Driving through part of Canada - advice and coment requested please

Next year, around June/July, I plan to travel by car from Vancouver to Edmonton.

 

The draft route, indicated by day or longer stays: Vancouver – Whistler – (through Kamloops) – Jasper – Lake Louise – (visit Banff from Lake Louise) - Calgary – (via Red Deer) – Edmonton.

 

In total the trip is planned to comprise about 10~14 days; this is flexible to an extent. The origin (Vancouver), cannot be changed, but the destination (Edmonton) is not set in stone, yet.

 

My main areas of interest in no particular order are, to document: People portrayed in daily life; interesting Architecture (Interior and Exterior); and interesting Landscape Scenes.

 

I travel with a relatively lightweight kit, comprising typically a 5D Series Camera; 24 to 105/4L IS; 35/1.4L; Fuji X100s and an R72 Filter for the Fuji.

 

Recently I have purchased an EOS M5 (with EF/EF-S to EM adapter), and will probably take that camera body also. Usually I travel with NO flash; NO Tripod; NO Monopod.

 

I am mainly looking for advice and/or comment regarding my intended route, yet any comments and advice will be appreciated.

 

At the moment, the route is quite flexible and (obviously) any local knowledge or experience apropos ‘where to go and what to see’ would benefit greatly during this planning stage.

 

Thank you.

 

WW

Can't comment on the early section of the trip as I have not driven it (had plans last year but they changed). Would certainly recommend changing the direction: take Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada) to Lake Louise from Kamloops, visit Banff and Calgary from Lake Louise, then go back and drive from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway and from there to Edmonton (if that remains your ultimate destination). That way you get to see Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho on the way to Lake Louise.

 

Couple of nice books on what to photograph in the Canadian Rockies: How to Photograph the Canadian Rockies Collection

 

For Moraine Lake get up bright and early - last year they closed the street that leads to it by 9AM.

 

I found that for a lot of landscape photography a 70-200/4 and even a 300/4 came in handy. And for some places, 24mm isn't going to be wide enough (at least for me).

I would take a "small" shoe flash. That at least gives you the ability to shoot indoors with the Canon where the f/1.4 is not enough.

But I see that the Fuji has a built in flash, in which case you have your flash.

 

Side note: I remember from a vacation many years ago, that in Banff at 10 at night it was still light enough outside to almost read. Makes for a LONG shooting day.

Thank you both.

 

Calgary might be the final destination now: priorities and plans changed as at this afternoon, just after I posted the OP.

 

I will investigate a drive from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, that's doable.

 

Thanks for the list: Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Thanks for the heads up about road closures.

 

I appreciate the comments re gear to take: for an explanation - I am fairly stubborn in my choices when on holiday, I think it is too much of lugging kilos of everything “for work” has made me in the mind of - “if I can't get it with the 24 to 105 and the Fuji ... then I am not good enough to get it.”

 

I do vacillate before any holiday about taking one Canon Speedlite: and I have taken one previously, so that's not set in stone.

 

Thanks again.

 

WW

Calgary might be the final destination now

Even better. Icefields Parkway is a must do. Lake Louise is a good spot from where to explore Banff and take the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Jasper itself warrants a two- or three-nights stay to visit Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, and Mount Edith Cavell before driving back.

End of June/beginning of July might be too early for Revelstoke - last year in early July the drive to the summit was still closed (though one could have hiked to it from somewhere lower on the road).

Expect popular places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake were very crowded.

re gear to take

At the time, I tried to make do with a 16-35/4 and 70-200/4, each on its own camera body, and a 50/1.4 in the bag for most of my travel shooting - the experience convinced me of two things: I do need a mid-range zoom (now have a 24-105) and 16mm is sometimes not wide enough (now own a 12-24/4).

“if I can't get it with the 24 to 105 and the Fuji ... then I am not good enough to get it.”

Not a bad mindset, wish I could get into the same sometimes. Just remember it when you encounter a grizzly, black bear or moose and don't attempt to get a picture with the 24-105 of either; it's not a matter of being good;)

One can switch to micro 4/3 and get small and lighter :)

I made that decision for my secondary camera. The Olympus E-M1 + Panasonic 12-60 is about 43% lighter than my D7200 + 18-140, and a lot smaller.

This old man can't carry the load that I used to easily carry when in college.

We covered the same route only by train from Vancouver to Jasper, by car to Edmonton. We spent two nights at Lake Louise giving a day for a hike around Beehive Lake. Great hike. Decided to skip Calgary because the Stampede was on. West Edmonton Mall was fun. Airplane Museum at the airport also worth seeing if you like old planes. Strong smell of petroleum from Calgary to Edmonton. Enjoy.

Thanks again: it's now panning out that we'll be in Jasper for three nights, possibly four - thanks Dieter for detailing more landmarks.

