Canadian Rockies and Vancouver road trip gear

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!

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.

Lettermanian wrote:

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.

Not being a native but having visited Canada, mostly in the Rockies and BC,  probably 20 times in the last 30 years, these are solid gold recommendations.  I can't add much more other than of all the times we've been in the Rockies we have come across very little wildlife.... and that was a very good thing because my wife and I spent many vacations on long hikes.  We spotted evidence of bear activity, paw prints, broken brush, tree scratches, etc.  One of the few bears we did see was on one of our early trips to Banff.  After checking into the Tunnel Mountain Chalet in the evening we went to a convenience store and met a Canadian Park Ranger and asked about bears.  His comment was, and this is true, "there are no bears in Banff."  Okay, with that reassurance we bought some food and drove back to our chalet.  Just as we  got out of the car what greeted us was a massive black bear the size of a small compact car within probably 10 feet!  We, including the bear, froze as we looked at each other.  I immediately told my wife to get back into the car but the door was locked. Just then the bear luckily ran away.  After a brief sigh of relief, we were elated.  And we adopted our favorite slogan for every future trip...... "There are no bears in Banff!"

Moral of the story..... though we haven't seen much wildlife, you never know when a beast will pop up.  Keep that cam handy!

And for Lettermanian... one of our great trips was on the east coast.  In Cape Breton, we happened upon a Ceilidh.  My wife used to be a competitive Highland Dancer and I volunteered her to do the sword dance.  Even have it on an old DV tape.

So you can see, a guy from SoCal really likes Canada.  Have a great trip.  You are following Jerry Astro who, today is on his way from Jasper to Banff.

Bob

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Lettermanian wrote:

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.

Not being a native but having visited Canada, mostly in the Rockies and BC, probably 20 times in the last 30 years, these are solid gold recommendations. I can't add much more other than of all the times we've been in the Rockies we have come across very little wildlife.... and that was a very good thing because my wife and I spent many vacations on long hikes. We spotted evidence of bear activity, paw prints, broken brush, tree scratches, etc. One of the few bears we did see was on one of our early trips to Banff. After checking into the Tunnel Mountain Chalet in the evening we went to a convenience store and met a Canadian Park Ranger and asked about bears. His comment was, and this is true, "there are no bears in Banff." Okay, with that reassurance we bought some food and drove back to our chalet. Just as we got out of the car what greeted us was a massive black bear the size of a small compact car within probably 10 feet! We, including the bear, froze as we looked at each other. I immediately told my wife to get back into the car but the door was locked. Just then the bear luckily ran away. After a brief sigh of relief, we were elated. And we adopted our favorite slogan for every future trip...... "There are no bears in Banff!"

Moral of the story..... though we haven't seen much wildlife, you never know when a beast will pop up. Keep that cam handy!

And for Lettermanian... one of our great trips was on the east coast. In Cape Breton, we happened upon a Ceilidh. My wife used to be a competitive Highland Dancer and I volunteered her to do the sword dance. Even have it on an old DV tape.

So you can see, a guy from SoCal really likes Canada. Have a great trip. You are following Jerry Astro who, today is on his way from Jasper to Banff.

Bob

All of this is great advice.  Just wanted to add that your wildlife lens is way too short unless you are incredibly lucky.

Have a wonderful time!

Morris

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone mention, but you might want to add a circular polarizer if you don’t already have one.

I also second what Morris said about reach. The 230mm might be too short for any wildlife or more detail oriented shots. While obviously not exactly the same, previous trips of mine to Yellowstone and Yosemite saw much more use of my 100-400 than I would have guessed. Not sure your budget, but another alternative to consider could be the 70-300? Of course, personal style plays a part too. My .02 cents anyway. 🙂

The 2 images are iconic for Lake Louise. I took a shot from probably the same rock or part of the trail you were on as your 1st image just 2 months after you were there. It was a lot colder and slightly overcast.....

Hope you don't mind but great minds think alike!! 😁😁.

BTW This was not taken with a polarizer.  You can almost get away without using one.

