Your Guide to Snapping the Best Shot in Banff National Park

Whether you’re an amateur photographer or just looking for tips on capturing the best of Banff and Lake Louise, there are plenty of subjects to choose from. Here are some tips on our more famous natural attraction: wildlife photography.

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WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Many people come to Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, each year for animal sightings. Wildlife is an important part of Banff National Park’s ecosystem. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife roam around the park, but please remember to not approach them or feed them. Keep your distance.

A popular route to take is the Bow Valley Parkway, also known as Highway 1A. This road runs alongside the Trans-Canada between Banff and Lake Louise and is well-known for animal sightings. Some of the animals that live in Banff National Park are black bears, grizzly bears, elk, deer, coyotes, wolves, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. If you see an animal on the road, slow down, stay in your vehicle, respect their space and keep moving.

Animals can be unpredictable in nature and can make your work as a photographer tricky. To take an optimal photograph, consider using a tripod to help sturdy your shot. A telephoto lens will allow you to get that close-up shot without endangering yourself or the animal. A 400mm lens is a great place to start; faster shutter speeds above 1/60 seconds will capture their movement; and depending on the amount of light available, you may consider a lower aperture like f/5.6. For an interesting take, consider their habitat as part of your composition.

Courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. To learn more helpful photography tips about capturing the Northern lots or aerial shots, visit www.banfflakelouise.com.

Photo Courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.