Top 10 Hikes For Photography in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are home to some iconic photography locations. Whether it be Two Jack Lake in Banff National Park or the shorefront of Lake Louise there is no shortage of easy access photography locations.
However some locations require a bit more effort than others. These are my top hikes for epic landscape photography in the Canadian Rockies.
1) East End of Rundle (EEOR)
Time: 4 to 6 hours return
Distance: 6 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 870 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Now including this hike on my list might come as a surprise for some as it’s a popular trail. However I think the East End of Rundle is one of the best locations to shoot sunset in Canmore and also trumps a lot of trails in Banff.
From the summit you have layered mountains for as far as the eye can see to the west (as seen above) as well as views of Ha Ling Peak and the town of Canmore to the east. You can also get some incredible shots just half way up the trail if you don’t fancy the whole hike up.
The views from half way up with the milky way above.
2) Smutwood Peak - Kananaskis
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Distance: 20 km
Elevation Gain: 950m
Difficulty: Hard
I feel like this trail goes without saying. Over the last few years it’s definitely become one of the most recognisable views in Kananaskis. Although the first section of the Smutwood Peak trail isn’t the most photogenic (apart from the waterfall on the way) the views from the pass and the summit are just out of this world so your effort is well rewarded.
As well as the iconic view as seen above there are also some great shots to be had with a longer lens across the valley on the other side.
3) Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge
Time: 3 to 5 hours return depending if you go to the ridge or not.
Distance: 8 km return to the lake. An extra 2 km to add on the ridge.
Elevation Gain: 300 metres to the lake, at least double again to make it to the ridge.
Difficulty: Easy to the lake, hard to the ridge.
Staying in Kananaskis, Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge again offer some of the best views in K country. The hike up to the lake is easy going and the towering headwall reflects perfectly in the lake first thing in the morning. A picture perfect location to set up the camera.
Then if you have the energy it’s a steep climb up from here to Sarrail Ridge. Here you’ll get incredible views across Lower and Kananaskis Lake with Mount Indefatigable in the background. The hike up is a slog but well worth the views.
Note: This trail is very bear heavy! Lots of grizzly bears live around the lake and close to the ridge trail so you need to be bear aware, especially if hiking close to dawn or dusk when they are more active.
4) Sulphur Mountain - Banff
Time: 2.5 hours return
Distance: 11 km return
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Now this is another hike which almost feels too obvious to include. However these are some of the most accessible mountain views in the Canadian Rockies. If you don’t want to or aren’t able to hike up Sulphur Mountain you can always just take the gondola up to the top.
The Sanson’s Peak boardwalk offers some fantastic view points to capture an iconic sunset view of the Town of Banff, the bow river and the Fairmont hotel. (Bring the long lens with you as well as that wide angle.)
5) Lake Agnes and the Beehives
Time: 3 - 6 hours depending how many Beehives you visit!
Distance: 7.5 km return for Lake Agnes. 9.3 km return to add on the little Beehive and 12.5 km return if you do both big and little beehives (which I recommend you do!)
Elevation Gain: 500 m - 870 m depending if you end at the lake, or take in the views from higher up!
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Lake Agnes trail offers some great photography opportunity throughout the trail. The trail starts at the iconic shorefront of Lake Louise (perfect for some sunrise photography) then on the way there are waterfalls and view points like Mirror Lake.
Then once at the lake you’re rewarded with the above picturesque scene. If you haven’t had your photographic fill by now you can always head on up to the little or big Beehives for even more opportunities to capture some images of Lake Louise below.
Mirror Lake and a mid trail waterfall.
6) The Larch Valley
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Distance: 9 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on fitness level.
The Larch Valley is probably one of the most popular and famous fall hikes in the Rockies. It offers some of the most abundant larch trees of any hike in Banff and some of the best photography on a pretty easy going trail. In years gone by getting to the trailhead wasn’t a problem, however nowadays the road is closed to personal vehicles so you’ll need to get a shuttle.
