photographing the canadian rockies

Cities with the best views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a photographer’s paradise, offering an endless array of stunning landscapes, from towering peaks and glaciers to alpine meadows and sparkling lakes. 

We are going about this article a different way. We have listed the traditional answers like Banff and Jasper. However, we have also listed cities where people live and have spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies.

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, capturing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on camera can be a rewarding and challenging experience. 

So, let’s jump in and explore some of the best cities in Canada to photograph the Rocky Mountains, highlighting the types of photos that can be captured and useful techniques for capturing them.

Table of Contents

  1. Banff
  2. Jasper
  3. Canmore
  4. The rest
  5. Conclusion

Banff is a small town located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for photographers. The town is surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, making it an ideal location for capturing a wide range of landscape photos.

One of the most popular spots to photograph in Banff is Moraine Lake, which is located just a short drive from the town. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and the clear blue water makes for a stunning reflection of the mountains. For the best light, try to photograph the lake early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low in the sky.

Another popular spot to photograph in Banff is Johnston Canyon, which is home to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The canyon is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, making it an ideal location for capturing photos of cascading water. To capture the best photos of the waterfalls, try using a slow shutter speed to create a sense of movement in the water.

Jasper

Jasper is a small town located in the heart of Jasper National Park, and it’s another popular destination for photographers. The town is surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, making it an ideal location for capturing a wide range of landscape photos.

One of the most popular spots to photograph in Jasper is Maligne Lake, which is located just a short drive from the town. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and the clear blue water makes for a stunning reflection of the mountains. For the best light, try to photograph the lake early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low in the sky.

Another popular spot to photograph in Jasper is the Athabasca Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The glacier is surrounded by towering peaks, and the blue ice makes for a stunning contrast with the surrounding landscape. To capture the best photos of the glacier, try using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape.

Canmore

Canmore is a small town located just outside the boundaries of Banff National Park, and it’s a popular destination for photographers. The town is surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, making it an ideal location for capturing a wide range of landscape photos.

One of the most popular spots to photograph in Canmore is the Three Sisters, which are three towering peaks that are visible from the town. The peaks are surrounded by alpine meadows, and the rugged terrain makes for a dramatic contrast with the surrounding landscape. To capture the best photos of the Three Sisters, try using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape.

Yes, there is more. The Rest

As you can imagine, with a mountain range as long as the Canadian Rockies, there are various vantage points to get a peek. Here is a more exhaustive list

  • Calgary, Alberta: Located just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers a wide range of photo opportunities, from the city skyline to the rugged peaks of the mountains.
  • Edmonton, Alberta: While not as close to the Rocky Mountains as Calgary, Edmonton still offers a great view of the mountains. The city is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing easy access to a wide range of landscapes.
  • Kelowna, British Columbia: This city is located in the Okanagan Valley, which is known for its beautiful lakes and vineyards, and it also offers a view of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Kamloops, British Columbia: This city is situated on the confluence of the Thompson and Fraser Rivers, and it offers a great view of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Golden, British Columbia: This small town is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and it offers a wide range of photo opportunities, from the rugged peaks to the sparkling lakes.
  • Nelson, British Columbia: This city is located in the Selkirk Mountains and it offers a great view of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Cranbrook, British Columbia: This city is located in the southeast corner of British Columbia and it offers a great view of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Whitehorse, Yukon: This city is located in the far north of Canada and it offers a great view of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Lethbridge, Alberta: Lethbridge is a small city located in southern Alberta, and it’s a great destination for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The city is situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing easy access to a wide range of landscapes, from towering peaks to rolling hills.
  • Red Deer, Alberta: Red Deer is a small city located in central Alberta, and it’s a great destination for photographers looking appreciating the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The city is situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with a clear view of towering peaks to rolling hills.

Conclusion

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a photographer’s paradise, offering an endless array of stunning landscapes. The cities of Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Lethbridge, etc are some of the best places to photograph the Rocky Mountains, each with their unique landscapes and photo opportunities. 

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, capturing the beauty of the Rocky Mountains on camera can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Remember to be mindful of the light, use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape, and use slow shutter speeds for moving water. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can capture some truly stunning photos of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Leave a Reply