Bob

As Bob mentioned, I am in Banff as we speak.  FWIW, so far, I have mostly used my 16-55 for nearly the entire trip, in spite of having both an 8-16 and 100-400 in the bag.  Mostly concentrated on landscape photography here.  Caught a little wildlife along the way, but deciding what to bring depends exclusively on what you’ll be photographing.

Also any other must have items I'm missing or general tips - please do call out!

Many thanks in advance!

I have a visited Jasper on several occasions and I have another trip planned for Jasper in early September to take the boat tour to Spirit Island (Maligne Lake).

Some general tips.

My wife is nervous of wildlife (luckily whenever we visited Banff/Jasper we have not encountered any while hiking) in any case we carry bear spray that is easily accessible. Talking/making noise while hiking has been suggested.  Any wild life we have seen is from the road (bear up a tree and black bear with cubs side of road early Spring). In my experience the best time to see wild life is at dawn or dusk.

Just in case as I did not see it on your list there is Morant's Curve (Bow Valley Parkway). Catching a train is a hit and miss as there is no schedule. I have had luck between 11am and noon but really it is a hit or miss.    Even without a train it is still a nice shot.

As already mentioned Banff/Lake Louise and Jasper are very busy in the summer. Parking at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is very limited and is often full by sunrise. "Book your seat in advance - Shuttle Reservations Required" As per Parks Canada website:

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/les10-top10/louise

How many in your party?  Rather than purchase day passes (Adult $10.50 per day) required for each National Park it maybe more feasible to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery pass $145.25 (admission for up to 7 persons per family/ group). The Discovery Pass is good for all Canada National Parks and Historic Sites for one year from month issued.

Enjoy your trip.

Lettermanian wrote:

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.

can i ask what mount you used for your phone in the car? timelapse sounds interesting...going to yellowstone next month.

thanks!

Here is a link to a personal memento videoof my trip through the Rockies (Mt. Robson to Lake Louise) in Sept 2019. No stills photos, just a compilation of phone and Fuji gear videos. The telephoto video of the bear was shot with the X-H1 + 55-200mm, early in the morning as the bear was feeding close to the Mt. Robson Visitor's centre. Completely amateur production value here but it will give you a bit of an idea of what to expect.

coldwell wrote:

Lettermanian wrote:

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.

can i ask what mount you used for your phone in the car? timelapse sounds interesting...going to yellowstone next month.

thanks!

I think it was just a standard suction windshield mount anyone can get online, like this .

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!

Non photographic recommendation here… you should get the GyPSy app (https://gypsyguide.com) for the Canadian Rockies. It was a fantastic driving companion which cues itself to the GPS to give relevant pieces of interesting info about the place you are driving through. Highly recommend!

As for the vari-ND filter, get one. I’m currently writing this from a trip to Mt. Rainier national park and many of my pics are either blowing out the sky or snow on the mountain or going too dark in the fore and mid ground. I have a polarizer with me and wish I had a grad ND and Vari ND too. Consider a polarizer also if you want to avoid reflections on the water.
Cheers!

Edit: while wildlife is usually seen early or late in the day, that’s no guarantee you won’t see any at other times. This afternoon around 3 or 4pm a black bear walked across the trail about a minute ahead of us. The three ladies who had just walked past us saw it and photographed it with their cell phones!!! They waved us over as they saw I was carrying a camera… sadly or maybe fortunately (as it was a close encounter), we didn’t see it. We did almost run into a deer and fawn a few minutes after that when rounding a bend. So absolutely carry bear bell and possibly bear spray too depending on how far you will hike.
Good luck.

Wow! 😍

Such a wealth of Information and tips! Didn’t expect so much detail regarding the Rockies themselves - seems like you are a well travelled bunch of bears! Much appreciated all

Here are some notes/responses

• Our group - family of four … 2 adults and 2 older teens. I will have to find that fine balance between getting obsessed with taking photos and remembering it’s a family holiday! 😅

• 12mm - I never considered this for astrophotography and not tried either. To be honest I’ve not used it much at all. Will need a crash course! Help please

• Mount and Timelapse via mobile - really great idea and will def do some of this. Saw your vid Lettermanian and I’m even more excited for the trip now

• ND variable - thanks got one on order now!

