Products, Canadian Rockies Paul Zizka Products, Canadian Rockies Paul Zizka

Canadian Rockies Perpetual Calendars by Paul Zizka

Now available! Track birthdays, anniversaries and annual celebrations in this reusable calendar featuring stunning mountain photography by Paul Zizka.

Now available! Track birthdays, anniversaries and annual celebrations in this reusable calendar featuring stunning mountain photography by Paul Zizka.

Never forget another birthday or special occasion ever again! This clever calendar is not year-specific so you can keep note of important annual events. No need to transcribe each year! Put it up in your kitchen, office, bedroom, bathroom or high-traffic areas where you'll be reminded of what's coming up. 

Order Now!
PZP_Mock Promo Files_Shopify_Product Shots3.jpg

Perfect for Mother's Day or for the planners in your life (you?)!

Use this calendar to keep track of:
birthdays
anniversaries
holidays
significant life events

Get creative and use it for:
annual payments
car servicing
reminders for check-ups
and more!

Features

* Size: 8.27" x 11.69"
* Comes with a wire hanger feature for easy display and transition to next month.
* Writing surface is great for pens or pencils (erases well, too!)
* Heavy stock paper for calendar months makes it sturdy for reuse, year after year.
* Each month features a gorgeous, full-colour Canadian Rockies image.
* Printed in Canada.
* Ships worldwide!

Price does not include shipping/duties and taxes.

54517862_387307318732804_2041768654416117760_n.jpg
img_8164.jpg
img_8158.jpg
53886136_2102530609825105_8833396419491528704_n-1.jpg
Order Now!
Read More
Canadian Rockies, Landscapes Paul Zizka Canadian Rockies, Landscapes Paul Zizka

Banff at Its Winter Best

When the temperatures drop, the mountain environment transforms and gains new character – one that is especially appealing to me as a photographer. Mountains draped in white, sun bursting through fog on freezing cold mornings, a monochrome landscape... it all adds up to some spectacular photo potential!

When the temperatures drop, the mountain environment transforms and gains new character – one that is especially appealing to me as a photographer. Mountains draped in white, sun bursting through fog on freezing cold mornings, a monochrome landscape... it all adds up to some spectacular photo potential!

Here is just a selection of my favourite images from Banff National Park in wintertime. And if you're looking for the best places to shoot during the winter, I've compiled some of my top locations in my ebook: Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise), which also includes a downloadable checklist of gear for outdoor photography.

Hoar frost at Vermilion Lakes. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Hoar frost at Vermilion Lakes. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Banff's Pedestrian Bridge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Banff's Pedestrian Bridge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Bow Falls. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Bow Falls. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Johnson Lake, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Johnson Lake, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Mt. Ishbel. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Mt. Ishbel. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ice climbing at Johnston Canyon. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ice climbing at Johnston Canyon. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.


Read More
Canadian Rockies, Products Paul Zizka Canadian Rockies, Products Paul Zizka

Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition)

Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.

I have spent the better part of the past 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies. This has amounted to countless days and nights seeing what’s around the bend, bushwhacking, walking up creeks, and following my nose. Originally, I didn’t explore with the purpose of sharing information. I simply enjoyed being curious in the mountains. Most of the time, the camera stayed in the bag, until I finally bought my first DSLR in 2007.

Over the years, I pulled the camera out more often, and eventually launched into photography as a profession. I also gathered a great deal of information, and thought it would be a shame not to make that information available to others so that they can enjoy and photograph some of those special places. After all, I find it immensely rewarding whenever I get to play a small part in getting people out exploring and connecting with their creative side.

So, after many months of work, I'm excited to announce this ebook:

Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise Edition

pzp_promo-images_rectangle10.jpg

Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.

Order Now

Special 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 

  • Year-round (four season) content with season-specific info for each location.

  • All major day hikes between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise.

  • 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.

  • Listing of resources, recommended books and apps for photographers.

  • Printable Gear Checklist for Outdoor Photography.

  • Suggested itineraries for 1 or 3 days in summer and winter.

© All contents copyright Paul Zizka and Meghan J. Ward, 2018.

Read More
Canadian Rockies Paul Zizka Canadian Rockies Paul Zizka

10 Best Backcountry Stays in the Canadian Rockies

I'm all for wilderness, camping and nights spent in the fresh air, under a sea of stars. But, let's be honest, I also love home-cooked meals over a wood stove, a cozy bed and hard walls that keep out the wind and rain better than any tent could.

I'm all for wilderness, camping and nights spent in the fresh air, under a sea of stars. But, let's be honest, I also love home-cooked meals over a wood stove, a cozy bed and hard walls that keep out the wind and rain better than any tent could.

When you can combine the two, you get the most amazing experience, and thanks to some incredible lodging in the region, we have many options to choose from in the Canadian Rockies. When I'm lugging extra photo gear, not having to pack the tent and cooking supplies is an added bonus.

Here are some of my personal favourites, in no particular order:

1. Skoki Lodge

Skoki Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Skoki Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Possibly one of the most magical of backcountry lodge experiences, Skoki Lodge has a charm unto itself and is chock full of history. Accessible in both winter and summer, it gives backcountry skiers the hikers a great base for exploring the famous Skoki region.

2. Scott Duncan Hut

Scott Duncan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Scott Duncan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

One of the lesser-visited huts in the chain of alpine huts run by the Alpine Club of Canada, Scott Duncan Hut can be linked to other huts on the Wapta/Waputik icefields, or accessed on its own via Sherbrooke Lake.

