Photographing Revelstoke

Iconic Photography Locations

Ryan Creary

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Meadows in the Sky Parkway

A 26-kilometre paved road ascends through multiple ecological zones, ending in alpine wildflower meadows. The changing scenery offers opportunities to capture dense forests, open fields, and distant peaks in a single drive.

Eva and Miller Lakes

These alpine lakes provide clear reflections of surrounding peaks. The area is best photographed in early morning or late afternoon light for soft, even tones. These lakes require a bit of a hike to get to, so make sure to start early or camp overnight for the best opportunities for the perfect shot.

Giant Cedars Boardwalk

This 500-metre interpretive trail winds through a dense forest of ancient western red cedar and hemlock trees. The natural light filtering through the canopy adds depth to forest compositions.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

The resort provides aerial perspectives of the Columbia River and surrounding ranges. The gondola ride offers sweeping views, while the summit area presents opportunities for wide-angle landscape shots. The amount of activities and sports year round also provides unique subjects for your photo such as paragliders, mountain bikers, snowboarders and more.

Begbie Falls

A short hike leads to a cascading waterfall where long-exposure techniques can highlight the motion of the water. The surrounding forest enhances composition possibilities.

Sutherland Falls

Located in Blanket Creek Provincial Park, Sutherland Falls is accessible and ideal for photography, especially during the spring melt when water flow is strongest.

Seasonal Photography Opportunities

Zoya Lynch

Spring

Alpine wildflowers bloom, adding colour to meadows. Snowmelt creates strong waterfall flows, making them ideal subjects.

Summer

Clear skies and full foliage create ideal conditions for capturing expansive landscapes. Wildlife activity is at its peak, providing more opportunities to photograph animals in their natural habitats.

Autumn

The foliage changes colour, with misty mornings adding atmosphere to forest shots. The lighting is softer, making this a great season for outdoor photography.

Winter

Snow blankets the region, offering opportunities to capture winter sports, snow-covered landscapes, and frozen waterfalls. The lower angle of the sun enhances shadows and textures in snow photography.

Wildlife Photography in Revelstoke

Shawn Talbot

Common Species

Black bears, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and numerous bird species inhabit the area. Knowing their seasonal movements and habitats increases the chance of capturing compelling images.

Best Practices

Photographers should maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Telephoto lenses help capture details without disturbing animals. Researching seasonal behaviours, such as migration and mating periods, improves the chances of successful shots.

Adventure Photography

Ryan Creary

Mountain Biking

Trails such as Mount Macpherson offer action shots of riders on challenging terrain. Capturing riders navigating forested paths and steep descents requires fast shutter speeds and dynamic angles.

Heli-Hiking and Skiing

Aerial shots from helicopters showcase the vast landscapes, while ground-level images capture participants in remote locations. These settings highlight the scale and adventure of the region.

Water Sports

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Columbia River offer opportunities to capture motion and reflections. Early morning or late afternoon lighting enhances water photography.

Night Photography

Aurora Borealis

Occasionally visible in Revelstoke, the Northern Lights require clear, dark skies and long-exposure techniques. Checking solar activity forecasts can help plan night shoots.

Starry Skies

With minimal light pollution, Revelstoke is well-suited for astrophotography. Wide-angle lenses and long exposures can capture the Milky Way and star trails effectively.

Photography Workshops and Tours

Local Photography Tours

Guided tours provide insights into the best locations and optimal shooting times. Local knowledge of wildlife habits and weather patterns can enhance the photography experience.

Workshops

Professional photographers offer workshops on landscape, wildlife, and adventure photography. These workshops typically include classroom sessions and hands-on field instruction.

Photographing Events

LUNA Fest

Community Festivals

Revelstoke hosts annual events, including the REVY.Live Outside, LUNA Arts Festival, and Winter Carnival. These provide opportunities to capture candid street photography, performances, and the energy of the crowd. Fast shutter speeds help freeze action, while wider apertures can create subject separation in low-light conditions.

Sporting Events

Competitions such as Revelstoke’s ski and snowboard races, mountain bike challenges, and adventure races present dynamic subjects. Capturing motion requires tracking techniques, high shutter speeds, and anticipating key moments of action.

Live Music and Cultural Events

Concerts and cultural performances offer opportunities to photograph musicians, artists, and audience interactions. Low-light settings often require fast lenses and higher ISO settings. Seeking out unique angles and expressions enhances storytelling through images.

Ethical Photography Practices

Leave No Trace

Following Leave No Trace principles helps preserve natural environments. Photographers should stay on trails and dispose of waste properly.

Respect Wildlife

Avoiding baiting or disturbing animals ensures ethical wildlife photography. Allowing animals to behave naturally results in more authentic images.

Cultural Sensitivity

Photographers should seek permission when photographing local communities or events. Respecting cultural norms prevents misrepresentation and fosters positive relationships.

Technical Tips for Photographing Revelstoke

Ryan Creary

Gear Recommendations

Wide-angle lenses capture landscapes, while telephoto lenses work best for wildlife. Sturdy tripods stabilize shots, especially in low-light conditions.

Weather Considerations

Revelstoke’s weather changes quickly. Waterproof gear and layered clothing help photographers stay comfortable in varying conditions. Checking forecasts before heading out ensures better planning.

Safety Precautions

Carrying bear spray is essential in backcountry areas. Informing someone of travel plans and expected return times improves safety. Knowing terrain challenges helps prevent accidents while photographing in remote locations.

Conclusion

Revelstoke offers photographers a broad range of subjects, from rugged mountain landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters. The seasonal changes provide new perspectives throughout the year, while adventure sports and cultural events add dynamic storytelling opportunities. Proper planning, ethical considerations, and technical preparation help capture the best of what this region has to offer. Whether shooting landscapes, action, or night skies, Revelstoke rewards those who take the time to explore and engage with its natural and cultural environment.