• Bigger better zooms - I know the XC 50-230 doesn’t have the best build or reach but sadly budget is limited so can’t stretch for the longer XF lenses much as I’d love to. I bought recently a used copy but it’s plenty nice optically

• 18-55 - happy with my copy jonikon… such a versatile lens. Love those shots you posted - man that blue!!!

• Gypsy app - was in two minds on this but now tempted to purchase this. Assume GPS via mobile itself? Will I need a Canadian data plan or just via the iPhone hardware itself.

• Morants Curve and Moraine Lake - thanks ernest56 didn’t know about the curve so will research it. As for shuttles I’ve pre-booked a slot on 6.30 am bus out so good there. Will also probably do a ‘solo mission’ on our last day in Lake Louise and see if I can get there by car and park up super early for sunrise … 5.30 am or earlier if I can (gulp!)

• Drive to Vancouver - I’m planning to go via Revelstoke stopping at points along the way and staying overnight at Kamloops. The next day we are taking the longer but more scenic route (apparently) via highway 99 to Whistler and will stop at Joffre Lake if we get a pass. Then it’s the sea to sky highway to Vancouver downtown. Will add Shannon Falls to this leg!

• Bears - BobsYourUncle …your black bear sighting story is amazing! I’d be thrilled to glimpse a bear let alone have that experience. Have done some safaris in Ranthambhore park in India … seeing tigers in the wild almost stopped my heart. A very emotional experience and similarly will consider myself blessed if we see any wildlife in the Rockies.

That’s an amazing area. You are going to enjoy it a lot.

I think what you could be missing is a longer telephoto lens. I didn’t have one when we travelled through BC.

we encountered a big horn lying in the grass and a moose crossing a lake. For those, I would have like a longer zoom that I had at the time.

If weight is not an issue for your trip……

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!

Mosquito repellent and bear spray if you will be venturing into the many trails.

enjoy!

tygertyger wrote:

Wow! 😍

Such a wealth of Information and tips! Didn’t expect so much detail regarding the Rockies themselves - seems like you are a well travelled bunch of bears! Much appreciated all

Here are some notes/responses

• 12mm - I never considered this for astrophotography and not tried either. To be honest I’ve not used it much at all. Will need a crash course! Help please

We're in Banff as well at the moment... will be here for a few more days, then heading home. An epic trip. Concerning astrophotography, best to just keep things simple. Find the darkest location you can with a broad view of the sky (obviously). My own formula at that focal length is to shoot at ISO 3200, wide open aperture, for no more than 25s. A tripod is absolutely mandatory. Best bet is to find a way to trigger the camera either via a time delay or a remote trigger. Vibration from hitting the shutter button will likely ruin your shot. Focus is tricky and you might need to take a few shots to hone it in. It takes some effort, but the results can be amazing. Good luck and please share your work here.

Enjoy the trip.

Loved the driving clips. Got a little woozy within some turns, but watching the sky move counter to your driving was quite pleasing. For the time lapse peak clip at the beginning, what were your settings for the intervalometer(or what ever it is they call that feature)?

lewiedude2 wrote:

Loved the driving clips. Got a little woozy within some turns, but watching the sky move counter to your driving was quite pleasing. For the time lapse peak clip at the beginning, what were your settings for the intervalometer(or what ever it is they call that feature)?

Thank you, yes although the weather wasn't great for that trip, the clouds made those scenes a bit more dynamic. I'd love to do the trip again but shoot the video clips in 4k for better clarity.

The timelapse sequence of Mt. Robson was shot with the X-T100, which (along with the X-T200) has the ability to render a 4k/30p tl video in-camera. I believe I set the built-in interval timer for 6 second intervals, but left exposure settings on auto. Again, the whole video was just meant to be a personal memoir, not a demonstration of gear or anything, so I didn't pay too much attention to all settings. You can see that I adjusted the view a bit because people were walking by and their heads were getting in the frame. I was set up in a public place close to my car, because bears I had to stop sooner than I wanted because it started to rain.

tygertyger wrote:

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!

So let me get this straight, you're taking your whole kit and you want to know about an ND Filter. I would get that and a CP filter.

One thing though, I would look for a Fuji 14mm F/2.8m those are reasonable, have excellent clarity and sharpness, with almost no distortion.