The PhotoPills Expedition to the Canadian Rockies is Sold Out (Join the Waiting List)
The PhotoPills Expedition to the Canadian Rockies is SOLD OUT!
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All 12 spots are already gone!
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We’re going to the Canadian Rockies...
Are you in?
Around the New Moon...
And the Fall Equinox (the kick off of the Aurora season)...
From September 21st to September 27th 2025, Rachel Jones Ross, Bryan Peters and Antoni Cladera (PhotoPills Masters) will be travelling across the Canadian Rockies to photograph the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way and Autumn’s Golden Light along with some impressive and pristine landscapes featuring colorful trees, turquoise lakes, rugged peaks, and maybe even grizzly bears before hibernation starts...
Right when the Sun has entered the period of solar maximum, which means we will be more likely to see and photograph the dancing green lights of the Aurora!
Of course...
We’ll be taking photos all day long...
But...
Can you imagine it?
To photograph the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way and the beautiful Autumn’s Golden Light along with the changing fall colors, crystal-clear lakes, rushing rivers, scenic railways, fresh snow-capped mountains, elk bugling, impressive moose... and, if lucky, even grizzly bears!
We’re dreaming about it!
To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Rachel Jones Ross, Bryan Peters and Antoni Cladera to always be at the right place at the right time.
Top secret: We have quite a few legendary photos planned already. Also, we’ll have special access to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, where access is super limited ;)
The Deal (Only 4 Spots Left)
Since you subscribed to the Priority Access list...
We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!
All you have to do is to book 1 of the 4 spots available before Sunday April 13th.
Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.
And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot.
Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
The Adventure
12 PhotoPillers | 3 PhotoPills Masters | Canadian Rockies | Endless legendary photos
Warning! This is not a honeymoon... But it’s not a hiking adventure either. All shooting spots are a short walking distance from the car.
We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on a 7-day expedition to photograph the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way and Autumn’s Golden Light along with some of the gems hidden in the majestic Canadian Rockies.
When fall comes to the northern lands, it doesn't last long, but it's really amazing to see. The cooler air makes clouds that sit right on top of the mountains like a fluffy blanket, and the trees start to show off bright, beautiful colors before they go to sleep for the winter.
The landscape is not the only thing that will captivate you in the autumn. The weeks around the autumnal equinox on September 22, 2025 signal the start of aurora-watching season.
From the first week in September through the end of October, the chances of seeing the dancing ribbons of the mysterious northern lights will be reaching a peak, as the aurora is most visible during the fall and spring equinox periods due to the angle of the Earth in relation to the Sun.
And, in the quiet stillness that settles over the front range of the mountains we’ll see bears fill their bellies before hibernation, elk and moose rutting, and birds flying south for the winter. If we’re really lucky, we may also catch a glimpse of wolves, cougars, lynx or foxes.
This expedition is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!
We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers to capture them...
But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.
If we're fortunate enough to be out photographing the aurora or the Milky Way at night and it takes us into the late hours, we'll take a little extra sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise and kick start our day a bit later.
On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the nighttime photography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.
Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!
You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P
You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!
Are you in?
Day 1. Sunday, September 21st - Welcome to the Canadian Rockies
It’s Sunday morning...
And you land in an early flight at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Although I suggest arriving the day before and staying at a hotel near the airport to have time to rest a bit before the action begins. If you arrive early, book a room at the Hotel 11, MOD A Sonesta Collection. Our team will pick you up from there at 10:00 am.
10:00 am
Once we pick you up from the airport (or at Hotel 11), we’ll head straight to the Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies are absolutely breathtaking, and their untouched beauty is a big reason why they’ve made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. These incredible mountains span around 180,000 km² (69,500 mi²), stretching across both Alberta and British Columbia.
Trust me, you’re in for some amazing views!
12:00 pm
We get to Canmore, right in the heart of the Bow Valley, surrounded by Alberta’s stunning Rocky Mountains.
For the next week, Silver Creek Lodge is where we’ll settle in. It’s cozy, comfortable, and the perfect base for our adventure.
Before getting too comfortable, though, we’ll take some time to grab whatever we might need – groceries, snacks, maybe even some extra gear or clothes. Better to be prepared!
After that, it’s time for a well-earned lunch at a local spot. The crispy skin salmon sounds amazing, but there’s also bison sirloin or a Buddha bowl if you’re feeling something different. Tough choices, right?
2:00 pm
After lunch, we’ll kick things off with the expedition briefing.