Moraine Lake Bus Company will be able to get you there even early enough to make it to the lakes for sunrise. Check out my full guide on how to visit Moraine Lake.
7) Sulphur Skyline - Jasper
Time: 3 hours return
Distance: 8 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 800 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
I personally think that the Sulphur Skyline hike offers one of the best effort to reward ratios of any hike. For a trail that’s only 4 km each way the view you’re rewarded with has to be one of the best views in Jasper. A great hike to make an early start and get set up for sunrise.
8) Berg Lake Trail
Time: 3 days
Distance: 42 km - with plenty of opportunity to add on more!
Elevation Gain: 1100 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Now the Berg Lake trail is best done over several days especially if photography is your aim. The scene of Mount Robson towering over Berg Lake is an iconic, jaw dropping view and makes for some of the best images you’ll be able to capture in the Rockies. If you have the time and are able to book a trip here I’d highly recommend it.
Reflections in the lake at dusk.
9) Lake O’Hara
Time: Can be visited during a long day hike but if you can I’d stay a few days!
Distance: 22 km to hike in from the car park to the lake. However most people will bus in and from there you can hike as much as you like!
Elevation Gain: Varies depending on how much you want to cover. Check out the full guide!
Difficulty: Moderate
Views from Opabin Plateau
Even though getting in to Lake O’Hara can be a little tricky and takes some pre planning the photography here is definitely worth it. From the campground there are several short trails to lakes and view points which offer world class scenery.
Reflections on Lake O’Hara a short walk from the campground.
10) Mount Assiniboine
Time: 3 days - more depending on how much you want to explore.
Distance: 52 km if hiking in and out.
Elevation Gain: 1600 m - again it’s easy to add more.
Difficulty: Moderate
Check out the full guide here!
The iconic view from the Niblet.
I know I keep saying it but this is a list of the best hikes for photography but Mount Assiniboine offers some of the most iconic views in the Rockies! There are options to fly or hike in and getting a campground is a little easier than some of the other multi day hikes. With view points like the Niblet and views of Mount Assiniboine it’s pretty hard to beat!
Larch trees set in the valley.
Interested in More Photography Locations?
Download my full offline photography location guide with over 100 different photography locations with GPS coordinates, covering areas over Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore and the Icefields Parkway.
Things to know Before You Go
Bears! There’s a chance you could come across wildlife and even bears on any of these trails, so as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups and carry bear spray!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost especially if you’re hiking too or from a location in the dark for sunrise or after sunset. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other day hikes in the Canadian Rockies or maybe multi-day hikes?
Gear Recommendations For Rockies Photography
After 10 years living and photographing in the Canadian Rockies, years working in retail and years reviewing outdoor gear I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit! And on all day hikes there are definitely a few things I always take with me to make my trip safer, easier and more enjoyable especially if I’m out shooting!
PGYTech OnePro Flex
My go to bag for when I’m out hiking with camera gear in the Rockies. This camera bag is super adaptable and has a real suspended hiking frame for all day comfort and space for extra layers!
You can watch a full review of this bag here!
Get it here at PGYTECH.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com
Down Jacket
No matter what the weather I carry a lightweight down jacket. The Arcteryx Cerium is light and very warm! Perfect for keeping you toasty when you stop to shoot or if you were injured and awaiting help.
Get it on REI.com
Headlamp
If you’re out shooting in the mountains at sunrise or sunset you want a bright and reliable head torch.
I use the Petzl Swift. It’s rechargable, lasts along time and can go up to 1100 lumens.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Hiking Poles
Poles are often overlooked by new hikers and seen as unnecessary. However once you use them you’ll never go back! They make you more efficient and take the weight of your knees!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Merino Socks
Merino socks are a must for any hike. They keep you dryer, warmer and smelling better!
Once you go merino you never go back!
My socks are now 100% Smartwool!
Get them at Smartwool.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Featured Posts
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support!
The East End of Rundle, commonly know as EEOR has to be one of my favourite hikes close to Canmore. It also offers some of the best sunset photography in the Rockies.