TOP 10 Most Beautiful PHOTO locations in the Canadian Rockies
Hi, my name is Michael Andrejkow, I’m a professional landscape photographer based from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I’ve spend years traveling across Western Canada and the Western United States and have extensive experience photographing in the Canadian Rockies. Here are 10 of the most beautiful photography locations in the Canadian Rockies that every visitor should have on their must see list while visiting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
TOP 10 Best PhotoGRAPHY SpotS Banff National Park
Located roughly one hour and a half from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Banff National Park is the crown jewel of Canada’s National Park system. Traveling west from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway, visitors will be greeted by views of the Canadian Prairies that abruptly end and give way to the spectacular front mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies.
The top 10 Canadian Rockies photography locations below are arranged by visual impact and must see importance. They should not be overlooked on any Canadian Rocky trip itinerary.
NUMBER 1 | MORAINE LAKE | BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Heavenly Moraine
Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph of Moraine Lake at Dawn by Michael Andrejkow
Moraine Lake is arguably the most beautiful lake in all of Canada, if not the whole world. Featured previously on the Canadian twenty dollar bill, it is a global icon and of significant cultural importance to all Canadians. Located at a terminal moraine in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine lake’s turquoise color defies reality and is something to behold in person. I’ve seen grown men gasp and stare in stunned silence. I’ve heard on numerous occasions that it’s the most beautiful thing one’s ever seen. It’s a surreal experience, and must be seen in person to be believed. This is a must for any visitor to the Canadian Rockies.
If you’re searching for peace and solitude, this location will not be it. Crowds here are huge and last throughout the day. The lake is best photographed at sunrise, however starting in 2023, Parks Canada has restricted private vehicle access. The only way to currently see the lake is by shuttle bus which doesn’t operate before sunrise. The best option as of writing is to take the first shuttle bus in the morning.
NUMBER 2 | EMERALD LAKE | YOHO NATIONAL PARK
CLOUD NINE
Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph of Emerald Lake by Michael Andrejkow
Although not technically located in Banff National Park or Alberta, Emerald Lake is must see while in the Lake Louise area. Located about 20 minutes west on the Trans-Canada Highway from the Lake Louise townsite, Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park in British Columbia. There is an easy walking trail around the lake where one can enjoy the fantastic green and blue hues as well as a Cafe and lodges on the main island of the lake. Extremely popular and busy, it is photographed best at dawn or dusk from various locations.
NUMBER 3 | PEYTO LAKE | BANFF NATIONAL PARK
PEYTO DUSK
Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph of Peyto Lake by Michael Andrejkow
NUMBER 4 | BOW LAKE | BANFF NATIONAL PARK
CITADEL
Bow Lake during a frigid morning in late fall. Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph by Michael Andrejkow
Located a short 30 minute drive from the beginning of the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is an incredibly beautiful alpine glacial lake and is also the source of the Bow River which runs through downtown Calgary. It is a must see and worthwhile stop while driving the Icefields Parkway. Best photographed at dawn when the water is still, this is another do not miss iconic Canadian Rockies location.
NUMBER 5 | MALIGNE LAKE | JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Spirit Island
Spirit Island Limited Edition Fine Art Photograph by Michael Andrejkow