Rachel, Antoni, and Bryan will walk us through the game plan and all the logistics for the week.
But the best part? We’re diving into a session on how to photograph auroras, so you’ll be all set for the amazing nights ahead!
4:00 pm
Alright, time to go through our gear, make sure everything’s set, and get ready for an awesome Sunset shoot!
5:30 pm
Today, we’re heading to Lake Minnewanka to capture the Sunset... and if we’re lucky, maybe even the aurora. It’s going to be an incredible spot for photos.
Lake Minnewanka is huge! It stretches 21 km (13 mi) long and plunges 142 m (466 ft) deep.
And the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, including Mount Inglismaldie (2,964 m or 9,724 ft) and Mount Girouard (2,995 m or 9,826 ft).
Before the Sun puts on its big show, Rachel will be doing a quick focus stacking demo. It’s a super handy technique to make sure every part of your shot (from the foreground to the background) is razor-sharp.
You’ll definitely want to learn this one!
6:30 pm
We’re over on the far side of the lake, and the mountain views from here are absolutely stunning.
This is the perfect chance to pull out the PhotoPills Planner and use the Augmented Reality view to map out the best spot for our Sunset shot:
The Sun officially sets at 7:42 pm, but it’s going to dip behind those tall peaks behind us before then. That means we need to be in position ahead of time, ready to catch the light hitting Mount Girouard right in front of us.
Golden hour begins at 6:58 pm, Sunset is at 7:42 pm, golden hour ends at 8:02 pm and blue hour ends at 8:14 pm.
8:30 pm
What happens after Sunset all comes down to the aurora forecast and the cloud cover.
If there’s a chance of the aurora putting on a show, we’re sticking around to soak it all in... So have your snacks and groceries ready!
Oh, and there’s no Moon as it’s New Moon today!
Now, if the auroras don’t show up, no worries. We’ll pack up and head back to the hotel for a well-earned dinner. Then, it’s off to bed early, because tomorrow starts bright and early!
Photographic pills:
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Minnewanka.
- Aurora Borealis at Lake Minnewanka (if there are auroras).
- Practising focus stacking technique.
Day 2. Monday, September 22nd - The Swirling Train
4:00 am
If we missed the aurora at Lake Minnewanka the night before, and both the weather and aurora forecasts look promising overnight...
(Drivers’ mandatory rest period in effect)
We’ll rise before dawn and head to a spectacular location for another chance to capture the Northern Lights in all their glory!
5:00 am
Morant’s Curve is in Lake Louise, about an hour’s drive away.
What makes it special?
Well... it has a lot to do with a train.
The curve is actually named after Nicholas Morant, a photographer who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the mid-1900s. His photos played a big role in promoting both the railway and the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.
What’s really cool is how the railway winds through the scenery right next to the Bow River, with towering mountains all around. That’s why photographers love this spot.
The goal? Capturing that iconic shot of the Red Engine train as it slowly makes its way through the valley, framed by breathtaking peaks like Mount Temple (3,544 m or 11,627 ft), Mount Aberdeen (3,152 m or 10,341 ft), Popes Peak (3,163 m or 10,377 ft), and Waputik Peak (2,755 m or 9,039 ft).
Definitely a sight worth photographing!
And imagine getting the aurora too...
It occurred once already...
It could happen twice!
Plan & Pray :)
7:30 am
The Sun rises on our left side. At first, its golden light will be blocked by the surrounding peaks. But later, when it’s high enough, we expect to have more light in our scene to make the turquoise of Bow River and the surrounding trees pop!
Blue hour begins at 6:58 am, golden hour begins at 7:11 am, Sunrise is at 7:31 am and golden hour ends at 8:15 am.
9:55 am
And now... Time from breakfast at the Trailhead Cafe.
We need to get some energy before we jump into everything that’s ahead!
12:00 pm
After an hour-drive, we’re back at the Silver Creek Lodge.
If you’re hungry, you can have lunch in town. If not, you can have a snack and spend a bit of time relaxing or getting to know each other.
1:00 pm
OK, let’s start with a PhotoPills class!
Get ready to learn lots of tips that will help you master PhotoPills once and for all :)
Then, it’s time for a post-processing class!
You’ll improve your skills to make the most out of your Milky Way shots.
Antoni, Rachel and Bryan will make sure you learn everything you need to create amazing shots.
4:55 pm
Early dinner at a local restaurant.
