NEOWISE in the Skies over Banff, Canada
It has been a once in a lifetime – more like millennia – event. The comet NEOWISE has been visible in the dark skies over my home town of Banff, Alberta, and it’s been a highlight of my career to photograph it. Knowing it’s such a rare event has added an exhilarating element to the creative task of capturing it, and to see it converge with such celestial wonders as the aurora borealis has been an unforgettable experience.
It has been a once in a lifetime – more like millennia – event. The comet NEOWISE has been visible in the dark skies over my home town of Banff, Alberta, and it’s been a highlight of my career to photograph it. Knowing it’s such a rare event has added an exhilarating element to the creative task of capturing it, and to see it converge with such celestial wonders as the aurora borealis has been an unforgettable experience. You can find my favourite images below!
According to NASA: “Discovered on March 27, 2020, by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission, Comet NEOWISE is putting on a dazzling display for skywatchers before it disappears, not to be seen again for another 6,800 years.”
→ All of these images are available as limited edition prints in our online print shop.
Comet NEOWISE over Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE, noctilucent clouds, northern lights and mountains all join forces to create the most amazing celestial display over Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE above Bow Falls, Banff National Park. Photo: Paul Zizka.
NEOWISE cruises over Cascade Mountain and the Town of Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
A climber descends by headlamp with NEOWISE looking on in Banff National Park. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE travelling over the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Spray River, Banff, Canada.
→ All of these images are available as limited edition prints in our online print shop.
11 Larch Images to Ring in the Fall
Larch trees are one of the only conifers that do not lay claim to the ‘evergreen’ title. These unique trees are well known for lighting up fall in the Canadian Rockies by turning their regularly green, soft needles vibrant yellow before shedding them completely to tuck in for winter. Igniting the landscape for a short season each year, they are a stunning subject for photography, and one of my personal favourites.
Larch trees are one of the only conifers that do not lay claim to the ‘evergreen’ title. These unique trees are well known for lighting up fall in the Canadian Rockies by turning their regularly green, soft needles vibrant yellow before shedding them completely to tuck in for winter. Igniting the landscape for a short season each year, they are a stunning subject for photography, and one of my personal favourites.
What’s your favourite larch image? Let me know in the comments!
All images in this gallery are available as stock or limited-edition prints. Please contact us with any inquiries.
Sun bursting at Floe Lake, Kootenay National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
"Autumn Hues." From Panorama Ridge, looking down towards the Lower Consolation Lake. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Sunshine Meadows/Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Aerial of Mount Temple, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Shoreline larches at Sunburst Peak, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Cathedral Peak, Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Aerial view of (L-R) Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Check out eBook: Paul Zizka’s Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies for the inside scoop on the best spots to choose autumn colours between Banff and Lake Louise. Use code FALL20PZP to get 20% off!
Clouds rising over golden larches, Mount Assinboine Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
The Lone Larch, Kootenay National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
"Autumn Gold." This shot was taken by Eiffel Lake, on the way to Wenkchemna Pass. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
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All images in this gallery are available as stock or limited-edition prints. Please contact us with any inquiries.
Banff at Its Winter Best
When the temperatures drop, the mountain environment transforms and gains new character – one that is especially appealing to me as a photographer. Mountains draped in white, sun bursting through fog on freezing cold mornings, a monochrome landscape... it all adds up to some spectacular photo potential!
When the temperatures drop, the mountain environment transforms and gains new character – one that is especially appealing to me as a photographer. Mountains draped in white, sun bursting through fog on freezing cold mornings, a monochrome landscape... it all adds up to some spectacular photo potential!
Here is just a selection of my favourite images from Banff National Park in wintertime. And if you're looking for the best places to shoot during the winter, I've compiled some of my top locations in my ebook: Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise), which also includes a downloadable checklist of gear for outdoor photography.
Hoar frost at Vermilion Lakes. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Banff's Pedestrian Bridge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Bow Falls. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Johnson Lake, Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Skating on Lake Minnewanka. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Mt. Ishbel. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Ice climbing at Johnston Canyon. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition)
Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.
I have spent the better part of the past 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies. This has amounted to countless days and nights seeing what’s around the bend, bushwhacking, walking up creeks, and following my nose. Originally, I didn’t explore with the purpose of sharing information. I simply enjoyed being curious in the mountains. Most of the time, the camera stayed in the bag, until I finally bought my first DSLR in 2007.
Over the years, I pulled the camera out more often, and eventually launched into photography as a profession. I also gathered a great deal of information, and thought it would be a shame not to make that information available to others so that they can enjoy and photograph some of those special places. After all, I find it immensely rewarding whenever I get to play a small part in getting people out exploring and connecting with their creative side.
So, after many months of work, I'm excited to announce this ebook:
Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise Edition
Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.
Special Features
* 60+ locations organized into regions:
In and Around Banff Town
Lake Minnewanka
Bow Valley Parkway
Banff to Lake Louise via HWY1
Lake Louise and Area
Year-round (four season) content with season-specific info for each location.
All major day hikes between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise.
The best spots to shoot aurora borealis, wildflowers and fall colours.
Easy-to-use symbols to guide you through each location, as well as access to online map.
Listing of resources, recommended books and apps for photographers.
Printable Gear Checklist for Outdoor Photography.
Suggested itineraries for 1 or 3 days in summer and winter.
© All contents copyright Paul Zizka and Meghan J. Ward, 2018.
