Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition)

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:

1. In and Around Banff Town

2. Lake Minnewanka

3. Bow Valley Parkway

4. Banff to Lake Louise via HWY1

5. 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.

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.

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! 

The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered (Book Trailer)

For nearly a decade, Paul Zizka has dedicated himself to exploring the seldom-visited corners of the Canadian Rockies and producing the most original and innovative photographs he can muster. As a photographer and adventurer, he is drawn to the extraordinary. His body of work is the result of both countless nights spent outdoors and demanding ascents of the Rockies’ highest peaks.

The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered provides a freshly curated selection featuring 200 of Zizka’s best mountain photography and elevates the Canadian Rockies to new, unimaginable heights.

Find a copy in our online store.

DETAILS:
Photographs by Paul Zizka
ISBN 9781771602310
10 x 10 inches
240 pages
hardcover
$50.00 (CAD)
Published by Rocky Mountain Books

10 Favourite Places to Shoot the Northern Lights

I’ll admit it: the northern lights are intoxicating. For many years I’ve been drawn to cold, northerly destinations, both as a photographer and an adventurer. And beyond the desolate beauty and landscapes of these locations, whether it’s Greenland or Canada’s northern territories, it’s icing on the cake that they also provide us with the best opportunities to shoot the aurora borealis.

Here are my top 10 favourite locations around the globe to shoot the northern lights, in no particular order of preference:

1. Alaska

In a nutshell: Perfect latitude, fantastic scenery to pair up with lights. Cloud cover can be an issue.

When to go: October to March.

Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

2. Canadian Prairies

In a nutshell: Nice low horizon, easy access. You need a decent show.

When to go: Year-round.

Canadian Prairies. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

3. Canadian Rockies

In a nutshell: Some of the most incredible skylines to pair with lights. Great displays are rare. High horizons make it more challenging to shoot.

When to go: Year-round.

Banff National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

→ Check out these Resources for Shooting the Canadian Rockies.

4. Greenland

In a nutshell: Zero light pollution, mind-blowing scenery. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.

When to go: September to April.

Greenland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

→ You’ll also find my Aurora Watching Web Resources here.

5. Iceland

In a nutshell: Easier, cheaper access. Weather can be an issue. Good latitude, great landscapes. More people.

When to go: September to April.

Iceland. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

6. Labrador

In a nutshell: Super dark skies, very wild. Access can be difficult. Some incredible skylines.

When to go: September to April.

Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

7. Norway

In a nutshell: Good latitude. Stunning landscapes. Weather can be an issue.

When to go: September to April.

Norway. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

8. Nunavut

In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, incredible scenery. Lower temperatures to deal with. More difficult/expensive to access. Strong displays frequent.

When to go: September to April.

Nunavut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

9. Northwest Territories

In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, low horizons, surprisingly great access. Strong displays very frequent.

When to go: September to April.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

10. Yukon

In a nutshell: Very little light pollution, fairly easy/inexpensive access. Great latitude for aurora.

When to go: September to April.

→ Check out my Aurora Watching Web Resources

Trailer Release: In the Starlight

A few years ago, French filmmaker Mathieu Le Lay reached out to me with the idea for a film. Little did we know that the journey to capture footage would take us to the top of Mt. Whitehorn here in the Canadian Rockies, twice to the remote glaciers and fjords of Greenland and to the desert dunes of Namibia. I'm thrilled to finally be able to share the trailer of the film, which premieres on Ushuaïa TV this month. Follow In the Starlight on Facebook for updates on more screenings!

From In the Starlight:

During the darkest hours of the night, while the rest of the world is sleeping, outdoor photographer Paul Zizka ventures out into the wilderness in search of the world’s starriest skies. His journey to photograph the celestial wonders takes him from his home amongst the peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the wild, desert dunes of Namibia and remote ice caps of Greenland. Ever the adventurer, he must balance his work and passion for photography with his equal devotion as a family man. In the Starlight is an intimate portrayal of Paul’s quest to capture the night skies, and what his time spent under the stars has taught him about life, love, adventure, and our place in the universe.