5:10 pm
Have I told you that our shooting spot is super close to our hotel in Canmore?
Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Canmore was all about coal mining. Then, by the mid-20th century, the focus shifted to oil and gas. These days, though, it’s all about the outdoors and tourism.
Quarry Lake, where we’ll be shooting at Sunset, used to be an open-pit coal mine. But by the late 20th century, it had been completely transformed into a recreational spot. It’s a great example of how Canmore evolved from an industrial town to a nature-lover’s paradise, thanks to efforts from the Rocky Mountain Heritage Foundation and the Town of Canmore.
Now, it’s a peaceful place... perfect for soaking in the mountain views and those early autumn colors.
One of the best things about Quarry Lake? There are so many ways to capture it. Between the lake, the trees, and the surrounding peaks, we could easily spend days just taking photos here.
We’ll be shooting in the area all afternoon, right up until Sunset.
Make sure to use PhotoPills to check the light direction and plan your Sunset shot in advance.
Because, let’s be real... Light isn’t going to wait for us!
Golden hour begins at 6:55 pm, Sunset is at 7:38 pm, golden hour ends at 7:58 pm and blue hour ends at 8:11 pm.
9:00 pm
What a day!
We finally make it to our rooms, exhausted but smiling, thinking about all the moments we lived and the awesome shots we took.
Get some good rest, my friends.
Tomorrow we’ll wake up early to chase the stars, the aurora and the Sunrise!
Photographic pills:
- Aurora at Morant’s Curve (if aurora activity and if we didn’t get it the night before - Drivers’ mandatory rest time period in effect).
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Morant’s Curve.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Quarry Lake.
Day 3. Tuesday, September 23rd - The Turquoise Lake and The Three Sisters
3:00 am
Wake up!
Another morning, another stunning Sunrise!
But before the Sun makes its appearance, our plan is to photograph the stars and the aurora!
So we need clear skies and a strong aurora forecast :)
Plan & Pray!
5:05 am
Moraine Lake isn’t just any lake... It’s a true gem, tucked away in the heart of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Its vibrant turquoise waters look almost unreal, like something straight out of a dream.
Whether you’re standing right at the lakeshore or climbing up to the famous rockpile, the views are absolutely next level. If you’re into photography, this is the kind of place where every shot feels like a postcard.
Sitting at about 1,884 m (6,181 ft) above sea level and covering 50 ha (120 ac), it’s a sight that never gets old.
And the best part? We’ve got special access to enjoy it in a way most people don’t! :)
Blue hour begins at 6:56 am, golden hour begins at 7:09 am, Sunrise is at 7:30 am and golden hour ends at 8:13 am.
10:00 am
Time for a well-deserved breakfast at the Trailhead Cafe.
1:00 pm
And just like we did yesterday, after an hour-drive, we’re back at the Silver Creek Lodge.
It’s been a very long morning, so you should have a nap at the hotel.
4:00 pm
Early dinner at a local restaurant.
5:30 pm
Alright, the plan for this afternoon is to capture the Sunset with the Three Sisters.
Back in 1883, when Canmore was a bustling coal mining town, a guy named Albert Rogers spotted these three peaks right after a snowstorm. Their white-capped tops reminded him of veiled nuns, so he called them the “Three Nuns”.
A few years later, in 1886, a well-known geologist and mapmaker, George Dawson, decided to give them the name we use today: the Three Sisters.
Each peak has its own identity too. There’s Big Sister (2936 m or 9632 ft), Middle Sister (2769 m or 9084 ft), and Little Sister (2694 m or 8838 ft). Very original names, right?
Together, they represent Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Right now, the Sun is rising in the east, bathing these iconic peaks in golden light.
Perfect moment to hit the shutter!
Golden hour begins at 6:52 pm, Sunset is at 7:36 pm, golden hour ends at 7:56 pm and blue hour ends at 8:09 pm.
9:00 pm
Today we go to bed early...
Because, tomorrow is the Secret Day!
Photographic pills:
- Astro and aurora at Moraine Lake (if clear skies and aurora activity - Drivers’ mandatory rest time period in effect).
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Moraine Lake.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Three Sisters.
Day 4. Wednesday, September 24th - The Secret
I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to the Canadian Rockies.
Maybe far too many...
But on September 24th we’ll do something very special...
What will that be?
Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P
Day 5. Thursday, September 25th - The Sunken Trees
4:00 am
Wake up PhotoPillers!
Another extraordinary day awaits!