 

Re lenses - I am so happy I bought the 24 to 105 - it was the first lens I ever bought that wasn't a 'business choice'. Yes I do understand about 24 not being wide enough sometimes. I used to take a 16 to 35 on holiday, then I switched to taking a 15 Fisheye and de-fishing those extra W/A shots. . . what happened to change me was my Mathematics brain kicked in when arriving home after 8 weeks driving through Italy and France (around 2012) I took two DSLRs and four Lenses - I 'analysed' my 8000 images - about 85% were made with the 24 to 105/4 and about 15% with the 35/1.4 . . . decimal point percentage of images made with the 16 to 35/2.8 and the 70 to 200/2.8 . . . and the second body was not used (but I like having a second camera so I bought a Fuji X100s), so from then on I’ve taken only the 24 to 105 and the 35, that’s it. . . well until I have other “brainstorm” and change my mind.

 

Beehive Lake hike - Thanks you, will investigate that. We chose not to do the train, mainly because I like to stop at whim, but yes the train itinerary was the basis for our original plans.

 

Yes. . . a change to micro 4/3 format . . . not in the offing at the moment - too much 'stuff' that I have collected already and not enough $s to spend on new gear and holiday, too . . . you know the drill I am sure. And I have chosen to go the EOS M5 route, hopefully Canon will move toward a more varied range of (speciality) EM Lenses, but I don't mind that much at the moment as I have a couple of very fast, manual Prime Lenses which fit it and do what I want quite nicely.

 

Thanks again, you’ve been all most helpful.

 

WW

Beehive Lake hike

The lake is actually Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive Trail goes halfway around it before ascending the Big Beehive. Descending you can connect to the Highline Trail back down to Lake Louise. There's a teahouse on Lake Agnes - you even can get tea if you are patient enough to wait in line - the hike up to the teahouse is very popular.

Athabasca Glacier is a must-see.

 

http://www.leonin.net/img/s/v-3/p2421150809-5.jpg

I keep seeing all those terrific 1930s RR travel posters from the Canadian Rockies, etc.

 

You might want to browse through some of those routes for sight-worthy places

For July 5th sunrise is listed as 5:34 for Banff, sunset at 10:00. The crowds are fierce if you're traveling once school gets out, but you can beat them two ways. Beat them to the morning golden light or plan a hike that gets you thirty minutes from your car. Voila, no crowds! The weather is lovely but at high altitudes the sun will burn you crispy without a light cover and the temperature drops when the sun goes down. Friday's forecast is high of 28c/83F, overnight 9c/48F. There are a couple of guides you can buy and the internet sites, like Banff and Beyond, will give you some good ideas.

I grew up in Edmonton and would second the parks. Jasper is my personal favorite for landscapes and wildlife but I love Yoho and Baniff too. I think those have been pretty well addressed. Thinking about the western side of your trip Vancouver is a great city for people photography, I would think old China town, Gastown, and Stanley Park all come to mind. Some great markets there too. Also on the Western side a trip to Victoria can be a real treat with seascapes, a quaint city, and lots of interesting people to photograph as well. If you like gardens both Vancouver and Victoria are hard to beat. Another cool park is the Pacific Rim National Park.on Vancouver Island but hat's taking you farther afield.

Thank you. We've arranged one full day around Vancouver - and a friend down here also mentioned Gastown and Old China Town. I worked in Victoria for Australian Media during the Commonwealth Games, but I did not have the opportunity to see much on my one day off: our idea is to take a ferry across to Victoria and back, for one full day. Certainly I remember the Government Buildings and the bay/harbour, and the sea-food. We probably won't have the time for anything more than one day in Victoria, so I think Vancouver Island will be omitted.

 

We are looking into getting a Parks Pass, which allows access to all the Parks.

 

Thanks again to all who have replied.

 

WW

Best wishes on your trip. I ive in BC and have travelled all over the routes you are planning many times.

 

The Idefields Parkway is quite possibly the most beautiful drive in the world. if not — it is in the running. Don’t miss it. Take your time, stop often and take pictures — there is no rush getting to Jasper.

 

The notion of street photograhy capturing the “regular folks” going about their business might not be particularly productive as virtually everyone there is either a tourist or involved in the tourist industry. On the other hand, the “blue hour” will last for hours morning and night so you wil have a wonderful opportunity to capture subtle light.

 

And that light will dance on the mountains for you. East of Jasper as you drive throug the park towards Edmonton you will doubtless come across lots of beautiful big elk and mountain sheep that have not been hunted in 100 years. They are not tame, will attack if provoked, but will not start and run from you. there used to be a bison sanctuary, don’t know if it’s still there. You might also see grizzlies and black bears.

 

In Jasper there is a tramway way up onto the shoulder of Whistler (I think) Mountain. It is worth it to ride up, hike around way up in the Rockies then go down to one of the fine pubs in town.

 

At that time of year you MUST book accommodatoin ahead of time: even camping sites fill up quickly.

 

Outside of Jasper, Maligne Lake is one of the most photographed places in Canada. The islands about halfway down were featured on our $5 bill for decades: again, very early in the morning or late in the afternoon would be the best time to take one of the boat tours down to the halfway point. (I always either canoe or kayak, then spend the rest of the week hiking the mountains at the far end of the lake, but now I’m just indulging reminiscence)

 

In Banff the elk wander the streets. I love Jasper, but photogenically, Banff and area has the edge.

