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I’ve finally decided to actually try and write a bit of a blog for my photos instead of just dropping a gallery down. So here goes…
This year my family and my cousins (and their family) decided to head to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Despite having been to Banff multiple times before, this presented a great opportunity to capture a lot more of Banff than I had previously been able to. Fortunately, I was able to get quite a few shots that’s I’m quite proud of, so enjoy!
As always, click on any image to expand it.
Day 1 – On the Road to Banff
Driving over to Banff is typically quite uneventful, apart from the National Parks furthest east in BC. However, as the sun started to set along the highway, I noticed a prime opportunity to capture the “boring”, albeit still beautiful, British Columbia valley.
I managed to snap this sunset photo with the Sigma 100-400 whilst on the highway.
Day 2 – Hello to Creatures Big and Small
As we pulled into our campsite in Banff, my cousin pointed out a marmot which had just emerged from its hole behind our car. I wasted no time in grabbing my camera, and I was able to capture it grabbing a bite.
As I started to eat my own dinner, I was informed there were some elk near the edge of the campground. Dinner bowl in hand, I grabbed my camera and ran over to take a look.
Clear Skies
As the sun set, I realised I would have some prime opportunities for a bit of Astrophotography. This was a rare treat given I live in a city where it takes over an hour to get away from light pollution.
I decided that I would try and frame the backside of Mount Rundle below a starry night. After adjusting some settings, here’s what I got.
I’m pretty pleased with it for my first proper attempt at astrophotography.
Day 3 – A Hike and a Pleasant Surprise
Hike
I had planned for a hike up Tunnel Mountain (via Tunnel Mountain Trail) in an attempt to capture the sunset over the town of Banff. From another photographer’s blog, it was cited that the hike would take around an hour. However, to our pleasant surprise, after parking on Tunnel Mountain Drive, the hike only ended up being around 25-30 minutes.
It sure was worth it, and probably falls into the range of easy to medium difficulty for someone in good fitness.
After heading back down the mountain, we decided to grab some BeaverTails in Banff, since for some reason Vancouver lacks nearly all of Canada’s iconic treats. In addition, despite having been to nearly every province, I had yet to have one.
A Pleasant Surprise
Once we had returned to the campground and freshened up from hiking, I noticed what looked like wispy clouds in the sky. I grabbed my camera to confirm my suspicion. To my delight, the tell-tale green colours filled my viewfinder—Northern Lights!
Day 4 – Another Hike and More Small Creatures
I planned for another hike in the morning, this time down Tunnel Mountain, along the Bow River and into the town of Banff. Via the Hoodoos Trail -> Bow River Trail. In total it took around 1.5 hours going at a leisurely pace.
As I woke up and got out of the tent, I noticed this marmot drinking water from the tap. I quickly grabbed my camera and swapped over to the 100-400 to try and get a picture.
I also noticed this little bird singing in the grass near the washroom.
Morning Hike
We started hiking down the mountain, I was anticipating wildlife, so I had the 100-400 already on the camera. Unfortunately, besides some pretty views of the Bow River, I was not able to spot any wildlife. I was at least able to get a semi-long exposure of the Bow River.
It was at the literal last corner of the hike, that I finally spotted a little Red Squirrel perched on a branch.
We bussed back to the Campground via the Public Transit system. Walking back towards our site I snapped a shot of this raven perched on a log.
Mount Rundle Over the Vermilion Lakes
After doing some research prior to the trip, I found that the best angle to get Mount Rundle was reflected over the Vermilion Lakes. I decided I would try at sunset golden hour and the weather looked like it would co-operate, so I headed down to the lake.
After being swarmed by mosquitoes, here’s what I got.
Unfortunately, it was not exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to also try at sunrise a few days later…
Day 5 – Calgary
I didn’t take any pictures as we decided to head into Calgary. I just thought it would be odd to have a missing heading.
