Jasper National Park Fall 2020

Considering a trip to the greater Jasper National Park area in the fall of 2020 with the family. Grew up in Montana and spend much time in Glacier Nat Park but never ventured to the North. Currently living in Aurora, Colorado so I would be driving up and likely flying the family to someplace nearby and letting them rent a car. Two vehicles lets me break away to photograph. 8x10 is my primary format as I have a lightweight Intrepid Mark II and a wooden Canham as wells a lightweight FLM carbon fiber tripod so packing the camera is not a problem. I also would likely bring the Canham 8x20 and 5x7 and maybe even the V11 11x14. I have a pickup to carry it.

Interested in where to fly into, where to stay, where to photograph and assess if the hiking is productive from an esthetic and photographic perspective.

Thanks in advance.

We went to Banff-Yoho-Jasper in early September in 2016. We flew to Calgary and drove to Jasper. You may fly to Edmonton, if you only visit Jasper. In Jasper, we visited Maligne lake and had a lake cruise to Spirit Island (One of the iconic photos of Kodak Ektarchrome?), this is the place you must visit and photograph. We had a bad luck when we visited there, it was raining all day alone and I did not have an opportunity to make a LF photo. We also hiked in the Mount Edith Cavell trail in Jasper, which is beautiful and ranked with excellent 5 stars. I can send you our itinerary with sightseeing information to you if you are interested.


https://www.largeformatphotography.i...banff+diversey

Did a trip to Banff/Jasper a few years ago in the early season (believe it was April/May). Had a great time and there is definite photographic opportunity seeing the major roadside sights (Lake Louise, Icefields parkway). We wanted to hike but all the trails that wondered away from the major sights were prohibited unless you were hiking in a large group because of bear concerns. I don't know if this is still a concern in Fall but definitely check into the regulations before you back the serious hiking gear. (I don't know many large format photographers who travel in large groups). We saw many black bears btw, and a grizzly, they seemed quite common at that time.

You may also want to spend some time near the Columbia Icefields. Good views from the visitor center which is across the highway from the icefields.

The drive from Jasper to Banff along the the Icefields Parkway is not to be missed. One of the most spectacular drives on the continent.

Someone already mentioned Yoho National Park; Kootenay National Park is also in that vicinity and also quite nice.

Fall is a great time to visit - we did the family vacation there in the fall of 2018. That was our second visit to the area in 3 years and I am eager to return. I really like the views at Moraine Lake in Banff but it is a tourist stop an so it is usually crowded.

A unique place to stay along the Icefields Parkway is Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake. It’s an old wooden structure, and somewhat pricey but with lots of character.

Bob

Michael, my last visit was in the fall --- September. As noted, the drive from Banff to Jasper is beautiful. I drove from CA, but Calgary seems a good choice if flying; Ray Van Nes would know.

My friend Gary Nylander, a member here, has some inspirational work from that area. He lives in West Kelowna, B.C.

Sounds like a fun trip!

http://garynylander.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all for your guidance. Based upon the wonderful responses I am greatly enthused about getting this trip scheduled and am looking forward to the opportunity to visually experience this part of the world for myself.

Cheers!

Be sure to see Peyto Lake if time permits.

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N. Riley
http://normanrileyphotography.com

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Originally Posted by NER

Be sure to see Peyto Lake if time permits.

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N. Riley
http://normanrileyphotography.com

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I hope to make it there. Great photography by the way....

Michael, Photographically, I'm sure you'll have a great trip. Calgary is by far the best place to fly into, as your family would drive through Banff National Park and up the spectacular Banff-Jasper highway. There is only about 30 miles difference in distance, but Edmonton is farther from the mountains and the drive is nowhere near as scenic. You could easily spend a week just photographing from pullouts along the road between Calgary & Jasper. Given that you're travelling with multiple large format cameras, I'm guessing you won't be doing much hiking, nonetheless, you'll be in spectacular country. In the last few years, Banff & Jasper National Parks have become extremely busy, to the point that places like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise parking lots are full by 5:30 in the morning & Parks Canada has started a shuttle service (no walk-ups.... online registration far in advance). Likewise, this year Parks Canada has instituted online campground reservations (https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve). General tourist traffic & reservations may affect how you plan your time in the area. I can guarantee that anywhere you go, you'll come back with satisfying images. Takakkaw Falls in Yoho Park is definitely photo-worthy (a 7 mi drive up w/ two parking lots).
As for accommodation, The Alpine Centre in Lake Louise (run by the Alpine Club of Canada & the Hostel Assn) is a great place to stay, as is Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge in the nearby town of Field (great photo opps for Mt Stephen & access to Yoho Park. Feel free to pm me as your plans get made... i'd be happy to offer suggestions. Be sure to visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff (fantastic photo archive of the area).