 

I LIVE here and I am jealous of your time!

Thank you warren.

 

Re the accommodation - yes we should have that all booked by end of next week. Definitely not going on to Edmonton and are now leaving Canada, from Calgary.

Maligne Lake is on the list.

 

I do like your comment concerning street photography . . . on that point I have a rather large collection of photos of 'tourists' visiting: Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne . . . and elsewhere - they can be very interesting people, too!

 

I am really looking forward to the light - "dancing on the mountains". That's a great mind-image.

 

Thanks again.

 

WW

 

 

"Selfies" (Tourists, Paris 2012)

Good comment about people being people, whether or not they are tourists.

 

And even if you are not going to Edmonton, it might be worthwhile heading east of Jasper along the highway just to see what wildlife you come across.

 

I have been pondering a mirrorless body for a while — and your street shot there made me think of how much less obstructive it might be. Or else I am just looking for excuses to buy one!

 

Have a good trip.

And this just in: First baby bison in 140 years thrill park

Ah! Thank again... OK to explain we have a "flexitime" approach: we tend to make a base for a couple of days and then venture out from that base, so travelling north from Jasper for a while will be easy to fit in.

 

***

 

Re Street Photography - the Photo of the girls in Paris was made with an EOS 5D and an EF 24 to 105/4 IS lens. It was pulled at around 1/8th second, continuous shooting mode. It's a combination of some quick thinking and also luck. Rarely do I use continuous shooting, but when I saw them planning their selfie shot (the girl holding the camera was playing with the Flash setting, I think), I switched my 5D's drive to "continuous", locked focus as she raised the camera and just shot away; probably pulled four frames from memory - anyway I had this huge 5D with battery grip and a big lens... but they never even saw me, I guess they were too intent on what they were doing, which is so sweet, and also so corny. Not the best photo I have ever made, but I really like it because it typifies people just having fun - there should be more of that.

 

However, I'd encourage you to seriously consider mirrorless. Depending upon what gear you have presently, there are several options for a coexistence or a stand alone system - my journey was thus:

 

I really enjoy my Fuji X100s. Bought it about four years ago. It's cute. The features like are: small; silent; retro styling; leaf shutter; fixed lens, (make one think differently); film styles (great for creating image JPEGs SOOC, that, for me, mimics the feeling of taking and printing photos, simultaneously). I wanted 'another' stand alone camera that I could take everywhere and would be a back up (when on holiday) if my DSLR failed. I also liked the idea of a fixed lens - it brought me back to some basics of The Craft. And I can put it in my pocket, which has proven very useful when travelling, especially in places when photography is banned, yet the 'security' enforce that by requiring visitors to cloak-check their camera bags and slung cameras. (A practice which annoys me greatly because the same security does not request mobile phones to be cloak checked).

 

I have had so much fun with my Fuji, (as I mentioned in the OP) that I recently bought an EOS M5. My initial thinking was to use it (the M5) with my existing EF Lenses . . . but I since have ventured off on a different path and I bought a manual focus Prime Lens for the M5, and that is really fun to use.

 

Absolutely the element of a smaller sized camera is less conspicuous; and, arguably that does provide an advantage for Street Photography, but it's difficult to quantify how much of an advantage. I am a very strong advocate of the view that the Photographers' actions, demeanour and rapport (or lack of it) are responsible for nearly 100% of reactions which are received from street Subjects.

 

Here's the X100s in action -

 

 

After the Concert, Subway - Vienna Austria

 

WW

Thanks, William.

 

I have been looking at the Fuji X-T2 a bit but since I am already fairly heavily invested in Nikon, I am curious what their new offering might look like (not that I’d want to bolt some huge DSLR lens onto a little camera and give up the benefit of a small, light body).

 

Recently, in Myanmar, I had my D800 go non-responsive on me with no real backup (just my wife’s Coolpix P510). It made me realize how much I could do with a second camera body — but as independent travellers who follow our whims, weight really matters. This is what started me thinking of the mirrorless.

 

Who knows, I might fall in love with the mirrorless and start leaving that huge bag of DSLR gear at home!

 

Thanks again for taking the time to share all that information.

. . . I am already fairly heavily invested in Nikon, I am curious what their new offering might look like (not that I’d want to bolt some huge DSLR lens onto a little camera and give up the benefit of a small, light body). . .

 

Yes. Exactly the space where I am at. I have Canon DSLR System and with the EOS M5, as I mentioned in the OP, I also purchased the EF/EF-S to EM Lens Adapter. It looks a tad silly having mostly any of the EF Lenses dangling off such a compact Camera Body. And the Canon range of EM is, well, scant at the most. But I thought for me it was better to go with a Canon Mirrorless body (and I did looked very seriously at the Fuji System), because the bottom line is: I already have some very nice Canon EF Glass.

 

Thanks for the conversation - good luck with your choice. Let me know, even if you chose well into the future.

 

WW