Canadian Rockies: Shadow Lake 2011

Capture the beauty of the Canadian Rockies!

Dates: Aug 28 – Sep 2, 2011 (6 days) Price: $1349 Cdn

Join MIKE BYRNE for a Rocky Mountain adventure to the limited access area of Shadow Lake, Alberta, August 28 to September 2, 2011.

Photograph some of the most beautiful terrain in the Canadian Rockies! This 6 day/5 night tour — led by professional photographer and Canmore native Mike Byrne — begins in Canmore, AB with two days of short walks and nature photography in the Banff/Canmore area. Aside from the fabulous mountain scenery that the area is famous for, we hope to see whitetail and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and maybe even a bear or two. On day 3 we will hike into Shadow Lake Lodge (an easy to moderate 9 mile/14 km walk) and then spend the next three days exploring this restricted-access paradise.

Shadow Lake Lodge is situated in the high alpine meadows of Banff National Park. It is a remote back country lodge with cabins, accessible only by hiking or cross-country skiing. Well-established trails lead through vast meadows to mountain passes and down to adjoining valleys. Upon arrival at the Lodge you will be greeted with the sweet smells of homemade breads and goodies as afternoon tea is served. Early evening guests reconvene at the central dining room where fresh breads, homemade soup, delicious salad, vegetable dishes and daily choice of Pork Tenderloin, Chicken Breast, Beef tenderloin, Salmon or Tuna are served, bound to satisfy. Homemade desserts follow with tea & coffee. Daily homemade breads start the day accompanied by a hearty breakfast. Build your own lunch with varieties of foods for your day’s photographic adventure.

Bighorn Ram on a Mountain Ledge

Mt. Tupper

Upon arrival in Canmore (airport pickup at Calgary International Airport can be arranged) you will be met by Split-Seconds tour leader Mike Byrne and transferred to Blackstone Mountain Lodge — one of Bellstar Hotels & Resorts signature properties and one of the premier resorts of the Canadian Rockies. Blackstone’s prominent Canmore location at the gates of Banff National Park make it the ideal base camp to experience the collection of world-class skiing, golf, hiking, biking and sightseeing just minutes away in Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis Country.

During our days in the Banff/Canmore area we will photograph the famous Three Sisters Mountain, look for goats, deer and elk along Lake Minniwanka Drive, and photograph Mt. Rundle in the evening light from across the reflective waters of Vermillion Lakes. There will also be a short nature walk and an excursion up one of the local mountains. After two days based at Blackstone, we will move our base to Shadow Lake Lodge for the remainder of the trip. Aside from carrying your personal camera gear, you will need to carry adequate clothing for four days, including rain gear and warm layers for cool mountain mornings. Snow is quite possible (and beautiful!) at this time of year.

Canon professional cameras, lenses and accessories will be made available (on a shared-used basis) to all tour members so you won’t need to haul your own big lenses!

We will photograph daily, taking advantage of early morning and evening light with at least seven hours dedicated to exploring – and photographing – the mountains, the flora and the fauna. Between photo sessions there will be individualized image critiques, digital workflow sessions and Q&A discussions (as requested).

Shadow Lake

Shadow Lake

Mountain Goat in an Alpine Meadow

Ink Pots above Johnston Canyon

Itinerary

Sunday 28 August: Arrive at Canmore, AB, settle into accommodation at Blackstone Mountain Lodge. Explore and photograph Banff town, Vermillion Lakes and Mt. Rundle.

Monday 29 August: Nature walk in the Banff townsite area, excursion up Sulfur Mountain via gondola.

Tuesday 30 August: Easy to moderate 9 mile (14 km) walk into Shadow Lake Lodge. There are many scenic locations to photograph along the way.

Wednesday 31 August: Explore and photograph the Shadow Lake area, with many scenic locations and great opportunities for wildlife photography. Weather permitting, we will try some star shots and light painting.

Thursday 1 September: Day hike to either Ball Pass, Gibbon Pass or Haiduk Lake, depending on the weather and whims of the group. Many more opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.

Friday 2 September: Hike out to the parking lot and return to Canmore (drop-off at Calgary International Airport can be arranged).

This photo tour is offered in combination with the Canadian Rockies: Skoki Valley tour. Sign up for both tours and save $100, plus receive a free night’s accommodation in a luxery suite in Canmore!

Included:

  • Private group transfers
  • Lodge accommodation based on double occupancy
  • All meals subsequent to arrival at Canmore
  • Photographic tuition, image critique sessions, Photoshop, Lightroom and Photo Mechanic help.

Not included:

  • Airport departure taxes
  • Drinks, plus unspecified meals and tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Insurance for travel, health and personal belongings

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THIS TRIP

SPECIAL FITNESS INFORMATION – Hiking in the Rocky Mountains requires a reasonable degree of fitness. You should be able to hike at least 10 miles (16 km) in one day, while carrying a 20-25 lb. (9-11 kg) backpack, at elevations of 6000 feet (1800m) or higher.

If you have any specific questions about any field trip please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Email info@split-seconds.com or Tel 1-800-667-0007

Our Booking Information (Policies for Reservations, Cancellations, Refunds and other considerations) can be downloaded here.

Our Personal Information/Registration/Risk Waiver can be downloaded here.

To book your spot today please click here or call toll free 1-800-667-0007 (North America only) or +1-250-889-6700 (international) or send us an email info@split-seconds.com.