If you want to really get away from the crowds.... Tonquin Valley. I think you can get the horsepackers to bring in your camera gear (fee). https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jas...-ideas/Tonquin

Thank you Merg. We have a very good international airport and lots of car rentals.

One thing about flying to Calgary: if at all possible, get a direct flight. Avoid changing planes in Vancouver. That is where you will have to clear customs. It's busy. We missed our connection, and the next one, and the next one.....Eventually caught the last flight out, and of course killed a half day of shooting.
But you won't regret the trip.

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Originally Posted by DavidFisk

One thing about flying to Calgary: if at all possible, get a direct flight. Avoid changing planes in Vancouver. That is where you will have to clear customs. It's busy. We missed our connection, and the next one, and the next one.....Eventually caught the last flight out, and of course killed a half day of shooting.
But you won't regret the trip.

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Spent the last few days looking at airfare and rental cars. Our sons will be flying in from San Francisco and we are in Denver. Yes, Calgary is a direct inexpensive flight and the way we will proceed. I have a challenge I am working on. Do I fly to Calgary with my 8x10 and just do the trip with one format or do I drive my truck and take the 8x20 and the Deardorff V11 as well as a broader selection of optics and more film holders? Driving up would take longer but I would be able to photograph along the way through Wyoming (Yellowstone Park) and Montana (Glacier Park). Will give it some more thought as both paths have positives and negatives (no pun intended).

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Originally Posted by michael kadillak

spent the last few days looking at airfare and rental cars. Our sons will be flying in from san francisco and we are in denver. Yes, calgary is a direct inexpensive flight and the way we will proceed. I have a challenge i am working on. Do i fly to calgary with my 8x10 and just do the trip with one format or do i drive my truck and take the 8x20 and the deardorff v11 as well as a broader selection of optics and more film holders? Driving up would take longer but i would be able to photograph along the way through wyoming (yellowstone park) and montana (glacier park). Will give it some more thought as both paths have positives and negatives (no pun intended).

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drive !!!!

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Originally Posted by Fred L

drive !!!!

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Yup. Think that is the game plan. With the truck I can be loaded for bear figuratively speaking. What is the old saying.

Go Big Or Go Home.

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Originally Posted by Michael Kadillak

Yup. Think that is the game plan. With the truck I can be loaded for bear figuratively speaking. What is the old saying.

Go Big Or Go Home.

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My choice would be to drive. However, it really depends on how much time you have for the additional two thousand miles. Either way, it should be a productive trip. Enjoy!

If you got the time, I'd drive; and if it were me I'd bring the Pentax 67II which I would keep inside the cabin mounted on its tripod ready to go if I should see something worth photographing along the way. Inside the trunk would be the camera's hard case containing 10 of the 11 lenses (the 400mm has its own hard case), in another hard case would be the 810MII and all the lenses for it (9 in my case) in another hard case, and in the fourth case would be all my lenses for the 4x5 and 5x7. The 4x5 and 5x7 backs would be in their padded satchel. All the film holders would be loaded in their cases and a Harrison tent for changing. A tent, sleeping bag and air mattress for camping if that should become necessary (many of my long road trips have been during the winter when the motels are cheap and campgrounds are free). If you have the room, consider taking along developing gear for B&W which you can do in the motel and of course, a couple of empty boxes for the developed and undeveloped sheet film.

All you need to have a successful trip is an adventurous spirit and reasonable weather. Good luck.

Thomas

Here is a new technological spin on trip taking. Online you can actually drive through the park and pan 360 degrees as though you are in your vehicle. Talk about enticing. Wow!

Yes Merg, the extra few thousand miles is child's play when there are images to be had along the way and extensively at the trails end. Plus I can carry backpacking frames, walking sticks, hiking boots and camping gear for the family that may not be accommodated in their luggage. Being able to carry the exposed sheets with me and not going through any airport security is another plus.

