There are some experiences in the Canadian Rockies that you never forget, and hiking during larch season tops the list. Every fall, the alpine valleys glow golden as the larches turn from green to vibrant yellow before shedding their needles for winter. It’s a short-lived but spectacular transformation, and the perfect time to explore some of the Rockies’ most iconic trails.
This fall in Banff, David and I had the chance to do something really special: a photography and hiking adventure with Big Nature, our favourite tour operators in Canada! We’ve had a handful of experiences with them in the past, and they consistently impress us with their perfect blend of professionalism, friendliness, and expertise.
As soon as the owners, Bryce and Cassie, told us about their Capturing the Canadian Rockies: Photography & Hiking Adventure, led by photographer Lee Nordbye, we knew it would be an incredible experience. So we were ecstatic when they asked if we wanted to spend a mock day with them at Moraine Lake and Larch Valley.
Not only does this 5-day trip take you to some of the most beautiful spots in Banff, Kootenay, and Kananaskis Country, but it also layers in hands-on photography workshops. It’s designed for hikers who love taking photos—or photographers who want to dive deeper into hiking. Either way, it’s a dream combination.
Plus, with all the logistics handled—hotel, meals, transport, park passes, and expert guides—it means you get to focus on enjoying the mountains instead of stressing over parking at 4 a.m. or fighting for a shuttle to Moraine Lake.
If you’ve ever dreamed about experiencing fall in Banff, hiking through golden larch trees in Kananaskis Country, or polishing up your photography skills alongside other mountain-loving adventurers, this is the trip for you.
*You can use the discount code BIGNATURE-MADETOEXPLORE for $200 off this tour!*
Our Day at Moraine Lake & the Hike to Larch Valley
We were fortunate enough to join Big Nature and Lee for a mock day of the tour, which gave us a perfect taste of what participants can expect. The day started with a 4:30 a.m. pickup, warm greetings from Bryce and Cassie (Big Nature’s owners and our guides), Lee, and a comfy ride in the van straight to Moraine Lake. No circling for parking, no shuttle chaos—just relaxing and sipping our coffee while the team got us there in time for sunrise.
Moraine Lake for Sunrise
As the first light hit the Valley of the Ten Peaks, we could feel the excitement buzzing through the group. Cassie handed out hot drinks and snacks while Lee shared tips on how to capture the magic of that soft morning light.
Whether you were brand new to photography or had been shooting for years, he had something helpful to share—from camera settings for low light to finding unique angles that tell a story. He has a way of explaining technical concepts without making them intimidating, instantly putting everyone at ease.
After soaking up the sunrise for about an hour, Bryce taught us about how Moraine Lake was formed before we regrouped at the van to gear up for the most famous fall hike in Banff: Larch Valley.
Hiking Larch Valley
The trail is approximately 8.6 km round trip, with 535 meters of elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging hike. Bryce set a comfortable pace, checked in with everyone, and told us stories about the geology and wildlife of the area along the way.
It really stood out to us that the Big Nature team knows all the little secrets of the trail. At one point, we veered onto a smaller side path that instantly peeled us away from the crowds.
Suddenly, it felt like we had the whole valley to ourselves—a golden grove of larches, with mountain ridges towering around us. Lee pointed out the best photo spots and encouraged us to slow down, experiment with different compositions, and play with light.
David and I came home with some of our favourite shots of all time from that morning!
There’s something about having experts by your side—one focused on hiking and safety, the other on photography—that elevates the entire experience. We didn’t have to worry about where to go, when to stop, or whether we were missing “the shot.” Everything was thoughtfully planned, yet still felt relaxed, fun and inspiring.
By the time we descended back to the trailhead, we were buzzing with energy. It wasn’t just the scenery—it was the camaraderie of the group, the encouragement from Lee, and the way Big Nature makes you feel like family from the moment you step into their van.
*You can use the discount code BIGNATURE-MADETOEXPLORE for $200 off this tour!*
The Full Tour Details
Our mock day was absolutely incredible, and it was just one piece of the whole 5-day adventure Big Nature has crafted. Here’s what else you can expect if you sign up for 2026 (Sept 20-24, 2026):
Trip Overview
- Day 1: Arrival in Canmore, orientation, meeting your group, and settling into the Coast Hotel.
- Day 2: Full hike and photography workshop at Chester Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kananaskis.
- Day 3: Sunrise at Moraine Lake, hike into Larch Valley, and a visit to Lake Louise—a day that’s guaranteed to be unforgettable.
- Day 4: Explore the Stanley Glacier Trail in Kootenay National Park, followed by an evening photo exhibition, slideshow, and wrap-up celebration dinner.
- Day 5: Departure day (and lots of new friends and photos to look back on).
What’s Included in the Price
Big Nature has thought of everything, so all you have to do is show up and focus on the adventure:
- 4 nights at the Coast Hotel Canmore
- 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, plus snacks
- 3 amazing day hikes with professional, accredited hiking guides
- 3 photography workshop sessions with Lee Nordbye
- Private transportation throughout the trip
- Airport shuttle to and from Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- National park access passes
- Private sessions with a photography expert
- Small group size (5–10 participants) for a personal, intimate feel
Pricing & Requirements
- Double Occupancy: $3,600 CAD (2026 pricing)
- Single Occupancy: $4,350 CAD (2026 pricing)
- Suitable for beginner to intermediate photographers ages 15+
- A moderate activity level is required (if you can handle 8–10 km hikes with some elevation, you’ll be fine!)
- A DSLR camera + at least one lens is required
*You can use the discount code BIGNATURE-MADETOEXPLORE for $200 off this tour!*
When you break down the price for an all-inclusive 5-day trip in Banff during the fall, the value is incredible. Between the guided hikes, private transport, hotel accommodation, all those meals, and the personalized photography coaching, this trip is a bargain! Plus, you can’t put a price on the friendships you’ll make or the once-in-a-lifetime memories you’ll bring home.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Canadian Rockies in their golden larch glory, this is hands-down the best way to do it. They take care of every detail so that you can focus on hiking, learning, and connecting with the landscape, with your camera, and with other like-minded adventurers.
David and I can’t recommend Big Nature enough! Whether you’re a hiker who wants to get more out of your photos or a photographer who’s ready to hit the trails, this tour blends the best of both worlds.
If the Rockies have been calling your name, consider this your sign. Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and let Big Nature guide you on an adventure you’ll never forget. Fall in Banff is a bucket list experience, and we’re confident you will love this trip as much as we did!
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