2022 Prime Time Calendar for Canadian Rockies Photography

I’m excited to launch the 2022 Prime Time Calendar for Canadian Rockies Photography! This planning calendar is a handy tool for photographers so that they can make the most of seasonal conditions and celestial phenomena in Canada’s prized mountain range.

For the past decade, Paul has been carefully watching when particular seasons unfold, from the needles changing on Lyall's larch trees to methane bubbles appearing in frozen lakes. This calendar combines that knowledge with known celestial or annual events, creating the perfect tool to help you plan your photography in the Canadian Rockies. 

→ Note: This is a printable PDF catered to photographers, not to be confused with a hard-copy display/decorative wall calendar. 

THIS YEAR THE CALENDAR IS FREE!

What's inside!

* Seasons and peak times for fall colours (Aspen, Lyall's larch and Western larch), methane bubbles, aurora activity, wildflowers, and Milky Way.

* Monthly and annual summaries for sunrise/sunset, average rainfall/snowfall and average temperatures.

* Celestial events, such as meteor showers, planet visibility, lunar eclipses and moon cycles.
* Paul's personal favourite times of the year.
* Recommended photo apps.

* Photo prompts and tips.

* Seasonal road closures in the Canadian Rockies.

Striking Gold: A Larch Season Photo Mission with the Lowepro PhotoSport PRO

Guest post by Trixie Pacis.
Originally published by Lowepro.

Magic unfolds in the Canadian Rockies during the transition to fall. It’s larch season, a glorious but short-lived window where the needles of this “deciduous conifer” transform from green to gold. If you conjure an image of the iconic peaks and turquoise lakes of the Rocky Mountain landscape beneath a blanket of fall hues, you’ll understand why droves of photographers and adventurers converge on this colourful display. I set off on an overnight backcountry adventure with award-winning adventure photographer Paul Zizka to see what all the fuss was about.

Planning a Larch Season Photo Mission

When it comes to capturing golden larches, timing is everything. Larch season lasts just a few weeks, typically from late September to early October, until the trees shed their needles for the winter. Arrive too early and the larches will blend in with neighbouring evergreens. Wait too long and the needles will have faded or been blown off the branches by a storm. 

Paul and I plotted an overnight backcountry trip to capture this phenomenon. Paul was adamant about an overnighter because it would allow him to shoot the golden larch trees and turquoise lakes of the high in the alpine in early morning and evening light. Paul chose a destination on the border of Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country in the Canadian province of Alberta with two objectives in mind: the northwest ridge of Mount Birdwood as well as a stroll through the larch forest around Mount Smutwood. He arranged for a Banff National Park bivouac permit to camp overnight as well as a permit to recreate in Kananaskis Country, through which we would be passing. With a departure date and destination set, it was time to pack our bags.

Packing for an Overnight Photography Adventure

Autumn is a beautiful season to explore at high elevations but camping in cold weather requires additional gear. I’ve embarked on multi-day treks from Alaska to the Himalayas with a camera in tow but on this trip, I discovered that not all backpacks are made equal; watching Paul use a bag designed for photographers as much as backpackers was a revelation.

I met Paul at his place on the crisp September morning of our trip. Paul was in the process of packing and introduced me to the Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70L backpack, the latest addition to Lowepro’s proven line of camera bags. In a nutshell, PhotoSport PRO was designed for photographers going on multi-day backcountry expeditions. It integrates all the features required for an overnight trip plus all the bells and whistles for secure and convenient camera access.

“They really thought of everything,” Paul said as he packed the PhotoSport PRO with all the gear he would need for our trip. Indeed, the bag was designed with every essential detail in mind.

→ We’re giving away a Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70L backpack (value $699 CAD). Enter here!

Camera Gear: The PhotoSport PRO features front and back panel access. Favouring the rear opening, Paul packed his Canon R5 mirrorless camera and three lenses using the GEARUP PRO XL insert that comes with customizable velcro inserts to hold everything in place. There was even extra room for a few additional items including his headlamp.

Camping Gear: With his camera secure, Paul loaded his sleeping bag and mat into the backpack’s bottom pocket. Storing these items here cleverly provides extra padding below the camera gear. He then strapped his one-person tent to the adjustable straps outside the bottom pocket.

Paul packed his camping stove, dehydrated meals, and spare layers in the PhotoSport PRO’s main compartment along with the RunAbout foldable day pack. Even after packing all the essentials for a one-night trip, there was plenty of room to spare.

Accessories: Paul tucked his tripod and water bottle into the side pockets (pointing out that the bag has a side pocket for those who prefer hydration reservoirs with drinking tubes. Last but not least, Paul stashed the small accessories he wanted to keep accessible in the removable lid including his phone, wallet, sunglasses, and satellite device.

Before setting off, Paul adjusted the torso length, load lifter straps, chest straps, and padded waist straps for maximum comfort. Paul also mentioned that the Activ Lift system and adjustable pivoting waist transferred weight to the hips and provided a wider range of motion. 

I was intrigued by the bag’s thoughtful design and curious to see it in action.

The Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70L backpack holds up against heavy rain. Photo by Trixie Pacis.

Striking Gold

Within a few hours, Paul and I were deep in moose country with the trailhead far behind us. The start of our adventure traced a river through the forest and into an open valley. The sun was shining and a light dusting of snow accentuated each sedimentary layer of the surrounding peaks. We bid the valley floor farewell and began our ascent to the high alpine. We were soon surrounded by larch trees of every hue—from neon green with gold tips to buttercup yellow. I felt the euphoria of “striking gold”. 

