With places like Banff and Jasper, a trip to Alberta is a photographer’s dream. Here are 10 of the best photo locations in Alberta, Canada!
Alberta is home to some of the most stunning landscapes – badlands, mountains, rivers, lakes, prairies, and forests scattering the province. It’s one of the best locations for landscape photography in the world. Narrowing the beauty down to just a few spots is not an easy thing to do, but this list will give you the top spots you can’t miss!
One of the most powerful waterfalls to be found in the Canadian Rockies, Athabasca Falls is a 23-meter tall beauty flowing in from the Athabasca River. While the falls are photo-worthy in their own right, they’re even more spectacular set against the Mount Kerkeslin backdrop.
Note, however, that the mist from the falls tends to create a slippery environment. Remember to stay on the paved trails and designated viewpoints!
Nestled in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is home to waterfalls, a forest, a creek, and canyon walls that stretch up into the sky. While we recommend visiting the canyon in the wintertime for the most dramatic icy landscapes, this destination is a great photography spot all year round.
The paved trail winds through the canyon, offering several different perspectives of the waterfalls and rock formations. In winter, the frozen waterfalls and ice formations make it especially photogenic.
Stretching through Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway (also known as Highway 93 N) is rated as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. The 232-kilometer double-lane highway will take you through ice fields, valleys, and mountains. Trust us, you’ll be stopping along this route for photo opportunities every chance you get.
Because the route connects Banff and Jasper, it’s also one of the best ways to see several of Alberta’s top photography locations in a single road trip. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls, and other scenic spots along the way.
Read more: The Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers
Just an hour east of Banff you’ll find Lake Louise, a gorgeously blue-hued lake surrounded by dramatic picturesque mountains that seemingly hold up Victoria Glacier.
Lake Louise can get extremely crowded in the summer, so arriving early is your best bet for quieter photography conditions. You can also get beautiful perspectives of the lake from the water or from one of the surrounding hiking trails.
If you’re visiting during the busy season, keep in mind that access and parking are managed due to the area’s popularity. Check the latest Parks Canada information before your visit and consider using the shuttle if required.
Sitting at the entrance to Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the park and is known for its dramatic limestone walls, waterfalls, and narrow passages.
Important: Maligne Canyon is currently closed to public access for the 2026 season while Parks Canada continues recovery and rehabilitation work following the Jasper wildfire. Check Parks Canada for the latest information before planning a visit.
When it reopens, Maligne Canyon will once again be a worthwhile photography stop. In winter, the frozen waterfalls and ice formations create an entirely different landscape.
A pristine lake surrounded by glaciers and dramatic mountain peaks, Maligne Lake is one of the most iconic photography locations in Jasper National Park. The 22-kilometer-long lake is particularly famous for Spirit Island, which has become one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
For the best perspectives, consider getting out on the water by kayak or canoe during the summer. You can also photograph the surrounding mountains and lake from several viewpoints along the shoreline.
Read more: 5 Common Travel Photography Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Located in Banff National Park and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed places in Alberta. The glacier-fed lake is famous for its vivid turquoise-blue water and spectacular mountain backdrop.
One important thing to know before visiting: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. During the main visitor season, you’ll need to use a Parks Canada shuttle, public transit, or an approved commercial operator to reach the lake.
For photographers, the classic views from the Rockpile overlooking the lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks are hard to beat. Because Moraine Lake is extremely popular, arriving early can give you a better chance of photographing the landscape without large crowds.
Read more: The Best Places to Travel Solo in Canada
A favorite spot among photographers due to its pink and purple sunsets, Two Jack Lake is a peaceful spot just north of Banff. The mountains and trees reflected in the still waters of Two Jack will give you swoon-worthy shots.
The lake is also a great place to experiment with reflections, especially when the water is calm. Sunrise and sunset can both produce beautiful light on the surrounding mountains.
Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake in eastern Banff National Park known for its blue waters and dramatic mountain surroundings. In the wintertime, when conditions are right, it can also be a great location for Northern Lights photography.
For the best chance of capturing the Aurora Borealis, check the forecast for clear skies and strong aurora activity, and be prepared to stay out late. A tripod is essential for long-exposure night photography.
While adventuring through Banff National Park, a stop in the charming town of Banff proper will offer you plenty of fantastic landscape views as well as a great dose of local culture.
For photography spots in Banff, be sure to ride the gondola for panoramic mountain views and wander around town for a feel of the mountain-town charm. Banff Avenue and the surrounding streets also offer opportunities to capture the town with the surrounding peaks as a backdrop.
Read more: The Best Camera Lenses for Travel Photography
While a road trip gives you the most flexibility for visiting Alberta’s best photo locations, there are also Canada rail tours that combine scenic train travel with stays in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. This can be a great option if you’d rather leave the driving to someone else while still experiencing the Canadian Rockies.
