Last Light At Moraine Lake

I’d seen so many images of Moraine Lake before visiting for myself that I had a good idea of the well-known photo spots. After making the most of my research I decided to head further around the lake to try and find a different angle. This shot was taken at sunset as the last rays of sunlight fell on the ten peaks that tower over the water.

I was overly paranoid about bear encounters during our time in Canada, and sightings have been on the rise in this area of the park during recent years. So each time I went out into the trees I’d sing to myself to make sure I didn’t take any by surprise.

As I took this photo crouched low to the ground with my tripod, I was singing to myself and looking over my shoulder every 30 seconds whenever I heard something in the bushes. I’m sure I was never in any danger at all, but as soon as the last light was gone I rushed back to the hotel very quickly!

The Little Red Lodge By Bow Lake

I wish I’d known about this little red lodge before our trip to Canada! Just by Bow Lake it must be the perfect place to stay for a couple of nights in Banff National Park. This was our third stop along the Icefields Parkway and we still had so much more to explore.

Unfortunately it was pretty windy and the water was very unsettled. I didn’t have a tripod with me for a long exposure so I decided to focus on taking longer shots of the surrounding mountains to avoid having too much unwanted texture at the bottom of the image. I’m not sure why but I never like that in photos!

Just before we set off we heard another group shouting – “Look, a bear!” – and just a few metres away from us was a black bear right by the parking area! Equal parts terrified and excited, we moved away slowly to continue our journey along the Icefields Parkway.

Have you ever seen a bear? Where’s the best place you’ve been for wildlife spotting? Maybe you know something about this lodge?! Please get in touch!

A Sea Of Trees In Banff National Park

Respect for the environment and preservation of its natural beauty was clearly evident throughout our time in Banff National Park. Vistas like this, an endless sea of trees with not a road or mountain chalet in sight were all around us as we made our way along the Icefields Parkway.

It’s a huge contrast to what I see here in the French and Swiss Alps, with many mountains scarred by switchbacks, clearings for ski slopes and holiday homes. I certainly know which I prefer – I’ll take raw and inaccessible over inhabited and well-travelled every time!

The untouched nature of the landscape also made it much easier to take uncluttered photos, and we stopped at almost every opportunity between Banff and Jasper. How anybody can drive past a view like this without stopping for a few moments I will never understand!

What’s the most untouched place you’ve ever visited? How did it make you feel? Could you drive on past a view like this?! I’d love to hear from you!