Suddenly, winter was upon us. Thick snowflakes fell, many carried sideways by fierce gusts of wind. By the time we reached our bivy spot, the ground was white. Paul and I pitched our tents amidst a stand of butterscotch-coloured larches then glanced at the northeast ridge of Mount Birdwood through the fiery foliage. We quickly agreed to adapt our plans in light of the unexpected weather. The summit of Mount Birdwood was just around the corner and looked manageable despite the fresh layer of snow.

Paul hikes towards the summit of Smutwood wearing the RunAbout insert. Photo by Trixie Pacis.

The Runabout

It was time to explore with fast and light. It only took a minute for Paul to transfer the GEARUP PRO XL housing all of his camera gear into the RunAbout day pack. It fit like a glove with just enough room for a spare layer, water, snacks and accessories. Without the same efficient system, my fingers froze before leaving camp. 

We spent the evening on high ridges, photographing golden larches against turquoise lakes and white snow, and shouting in excitement over the wind. Working side-by-side, I couldn’t help but notice that Paul’s camera gear had been at his fingertips every step of the way. Whether carrying the PhotoSport PRO or the RunAbout, only two smooth zippers stood between him and his camera. Meanwhile, I was fumbling with multiple buckles, cinches, and zippers to wrestle mine free. The biting cold only accentuated the difference.

Paul photographs a pair of larches on the ridge to Smutwood. Photo by Trixie Pacis.

One Bag, Three Seasons

We crawled out of our tents at the crack of dawn to capture larches in the morning light and discovered that the fallen snow had melted overnight. Rain pummelled down from the heavens as we explored the grove of larch trees around Birdwood Lakes. Even on that torrential day, nature’s brilliant display had us running around in search of new compositions with childlike fervour. 

In just one trip, Paul put his gear to the test in three seasons: summer, fall, and winter. When I finally asked him what he thought of the bag, he called it his “new go-to for future expeditions.” 

That told me everything I needed to know about the Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70L.

Photos by Paul Zizka.

The PhotoSport PRO in Action

Check out this video to go behind the scenes as Paul puts the Lowepro PhotoSport PRO to the test!

2021 Holiday Print Sale!

Our Annual Holiday Print Sale is Here!

We’ve got two options for you (valid through December 15, 2021)!

1. Save 20% off limited edition prints with checkout code HOLIDAYS2021.

2. Pay full price and we’ll donate 20% of the print sale to the Alberta Children’s Hospital! (See ‘why’ just below!)

Place your orders ASAP for timely delivery for the holidays! As shipping is still experiencing unforeseen delays, we cannot guarantee shipping times. The earlier you order, the better! Code is valid until December 15, 2021.

Email us with any questions at inquiries@zizka.ca

Why the Alberta Children’s Hospital?

Photo by @lauralouphoto.

Eight years ago, our little pal Jack began to have seizures. He was diagnosed with polymicrogyria (PMG), a rare structural malformation that makes his brain prone to these seizures. In the past few years, this brave warrior has undergone three brain surgeries at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to help him live seizure-free. These surgeries involve removing parts of the brain and result in some side effects, such as weaknesses with muscle control, but each time he amazes us with his bold spirit and desire to relearn how to do things like bike and ski. 

His surgeries have left him with one functioning hemisphere of his brain. He’s one year post-op from his third surgery and he has been seizure-free! The next step is he gets to wean off of his seizure meds for the first time in his eight years of life.

Go, Jack!

This holiday season, we have chosen to give 20% of the sales from full-price prints to the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a tribute to Jack and his incredible family.

Jack and his family; parents Brooke and Rob, sister Laila, and twin brother Nash.

2020 Holiday Print Sale!

THANK YOU! Thanks to your print orders, we were able to donate $1,000 to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Your generosity means so much to us and families who have received care at ACH, like Jack Wilson and his family.

Our annual holiday print sale is here!

We’ve got something special this year, too.

Two options:

1. Save 20% off limited edition prints with checkout code HOLIDAYS20.

2. Pay full price and we’ll donate 20% of the print sale to the Alberta Children’s Hospital!

Place your orders ASAP for timely delivery for the holidays!

Email us with any questions at inquiries@zizka.ca

Why the Alberta Children’s Hospital?

Photo by @lauralouphoto.

Seven years ago, our little pal Jack began to have seizures. He was diagnosed with polymicrogyria (PMG), a rare structural malformation that makes his brain prone to these seizures. In the past few years, this brave warrior has undergone three brain surgeries at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to help him live seizure-free. These surgeries involve removing parts of the brain and result in some side effects, such as weaknesses with muscle control, but each time he amazes us with his bold spirit and desire to relearn how to things like bike and ski. His most recent surgery was just this month, and we have been watching in awe as he’s adapting to new challenges. Go, Jack!

This holiday season, we have chosen to give 20% of the sales from full-price prints to the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a tribute to Jack and his incredible family.

Jack and his family; parents Brooke and Rob and siblings Laila and Nash.

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.

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. 

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.

The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered Wins 'Mountain Image' at Banff Mountain Book Festival

I am extremely proud to announce that my second coffee-table style book of photography, The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered, has won this year's category for Mountain Image at the Banff Mountain Book Competition.

From 2018 Book Competition Juror, Ian Welsted:

"Paul Zizka has produced an absolutely breathtaking collection of images of the Canadian Rockies.  People from the world over visit the Rockies to take in these views; Zizka captures them at their most magnificent.  Initially recognized for his aurora night photos this collection revisits the area with new themes. The result is a visual masterpiece."

Thank you to publishers Rocky Mountain Books for backing this project! Congrats to all the nominees and winners! You can view all of the winners here!

Looking for a copy? You can find locations for purchasing or order a signed copy of the book in the online store.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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