Day 6 – Rest Day, Hoodoos, and Bow Falls
Day 6 was a rest day, so I spent the morning editing some photos. In the afternoon we decided to see the Hoodoos.
I could see them from the viewpoint, but since we were on a mountain and they were near the river, it was a bit of a disappointing view. I then noticed a small and steep trail next to the viewpoint. Of course I did what one naturally does when they find a small and steep trail, and I headed down.
To my further disappointment, the Hoodoos were not all that exciting. Especially given I had been to Bryce Canyon. Nonetheless, since I was halfway down a mountain, I decided to try and make the best of it.
After a bit of a disappointing excursion, we decided to visit the Bow Falls.
Day 7 – Sunrise at the Vermilion Lakes, Cascade Gardens, Hunting for Big Horn Sheep
Supposedly the Vermilion Lakes and Mount Rundle looked better at sunrise rather than sunset, so I decided to try and get there for sunrise (around 0630).
We arrived just in time to catch the sun rising, but unfortunately not in the ideal place behind the mountain. It was a bit too early in the year.
Nevertheless, I was still able to get this shot as the sun crept over the horizon.
As I watched the sunrise progress, I tried to get a wider shot closer towards the water. I had decided, lazily, to not shorten one of the tripod legs on the slope, but instead to use the ball head to position the camera. However, the banks nearer to the water were steeper, and as soon as I had placed the tripod where I wanted it, I quickly realised why being lazy was not a good idea. I watched as my camera and tripod tipped into the water — splash. I reached out to grab the tripod leg which remained in the air and fished the camera out. Sure, it was weather sealed, but my S5II was most definitely not waterproof. It was still on as it emerged from the water, so I turned it off. I pulled out a cloth, which I always keep in my camera bag, and began frantically drying off the camera. I was also sure to pull out my SD cards and battery as well.
Getting back to camp, I had dried the majority of the body and lens off, but I wanted to try and expel any water from crevices. I was using the bathroom blow-dryer in an attempt to expel water when a gentleman emerged from a stall.
“Did you drop it?” he asked.
“Yes.” I replied, “Into the Vermilion Lakes.”
“Well, I dropped two cameras and two lenses this week.”
Great. At least I’m not the only one.
After letting my camera and lens dry for a few hours, I inspected it and was confident enough that there was no more water to turn it on. To my relief, it turned on, and everything seemed to be functioning normally. In fact, it turned out to be fine for the rest of the trip and is still working. Kudos Lumix for overbuilding the weather sealing.
Cascade Gardens
In my previous trips to Banff, I had never seen the Cascade Gardens, so we thought it was an opportune time to go.
I didn’t bring a tripod, so I had to make do using the rocks near the water. I guess I just like putting my camera in danger. Luckily it didn’t fall in this time.
Big Horn Sheep Spotting?
When I was two, I took a train to Jasper, and we drove in the Park. I remember seeing Big Horn sheep, and I’ve always wanted to try and photograph some.
Although it was the middle of summer, I decided I would try my luck anyways. We headed down to Lake Minnewanka where, supposedly, there is a high chance of spotting Big Horns. We decided to hike towards the Stewart Canyon bridge as it was a relatively easy and short hike with views of the lake. Unfortunately, I did not manage to spot any Big Horns, but at least I was able to get a shot off the bridge.
Being our last day, there were no more opportunities to spot any. We were also leaving early the next morning with rain rolling in.
Hopefully I’ll have better luck the next time I’m in Banff.
Closing Words
Overall, I would consider the trip quite successful. I’m very happy with how some of the images turned out, and especially pleased with some of the astrophotography. I hope you enjoyed reading this, as it’s the first time I’ve tried to write an actual blog post for my website. I don’t know if I will do any more of these in future, but I guess I’ll see how this goes. In addition, I will post a normal gallery shortly. Since I do not have a comment system on my website, you can email me if you’d like to leave feedback. Contact.
Thank you for your time,
Erich Ng