Before we get into it, I understand that some photographers or residents of Banff/Canmore might view me unfavorably, but I want to share important information that could save you time and trouble. Many areas in this region require proper permits for photography, especially on reservation grounds. To legally photograph in the town site, you need to obtain a temporary or annual permit, depending on your frequency of visits. Below are the links to acquire these licenses.

Town Of Canmore

Business Information Site / Business License Application
**Please note that this application can take up to 10 days to clear
Fees
1-2 Day: $50
1 Month: $150
3 Month: $200
6 Month: $300
Annual: $600

Town of Banff (Parks Canada)

Business Information Site / Business License Application
** This application is for the town of banff itself and can take up to 10 days to clear
Fees
1-Month Licence $390.00 
1-Day Licence $275.00

I encourage you to take these permits seriously. There are substantial fines for not acquiring a license, and it’s important to show respect for the residents who contribute significantly to these communities. We are in their backyard, and it’s only right to honor their space.

On With The Good Stuff now…

My number 5…

Quary lakes (aka the dog park)

Canmore, AB

This is the “basic B” of locations. Its always reliable, all season recommended, easy access. When you park in the paid parking area to the far left, look to your right (west, towards the sunset). Follow the treeline for about a kilometer; it will loop you around to a path facing Ha Ling Peak. Depending on the time of year, the sun will be to your right. You’ll find a beautiful boulder with defined mountain tips in a quiet dip in the terrain. If you continue walking over the hill and through the park, you’ll discover a tranquil trout pond that offers stunning reflections.

Pros
– Easy access
– Cell service (This is important—meeting clients in remote areas with no service can be challenging.)
More populated area, which means bears are more accustomed to humans.
– Off-leash dog park, making it safe for clients with dogs.

Cons
– Located in town, so you won’t have the full, uninterrupted mountain view.
– Additional parking fees for all vehicles.
– Sun position may not be ideal for shooting into the sun, but don’t let that discourage you; you can still capture great shots from multiple angles.

My number 4…
Lake Minnniwanka/Two Jack Lakes

Banff, AB

It’s a scenic drive, and the lakes are beautiful! There are a few pull-offs along the way, especially if your clients are in the same car as you or following you. Since cell service can be patchy, it’s best to head directly to one of the lake parking lots, which are very close together. Both locations tend to be busy, so expect company.

At Lake Minniwanka, you can find stunning spots along the shoreline, including cliffs and an epic view of Mount Minniwanka. This lake is typically windy, especially during the day, so I recommend shooting here at sunrise due to the lake’s position relative to the sun. The water is vibrantly blue and bright.

If you prefer Two Jack Lake, it’s smaller and calmer, with a more forested appearance and slightly greener water. In the summer, you’ll find many swimmers here since it’s not a glacier-fed lake.

Pros:
– Plenty of opportunities for diverse scenes; there’s a coffee shop and boat tours available if you feel adventurous.
– Elk can often be seen, adding to the natural atmosphere—just don’t provoke them; they can be aggressive.
– Both lakes have walking trails that allow you to escape the crowds.

Cons:
– It can get quite busy.
– The wind can be strong.
– The sun often seems to be in an awkward position for shooting.

My Number 3…
The Tressle Bridge

Downtown Canmore

I have a love-hate relationship with all bridges, but this one is pretty nice—actually, it’s really nice! It can be a bit tricky to find. If you Google it, you’ll locate it, but parking is quite difficult. There used to be a back alley, but during my last three visits, an elderly woman yelled at me, claiming she pays for that land and I was disrespecting it. Not the easiest situation to deal with when you’re with a bride and groom! I think they’ve even put up no-parking signs now. So, be prepared to walk a bit or have someone drop you off and loop back to pick you up. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Pros:
– A mountain trestle bridge with a beautiful view.
– Crystal blue Bow River flowing below.
– There are nice walking paths on either side and a bench, allowing for multiple perspectives.

Cons:
– Limited parking options (plus the potential encounter with the elderly lady!).
– Lots of people walking and biking by, so be ready for a lot of editing.
– Can you ever really get a bridge to look perfectly straight? 😛

My Number Two…
Policeman’s Point

Canmore, AB

My Favorite Spot!

Choosing a favorite location is tough, but this is definitely the best spot for that iconic “Three Sisters Mountain” shot. However, it’s quite unpredictable due to runoff water levels, so I always recommend scouting it out beforehand. At times, the water levels can be so high that there’s nowhere to go. On the flip side, when conditions are right, you can easily run across the stream and discover even more picturesque opportunities.

This area is absolutely stunning, perfect for kids to play around, and has a beautiful natural look with calm waters and tall grass. While you might encounter a few others on the trail, it’s generally not too crowded, especially if you can easily walk across the water.

Getting there can be a bit tricky since there are no official markings. You’ll need to cross under an active train track (which is kind of cool!), follow the rock bed to the trees, and then navigate a trail down to the water. If you search for “Elk Run Dog Park,” you can park on either side of the highway and follow the floodway down.

Pros:
– Epic views. Absolutely stunning.
– Diverse scenery of water, mountains, and untouched land.
– Quieter compared to other locations.

Cons:
– Unpredictable water levels (mostly due to runoff).
– The rocky walk-in can be tricky for those less adventurous.
– Harder to find; it’s best to drop a pin for your clients.

And My NUMBER 1…

Barrier Lake, Kananaskis

My old “trust rusty” it never lets me down. Rain or shine. Sun or Snow. It is always beautiful. Can be a tad testy with the winds but there are enough bays you can usually find shelter. The wind always settles for the golden hour, the sun is in the best position. There is tons of space so you never have to worry about it being to crowded (it does get busy) but you can always just walk till you find a spot. There is tons of drift wood, blue glacier water, treed areas, and SAND. Beautiful sand. Tons of opportunies to thow rocks, walk on logs, get scenic landscape photos while mainitaining that beach vibe. I have done so many sessions here. From maternity, family, engagement, even elopements. It never disappoints.

Pros:
– Tons of space
– Sand, water, clear mountain view, treed areas
– Part of alberta parks so you just need a daypass

Cons:
– NO CELL SERVICE, so make sure you tell your clients to go to the Barrier Lake Day use area and tell them what you look like lol or make a plan to meet at the Nordic Gas Station about 10 min up the road.
– Can be windy
– It is a dam, so there are these yellow buoy things that can be annoying in pictures but easy to take out.

In summary, all these spots are beautiful, but conditions in the mountains can change quickly. The sun’s position varies significantly throughout the year, often peeking behind the mountains faster than expected. If possible, try to observe the sun the day before your shoot; otherwise, my rule of thumb is to start shooting two hours before the scheduled sunset.
Another important consideration is bear safety. I find I encounter bears more often than not during my sessions. They’re typically just wandering around and pose no problem, but I always stay alert, calm, and up to date on bear safety regulations.
Thank you for spending a few minutes with me! I hope you found this information helpful. The Canmore or Banff area is incredibly beautiful, and I always love doing photos there.