Megan Renee Photography

 Location Guide

 Welcome!

Welcome to my Banff National Park engagement session location guide, where romance meets the majesty of nature in one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers an unparalleled backdrop for capturing the beauty and intimacy of your love story. Whether you're drawn to the serene tranquility of alpine lakes, the dramatic vistas of towering mountain ranges, or the enchanting charm of forested valleys, Banff National Park provides a stunning array of settings to create unforgettable moments with your partner.

Immerse yourselves in the pristine beauty of turquoise lakes such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, where the crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a scene of unparalleled natural beauty. Wander hand in hand along meandering trails lined with wildflowers, or find a secluded spot to share a private moment against the backdrop of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls.

For those seeking adventure, Banff National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Hike to panoramic viewpoints such as Sulphur Mountain , where you can capture sweeping vistas of the rugged landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. Or, venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems tucked away in secluded valleys and alpine meadows, where you can experience the magic of the wilderness in its purest form.

Whether you're exchanging vows beneath a canopy of stars, sharing a romantic picnic amidst the wildflowers, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of your surroundings, Banff National Park provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating your love and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, let the natural beauty and romance of this iconic destination inspire you as you embark on this unforgettable journey together.

• Megan

 Leave No Trace

In the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, preserving the natural environment is paramount. As you embark on your engagement session amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Banff, it's essential to adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring that your presence has minimal impact on the delicate ecosystems that call this place home. Leave No Trace is a set of guidelines designed to promote responsible outdoor practices, minimizing human impact and preserving the integrity of natural spaces for future generations to enjoy.

First and foremost, it's crucial to stay on designated trails and pathways to avoid trampling delicate vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats. Banff's ecosystems are delicate and easily disrupted, so sticking to established routes helps minimize your impact on the surrounding environment. When selecting locations for your photoshoot, opt for areas that are already designated for recreational use, minimizing the need to create new paths or disturb untouched areas.

Additionally, take care to pack out everything you bring in, including any trash or waste generated during your engagement session. Banff's pristine wilderness is not a garbage bin, and leaving behind litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the landscape but can also harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. Bring along a reusable bag to collect any trash, and dispose of it properly in designated receptacles.

Furthermore, respect wildlife by observing from a distance and refraining from approaching or feeding animals. While encountering wildlife can be an incredible experience, it's essential to remember that these animals are wild and should be treated with caution and respect. Keep a safe distance and use zoom lenses to capture photos without disturbing or endangering the animals' natural behavior.

By following the principles of Leave No Trace during your engagement session in Banff, you can enjoy the beauty of this pristine wilderness while ensuring that future generations can continue to experience its wonders. Let your love for each other be reflected not only in your photographs but also in your commitment to preserving the natural environment for years to come.

 Banff National Park Locations

National Park Pass Required

BOW LAKE

Length of Hike: 3.4km but won’t go that far

Accessibility: Super short walk from the parking lot. Best June-November

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either. Sunrise + smooth water can cause mountain reflection on the lake.

Activities: Bring your own canoe, paddle board, snow shoes, cross country skis, picnic.

Gallery Links: Bow Lake Elopement

 Moraine Lake Rockpile & Lakeshore

Length of Hike: 0.8km +

Accessibility: No personal vehicles. Requires shuttle reservation. Closed Oct -June.

Family / Dog Friendly: The shuttle can make things a little more complicated for families and pet owners but impossible!Let me know if you plan to bring your dog and I’ll send you information on which shuttles allow pets.

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either. Sunrise reflects on mountains behind the lake.

Activities: Rent a canoe, bring your own paddle board.

Gallery Links: Moraine Lake Sunrise Proposal, Moraine Lake Proposal, Sunrise Maternity Session

PEYTO LAKE VIEWPOINT & BOW SUMIT

Length of Hike: 1.3km + 6.8km

Accessibility: Best June-November. 1.3km round trip from the parking lot to get to the view point add 6.8km for Bow Summit.

Family / Dog Friendly:Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Bring your own picnic, snow shoes.

Gallery Links: PEYTO Lake Elopement

Lake Louise Lakeshore

Length of Hike: 4.5km but we’ll stay close to the Chateau and Boat House

Accessibility: Shuttle reccomended June- Oct. Limited parking. Free parking in winter. Parking $36.75 3am-7pm. Separate parking for Fairmont Hotel guests.

Family / Dog Friendly: The shuttle can make things a little more complicated for families and pet owners but impossible!

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either. Sunrise reflects on the mountains behind the lake.

Activities: Rent a canoe, snow shoes or bring your own canoe or paddle board, ice skating, cross country skis.

Gallery Links: Winter Proposal, Sunrise Summer Proposal , Sunrise Autumn Proposal

Lake Minnewanka

Length of Hike: 15.6km but we will stay close to the boathouse and won’t go that dar

Accessibility: Short walk from the parking lot. Lots of parking. Beautiful year round.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Boat tour, rent a canoe, bring your own canoe, paddle board, snow shoes, cross country skis, picnic.

Gallery Links: Sunset Summer Elopement, Sunset Autumn Elopement, Winter Proposal, Sunset Autumn Proposal , Sunrise Summer Proposal

Castle Mountain

Length of Hike: Less than 1km

Accessibility: Parking is across the road. Must cross a two lane road and go through a gated fence.

Family / Dog Friendly: yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Bring your own canoe.

Gallery Links:

Two Jack Lake

Length of Hike: 4.8km but we will stay close to the parking lot

Accessibility: A very short walk from the parking lot. The upper and lower parking lots are small and fill up quickly in the summer months. Best June-November.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset:Either. Sunrise + smooth water can cause mountain reflection on lake.