10 Best Backcountry Stays in the Canadian Rockies
I'm all for wilderness, camping and nights spent in the fresh air, under a sea of stars. But, let's be honest, I also love home-cooked meals over a wood stove, a cozy bed and hard walls that keep out the wind and rain better than any tent could.
I'm all for wilderness, camping and nights spent in the fresh air, under a sea of stars. But, let's be honest, I also love home-cooked meals over a wood stove, a cozy bed and hard walls that keep out the wind and rain better than any tent could.
When you can combine the two, you get the most amazing experience, and thanks to some incredible lodging in the region, we have many options to choose from in the Canadian Rockies. When I'm lugging extra photo gear, not having to pack the tent and cooking supplies is an added bonus.
Here are some of my personal favourites, in no particular order:
1. Skoki Lodge
Skoki Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Possibly one of the most magical of backcountry lodge experiences, Skoki Lodge has a charm unto itself and is chock full of history. Accessible in both winter and summer, it gives backcountry skiers the hikers a great base for exploring the famous Skoki region.
2. Scott Duncan Hut
Scott Duncan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
One of the lesser-visited huts in the chain of alpine huts run by the Alpine Club of Canada, Scott Duncan Hut can be linked to other huts on the Wapta/Waputik icefields, or accessed on its own via Sherbrooke Lake.
3. Shadow Lake Lodge
Shadow Lake Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Now owned and operated by the Alpine Club of Canada, Shadow Lake Lodge has a series of cabins and communal hanging out/dining cabins for guests to enjoy. Nestled in a beautiful meadow, it's the perfect base for day hikes in the region.
4. Lake O’Hara Lodge
Lake O’Hara Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
I hear Lake O'Hara Lodge is booked out far in advance, and for good reason. For one, you can actually take a bus to it (whereas most of the other options here require some hiking or skiing). Situated near the shore of beautiful Lake O'Hara, the lodge has a longstanding tradition of backcountry hospitality and is the gateway to some of the best hiking in all of the Canadian Rockies.
5. Elizabeth Parker Hut
Elizabeth Parker Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Named after one of the founders of the Alpine Club of Canada, Elizabeth Parker Hut is also accessible via the Lake O'Hara bus. It is one of the club's most accessible huts and features a wonderful sleeping/communal area (with a wonderful wood stove), kitchen, and access so remarkable hiking and skiing terrain.
6. Peyto Hut
Peyto Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
This alternate perspective on Peter and Catharine Whyte (Peyto) Hut shows just how much snow and ice surrounds it. Located on the Wapta Icefield, adventurers can link it together with the other Wapta Huts or use it as a base to climb nearby peaks.
7. Mount Assiniboine Lodge
Mount Assiniboine Lodge. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Built in 1928, Assiniboine Lodge was the first backcountry ski lodge in North America. It can be accessed via ski, hike or helicopter, and gives backcountry enthusiasts access to one of the region's most famous views: Mt. Assiniboine, considered the "Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies.
8. Bow Hut
Bow Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
See that beige speck on the rocky outcropping beneath the glacier? That is the incredible Bow Hut, another Alpine Club of Canada hut. This is one of the gateways to the Wapta Traverse and various mountaineering objectives, but it is also a great destination for an overnight hike, and perhaps a sunset stroll up "The Onion."
9. Abbot Pass Hut
Abbot Pass Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
If you truly want a backcountry experience like no other, Abbot Pass Hut, nestled at the pass between Mts. Victoria and Lefroy, offers a memorable stay. Originally built in 1922 to house early mountaineers, today hikers also enjoy the stone hut (though it does involve some scrambling to get there!). Update: Parks Canada slope remediation work continues at Abbot Pass Hut and the ACC is not taking summer bookings at this time.
10. Neil Colgan Hut
If I had to pick a favourite, Neil Colgan Hut might be it – the highest permanent structure in Canada at 9,700 feet. It is truly a mountaineer's hut, with no straightforward way of accessing it, and gives you access to the famous ten peaks. Many memorable nights have been spent here under the stars.
Neil Colgan Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
There are many more where that came from. In particular, check out the full listing of Alpine Club of Canada huts on their website.
10 Years, 10 Photos: Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Like many mountain dwellers here in the Canadian Rockies, I had my share of “seasons” working summer or winter jobs in various locations in Banff National Park before I finally put down some roots. My first, more permanent, move to Banff was in 2008. The town has provided the ultimate base for exploring for 10 years now.
Like many mountain dwellers here in the Canadian Rockies, I had my share of “seasons” working summer or winter jobs in various locations in Banff National Park before I finally put down some roots. My first, more permanent, move to Banff was in 2008. The town has provided the ultimate base for exploring for 10 years now.
Here are 10 highlights of one decade of adventure photography in the heart of the Canadian Rockies!
1. Frozen Kingdom
Mountaineering in Mt. Robson Provincial Park
2. Into the Blue
Booming Ice Chasm, Crowsnest Pass
3. A Skier's Dream
Ski touring at Lake O'Hara, Yoho National Park
→ Check out my Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies!
4. Galactic Glide
Paddling on Goat Pond, Kananaskis
5. Sunrise Splash
Kayaking at Bow Lake, Banff National Park
6. Frozen Labyrinth
Robson Glacier, Mt. Robson Provincial Park
7. Ridge Ramble
Robson/Resplendent Ridge, Mt. Robson Provincial Park
8. Prisoner
Ice climbing at Panther Falls, Banff National Park
9. In the Eye of the Aurora
Ice climbing, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park
10. Winter Drifter
SUP at Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park
→ Check out my Resources for Photographing the Canadian Rockies!