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Author Topic: Banff Canada in mid September  (Read 5560 times)

Les Sparks

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Banff Canada in mid September
« on: August 21, 2013, 12:04:16 pm »

My wife and I will have about a week in the Banff area in mid September. Any suggestions for things/places we shouldn't miss?
On the return trip we plan a few days in Yellowstone National Park. Haven't been there in awhile so any suggestions would be welcome too.
Thanks.
Les
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andrewsk

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2013, 03:07:40 pm »

I live out here and you are coming at a wonderful time of year.

You would have to tell me what you are looking to shoot as there is honestly so much to do, I would just be guessing if I could help.

Do you shoot wildlife, lanscapes or something else?

Keith
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2013, 03:18:06 pm »

Keith,
Thanks for the response.
We are interested in wildlife and landscapes. We have about a week (know that we could use more time but a week in Banff and a few days in Yellowstone are all we can manage on this trip.)
We can do moderate hikes (wife had knee repair last year).
Les
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andrewsk

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2013, 03:34:21 pm »

Well, the good news is that the Bears should be back down from the mountains to eat berries on the side of the road, so you will get a few easy ones by just driving around.

You should also see a lot of Elk and deer in rut.

I would check this out. The gentlmans name is Darwin Wiggett and he writes E-Books for photographers on the best places to see in Banff, Jasper, Yoho etc. When I first started shooting there, it helped me out a ton and is way better than anything I could post. Im not affiliated at all and its $10.00 but it is WELL worth it. He even has Kilometer/Mile markers for where to stop.

http://www.oopoomoo.com/ebook/banff-national-park/

A day trip up the Kootney Hi-way MAY result in you seeing wolves as they have a den somewhere along there and are seen on the hiway quite a bit.

Also, I would recomend that you take a day trip to Jasper if you can. The road and mountains in the Icefield parkway are incredible.


Keith
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2013, 04:57:35 pm »

Keith
Thanks for the links about the e-books. I've downloaded a couple and will look at them later today. This is a trip we've been planing for some time and we're looking forward to it.
Les
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wolfnowl

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #5 on: August 24, 2013, 01:16:03 am »

It will be beautiful there, no matter where you go!  The Ice Fields parkway is a great route.

A couple of notes:

It IS berry season, and while the bears will be more interested in other things than you, they don't like surprises.  Bears have a remarkably short season in which to regain the weight they lost last winter and gain enough to get them through the next one.  Make noise, let them know you're around, and don't get into a pissing contest and you'll be fine.

Getting close to a rutting elk/moose/deer to get a closer shot is never a good idea.  They have those big pointy things on their heads for one reason and one reason only (sex) and they have to fight others for the privilege.  Rutting moose have been known to charge log skidders/ bulldozers and freight trains.  They tend to lose with latter.  Again, think first.

September in Banff, especially at elevation can be unpredictable.  It can be sunny and gorgeous, but be prepared for fast weather changes and even snow.  And remember that you need at least as much water when it's cold as you do when it's hot because your body uses water to metabolize fat to keep you warm.

Have fun!

Mike.

P.S. These might help: http://travelalberta.com/ http://www.banffnationalpark.com/
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #6 on: August 24, 2013, 09:34:53 am »

Mike
Thanks for the tips. We'll give bears and lovesick moose, deer, and elk a wide berth. September weather sounds like the same in our Smoky Mountains, unpredictable.
Les
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stevenf

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2013, 10:22:26 am »

Try and get day passes to get into Lake O'Hara best photography and hiking especially when the larch turn colour.

Steven

http://www.friedmanphoto.com
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2013, 12:57:06 pm »

Steven
Thanks for the tip. You've got some wonderful images on your website.\
Les
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Eric Myrvaagnes

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2013, 02:31:16 pm »

Try and get day passes to get into Lake O'Hara best photography and hiking especially when the larch turn colour.

Steven

http://www.friedmanphoto.com
Yes! Lake O'Hara is the most beautiful place I've ever been to. Of course it's best if you can wangle a week at the Lake O'Hara Lodge (try booking a year ahead and hope). The day hikes from O'Hara are sublime: Lake Oesa, Opabin Plateau, Lake McArthur, ...
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stevenf

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2013, 04:11:33 pm »

Les

Thanks for the feedback on my work. You can get day passes to lake O'Hara they are limited. The lodge is sold out a year in advance, you can try the ACC hut or camp.

Here are a couple of images from lake O'hara from many many years ago. My style of photography has changed quite a bit since these images were taken. It should give you a sense for the place.

Steven

http://www.friedmanphoto.com
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2013, 09:16:31 pm »

Wow, what a beautiful place. The beauty in our mountains in NC is very different than this. Something that I discovered many years ago when we moved to NC from Seattle.
Thanks again for the tip.
Les
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Les Sparks

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Re: Banff Canada in mid September
« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2013, 06:21:48 pm »

My wife and I had 7 wonderful days in the Banff-Lake Louise-Jasper area. The only downside was that the first day looked like we were in the Great Smoky Mountains due to a controlled burn near Banff. We want to thank all of those who made suggestions. Unfortunately we were not able to get to Lake O'Hara. Seems like we were year late in requesting reservations.
Thanks again to all of you.
Les
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