Rail journeys can also be a fun option for photographers because you get to experience the scenery from a completely different perspective. Depending on the itinerary, you can combine scenic train travel with time in the Rockies to explore and photograph destinations at a slower pace.
Camera Bag: To easily carry your camera equipment around, we recommend either the K&F Concept Camera Backpack or the ONA Bowery Camera Bag.
Extra SD Cards: Always be sure to carry plenty of SD cards on hand. There’s nothing worse than running out of storage when you’ve finally reached the perfect photography spot.
Camera Protection: Protecting your camera equipment is essential, especially when photographing waterfalls, lakes, and other outdoor locations. We never leave home without a rain sleeve, microfiber lens cloth, lens pen, and backpack cover. Additionally, if you plan on going on or in the water, we highly recommend getting a GoPro to avoid any water-related camera incidents.
Compact Tripod: For selfies, long exposures, and Northern Lights photos, a compact tripod is a must.
is a must.
For more photography packing tips, read our Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers!
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A cruise itinerary promising Viking Trails and Celtic connections ticked a lot of boxes for me. Not just the dramatic scenery and remote communities of the North Atlantic, but the chance to explore my roots. Family legend has it that our ancestors arrived in Yorkshire from Scandinavia in Viking longboats and my maiden name is just one consonant short of legendary Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland,
I start my adventure on board Holland America Line’s flagship, Rotterdam, in Reykjavik. Ahead of us, two stops in the south of Iceland, before the Faroe Islands, South Queensferry for Edinburgh and finally, HAL’s home port of Rotterdam.
Gjogv, Faroe Islands
Iceland and the Faroes were first populated in the 9th century by settlers from Norway, several of them with Celtic slaves and wives from Ireland and Scotland they took along the way. Their stories were recorded in Icelandic Sagas and today the languages of both countries owe much to the Old Norse of their ancestors. Happily for visitors, they mostly speak excellent English too.
Icelandic scenery
This is my third visit to Reykjavik, but several fellow passengers have tacked on a couple of days to explore the Icelandic capital or take excursions into the geothermal landscape. Summer activities also include whale watching, puffin cruises, and trekking on sturdy Icelandic horses that boast a unique fifth gear.
But the island’s southern shore is a discovery for me. We stop first at Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s south coast. Today, this busy fishing community is a popular tourist destination, famous as the ‘Pompeii of the North’ since a sudden eruption in January 1973, which buried many homes under 10 metres of lava. Fortunately, everyone escaped.
Lava field on Heimaey
We enjoy a walk from the harbour through 50-year-old lava fields, splashed in summer with the purple hues of wild lupins. You can also walk up to the crater of the new volcano, Eldfell; take a boat tour or the Hop-on bus to the Puffin cliffs; or visit the Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
A seven-night itinerary taking in the volcanic landscapes of the North Atlantic and the cosmopolitan vibe of the Scottish capital.
Our last Icelandic stop is Djupivogur, a fishing village of barely 500 people in the south-eastern corner. Here I enjoy a guided nature walk with panoramic views of sea, lakes and mountains, before strolling the harbour road to see 34 huge sculptures of native birds’ eggs. Well, why not?
Leaving Iceland, Rotterdam cruises to the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. We dock at Runavik on the island of Esturoy, where we receive a warm welcome from a band of smiling ‘Ask me’ locals in high viz jackets.
Gjogv
After an independent morning following the nature trail direct from the harbour, our guided excursion takes us through spectacular mountain scenery, passing high above Funningur, the first Viking settlement. At the pretty village of Gjogv, we wander through its colourful houses to look down on a tiny fishing harbour set in a deep gorge. Look across the water, the guides tells us, and that distant cliff is where 007 James Bond met his untimely end in ‘No Time to Die’!
After a relaxing day at sea, we dock in the Firth of Forth within sight of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks and travel by tender under the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge into South Queensferry. Here two smiling ladies with drums and bagpipes offer a traditional Scottish welcome.
South Queensferry
We know the Scottish capital well, so opt instead to meet local friends and relax with a walk and lunch beside the water, but first-timers can choose from several classic excursions including the Castle and Royal Mile, or catch the bus from the jetty to experience the Celtic atmosphere of the Scottish capital.
Forth Bridge
Largest ship in the Holland America Line fleet, Rotterdam can carry up to 2,680 guests in a wide range of cabin choices. We have a Verandah stateroom on Deck 4 which includes a sitting area, queen-sized bed, and fiercely efficient shower plus Elemis toiletries and dressing gowns
Verandah Suite on Rotterdam
Fine dining in The Dining Room is included in the trip price, but for an extra treat, pay extra to try some of the speciality restaurants. We particularly enjoyed the steak and seafood of Pinnacle Grill, the Mediterranean dishes in Sel de Mer, and the Pan-Asian flavours of Tamarind. For casual dining, choose from international favourites in the Lido Market, Pizza in the New York Deli, or beers, snacks and pastries in the Grand Dutch Café.