We have a list of very reasonable Air BNB locations to select from and the gracious assistance from the various contributors (thank you ALL) have helped tremendously in planning out our exploration agenda. I am already chomping at the bit. Thomas - that 350mm tele Xenar that I purchased from you is going to be put to use on my Intrepid 8x10 Mark II on the trail.

Remember that Autumn hits that area mid to late September. If I were you, I'd fly to Calgary, as it's closer to Banff. Then you can drive up to Jasper. The scenery from Banff to Jasper is amazing. Couldn't advise you where to stay, though. I always camped or slept in my car. Have fun and bring lots of film!

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Originally Posted by Andrew O'Neill

Remember that Autumn hits that area mid to late September. If I were you, I'd fly to Calgary, as it's closer to Banff. Then you can drive up to Jasper. The scenery from Banff to Jasper is amazing. Couldn't advise you where to stay, though. I always camped or slept in my car. Have fun and bring lots of film!

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Going to have the family fly to Calgary and rent a car as the rates on both are great. I will drive the Heavy Chevy and meet them there. We are contemplating an Air BNB nearby as a place to congregate and have our "family time". Lets me change holders if needed (black plastic and duct tape for the bathroom windows if necessary). Having two vehicles is great because I can branch out on my own and let the light take me where it wants and they can do their own thing. Walkie talkies with a 2-3 mile range in these instances is invaluable because it lets us communicate effectively as National Parks are not places where one should expect cell coverage (for a reason). I know I am going to have shell shock when I gas up, but there is not much one can do about it.

Consider https://gotenna.com/ it works with your cell phone in areas with no coverage, IF enough use it

You can find out if your destination park has users, or use it with family only when out of sight

I have 2 but around here nobody else has it and we do have vast dead spots

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Originally Posted by Tin Can

Consider https://gotenna.com/ it works with your cell phone in areas with no coverage, IF enough use it

You can find out if your destination park has users, or use it with family only when out of sight

I have 2 but around here nobody else has it and we do have vast dead spots

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Great suggestion. I will check it out. I also need to verify the charges/capabilities for using my cell in Canada (international) versus my US customer plan. Best to verify these ahead of time rather than getting that Oh S$%^ billing and be completely at the mercy of some customer representative online. It is nearly as bad as leaving a front swing on your camera before you break it down and forgetting about it. Whoops....

If you are driving and going to be in Glacier on the Montana side drive up through the Chief Mountain border crossing and hit Waterton Lakes National Park. It's small, beautiful and not full of tourists. Red Rock Canyon. Cameron Lake and the Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking one of the Waterton Lakes are worthwhile

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Originally Posted by redrockcoulee

If you are driving and going to be in Glacier on the Montana side drive up through the Chief Mountain border crossing and hit Waterton Lakes National Park. It's small, beautiful and not full of tourists. Red Rock Canyon. Cameron Lake and the Prince of Wales Hotel overlooking one of the Waterton Lakes are worthwhile

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I grew up in Montana and was looking at a map for that very route. Thanks for the suggestions. I remember in geology class in college the story of the town of Frank that was buried in a landslide back in the early 1900's somewhere in this vicinity. Quite an ominous legacy as fate would have it. Boulders the size of trucks everywhere as I remember going there as a youngster.

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Originally Posted by Michael Kadillak

I grew up in Montana and was looking at a map for that very route. Thanks for the suggestions. I remember in geology class in college the story of the town of Frank that was buried in a landslide back in the early 1900's somewhere in this vicinity. Quite an ominous legacy as fate would have it. Boulders the size of trucks everywhere as I remember going there as a youngster.

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Yes the Frank Slide in the Crows nest Pass.

The closest international airports to Jasper National Park are Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. We flew to Calgary as it was the cheapest option back then.
Some of the must-see places the stole my heart and soul Athabasca Glacier, Maligne Lake and the nearby (about 20-25 miles) Maligne Canyon.

Plans to make this trip were set back due to the pandemic but I am still hopeful we can pull it off.

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Originally Posted by Michael Kadillak

Plans to make this trip were set back due to the pandemic but I am still hopeful we can pull it off.

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I'm constantly checking the US-Canada border updates. Fingers crossed!