Written, Directed and Edited by 
Mathieu Le Lay

Featuring
Paul Zizka
Meghan Ward
Mistaya Zizka
Jesse Milner
Emma Freeman
Takeshi Tani

Cinematography
Mathieu Le Lay

Additional Cinematography
Benjamin Dowie

Photographies
Paul Zizka

Original Soundtrack
Franck Zaragoza

Sound Design
Laurent Mollard

Assistant Designer
Larisa Oltean

Technical Means
L'Atelier Plani
The Beach Audio Productions
Studio Gaïné

Partners
Aquatech
Ball Watch
Canon France
Mountain Hardwear
Syrp
Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions
Visit Greenland
Wilson Mountain Sports

A Coproduction
Camera Lucida
Mathieu Le Lay Productions
Ushuaïa TV

Camera Lucida

Executive Producer
François Bertrand

Producer
Valérie Grenon

Production Manager
Alison Genet

Associate Producer
Silvia Alba

Coordinating Producers
Céline Delaunay
Aymeric Isnard
Anthony Donato
Stéphanie Garcia

Editorial Assistant & Communication
Lio Guidoni

Ushuaïa TV

Executive Manager
Christophe Sommet

In charge of Acquisitions and Documentary Productions
Annabel Gain

Distribution
CPB International

With the participation of
Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée

FODACIM
Le Fonds d’Aide au Cinéma de Montagne est une association qui soutient la création de films, grâce à ses partenaires.

© Camera Lucida Productions | Mathieu Le Lay Productions | Ushuaïa TV - 2018

Behind the Image: Emergence

I took this black-and-white on a shooting marathon at Mount Assiniboine a few years ago. I only had two nights in the area and the conditions were so good I went without sleep to make the most of the opportunity. I went everything over those 48 hours: in thunderstorms, fresh snow, aurora borealis, inversions, fogbows, you name it. And it was late September, that time of year when the larches are glowing gold – arguably the best time of year for photography in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

After a night shooting the northern lights and running around to try to find breaks in the cloud cover, I finally decided to return to the Naiset Huts to catch a nap since I could no longer escape the clouds. Just as I was about the enter the cabin (which was already nearly full of fast-asleep people), I spotted a few stars glowing above the mountains. No rest for the wicked! I realized the clouds were an inversion and that a sunrise at the Nub (a nearby spot which is the most photographed backcountry location in the Canadian Rockies) could offer great potential.

As I made my way past Assiniboine Lodge, I did a double-take when I caught a glimpse of the pyramid of Mount Assiniboine floating in the dawn sky, all lit up in alpenglow. It was an absolutely incredible sight. I was pretty determined to get up to the Nub, but felt the scene that was immediately available guaranteed an image more unique than anything I could hope for at the popular vantage point higher up.

I set up the tripod, pulled out the long lens, and took a few frames of this scene, as the clouds were constantly swirling. This was my favourite one. The fog below kept the base of the mountain quite dark, while the alpenglow lit up its higher sections. The dark blue sky above bookended the composition, and made it look like the "Matterhorn of the Rockies" was doing a levitation act.

Shot with the Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens, at ISO 400, 30 seconds, f/11. I often use this image in workshops as an example of the power of compressions and isolation of the long lens in landscape photography. I hope you like the image and the story!

This image is available as a custom, limited edition print.

Journey to the White Continent

Antarctica.

It always seemed so unattainable to me. But after two days at sea, and a year of anticipation, I was mesmerized when we first caught sight of a few rocks off Elephant Island through the thick fog – harbingers of our imminent arrival on the fabled White Continent. There is no wilder place on Earth, nowhere more remote, more inhospitable.