Pan-Asian cuisine at Tamarind
Want to know how menus are created, how produce is sourced and prepared, and what happens to food waste? Ask about backstage tours of the ship. British executive chef Darren Yardley-Salisbury heads up a team of 200 personnel, including 141 cooks, and reveals that while guests are sleeping, a bakery and pastry team work through the night, as does a team of fruit preparation staff.
Adults Only pool area on Rotterdam
Nobody goes to the North Atlantic for the weather, except to escape a Summer heatwave, but the main pool is available in all seasons thanks to a retractable roof. A smaller pool at the rear of the ship for adults only. Expect the usual daily programme of creative activities, live music and sports contests, plus a twice-nightly gala show on the World Stage, dancing in the Rolling Stone Lounge, and live Rhythm & Blues.
HOW MUCH
Itineraries vary year-on-year but Holland America Line will be running similar trips in 2027. Prices start from £1,049 for an inside cabin on May 29. Add a ‘Have It All’
Package for $100 per person per day to include $100 shore excursion credit, Signature Beverage Package; one night of speciality dining; and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. www.hollandmerica.com
The post Viking Trails and Celtic Origins cruise with Holland America appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
All Points East took place over two weekend at the end of August 2026. We made it down on Friday 28th.
America’s most eccentric and eclectic rapper, Tyler, The Creator, opens his All Points East headline set with fireworks and ‘Big Poe’, a track that introduces him as a bulletproof, unbothered life force. He has arrived at a fictional Victoria Park Underground station, complete with full-size train carriage, 50,000 people in front of him and a snarling swagger that has no interest in easing us into the evening. Within seconds, the place has become his.
He tears through his catalogue from She and Earfquake to Noid and See You Again, disappearing into his Underground carriage and re-emerging on the runway as fireworks repeatedly detonate around him. At one point he stops to tell London about his early relationship with the city, remembering that XL Recordings was the first label he signed to.
It’s an explosive hero’s journey and an absurdly good piece of festival theatre, but also a useful demonstration of what All Points East has finally become. The big-ticket spectacle is obvious. What’s less obvious, and more impressive, is everything happening around it.
Friday’s bill is nominally a Tyler, The Creator show (he’s also headlining Saturday too), but it doesn’t feel like one big gig with increasingly enthusiastic support acts. Rex Orange County, Mariah the Scientist, Clipse, Rochelle Jordan, Ecca Vandal and Turnstile occupy distinctly different corners of the musical universe, yet somehow the day hangs together.
© Khali Ackford
Turnstile are the obvious anomaly. Last year they headlined Outbreak, occupying this same stretch of Victoria Park as the centrepiece of London’s hardcore weekend. Now they’re the only real alternative-rock band on a bill otherwise dominated by hip-hop, R&B and electronic music. It shouldn’t make much sense.
And just as it was in this same spot last year, it’s bucketing with rain. They open with Birds and then spend the next hour making people jump, jump, pogo bounce, jump, fall, get up, wipe your face, jump. There are the Outbreak faithful, obviously, but there are also plenty of people who appear to have arrived for Tyler and accidentally found themselves in their first mosh pit.
Earlier in the day Ecca Vandal provides another neat bridge between worlds, her bedroom-punk snarl and enormous choruses sounding like someone fed an entire history of alternative music into a Gen Z content machine and somehow got a banger out the other end.
Over on the X Stage, Rochelle Jordan looks like she’s stepped straight out of an 80s disco club, combining sleek R&B with the restless electronic language of Kaytranada and the more experimental end of London’s club underground. Despite her American twang and immaculate presentation, she reveals to the crowd she was actually born in High Wycombe (very glam). She closes with her Mariah Carey collaboration: a neat demonstration of how an artist can move from the margins to the mainstream without necessarily abandoning either.
@BEN_AWIN
Kind of like APE itself. After eight years, the festival has stopped feeling like a series of large outdoor concerts and started feeling like an institution. The footprint is now second nature, but the programming has finally caught up with it: enormous headliners surrounded by genuinely interesting artists rather than token support. It is beginning to compete with the country’s major festival weekends not through camping, mud or a sense of temporary civilisation, but through the quality of the actual day.
All Points East has historically had a slightly unfortunate reputation for making brilliant bookings sound worse than they should. This year, the sound is finally excellent. The East Stage screens have had a major upgrade, and the whole production has the kind of scale you’d expect from an AEG operation with Coachella and BST Hyde Park in its extended family..
It may never have the mud-soaked mythology of Reading or the temporary civilisation of Glastonbury. It doesn’t need to. The park is familiar, the production is finally world-class, and the bookings now have enough depth to make the day itself the event. All Points East, finally, feels like the festival it always promised it would be.
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