4:45 am
Let’s hop into the vehicles!
We have approximately a 2h 20 min drive to our first destination: Abraham lake.
7:05 am
The golden aspens and larches in the mountains around Abraham Lake pop against the deep blue water. The mix of bright autumn shades and rugged peaks makes every shot look straight out of a painting.
The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, some already dusted with fresh snow, which adds even more contrast and texture. Sharp ridges, rolling mist... it all comes together to create an almost cinematic feel in every photo.
September’s cooler temps and gentler winds often turn the lake into a perfect mirror, reflecting the mountains like something out of a dream. And that soft, golden light at Sunrise? Ideal for capturing stunning long exposure shots.
And the best part? Abraham Lake isn’t packed with crowds. So you’ll have plenty of space to set up your tripod without dodging a sea of tourists!
Blue hour begins at 7:03 am, golden hour begins at 7:16 am, Sunrise is at 7:37 am and golden hour ends at 8:22 am.
11:00 am
Are you hungry? Because we’re going to have lunch at Miners Cafe.
It offers a good range of options and very good sandwiches. It’s however the pies that rightly command the main billing – delicious, handmade and a great range of flavors!
1:00 pm
And we get to our next shooting spot...
Our first goal here is to photograph a very peculiar subject...
The flooded aspens of Abraham Lake are one of those jaw-dropping sights that feel straight out of a fantasy movie.
Since Abraham Lake is actually a man-made reservoir, its water levels go up and down throughout the year. And when they rise in the fall, something amazing happens: groves of aspen trees along the shore end up partially submerged, with their golden leaves glowing above the lake’s stunning turquoise water. It’s the kind of scene that sticks with you.
The brilliant yellow aspens pop against the deep blue-green lake, creating a crazy-beautiful contrast.
On calm days, the water turns into a perfect mirror, reflecting the golden trees and the towering mountains behind them. It's absolute magic.
The way the aspen trunks rise out of the crystal-clear water makes for some seriously eye-catching shots.
If you love long exposure photography, you can get that floating-tree effect that looks almost otherworldly.
Oh! And bring your drone with you. The views from above are truly breathtaking.
Including a kayak in your aerial composition is always a plus!
5:00 pm
After a 2-hour drive, we’re in Banff where we’ll have dinner at the delicious Shoku Japanese restaurant.
7:50 pm
Alright... Let’s get back to the hotel.
9:00 pm
But what if the sky is crystal clear and there’s a chance of catching auroras?
We’ll drive back to Lake Minnewanka!
It’s a great location with dark skies... So if the aurora is active, we’ll be ready, at the right planned shooting spot, to immortalize the moment :)
Plan & Pray!
The astronomical twilight begins at 8:43 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 9:24 pm until 10:19 am. The Waxing Crescent Moon (13.5%) is below the horizon.
If not, time to go to bed. Tomorrow we have another long day!
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Abraham Lake.
- Aurora Borealis at Lake Minnewanka (if clear skies and there are auroras - Drivers’ mandatory rest time period in effect).
Day 6. Friday, September 26th - The Turquoise Wolf
4:00 am
Gooooood morning PhotoPillers!
If we haven’t been lucky with aurora so far, but the forecast improves throughout the night... we’ll wake up early and do our best to photograph it!
So...
Are you ready for another beautiful day full of incredible experiences?
Yeah?
Alright! Get your stuff ready!
5:15 am
Bow Lake in September is a paradise for photographers.
This is when fall starts showing off... Golden larches and fiery alpine shrubs light up the landscape, standing out beautifully against the deep blue of the lake. And let’s not forget the cool whites of the glacier and icefield in the background!
Then there’s Crowfoot Mountain, towering over everything at 3,055 m (10,023 ft). It gives the whole scene this rugged, dramatic feel. The Wapta Icefield and Crowfoot Glacier just add even more layers, making every shot look vast and powerful.
Also, it’s a fantastic spot to photograph the aurora (if lucky with weather and the aurora forecasts).
7:20 am
Sunrise takes it to the next level. The mountain catches this warm, golden light on its side, adding so much depth and mood.
And if the wind decides to stay quiet? The lake turns into a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting that glowing peak.
Blue hour begins at 7:05 am, golden hour begins at 7:18 am, Sunrise is at 7:39 am and golden hour ends at 8:23 am.
9:00 am
Not far from there is the beautiful Peyto Lake.
Do you see that distinct wolf-head shape?
