December 24, 2020

MY 12 BEST LANDSCAPES FOR THE LAZY PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi Loves! One thing about me that you should know is that I am not a hiker. I love photography and many times I have to Google a particular location that popped up on Instagram to see if there is any hiking involved. I’ve had my dreams crushed when I see that it is a 20 kilometre hike – such as Mt. Assiniboine. I am not doing that. I draw the line at 5km…round trip. 1) I don’t like cardio 2) I usually carry about 20 pounds of gear 3) I’m mostly alone and I’m terrified of bears and rapists.

So if you are out of shape, a heavy smoker, or you are a lazy photographer who wants a great shot with minimal effort (like yours truly), then this article is FOR YOU. I have compiled a list of my favourite places that I have discovered so far, that you literally park and walk over to take your picture. You will not see any dirty words like “elevation gain” here.

1. Mount Lorrette Ponds - Kananaskis

The aqua-green colours of these ponds rival the colourful waters of Grassi Lakes. These are three ponds connected by bridges and pathways with little wild flowers decorating the paths which are perfect for some great macro photography.

2. Policeman Creek - Canmore

This gem offers the best reflections of the famous Three Sisters in Canmore. Park in front of the dog park off Bow Valley Trail, cross the railroad tracks (with bear spray locked and loaded), and you will be greeted by the amazing reflections of the triplets.

3. Vermillion Lakes

This iconic and popular location offers the best views of Mt. Rundle at sunset or sunrise. Bug spray is a must if you are shooting sunsets in the summer. Getting eaten alive will not be a figure of speech in this case.

4. Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake offers so many photo opportunities! I have gone there a handful of times and always find a new perspective to shoot. From the popularly photographed rocks in the water to the red chairs at the top of the hill, you can spend a couple hours exploring and shooting.

5. Lake Louise

The cool blue waters of Louise are an extremely popular attraction every day all day. I would recommend being there for 7am to avoid the crazy crowds that start rolling in by 8am and hopping on canoes, therefore ruining your shot of perfect reflections.

6. Moraine Lake

This is Alberta’s jewel. Even the road to Moraine Lake is breathtaking with the imposing peaks in plain view. Photograph the iconic colourful canoes or walk 10 minutes up the rock pile to get the entire view of the lake. Due to its proximity to Lake Louise, I would also recommend arriving for sunrise.

7. Emerald Lake

Just over an hour West of Lake Louise, you get to the lake with the most insane colour you’ve ever seen. You think “obviously it’s Emerald cause of the name”, but it is such an intense and vibrant emerald that you can’t help but stand in awe of it. You will also find one of the most photographed restaurants- Cilantro. So have yourself a nice meal after the hard work of leisurely photographing the beautiful scenery.

8. Bow Lake

You can photograph beautiful reflections of the Crowfoot Mountain in this small lake. The sunsets here are also amazing and the milky way photography is even better. Another great thing about this place is that it is literally a 5 minute drive from another stunning landscape view for no effort- Peyto Lake.

9. Peyto Lake

This lookout will take your breath away. The intense turquoise colours of Peyto lake with the surrounding snowcapped mountains and lush pine tree forest, make for a postcard photo. Before I visited this location, I would look at this view on social media and assume that photographers had hiked to the top of a peak to capture this stunning image. Thankfully, it is just a lookout within a short walk from the parking lot.

10. Red Rock Canyon- Waterton

Don’t let the word “canyon” fool you. This short scenic loop (0.7km) around the Red Rock Canyon is not only beautiful to photograph, but you can also go down into the canyon and splash in the waterfall that runs right in the centre. Be there before 8am to make sure you don’t get crowds in your pictures.

11. Lundbreck Falls

Located in Pincher Creek, these powerful falls are not only great to photograph, but you can also swim in the water during a hot summer’s day. They are made for looking AND touching.

12. Horsethief Canyon- Drumheller

This is just to showcase the diversity of the Alberta landscapes by photographing the beautiful valleys of the Badlands. Treat yourself to a completely different view and drive to this stunning canyon for sunset. While you are at it, stop at the numerous abandoned barns along the way so you can really capture the essence of the prairies.