LOCATION GUIDE
BANFF - CANMORE - KANANASKIS - LAKE LOUISE - MORAINE LAKE - PEYTO LAKE - EMERALD LAKE - BOW LAKE
Please enjoy this collection of my favourite locations for photo sessions around Banff and Lake Louise.
These are some of my top spots for photoshoots, along with a short description of each location and why it might be the perfect fit for you. I’ve also included sample photos from each location, as well as the time of year each photo was taken, to help you get a better feel for what each spot can look like throughout the seasons.
Once your session is booked, I’m always happy to provide even more insight into each location, help you narrow down your options, and answer any questions you may have.
I can’t wait to meet you at one of these beautiful spots in Banff National Park and capture you and your loved ones surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
CANMORE
Quarry Lake- Nivember 24
Quarry Lake- September 15
Quarry Lake- September 20
Rundle Forebay- September 20
Rundle Forebay- March 12
Rundle Forebay- July 18
Three Sisters- July 16
Three Sisters- December 10
Three Sisters- September 26
Quarry Lake
This is my favourite location to photograph in Canmore—not so much for the lake itself, but for the beautiful fields surrounding it. The area feels private and is perfect for candid, relaxed photos, especially for families. The fall colours here are also absolutely incredible.
The downside? Parking is paid (around $20 for two hours), and the lake itself—not the surrounding fields—can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
Rundle Forebay Reservoir
This location offers free parking and requires almost no walking to access the lake. It has incredible mountain views and a beautiful waterfront setting, making it a very easy and convenient option for photos.
On windy days, the colour of the water can be a little less vibrant, but the scenery is beautiful regardless.
Three Sisters Viewpoint
This used to be a hidden gem for photographers and Canmore locals, but it has recently gained a lot more attention from visitors as well—and for good reason. It offers one of the best views of the Three Sisters mountains in town.
The spot may or may not feel private depending on how many landscape photographers show up that evening to photograph the mountains. There is also about a seven-minute walk over rocky terrain to reach the viewpoint, so this location may not be ideal for elderly guests, anyone with mobility concerns, or wheelchair users.
LAKE LOUISE
June 28
December 19
June 20
October 10
October 4
December 31
Lake Louise is the perfect spot for clients looking for photos at one of the most iconic and famous lakes in Banff National Park. While parking and access can be challenging during the day, the area becomes much easier to access in the evening as the crowds begin to thin out.
This location works beautifully for any type of session, but keep in mind that Lake Louise is extremely popular, so there will still be other visitors around—even during the quieter evening hours.
EMERALD LAKE
January 13
July 24
January 17
July 30
September 11
June 23
Emerald Lake is Lake Louise’s sibling in my mind. Both offer that incredible turquoise water surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Parking can be challenging during the day, but it becomes much easier to find a spot in the evening. While Emerald Lake may not be quite as famous as Lake Louise, that also means it typically offers more privacy and fewer crowds for photoshoots.
And did I mention there’s a beautiful lodge right on the lake where you can stay the night of your session?
MORAINE LAKE
July 6
September 6
July 29
July 23
July 27
July 29
I mean… I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more beautiful place than Moraine Lake. The vibrant turquoise water, the dramatic mountains that feel impossibly close, and the peaceful atmosphere in the evening make this location truly unforgettable.
Once the daytime crowds have left, Moraine Lake becomes one of the quietest and most serene places in Banff National Park. It does require a little more planning, as a shuttle is needed to access the lake, but in my opinion, it is always worth the extra effort.
Keep in mind that reaching some of the best photo spots involves about a 10-minute walk up the Rockpile Trail, and there can be some uneven terrain along the way.
PEYTO LAKE
July 20
September 22
July 3
June 28
June 28
August 17
Peyto Lake is that “top of the world” location that doesn’t actually require too much work to reach. The walk to this stunning viewpoint is only about 15 minutes and includes a mix of paved pathway and forest trail.
The viewpoint can feel surprisingly private, especially around sunrise or sunset, making it a beautiful option for a more peaceful session with incredible mountain views.
Peyto Lake is also only about five minutes from Bow Lake, so the two locations pair perfectly for a longer session if you’d like to visit two different spots.
BOW LAKE
September 6
July 20
June 26
July 20
June 20
September 6
Bow Lake is located on the scenic Icefields Parkway highway. The drive itself will have your jaws dropped. There is parking at the lake, especially in the evening hours. The lake is easily accessible and it has been one of my favourite spots for shoots, especially for clients hoping for more candid, cinematic photos. With plenty of privacy and so much room to explore, the options for poses and views are limitless.
BANFF- LAKE MINNEWANKA
August 6
July 19
December 5
July 19
July 7
November 15
Looking for a location close to the town of Banff? Lake Minnewanka may just be the spot. With no shuttle required to access and plenty of parking available, this lake is perfect for a family looking for a convenient, but still breathtaking spot. The colour of the lake may not be as blue as the other more iconic lakes, but the mountain views are just as stunning.