Jasper National Park Photography Guide
Here are the most captivating vistas in Jasper National Park that beckon to be photographed.
PLEASE SHARE
At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating stunning and impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
Situated in Alberta, Canada, Jasper National Park is a must-see destination and one of the most visited places in the country. Upon our arrival, we were immediately captivated by its beauty. This park ranks high on our favorite photography spots worldwide, and we’ve been to many locations. We even lead photography tours here by private jet and on land. With its stunning landscapes and abundance of hiking paths, campsites, and other recreational activities, this park offers something for everyone besides just photography.
The Canadian Rockies mountain system comprises the southeastern part of this system, laying between the Interior Plains of Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia on the east to the Rocky Mountain Trench of BC on the west. The southern end borders Idaho and Montana, the USA.
SUNWAPTA FALLS
Sunwapta Falls is accessible via a short drive off the Icefields Parkway, which connects Jasper and Banff National Parks. The falls have a drop of about 18.5 meters. Sunwapta is a Stoney (Assiniboine) word that means turbulent water. It is most spectacular in the late spring when the spring melt is at its peak. This is the first stop when heading into the park.
There are two falls, a lower and an upper one. Most people see the Upper Falls, as access is easy. The lower falls are a short distance away.
PATRICIA LAKE
We went to the lake during the daytime and got some dynamic, colorful images. We returned at night and did some night photography at the boat dock. We weren’t sure if we’d find the Milky Way. But being so high up away from the equator, we did not; unfortunately, the lake is surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows, providing various settings to capture on camera. Many animals, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep, can be spotted around the lake.
MALIGNE LAKE
Maligne Lake, located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, is a stunning destination for photography enthusiasts. Renowned for its vivid, azure waters and majestic surrounding peaks, the lake offers breathtaking views. Photographers often flock to capture the picturesque Spirit Island, an iconic and frequently photographed spot.
Positioned (27 miles) south of Jasper, the lake is easily reachable by car or shuttle from the town. Boat tours provide a closer look at Spirit Island from spring through fall.
MALIGNE CANYON
Maligne Canyon attracts countless visitors each summer, and for good reason. This trail offers a compact yet diverse array of sights that are a photographer’s stop. The stunning views from picturesque bridges, marvel at the timeless beauty of ancient fossils embedded in rock and be mesmerized by the abundance of cascading waterfalls that seem to beckon your camera.
While you could easily spend hours exploring and photographing every nook and cranny, those pressed for time can still capture the canyon’s essence in a quick half-hour trip. Focusing on Bridges 1 through 3 will reveal some of the most breathtaking and photogenic drops, ensuring your camera is well-fed with images.
Although it was not on our list of top spots for the park, we still would not pass up the experience. The beauty is striking, and it captivates everyone who sees it.
ATHABASCA FALLS
(See also the main heading picture above)
The Athabasca Falls, reaching a height of 23 meters, may not be the tallest, but the sheer volume of water makes it great for photography. The water cascades over a resilient quartzite layer, eroding the softer limestone beneath, and has sculpted complex formations, including potholes and a brief canyon.
Due to the immense water volume cascading down, Athabasca Falls captivates photographers with its powerful torrents. Even in the fall, when the Athabasca River recedes, the falls remain robust and mesmerizing. Renowned for its stunning vistas and convenient location, Athabasca Falls is a prime destination for photographing the natural splendor of the Canadian Rockies.
Photographers, beware—mist from the falls creates a slick, watery film on nearby rocks. Stay safe and refrain from crossing the railings while capturing the stunning vistas.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK DETAILS
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It is located in the province of Alberta, north of Banff National Park and west of the City of Edmonton. The park includes the Columbia Icefield glaciers, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. Wildlife in the park consists of elk, caribou, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes, beavers, Rocky Mountain pikas, hoary marmots, gray wolves, mountain lions, and wolverines.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Depending on how you cover the park, photographing its main areas takes about 1-2 days; if you want to capture every angle and every square inch, plan at least two days.