And as I found out over the six weeks following that moment in early January 2017, you’d be hard-pressed as a photographer to find another location on the planet that is more overwhelming. The photo opportunities just kept on coming, and I’ll never forget the sense of remoteness, the way life thrived on a whole other level, and the scale of the land down there. I’m thankful for One Ocean Expeditions for bringing me on board.

Amazingly, I managed to underestimate how many photographs I would take on the trip. When I returned home from the White Continent, the hard drives were filled to the brim, and between test shots, time-lapses, bracketed sequences and such, I came home with 40,000 files! I’m just starting to put a dent into all that material, but I would like to share some of the early results with you.

Antarctica is a place that will stay with me forever, and I very much look forward to revisiting my experience there through the thousands of photographs. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

The scale of South Georgia is absolutely overwhelming. Massive mountains grace the horizon. Glaciers are colossal. Penguins come by the thousands. Fur seals are everywhere you look. And the island itself is 2,000 km from the nearest mainland – isolation beyond description. I took this from our ship, the Vavilov, on an early morning at Gold Harbour, a place of incredible beauty. This is a penguin highway, which is simply a path of least resistance the animals continuously follow. In the back is the rapidly receding, spectacular Bertrab Glacier. By the way, the Canon 100-400 was by far my most used lens on the trip. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

I’ve taken my share of selfies, but never with penguins, fur seals and elephant seals looking on. That morning at St Andrews Bay was a highlight of the time spent on South Georgia with One Ocean Expeditions. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

A trio of synchronized whales swim into the endless Antarctica sunset. We saw dozens, perhaps hundreds of cetaceans that evening in the Gerlache Strait. The ice and mountains alone were just breathtaking. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

They had warned me that South Georgia would turn anyone into a wildlife photographer… Hard to ignore those three king penguins backlit by a fiery sunrise. This was at St Andrews Bay, meaning there were another 100,000 penguins right behind me. Just mind-blowing. I’d never seen life thrive at that level. This is the largest penguin colony on the island. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Love the mysterious, deep blue hues of Antarctic icebergs… Lemaire Channel, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

This was one of the most entertaining wildlife encounters we had on South Georgia: a macaroni penguin and a blue-eyed shag fighting over a little rock island. I think I took 100 shots of that interaction, but with the subjects moving and the zodiac bobbing around on the waves, I never quite got the composition where I want it… This is the best one of the lot. A wonderful wildlife moment in the middle of nowhere. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

A self-portrait taken on Petermann Island on the Antarctic peninsula. Between the gentoo penguins, the huge icebergs floating by, and the distant glaciated peaks, this is one place I found particularly overwhelming as a photographer. Just incredible. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

As we explored the coast of the island that morning, we all did our best to simplify our compositions, usually by isolating one or two animals. But the truth is, South Georgia is an incredibly cluttered place. It’s a compositional mess of colours, textures and lines. So here’s a crowded image I feel is representative of that amazing island! A lot of the detail is lost here on social media but I hope it conveys a sense of the place. Fortuna Bay, South Georgia. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ice in Antarctica comes in all shapes, sizes, textures and shades of blue. A paradise for the cryophile. The turquoise ramparts of this iceberg were particularly mesmerizing. Paradise Harbour, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

I think it’s fair to say gentoo penguins look rather clumsy above the surface. Underwater though, they move with incredible speed and precision. I took 500 shots. A handful had penguins in them… Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Gloomy morning at Fortuna Bay, South Georgia. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Hiking on the peninsula, a sacred place. For me, every step was a privilege in that precious, stunning part of the world. In the background is the Conscripto Ortiz refuge, run by Argentina. Paradise Harbour, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Camping on the 7th continent… Would you? I settled into my “moat” for the obligatory self-portrait and then realized the surroundings were just too good to pass up. I spent a sleepless, exhilarating, peaceful night exploring and photographing beautiful Leith Cove before returning to the ship. Leith Cove, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Penguin life has its challenges. Gruesome, I know, but a reminder that leopard seals and other predators constantly prowl the icy waters of the Antarctic peninsula (good thing to keep in mind for the underwater photographer too I suppose). Danco Island, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

