Chasing Sunrise: A Morning in Banff

There’s nothing quite like the calm of a pre-dawn start in the Rockies. On Saturday, April 5th, we set out early for a sunrise photography trip through three iconic Banff locations: Vermilion Lakes.  We also explored Two Jack Lake, and Morant’s Curve. The goal? To catch the first light of day with cameras ready.

Our morning began at Vermilion Lakes, where Mount Rundle reflected perfectly in the still water. As the sky lit up we did not get any magical color but we captured long exposures and watched ducks and geese glide through the frame—an unforgettable start. From there, we moved to Two Jack Lake, just as the sun crept over the ridges while elk foraged in the fields. Mist lingered on the surface, and the light on the snow-capped peaks was soft and golden—ideal for serene, minimalist compositions.

We ended at Morant’s Curve, hoping to catch the iconic train scene. While we waited, we enjoyed the view of the Bow River winding through the valley below and the company of other photographers and tourists. Just as we were about to pack up, the distant rumble came, and a CP Rail train rounded the bend. Although going the wrong way for the train lights it was worth the wait and a perfect cap to the morning.

Photography aside, outings like this are about sharing the stillness, the challenge, and the reward. The Rockies gave us one of those mornings where everything felt in sync—and we came back with both images and memories worth keeping.