Add in the golden larches, snow-dusted peaks, and reflections on the water, and you've got a scene that’s full of depth and drama.
The lake’s unreal electric blue color comes from glacial silt, thanks to the Peyto Glacier. And in September, the cooler temperatures help keep that vivid hue at its peak before winter fully takes over.
Then there’s the contrast – golden larches against the bright blue water, with rugged peaks sprinkled with fresh snow. It’s like a perfect blend of fall, winter, and summer all in one frame.
And if you time it right for Sunrise, the magic really happens. As the Sun shines above Cirque Peak, Marmot Mountain, and the lake itself, you get this breathtaking scene.
The soft golden light highlights the mountain textures, and the lake practically glows. It’s one of those moments you won’t forget.
Ah!
Like Bow Lake...
This is a fantastic spot for aurora too.
So...
If the aurora is dancing over Peyto Lake, we’ll come here instead of Bow Lake!
11:05 am
Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders, is a glacial-fed lake nestled in Banff National Park, Alberta.
Sitting at an elevation of 1,750 m (5,740 ft), its waters are a striking turquoise blue, a result of fine rock flour carried down by meltwater from the Victoria Glacier. The lake is approximately 2.5 km (1.5 mi) long, 90 m (295 ft) deep, and surrounded by towering peaks, including Mount Victoria (3,464 m or 11,365 ft).
Known as the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise is stunning.
September is a particularly magical time to visit, as the golden larch trees add vibrant fall hues, and they look amazing against the deep turquoise lake. The whole valley turns into a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows... perfect if you love taking landscape photos.
And by this time of year, the mountains around the lake, like Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier, usually get their first dusting of fresh snow.
Mornings are usually super calm, too, so the lake turns into this perfect mirror, reflecting the mountains and sky. It’s the kind of scene that makes you just want to sit there and take it all in.
So get ready to start shooting!
11:30 pm
It’s been a long and very productive morning (photographically speaking!). Don’t you think?
So we need to recharge our batteries. Time for an energetic brunch at the Trailhead Cafe!
2:00 pm
Banff is an hour away.
Banff, a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers.
The town itself is small but vibrant, with a population of around 8,000 residents, though it welcomes millions of visitors each year. Banff Avenue, the town’s main street, is lined with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Oh, and Banff is teeming with wildlife! In fall, you might see elk, deer, bears, wild horses, and even wolves along quiet roads and hiking trails. Always keep a safe distance, but bring your camera – you never know what you’ll see!
So here you have some time for shopping or spotting wildlife... ;)
Imagine the crisp, early afternoon of Banff's fall season, when the air is filled with the echoing bugles of elk.
This is the rutting season, a time when male elks, adorned with magnificent antlers, vie for the attention of the females.
Photographing the elk rut is an exercise in patience and respect for wildlife; it requires keeping a safe distance, using long lenses, and often waiting silently for hours.
The reward is capturing the raw power and drama of nature: the clashing of antlers, the intensity in the elk's eyes, and the stunning backdrop of Banff's mountains and forests, all bathed in the soft, golden light of autumn.
Photographing the Elk is not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying!
Also, watch out for other wildlife (moose, bears, wolves, lynx or foxes).
Wish us good luck!
Because we need to be super lucky to be able to photograph wildlife here...
But the chances are there!
We’ll try our best :)
By the way... It’s a good idea to get some food in case the aurora forecast is good and we decide to have dinner in the field.
4:00 pm
Imagine catching one last Sunset in the Rockies, but this time with a view of a mountain that looks just like a castle.
That’s Castle Mountain – standing tall at 2,766 m (9,075 ft) in Banff National Park, about an hour’s drive from Banff.
The perfect spot for this shot? Right by the Bow River.
Facing north, you’ll see the Sun setting to the west, casting a warm, golden glow on the rugged face of the mountain. The light hits from the side, bringing out all the dramatic shapes and textures in the rock.
Golden hour begins at 6:47 pm, Sunset is at 7:32 pm, golden hour ends at 7:52 pm, and blue hour ends at 8:04 pm.
8:05 pm
If we didn’t get the aurora in the morning... And there are chances of photographing them after Sunset, we’ll have dinner in the field (pack some food) and we’ll stay until late at night enjoying the spectacle!
And if the aurora is not dancing for us, well, we’ll go back to the hotel and enjoy a well deserved rest.
11:45 pm
It’s been a long long day...
