Finding the best spot to get amazing photographs can be a challenge if you don’t know where to go. These locations, many of which can be visited during a train vacation in the Canadian Rockies, are popular destinations for photographers looking for the perfect landscape. Think turquise lakes, stunning forests, and epic waterfalls, all with the dramatic backdrop of the iconic mountain peaks.
Spirit Island, Maligne Lake
The only way to visit this location is on a local cruise, which your travel advisor can arrange for you. This stunning spot is made all the more breathtaking with the mountains surrounding the island on three sides with steep and vertical cliff walls.
Vermilion Lakes
There are plenty of trails to hike and boat rentals available. Photographers come here during the winter to capture the Northern Lights at night.
Two Jack Lake
With hiking and boating options near Mount Ruddle, this is a popular destination due to its emerald waters and mountain views. A popular excursion add-on, a local guided sightseeing tour, will take you to this spot.
Lake Louise
This destination offers winter and summer activities and is most known for its turquoise water and the Victoria Glacier. There are options for hiking, skiing and even a sleigh ride in the winter. Add a stay at the Chateau Lake Louise for more opportunites to photograph the lake at differerent times of the day.
[ Read: Best Time to go to Lake Louise ]
Moraine Lake
This is another turquoise lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It’s most known for its iconic waterfalls and rock piles amid a mountain landscape.
Peyto Lake
The Canadian Parks department recently made improvements to trails, roads and parking areas here to make it more accessible to the public. It offers a serene view of Peyto Peak and Bow Summit.
Bow Lake
This destination isn’t as well known, so you’re less likely to deal with crowds of people. It’s nestled between mountains and offers lake and mountain views.
Sunwapta Falls
There’s a two-mile hiking trail that offers some amazing views of mountainsides and waterfalls and the park is friendly to dog owners.
Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake Lodge limits the use of electronics, so you’re likely to get some amazing nighttime shots in this location. As the name implies, the waters here are emerald green.
Zillmer Canyon Via Ferrata
Travelers staying at the CMH Cariboo Lodge can take tours of the surrounding glaciers, waterfalls and mountaintops via helicopter, proving one perfect photo opportunity after another. Ask your travel advisor about adding an excursion to the lodge.
Mount Robson
With a challenging hiking trail and access to campgrounds, rivers and waterfalls, this is a great destination if you’re an experienced backcountry hiker. Luckily for everyone else, you can get great views from the train.
Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury train tour that allows passengers to look out at the Canadian Rockies from the train’s glass dome. There are numerous chances to snap amazing photographs of the landscape as you’re moving by.