Jasper is a four-hour drive up the Icefield Parkway from Banff. There isn’t as much incredible dynamic scenery compared to the southern Canadian Rockies, but the drive up Icefield Parkway had some stops that made this trip worthwhile. We thought the Banff area was better overall. Maybe we have just been to too many incredible places in Banff, Yoho, and Revelstoke.
The Columbia Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s most scenic drives, stretching 144 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper. Along the ride up the Icefield Parkway to Jasper, you can stop and photograph many great things: Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefields, the Glacier Walk, and Bow Lake (one of our favorite spots on Earth). Start your journey early up the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper. To see information on Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, go to our Canada Hot Spot Page.
There are several lakes in the National Park, and the main tourist attraction is Maligne Lake, a half-hour drive from the center of town. If you go in the summer, the lake is covered with tourists, and parking can be a hassle. Go early in the day.
There is also Maligne Canyon to hike and photograph, which allows for some compelling images. The Maligne lookout is just a lookout. We call these pictures tourist shots from these types of locations. You can stop there and get some good images. Try to do something different than the same old shot of the island everyone in the world gets.
WATERFALLS
The great spot on this journey is the waterfalls. Athabasca and Sunwapta are the two best places not to miss. Lake Maligne, although beautiful, was covered by tourists in the summer. There are a few other lakes, Patricia and Pyramid, which are good. The other lakes did not give us ing photos.
WILDLIFE
Keep your eyes out for wildlife. Elk is abundant, especially early in the morning. We went during a heatwave when wildlife is known to stay in the wilderness. We did see some bears on our journey. The National Park is home to many different animals. The most popular animals to photograph are the Grizzly Bears, Mountain Goats, and Bighorn Sheep. However, many other animals call Jasper National Park home, including wolves, elk, deer, and moose.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Jasper National Park is a photographer’s paradise. The natural light is incredible, and endless opportunities exist to capture stunning images. Here are a few of our favorite Jasper National Park photography locations:
1. MALIGNE CANYON
This dramatic canyon is one of the most popular Jasper National Park photography locations. The canyon walls are covered in waterfalls, and the light filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere.
2. MEDICINE LAKE
This serene lake is excellent for capturing reflections and tranquil scenes. The best time to photograph Medicine Lake is early morning or evening when the light is softer.
3. PYRAMID LAKE
Another beautiful lake in Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake, is known for its dramatic mountain views. The reflections in the water make for some stunning photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
TRAVEL WITH PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE EXTRA
We run a photo tour to the Canadian Rockies
4. SUNWAPTA FALLS
These powerful waterfalls are one of the most popular attractions in Jasper National Park. The best time to photograph Sunwapta Falls is in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow on the falls.
5. ATHABASCA FALLS
The Falls are a natural work of art. They are sculptured by glacial ice and water. These impressive waterfalls are a popular stop for tourists who visit Jasper National Park. You can find them on the Icefields Parkway, between Jasper and Lake Louise. They make for some fantastic photos when surrounded by snow-capped peaks at dawn or dusk.
6. LAKE ANNETTE
Located south of Jasper, this gorgeous blue lake is perfect for photographers who want something unique and different for their
7. PATRICIA LAKE
A beautiful lake with a boat dock and mountains makes for a great spot to stop to capture the drama of the lake. See below.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK INFO
Here are all the things you need to know about photography. Jasper National Park is located in Alberta, Canada, and is one of the most popular places to visit. The park has beautiful scenery and many hiking trails, camping areas, and other activities.
WHEN TO GO
When to Go: Avoid the summer months and the bus people if possible. September and October are excellent times to go. Fall foliage can be unbelievably gorgeous in October. It gets cold in November, and ice and snow may arrive. After that, it’s a whole lot of cold. The thaw will begin in March, and the tourists will come after the first week of June. We would pick the fall foliage in October as the best time.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
If you’re looking to take stunning photography, there are a few locations you won’t want to miss. With its sweeping valleys, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, the park offers ample opportunity to capture incredible natural beauty.
