🏔️ Jasper Dark Skies Escape
Astro, Landscape & Wildlife Photography | April 17–19, 2026
Jasper is one of those rare places where the night sky still feels infinite.
As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park offers extraordinary opportunities to photograph the Milky Way, star-filled skies, dramatic mountain landscapes, and spring wildlife—all within a compact, accessible area.
This 3-day, small-group photography escape is designed to help you slow down, shoot with intention, and come home with images you’re proud of—whether that’s your first successful Milky Way photo or a refined portfolio of mountain landscapes and wildlife moments.
April brings moody skies, lingering snow, open lakes, and fewer crowds—perfect conditions for photographers who want atmosphere, contrast, and creative flexibility.
Led by Learn Photography Canada’s Darrell O’Donnell you’ll be in great hands with a seasoned coach with an amazing heart for the success of his students.
📅 Trip Dates
Friday–Sunday | April 17–19
🧭 What We’ll Be Photographing
🌌 Astro & Night Photography
-
Milky Way over mountain peaks
-
Starry reflections on alpine lakes
-
Foreground-to-sky compositions
-
Optional intro to star tracking (gear permitting)
🏔️ Landscape Photography
-
Sunrise and sunset lake scenes
-
Waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway
-
Glacier and valley vistas
-
Long exposures and composition refinement
🦌 Wildlife Photography
-
Elk, deer, and valley wildlife at dawn and dusk
-
Ethical wildlife practices and safe shooting distances
-
Autofocus techniques and exposure control for moving subjects
🗓️ Recommended Agenda
Day 1 – Friday: Arrival, Lakes & First Stars
-
Afternoon arrivals & hotel check-in
-
Welcome session + camera setup check
-
Sunset shoot at Pyramid Lake / Pyramid Island
-
Evening astro session under Jasper’s dark skies
Day 2 – Saturday: Wildlife, Waterfalls & Glacier Skies
-
Early morning wildlife photography near valley corridors
-
Full-day Icefields Parkway adventure
-
Athabasca Falls
-
Sunwapta Falls
-
-
Evening image huddle & warm-up
-
Late-night astro shoot near the Athabasca Glacier area (conditions permitting)
Day 3 – Sunday: Sunrise & Wrap-Up
-
Sunrise lake session
-
Brunch + Lightroom workflow lab
-
Image review, next-steps coaching & departures
🏨 Accommodation (Included in Price)
-
Pyramid Lake Lodge (limited rooms available)
All pricing below assumes double occupancy.
Single-occupancy upgrades available.
💲 Pricing (Per Person, CAD)
Pyramid Lake Lodge Double Occupancy
$950.00
Single Room Supplement
$250.00
✅ What’s Included
-
3 full days of guided photography instruction
-
Sunrise, sunset & late-night astro sessions
-
Small group coaching and hands-on guidance
-
Lightroom workflow & night-photo editing tips
-
Location scouting & logistics planning
-
Parks access planning and safety briefings
❌ What’s Not Included
-
Meals
-
Transportation (carpooling encouraged)
-
Parks Canada entry pass
-
Personal travel insurance
📷 What to Bring
-
DSLR or mirrorless camera
-
Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended for astro)
-
Tripod
-
Telephoto lens for wildlife (200–600mm ideal)
-
Extra batteries (cold drains them fast!)
-
Warm layers, gloves, headlamp
🏃 Fitness Level
Easy to Moderate
Short walks on maintained paths. No technical hiking required.
📌 Group Size
Limited to ensure personal instruction and creative space.
Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk
By registering for and participating in this photography tour, workshop, or escape, I acknowledge and agree to the following:
I understand that participation in a photography tour involves inherent risks, including but not limited to travel by vehicle, walking on uneven or slippery terrain, exposure to changing and potentially severe weather conditions, wildlife encounters, low-light and night photography activities, and other outdoor environmental hazards. I voluntarily choose to participate with full knowledge of these risks.
I agree to assume full responsibility for my personal safety, health, and well-being during the tour. I acknowledge that I am physically and mentally capable of participating and that it is my responsibility to assess my own limitations and act accordingly.
I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Learn Photography Canada, its owners, instructors, guides, employees, contractors, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, illness, or death that may occur during or as a result of my participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I understand that I am responsible for my own equipment and personal belongings, and that Learn Photography Canada is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property.
I agree to follow all safety instructions provided by instructors and guides, adhere to local laws and regulations, respect wildlife and natural environments, and behave in a manner that does not endanger myself or others.
I acknowledge that photography locations, shooting opportunities, and the daily itinerary are always contingent on weather, environmental conditions, road access, park regulations, and safety considerations, and may be modified, substituted, or cancelled at any time without notice in the interest of participant safety and overall experience. No guarantees are made regarding specific conditions, wildlife sightings, celestial events, or photographic outcomes.
By completing my registration, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to this waiver and assumption of risk.