in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Others ask me where to go hiking or scrambling so that they can get off the beaten track. I love getting these questions and seeing people’s enthusiasm for shooting these beautiful mountain landscapes.
Each week I get emails or messages from fellow photographers asking where they should photograph in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Others ask me where to go hiking or scrambling so that they can get off the beaten track. I love getting these questions and seeing people’s enthusiasm for shooting these beautiful mountain landscapes.
To provide you with some direction, I thought I’d compile a list of resources that will help you photograph the Canadian Rockies – books, websites and apps you can leaf through for yourself to identify your next photo sweet spots.
Mt. Rundle, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Books About Hiking, Scrambling and Mountaineering
Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson
The definitive and comprehensive Canadian Rockies hiking guide book.
Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, by Graeme Pole
An experienced hiker/author compiles his list of classic hikes in the Rockies.
Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies, by Alan Kane
The best resource for beginner to advanced scrambles in the Canadian Rockies.
11,000ers of the Canadian Rockies, by Bill Corbett
All the big peaks of the Rockies in one comprehensive guidebook.
Canadian Rockies Photography Facebook Group
Join our Facebook Group dedicated to exploration and creativity through photography in the Canadian Rockies!
E-Book: Photography in the Canadian Rockies
For my opinionated guide on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise, check out Paul Zizka’s Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies.
* Features 60+ locations organized into regions:
1. In and Around Banff Town
2. Lake Minnewanka
3. Bow Valley Parkway
4. Banff to Lake Louise via HWY1
5. Lake Louise and Area
* The best spots to shoot aurora borealis, wildflowers and fall colours.
* Easy-to-use symbols to guide you through each location, as well as access to online map.
* Suggested itineraries for 1 or 3 days in summer and winter.
Get your copy of Paul Zizka’s Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies.
Some locations in the Canadian Rockies are obscure, require good fitness and navigational skills. If you’re really keen to venture off the beaten track, I highly recommend you invest some time in finessing these skills. Coleman Lake, backcountry of Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka.
Apps for Photography + Tracking Weather and Skies
I’ve been an iPhone user for years, and rely on a number of apps to help me make the most of my photos and “read the skies” in the Canadian Rockies.
Photo Apps
PhotoPills: Sort of a Swiss Army knife for photographers and great for planning shoots precisely.
The Photographer’s Ephemeris: Another great photo planning app.
Weather/Sky Apps
SpotWx: precise, thorough weather info.
StarWalk: A stargazing app, great for identification of constellations and celestial features.
ClearDarkSky: for cloud cover
Webcams
It’s easy to overlook this one, but webcams give you an instant look at conditions from higher elevations and in distant areas.
Aurora Watching Web Resources
Perhaps the biggest question of all is where people can shoot the auroras in the Canadian Rockies. Thanks to our dark skies, you have a good chance of seeing them if they’re out, so long as there is no cloud cover.
One of the best resources for tracking them in Alberta is the Facebook group called Alberta Aurora Chasers. You can request to join here: AlbertaAuroraChasers.
I have also compiled my personal favourites in another blog post. You’ll need to learn to read the data, but you’ll find the full collection in Aurora Watching Web Resources.
10 Years, 10 Photos: Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Like many mountain dwellers here in the Canadian Rockies, I had my share of “seasons” working summer or winter jobs in various locations in Banff National Park before I finally put down some roots. My first, more permanent, move to Banff was in 2008. The town has provided the ultimate base for exploring for 10 years now.
Like many mountain dwellers here in the Canadian Rockies, I had my share of “seasons” working summer or winter jobs in various locations in Banff National Park before I finally put down some roots. My first, more permanent, move to Banff was in 2008. The town has provided the ultimate base for exploring for 10 years now.
Here are 10 highlights of one decade of adventure photography in the heart of the Canadian Rockies!
1. Frozen Kingdom
Mountaineering in Mt. Robson Provincial Park
2. Into the Blue
Booming Ice Chasm, Crowsnest Pass
3. A Skier's Dream
Ski touring at Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park
→ Check out my Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies!
4. Galactic Glide
Paddling on Goat Pond, Kananaskis
5. Sunrise Splash
Kayaking at Bow Lake, Banff National Park
6. Frozen Labyrinth
Robson Glacier, Mt. Robson Provincial Park
7. Ridge Ramble
Robson/Resplendent Ridge, Mt. Robson Provincial Park
8. Prisoner
Ice climbing at Panther Falls, Banff National Park
9. In the Eye of the Aurora
Ice climbing, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park
10. Winter Drifter
SUP at Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park
→ Check out my Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies!
