Canadian Rockies and Vancouver road trip gear

tygertyger wrote:

Hi all

We have our long delayed family trip to Canada coming up next week and I've been pondering over what equipment to take to best capture the majestic scenery.

We will be spending time in Banff (3 nights), Jasper (4 nights) and Lake Louise area (2 nights) and then driving west to Vancouver for a few days of city life at the end of the trip.

On the itinerary are the following - I might not hit all of them but I needed a list!

Banff: Lake Minnewanka, Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain Trail, Bow Falls, Bow Valley Parkway, Johnston Canyon, Ink Pots

Jasper: Icefield Parkway North , Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Parker Ridge Trail, Sunwapta Falls, Goats and Glaciers lookout, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake and Canyon, Jasper Sky Tram and Whistlers Peak, Edith Cavell Meadow and Angel Glacier, Valley of the Five Lakes trail, Pyramid Island Lake, Miette Hot Springs

Lake Louise: Icefield Parkway South, Guided ice walk on the glacier, Tangle Creek Falls, Wilcox Trail Pass, Moraine Lake, Rock pile and Consolation Lake Trail, Lake Louise, Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse

I'm planning to take:

• X-T2 body with spare batteries and plenty of storage cards
• XF 18-55 for general scenery, street, day and evening photography and perhaps some video
• XC 50-230 for landscape and wildlife (hope to see some bears!)
• Samyang 12mm F2 prime for wide landscapes
• lightweight tripod for sunrise/sunset captures

I'm contemplating picking up a variable ND filter but in two minds... any thoughts on that welcome. Also any other must have items I'm missing or general tips - please do call out!

Many thanks in advance!

This area and drive are world class for spectacular scenery. Having lived in BC for most of my life (though now I'm on the east coast), I've done some photo trips through there a few times.

I think your gear is good as it will cover most of the focal lengths you'll need (and you'll want them all). Just have a plan for some moisture protection as weather can change quickly, and some of the falls you visit may have some mist/spray. Some suggestions:

-ND filter: yes, especially for longer-exposure waterfalls.

- a second body would be very helpful so that lens changes are kept to a minimum. See my note about tourists below. 
- when in Jasper drive the hour or so to see Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Cdn Rockies. Drive a bit further west to see/photograph Rearguard Falls.

- be prepared for lots of tourists at each location and traffic at all locations. You may have very little time to capture a shot without someone else jockeying for position (had this happen to me at Athabasca Falls once, where several photographers pushed their way to the best viewing areas with tripods fully extended, narrowly missing some of us). I believe places like Moraine Lake have controls over tourist numbers and shuttle buses to the Lake as driving there is not permitted.

- if you can plan early morning or evening light shooting you will be rewarded with wonderful images. There are private photo tours available in Banff and Jasper if you have the money. 
- plan to make many stops along the way, as the scenery is amazing. Last time I was there I got a car mount for my phone and shot timelapses of the drive; I'd recommend doing so.

- be comfortable with your 12mm so you can get some great astro shots at night.

- take extra food and water as there are long stretches without any kind of roadside services. And bear bells for walking in the woods to a site 😬

In BC/Vancouver area: be prepared for significant traffic congestion everywhere. In the Squamish/Whistler area check out Shannon Falls; it's a must-see/must-photograph waterfall.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it immensely, and share some photos when you return.