I really wished I hadn’t used the word “epic” so much before going to Antarctica. I think we all ran out of superlatives soon after reaching the continent… Gerlache Strait, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Brash ice, cirrus clouds and mammoth peaks – a perfect afternoon on the White Continent. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

An Adelie penguin reaches the extent of the sea ice, Antarctica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Self-portrait at the edge of the world. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

An albatross conveniently soars through the frame as crepuscular rays rain down on the peaks of South Georgia. So much beauty in that remote corner of the world. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Iceberg illuminated by the sun, Antartica. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

A lone Adelie penguin seemingly runs out of sea ice off of the Antarctic peninsula. As for us, we ran out of water. This encounter marked the southernmost extent of our journey: about 67 degrees, somewhere in Lallemand Fjord. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Journey Through the Torngat Mountains

The Torngats.

The name alone evokes a sense of mystery. Tucked into one of the most remote parts of Canada lies one of the last frontiers for landscape photographers and explorers alike: the Torngat Mountains. The area is an incredibly wild mix that fires up the imagination: Norway-like fjords, glacier remnants (and the associated turquoise lakes), a healthy polar bear population, jagged icebergs freshly arrived from Greenland, aurora-filled skies, cultural treasures, archeological gems, rich marine life, and some of the highest, most rugged peaks in all of Eastern Canada.

Best of all, all that incredible wilderness is now protected through the national parks system, and it is accessible to the adventurous-minded via the recently-established Torngats Base Camp.

It is a deeply sacred home to Inuit people and, back in August 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in the area. It is truly amazing to be able to be among the first to document all that beauty with the camera. Not only that, but being able to do so in great comfort (especially given the remoteness). The facilities were top-notch, the local staff were most helpful and access to the landscape via zodiacs was as exciting as convenient.

The Torngats are truly a place you have to see for yourself. No words can do the place justice. It's like a modern-day Shangri-la, an overwhelming paradise for landscape and wildlife photographers. Even images don't get close to depicting what the Torngats are like, here's my attempt through my favourite images from the week!

→ All of these images are available as custom limited edition prints.

The Goose Bay area has great photos ops on the way up to the Torngats! Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

The Goose Bay area. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Unnamed Waterfall, Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Unnamed lake, Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Unnamed Waterfall, Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Aurora Harbour" 3 AM in the Torngats. The aurora borealis paints an incredible scene in the Labrador sky. Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

The aurora borealis paints an incredible scene in the Labrador sky. Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Aurora Borealis, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Moody day at Saglek Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

North Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Even the local Parks staff never tire of the magic of the Torngats! Unnamed waterfall near North Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

A moment of bliss in the Torngats, sitting at the front of the boat, gazing out at the symmetry and the deep blue waters around us, and wondering what will lie around the next corner. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

North Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Sitting at the front of the boat, gazing out at the symmetry and the deep blue waters around us, and wondering what will lie around the next corner. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Torngats Glory" Just another beautiful, unnamed tumble of the Torngats. That morning it looked like Mother Nature has applied the "mosaic" filter to the reflections. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Big iceberg, bigger cliffs. Saglek Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"The Face" of SW Arm. Saglek Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

The Goose Bay area has great photos ops on the way up to the Torngats! Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Drying fish at Base Camp. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Northern Ramparts" The placid waters of the iconic Southwest Arm reflect an oil painting-like rendition of the cliffs towering above. The colourful wall rises nearly 1,000 metres above the fjord. It looks so much more impressive in person. :-) Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Welcome to the Torngats! Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