The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered (Book Trailer)
For nearly a decade, Paul Zizka has dedicated himself to exploring the seldom-visited corners of the Canadian Rockies and producing the most original and innovative photographs he can muster. As a photographer and adventurer, he is drawn to the extraordinary. His body of work is the result of both countless nights spent outdoors and demanding ascents of the Rockies’ highest peaks.
For nearly a decade, Paul Zizka has dedicated himself to exploring the seldom-visited corners of the Canadian Rockies and producing the most original and innovative photographs he can muster. As a photographer and adventurer, he is drawn to the extraordinary. His body of work is the result of both countless nights spent outdoors and demanding ascents of the Rockies’ highest peaks.
The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered provides a freshly curated selection featuring 200 of Zizka’s best mountain photography and elevates the Canadian Rockies to new, unimaginable heights.
Find a copy in our online store.
DETAILS:
Photographs by Paul Zizka
ISBN 9781771602310
10 x 10 inches
240 pages
hardcover
$50.00 (CAD)
Published by Rocky Mountain Books
10 Favourite Places to Shoot the Northern Lights
I’ll admit it: the northern lights are intoxicating. For many years I’ve been drawn to cold, northerly destinations, both as a photographer and an adventurer. And beyond the desolate beauty and landscapes of these locations, whether it’s Greenland or Canada’s northern territories, it’s icing on the cake that they also provide us with the best opportunities to shoot the aurora borealis.
I’ll admit it: the northern lights are intoxicating. For many years I’ve been drawn to cold, northerly destinations, both as a photographer and an adventurer. And beyond the desolate beauty and landscapes of these locations, whether it’s Greenland or Canada’s northern territories, it’s icing on the cake that they also provide us with the best opportunities to shoot the aurora borealis.
Here are my top 10 favourite locations around the globe to shoot the northern lights, in no particular order of preference:
1. Alaska
In a nutshell: Perfect latitude, fantastic scenery to pair up with lights. Cloud cover can be an issue.
When to go: October to March.
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
2. Canadian Prairies
In a nutshell: Nice low horizon, easy access. You need a decent show.
When to go: Year-round.
Canadian Prairies. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
3. Canadian Rockies
In a nutshell: Some of the most incredible skylines to pair with lights. Great displays are rare. High horizons make it more challenging to shoot.
When to go: Year-round.
Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
→ Check out these Resources for Shooting the Canadian Rockies.
4. Greenland
In a nutshell: Zero light pollution, mind-blowing scenery. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Greenland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
→ You’ll also find my Aurora Watching Web Resources here.
5. Iceland
In a nutshell: Easier, cheaper access. Weather can be an issue. Good latitude, great landscapes. More people.
When to go: September to April.
Iceland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
6. Labrador
In a nutshell: Super dark skies, very wild. Access can be difficult. Some incredible skylines.
When to go: September to April.
Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
7. Norway
In a nutshell: Good latitude. Stunning landscapes. Weather can be an issue.
When to go: September to April.
Norway. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
8. Nunavut
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, incredible scenery. Lower temperatures to deal with. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Nunavut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
9. Northwest Territories
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, low horizons, surprisingly great access. Strong displays very frequent.
When to go: September to April.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
10. Yukon
In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, fairly easy/inexpensive access. Great latitude for aurora.
When to go: September to April.
→ Check out my Aurora Watching Web Resources
Trailer Release: In the Starlight
During the darkest hours of the night, while the rest of the world is sleeping, outdoor photographer Paul Zizka ventures out into the wilderness in search of the world’s starriest skies. His journey to photograph the celestial wonders takes him from his home amongst the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the wild, desert dunes of Namibia and remote ice caps of Greenland. Ever the adventurer, he must balance his work and passion for photography with his equal devotion as a family man. In the Starlight is an intimate portrayal of Paul’s quest to capture the night skies, and what his time spent under the stars has taught him about life, love, adventure, and our place in the universe.
A few years ago, French filmmaker Mathieu Le Lay reached out to me with the idea for a film. Little did we know that the journey to capture footage would take us to the top of Mt. Whitehorn here in the Canadian Rockies, twice to the remote glaciers and fjords of Greenland and to the desert dunes of Namibia. I'm thrilled to finally be able to share the trailer of the film, which premieres on Ushuaïa TV this month. Follow In the Starlight on Facebook for updates on more screenings!