From Sunrise to Sunset, and then at night, we’ve been chasing the golden light, the Sun and the aurora...
Tomorrow one last adventure awaits!
Photographic pills:
- Aurora in Bow Lake or Peyto Lake (if clear skies and there are auroras - Drivers’ mandatory rest time period in effect).
- Sunrise, golden hour, blue hour with the Bow Lake.
- Morning shots at Peyto Lake.
- Wildlife afternoon shots.
- Sunset, golden hour, and blue hour at Castle Mountain.
- Aurora Borealis at Castle Mountain (if clear skies and there are auroras - Drivers’ mandatory rest time period in effect).
Day 7. Saturday, September 27th - The Farewell
5:00 am
And the alarm buzzes yet again...
Mmmmm...
Wake up PhotoPillers!
We need to pack everything up and check out from our basecamp – the amazing Silver Creek Lodge.
6:55 am
One last Sunrise in the Rockies...
After a 25 min drive, we arrive at Vermilion Lakes – a spectacular location in in Bow Valley and our Sunrise destination.
The view of Mount Rundle (2,948 m or 9,672 ft) and Sulphur Mountain (2,451 m or 8,041 ft) from here is absolutely stunning.
We’re facing south, and with the Sun rising in the east, its golden morning light hits Mount Rundle in the best way, really highlighting its unique shape.
To me, the rock formation looks a lot like a dragon’s back... What do you think?
Soon, the Sun will peek out from behind those towering peaks, giving us a perfect chance to capture one last Sunburst.
We’ll keep shooting here until the golden hour fades.
Blue hour begins at 7:04 am, golden hour begins at 7:17 am, Sunrise is at 7:37 am and golden hour ends at 8:21 am.
12:00 pm
After a copious breakfast at Juniper Bistro, we’ll make our way back to Calgary International Airport (YYC), where we expect to arrive at about 1:15 pm.
What a journey, huh?
Thinking back on everything we’ve seen and done in the Canadian Rockies, it’s impossible not to feel a mix of awe and gratitude.
We chased the stars, stood in the heart of breathtaking valleys, and soared over rugged peaks. Every single moment? Absolutely unforgettable.
A huge shoutout to all of you for the laughs, the early mornings, and those freezing (but oh-so-magical) nights under the stars.
This trip wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Here’s to the shots we captured, the moments we soaked in, and the memories we’re taking home.
Until the next adventure... travel safe, dream big, and may the light always guide your way!
Book Now and Save €500 (Only 4 Spots Left)
To book your spot to join the Expedition to the Canadian Rockies at a reduced price of €5,500 (the official price is €6,000), a €1,000 deposit is required by Sunday, April 13th.
Price summary:
- Booking deposit: €1,000
- Total price: €5,500
Payment in full is required by May 25th, 2025.
Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
What’s included in the price
- PhotoPills Welcome Pack.
- A 7-day expedition photographing the Canadian Rockies along with the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way and Autumn’s golden light.
- 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Rachel Jones Ross, Bryan Peters, Antoni Cladera and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
- Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
- 6 nights of lodging (single room) at the Silver Creek Lodge.
- All activities on the Secret day.
- Ground transportation during the expedition.
- All transfers.
What’s not included
- Flights to/from the Calgary, Canada.
- Tourist visa (if necessary).
- International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
- Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.
Do you want an example of how huge this will be?
This is a glimpse to what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for the Canadian Rockies!
But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:
“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”
“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!
Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”
"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."
“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.
Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”
“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”
FAQs
What’s the temperature in the Canadian Rockies in September?
At the end of September, the Canadian Rockies begin to feel the onset of fall. The average temperatures can vary quite a bit due to changes in elevation and specific locations, but generally, daytime highs are around 10ºC to 15ºC (50ºF to 59ºF), and nighttime lows can drop to around -2ºC to 5ºC (28ºF to 41ºF).
Always be prepared for colder weather and possible snow at higher elevations, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?
Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.
Besides that? Once you book your spot, we’ll send you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).
Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?
No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.
Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:
- Covers trip cancellation costs.
- Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.
What is the cancellation policy?
We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.
If you choose not to join the Expedition, a cancellation fee may apply. This fee will be equivalent to the cost of the Expedition, minus any savings or additional income we generate if we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.
If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll refund the payments you’ve made, deducting a €300 administrative fee and any non-refundable costs retained by our travel partners.
However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.
Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
Credits: Images by Rachel Jones Ross, Bryan Peters, Antoni Cladera and iStock.