Activities: Bring your own canoe, paddle board, snow shoes, cross country skis, picnic.

Gallery Links: Winter Proposal, Sunset Summer Elopement, Sunset Autumn Elopement

Tunnel Mountain

Length of Hike:

Accessibility: Must be rented through the town of Banff. Very limited parking.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities:

Gallery Links:

 Town Of Banff Locations

Surprise Corner

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility: Very limited parking. Right beside a two lane road.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: None

Gallery Links: Sunset Proposal

Fairmont Banff Springs Terrace

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility: Must be booked with Fairmont Banff Springs at least two weeks in advance. Free street parking or valet parking with hotel.

Family / Dog Friendly: yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: None

Gallery Links:

Vermillion Lakes

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility: No designated parking lot. Street parking.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Bring your own canoe, ice skating, snow shoeing.

Gallery Links: Sunset Proposal

Bow Falls

Length of Hike: 2.7km

Accessibility: Trail is mostly flat with some wooden stairs to climb.

Family / Dog Friendly:Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Showshoeing

Gallery Links:

 Canmore Locations

Three Sisters Viewpoint

Length of Hike: 1km loop

Accessibility: Limited parking at the dog park across the street. Must cross the road, under a train bridge and up a dried riverbed.

Family / Dog Friendly: Yes

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities:

Gallery Links:

Rundle Forebay

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility: Limited parking

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Bring your own paddle board or canoe

Gallery Links:

Quarry Lakes

Length of Hike: 1.3km loop

Accessibility: Open year round. Mostly dirt and gravel trail. $2o parking fee.

Family / Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed on this trial

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Snowshoeing

Gallery Links:

Spray Lakes Reservoir

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 Kananaskis Locations

Kananaskis Conservation Pass Required

Upper Kananaskis Lake

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility:

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Paddle boarding, canoeing

Gallery Links:

Big Horn Lookout

Length of Hike: 0.6km loop

Accessibility: Open June - November

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities:

Gallery Links:

Wedge Pond

Length of Hike: 1km loop

Accessibility:

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Paddle boarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing

Gallery Links:

Barrier Lake Day Use Area

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility:

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Paddle boarding, canoeing

Gallery Links:

 Yoho National Park Locations

National Park Pass Required

Emerald Lake

Length of Hike: 5.1 km loop

Accessibility: Small parking lot, additional street parking.

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities: Rent a canoe, cross country ski, snow shoes. Bring your own skis and snow shoes.

Gallery Links: Sunset Summer Proposal, Sunset Autumn Proposal

Natural Bridge

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility:

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities:

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Takakkaw Falls

Length of Hike: 1.6 out and back

Accessibility: June - September

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Either

Activities:

Gallery Links:

 Jasper National Park Locations

National Park Pass Required

Maligne Lake

Length of Hike: Short

Accessibility:

Family / Dog Friendly:

Sunrise vs. Sunset:

Activities: Canoeing, Boat Cruise

Gallery Links:

Athabasca Falls Trail

Length of Hike: 1km out and back

Accessibility: Large parking lot

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash

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Edith Cavell Path of the Glacier

Length of Hike: 1.8km

Accessibility:

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Jasper House Viewpoint Trail

Length of Hike: 0.8km out and back

Accessibility: Short and flat walk

Family / Dog Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash

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Activities:

Gallery Links:

Forefield Trail

Length of Hike: 3.5 out and back

Accessibility: July - September

Family / Dog Friendly:

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Pyramid Island Trail

Length of Hike: 0.6km out and back

Accessibility:

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 Helicopter Locations

National Park Pass Required For Locations In Banff National Park

Banff National Park

Length of Flight:

Length of Landing:

Address:

Cost Per Flight:

Helicopter Company:

Gallery Links:

Kananaskis

Length of Flight:

Length of Landing:

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Cost Per Flight:

Helicopter Company:

Gallery Links:

Canmore

Length of Flight:

Length of Landing:

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Cost Per Flight:

Helicopter Company:

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Jasper National Park

Length of Flight:

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Cost Per Flight:

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 A Note On Safety

Safety is essential when adventuring in the Canadian Rockies, as the wilderness can be unpredictable. Many areas have little to no cell phone reception, so it’s important to be prepared. I recommend bringing bear spray and knowing how to use it, as well as packing extra water, snacks, and warm layers. Let someone know your plans, including where you’ll be and when you expect to return. Staying aware of wildlife, sticking to marked trails, and respecting park guidelines will help ensure a safe and stress-free adventure!

 Thank You!

As you wrap up your journey through our engagement session guide, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for entrusting us with the task of helping you find the perfect backdrop for capturing your love story. We hope that our curated selection of locations in Banff National Park has inspired you and provided you with the inspiration you need to create timeless memories with your partner.

From the serene beauty of alpine lakes to the dramatic vistas of towering mountain peaks, Banff National Park offers a wealth of breathtaking settings for your engagement photoshoot. As you venture into the pristine wilderness of this iconic destination, we encourage you to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring that your presence has minimal impact on the delicate ecosystems that call this place home.

Thank you for choosing Banff National Park as the backdrop for your engagement session, and thank you for your commitment to preserving its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. May your love continue to blossom amidst the stunning landscapes of Banff, and may your photographs serve as a lasting testament to the beauty and magic of your love story. i’m so excited to be a part of your planning process and to photograph your engagement!!

• Megan

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