From In the Starlight:
During the darkest hours of the night, while the rest of the world is sleeping, outdoor photographer Paul Zizka ventures out into the wilderness in search of the world’s starriest skies. His journey to photograph the celestial wonders takes him from his home amongst the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the wild, desert dunes of Namibia and remote ice caps of Greenland. Ever the adventurer, he must balance his work and passion for photography with his equal devotion as a family man. In the Starlight is an intimate portrayal of Paul’s quest to capture the night skies, and what his time spent under the stars has taught him about life, love, adventure, and our place in the universe.
Written, Directed and Edited by
Mathieu Le Lay
Featuring
Paul Zizka
Meghan Ward
Mistaya Zizka
Jesse Milner
Emma Freeman
Takeshi Tani
Cinematography
Mathieu Le Lay
Additional Cinematography
Benjamin Dowie
Photographies
Paul Zizka
Original Soundtrack
Franck Zaragoza
Sound Design
Laurent Mollard
Assistant Designer
Larisa Oltean
Technical Means
L'Atelier Plani
The Beach Audio Productions
Studio Gaïné
Partners
Aquatech
Ball Watch
Canon France
Mountain Hardwear
Syrp
Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions
Visit Greenland
Wilson Mountain Sports
A Coproduction
Camera Lucida
Mathieu Le Lay Productions
Ushuaïa TV
Camera Lucida
Executive Producer
François Bertrand
Producer
Valérie Grenon
Production Manager
Alison Genet
Associate Producer
Silvia Alba
Coordinating Producers
Céline Delaunay
Aymeric Isnard
Anthony Donato
Stéphanie Garcia
Editorial Assistant & Communication
Lio Guidoni
Ushuaïa TV
Executive Manager
Christophe Sommet
In charge of Acquisitions and Documentary Productions
Annabel Gain
Distribution
CPB International
With the participation of
Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée
FODACIM
Le Fonds d’Aide au Cinéma de Montagne est une association qui soutient la création de films, grâce à ses partenaires.
© Camera Lucida Productions | Mathieu Le Lay Productions | Ushuaïa TV - 2018
Behind the Image: Emergence
I took this black-and-white on a shooting marathon at Mount Assiniboine a few years ago. I only had two nights in the area and the conditions were so good I went without sleep to make the most of the opportunity. I went everything over those 48 hours: in thunderstorms, fresh snow, aurora borealis, inversions, fogbows, you name it. And it was late September, that time of year when the larches are glowing gold – arguably the best time of year for photography in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
I took this black-and-white on a shooting marathon at Mount Assiniboine a few years ago. I only had two nights in the area and the conditions were so good I went without sleep to make the most of the opportunity. I went everything over those 48 hours: in thunderstorms, fresh snow, aurora borealis, inversions, fogbows, you name it. And it was late September, that time of year when the larches are glowing gold – arguably the best time of year for photography in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
After a night shooting the northern lights and running around to try to find breaks in the cloud cover, I finally decided to return to the Naiset Huts to catch a nap since I could no longer escape the clouds. Just as I was about the enter the cabin (which was already nearly full of fast-asleep people), I spotted a few stars glowing above the mountains. No rest for the wicked! I realized the clouds were an inversion and that a sunrise at the Nub (a nearby spot which is the most photographed backcountry location in the Canadian Rockies) could offer great potential.
As I made my way past Assiniboine Lodge, I did a double-take when I caught a glimpse of the pyramid of Mount Assiniboine floating in the dawn sky, all lit up in alpenglow. It was an absolutely incredible sight. I was pretty determined to get up to the Nub, but felt the scene that was immediately available guaranteed an image more unique than anything I could hope for at the popular vantage point higher up.
I set up the tripod, pulled out the long lens, and took a few frames of this scene, as the clouds were constantly swirling. This was my favourite one. The fog below kept the base of the mountain quite dark, while the alpenglow lit up its higher sections. The dark blue sky above bookended the composition, and made it look like the "Matterhorn of the Rockies" was doing a levitation act.
Shot with the Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens, at ISO 400, 30 seconds, f/11. I often use this image in workshops as an example of the power of compressions and isolation of the long lens in landscape photography. I hope you like the image and the story!