3. Shadow Lake Lodge

Shadow Lake Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Shadow Lake Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Now owned and operated by the Alpine Club of Canada, Shadow Lake Lodge has a series of cabins and communal hanging out/dining cabins for guests to enjoy. Nestled in a beautiful meadow, it's the perfect base for day hikes in the region.

4. Lake O’Hara Lodge

Lake O’Hara Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Lake O’Hara Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

I hear Lake O'Hara Lodge is booked out far in advance, and for good reason. For one, you can actually take a bus to it (whereas most of the other options here require some hiking or skiing). Situated near the shore of beautiful Lake O'Hara, the lodge has a longstanding tradition of backcountry hospitality and is the gateway to some of the best hiking in all of the Canadian Rockies.

5. Elizabeth Parker Hut

Elizabeth Parker Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Elizabeth Parker Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Named after one of the founders of the Alpine Club of Canada, Elizabeth Parker Hut is also accessible via the Lake O'Hara bus. It is one of the club's most accessible huts and features a wonderful sleeping/communal area (with a wonderful wood stove), kitchen, and access so remarkable hiking and skiing terrain.

6. Peyto Hut

Peyto Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Peyto Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

This alternate perspective on Peter and Catharine Whyte (Peyto) Hut shows just how much snow and ice surrounds it. Located on the Wapta Icefield, adventurers can link it together with the other Wapta Huts or use it as a base to climb nearby peaks.

7. Mount Assiniboine Lodge

Mount Assiniboine Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Mount Assiniboine Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Built in 1928, Assiniboine Lodge was the first backcountry ski lodge in North America. It can be accessed via ski, hike or helicopter, and gives backcountry enthusiasts access to one of the region's most famous views: Mt. Assiniboine, considered the "Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies.

8. Bow Hut

Bow Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Bow Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

See that beige speck on the rocky outcropping beneath the glacier? That is the incredible Bow Hut, another Alpine Club of Canada hut. This is one of the gateways to the Wapta Traverse and various mountaineering objectives, but it is also a great destination for an overnight hike, and perhaps a sunset stroll up "The Onion."

9. Abbot Pass Hut

Abbot Pass Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Abbot Pass Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

If you truly want a backcountry experience like no other, Abbot Pass Hut, nestled at the pass between Mts. Victoria and Lefroy, offers a memorable stay. Originally built in 1922 to house early mountaineers, today hikers also enjoy the stone hut (though it does involve some scrambling to get there!). Update: Parks Canada slope remediation work continues at Abbot Pass Hut and the ACC is not taking summer bookings at this time.

10. Neil Colgan Hut

If I had to pick a favourite, Neil Colgan Hut might be it – the highest permanent structure in Canada at 9,700 feet. It is truly a mountaineer's hut, with no straightforward way of accessing it, and gives you access to the famous ten peaks. Many memorable nights have been spent here under the stars.

Neil Colgan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Neil Colgan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

There are many more where that came from. In particular, check out the full listing of Alpine Club of Canada huts on their website.

Read More

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

1.jpg

2. Into the Blue

Booming Ice Chasm, Crowsnest Pass

2.jpg

3. A Skier's Dream

Ski touring at Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park

3.jpg

 → Check out my Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies

4. Galactic Glide

Paddling on Goat Pond, Kananaskis

4.jpg

5. Sunrise Splash

Kayaking at Bow Lake, Banff National Park

5.jpg

6. Frozen Labyrinth

Robson Glacier, Mt. Robson Provincial Park

6.jpg

7. Ridge Ramble

Robson/Resplendent Ridge, Mt. Robson Provincial Park

7.jpg

8. Prisoner

Ice climbing at Panther Falls, Banff National Park

8.jpg

9. In the Eye of the Aurora

Ice climbing, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park

9.jpg

10. Winter Drifter

SUP at Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park

10.jpg
Read More
Canadian Rockies, Products Paul Zizka Canadian Rockies, Products Paul Zizka

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

Read More
Canadian Rockies, Tips, Resources Paul Zizka Canadian Rockies, Tips, Resources Paul Zizka

Aurora Watching Web Resources

The big "FAQ" for me has always been "which northern lights prediction websites do you recommend?" No matter how much one monitors the data available, viewing the aurora always involves an element of unpredictability. Familiarizing yourself with the following resources should improve your chances.

The big "FAQ" for me has always been "which northern lights prediction websites do you recommend?" No matter how much one monitors the data available, viewing the aurora always involves an element of unpredictability. Familiarizing yourself with the following resources should improve your chances.

→ Alberta Aurora Chasers - Facebook Group

reports from aurora chasers on the ground

→ AuroraSaurus

reporting auroras from the ground up

→ AuroraStatus

Alberta aurora status

Continued below…


More great resources to help you track, view and photograph the Northern Lights:

PZP_eBook_PromoImages_Square7_1200x.jpeg

eBook: Paul Zizka's Guide to Viewing and Photographing Northern Lights

Astrophotographer Paul Zizka gives his best tips, tools, and resources for both viewing and photographing the northern lights. From tracking the data to camera settings and editing tips, this comprehensive guide is all you need to get started! This eBook is suitable for non-photographers and photographers of all levels of experience. 

BUY NOW


→ Soft Serve News

aurora borealis forecast

→ SolarHam

the latest space weather news and updates

→ Space Weather Prediction Centre

current space weather conditions

→ SpaceWeather.com

news and information about the sun/earth environment

→ University of Alaska Geophysical Institute

Alaska aurora forecasts

→ VirtualTromso

Tromsø LIVE northern lights solar activity, prediction and forecast

If you like northern lights photos, check out The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered, by Paul Zizka.

Read More