Canadian Rockies: Skoki Valley 2011
Photograph breathtaking mountains and alpine lakes!
Dates: Sep 3 – 8, 2011 (6 days) Price: $1349 Cdn
Join MIKE BYRNE for a Rocky Mountain adventure to the legendary Skoki Valley, Alberta, September 3 to 8, 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 Skoki Lodge (a moderate 7 mile/11 km walk) and then spend the next three days exploring this alpine paradise.
Skoki Lodge was the first facility built specifically to cater to ski-tourists on a commercial basis in Canada, and possibly North America. It was built by a group of Banff residents who formed the Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies to manage the operation. Over the next ten years the lodge was expanded to include a kitchen, the upper floor, roof dormers, what is now the living room and several log cabins for sleeping. The trail to Skoki is prime habitat to a wide variety of alpine wildflower and rare alpine plants indigenous to the region. Throughout the area, hikers can find patches of false azalea, buffalo berries, twinberries, white rhododendrons and red elder flourish. Rocky slopes are covered by stonecrop, white flowering mountain avens, moss campion, cinquefoil, arctic willows and several species of saxifrage. Bighorn sheep, black bear, hoary marmots and beaver are just a few of the species this region has to offer!
 Mt. Schaffer Sunrise |
 Hoary Marmot |
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 look for goats, deer and elk along Tunnel Mountain Drive, explore famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and photograph the breathtaking mountains of Banff in early evening light. There will a nature walk up Tunnel Mountain and a hike around Moraine Lake. After two days based at Blackstone, we will move our base to Skoki 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).
 Deer |
 Early Morning at Lake O'Hara |
 Pika dining on a flower |
Itinerary
Saturday 3 September: Arrive at Canmore, AB, settle into accommodation at Blackstone Mountain Lodge. Explore and photograph Banff town and walk up Tunnel Mountain.
Sunday 4 September: Drive to Lake Louise, explore and photograph the Lake, then hike around Moraine Lake.
Monday 4 September: Moderate 7 mile (11 km) walk into Skoki Lodge. There are many scenic locations to photograph along the way.
Tuesday 5 September: Explore and photograph the Skoki Valley, with many scenic locations and great opportunities for wildlife photography. Weather permitting, we will try some star shots and light painting.
Wednesday 6 September: 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 7 September: Day hike to either Merlin Lake or Natural Bridge, depending on the weather and whims of the group. Many more opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Friday 8 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: Shadow Lake 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 8 miles (13 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.