View over St. John's Harbour and Base Camp from "the inukshuk". Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Iceberg off shore, Torngat Mountains. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Northern Ramparts" The placid waters of the iconic Southwest Arm reflect an oil painting-like rendition of the cliffs towering above. The colourful wall rises nearly 1,000 metres above the fjord. It looks so much more impressive in person. :-) Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Morning at St. John's Harbour, right next to Base Camp. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Windex Lake as seen from the air. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ramah Bay as seen from the air. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Rugged coastline of the Torngats as seen from the air. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Rugged coastline of the Torngats as seen from the air. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Nachvak Fjord from the air, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Labrador Magic." The incredible, raging Nakvak Falls, deep in Torngat Mountains National Park. This gem is reached either by flying or walking a looong way. I cheated for this one. There was only enough time for a few quick, safe shots, and off we went again! Thanks to pilot Steve for an incredible morning up high!

"Forgotten World." Of all the images I have posted from the Torngat Mountains National Park so far, this aerial view of the Southwest Arm is probably the one that is most representative of what the place is like. Part Norway, part Canadian Rockies, part Nunavut, yet unlike anywhere else I have gone before. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Aurora, noctilucent clouds and the first light of dawn paint an incredible scene in the Labrador sky. Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Self-portrait in Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Crayola Point." That is how we started referring to that 15-foot high lichen-covered spire. A bluebird day at that location really brings out the entire array of colours one finds in the Torngat Mountains. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Drifter... An underwater look at the fjords of Torngat Mountains National Park, complete with jellyfish. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Iceberg off the coast of the Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Warp Zone." Aurora over the abandoned, twisted Hudson Bay buildings of Hebron. The second I saw images of that remote, nearly deserted Moravian mission (only one family remains), I knew I wanted to photograph it at night. Big thanks to The Torngats Base Camp for getting me out there, and to bear guard Joe for working after hours and wandering around the site with me! Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Wild teetering iceberg, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

"Framed In Ice". Last light on the behemoths of the Labrador coast. These towers were approximately 30 metres high. I took a flurry of shots, trying to frame that little island as the light was fading and the boat was bobbing. Thankfully one of the frames worked out! Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Unnamed turquoise lake near North Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Black Bear Tracks, Unnamed lake near North Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ramparts of the Southwest Arm, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Marine life, Torngat Mountains National Park. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

King of the hills. Large, healthy polar bear roaming among some of the world's oldest rocks. Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Large, healthy polar bear roaming among some of the world's oldest rocks. Torngat Mountains National Park, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Abandoned, twisted Hudson Bay buildings of Hebron, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Rooftop sunrise, Hebron Moravian mission, Labrador. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Watching the nearly-nightly aurora borealis display from my tent, Torngat Mountains Base Camp. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Aurora Watching Web Resources

The big "FAQ" for me has always been "which northern lights prediction websites do you recommend?" No matter how much one monitors the data available, viewing the aurora always involves an element of unpredictability. Familiarizing yourself with the following resources should improve your chances.

→ Alberta Aurora Chasers - Facebook Group

reports from aurora chasers on the ground

→ AuroraSaurus

reporting auroras from the ground up

→ AuroraStatus

Alberta aurora status

Continued below…

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More great resources to help you track, view and photograph the Northern Lights:

eBook: Paul Zizka's Guide to Viewing and Photographing Northern Lights

Astrophotographer Paul Zizka gives his best tips, tools, and resources for both viewing and photographing the northern lights. From tracking the data to camera settings and editing tips, this comprehensive guide is all you need to get started! This eBook is suitable for non-photographers and photographers of all levels of experience. 

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→ Soft Serve News

aurora borealis forecast

→ SolarHam

the latest space weather news and updates

→ Space Weather Prediction Centre

current space weather conditions

→ SpaceWeather.com

news and information about the sun/earth environment

→ University of Alaska Geophysical Institute

Alaska aurora forecasts

→ VirtualTromso

Tromsø LIVE northern lights solar activity, prediction and forecast

If you like northern lights photos, check out The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered, by Paul Zizka.