You MUST have an ND filter for waterfall photography. See How to Shoot Waterfall Photography
Long Exposure Milky Waters
You must use a tripod to take your long-exposure running and milky water shots. There are many moving waters. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and the neutral density filter you have. You may not get a milky water shot in the daytime if the sun is out and you don’t have an ND filter.
- Shoot in Manual Mode for the milky waters.
- ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow.
- The aperture is always f/22 or the highest your camera goes.
- Your shutter speed will vary depending on the light.
- Use your camera’s built-in light meter to set your shutter speed.
Take some test shots to decide on your shutter speed after you put on your neutral density filter. (It’s like sunglasses for your camera, stopping light from coming in.) Use your shutter release or your 2-second timer to prevent camera movement. Voila. You now have your milky water exposure.
NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTERS
To photograph running water, you want at least a 2-second exposure. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun. Go to our store to buy your ND filter. We have a 3.0 for super-long exposures in the sunshine—you can go as long as 30 seconds. We have an ND 1.2 and an ND8 for shorter exposures.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIP
Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the weather conditions. Temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of year. You’ll also want to ensure you have plenty of sunscreen and organic insect repellent. By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip—and come home with some fantastic photos to boot.
WHAT GEAR TO BRING
You’ll need a DSLR camera to take the best-quality photos. Still, even a point-and-shoot or smartphone camera can capture some great shots, but a camera is a must. Pack your tripod, circular polarizing filters, camera backpack, zoom lens and wide-angle lenses. You’ll also want to pack many batteries and memory cards, as you’ll likely take many pictures.
Finally, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Here are some hotels, restaurants and information.
HOTELS
Hotel Information:
Mount Robson Inn
– A hotel catering to year-round vacations
The Mount Robson Inn team takes pride in being a clean, comfortable, and affordable hotel accommodation. Their services go beyond just clean and comfortable hotel accommodations. Guests of the Mount Robson Inn enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast buffet, hot tub use, a guest laundry facility, and secure ski storage. They are also pleased to offer family-friendly amenities and room types for your family vacation. As a motorcycle-friendly hotel in Jasper, the Mt Robson Inn offers riders unique bike-friendly amenities. Go to their website.
Our Favorite Canadian Rockies Resort when in Banff National Park – Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – 1029 Banff Avenue, Banff – (800) 563-8764 in Canada/USA | +1(403)762-5531 Local – The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort is the perfect rocky mountain getaway for any traveler. They feature suites and condo-style accommodations in Banff National Park. Stay with them and enjoy the comforts of home and more. This picturesque location has a dining room, a deli, tennis courts, health facilities, a swimming pool, squash courts, and conference facilities. Take your vacation at Banff and live the mountain lifestyle.
AREA INFO
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE
Passes—You must have a pass to visit the parks. You can purchase one when you get there or before you go.
Click here to purchase in advance.
It provides entry to Jasper, Banff, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and Elk Island national parks.
CAMPING
Jasper is a year-round camping destination and can accommodate anything from a one-person bivy tent to a 39-foot motorhome and everything in between.
At all campgrounds, firewood is included with the purchase of a fire permit, bear-proof lockers are offered for safe food storage, and log cookhouses are available in case the weather isn’t cooperating.
To maintain the family-friendly atmosphere that attracts millions here every year, quiet hours, including a liquor and fire curfew, are enforced by park wardens between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
2015 Parks Canada Reservation Service
Reserve your campsite!
1-877-RESERVE (737-3783)
You can reserve Whistlers, Wapiti, Wabasso, and Pocahontas campgrounds online at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). All other roadside campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
For backcountry campsites, please check the campsite availability report and call the Trail Office at 780-852-6177 to make a booking.
FOOD & DINING
This section is open for advertising.
WEATHER
