Couples Photo Session at Peyto Lake, Alberta

Noveber 5, 2023

Couple hugging each other during their couples session at Peyto Lake

Megan, a fellow Banff photographer, and I decided to meet up at one of the most stunning locations in Banff National Park and take some portraits of one another with our significant others. We both take photos for other people, but never actually take the time to take our own family's pictures- so it was time to change this!

There are MANY reasons why someone should consider doing their session at Peyto Lake: 1- ACCESSIBILITY: With Peyto Lake, you get very rewarding views without having to do much hiking at all. However, there is a 15-20 minute uphill walk to get to the "secret lookout" seen in these photos, so individuals struggling with mobility may have some issues. But for most families, getting to this spot should not be an issue, as long as you know where it is or have a guide to take you there!

2- LOCATION: Peyto Lake is only an hour drive from Banff and only a 5 minte drive from another breathtaking lake called Bow Lake. For some sessions, people choose to combine these two spots as they are so close to one another and that way they can have both of these lakes captured in their photos.

Peyto Lake, like many other places in Banff National Park, is very popular, especially during the summer months. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your session here so you can have the best experience possible:

SECRET LOOKOUT SPOT: The main lookout spot is VERY busy and actually doesn't even have the best views of the lake. There is nowhere to sit and no room to actually take the views in. However, if you turn left at the main lookout and follow the path to the forest, you eventually turn right to one of the off road trails through the forest, and you end up at this private lookout with stunning views of the lake.
WEEKDAY: If at all possible, try to plan your session for a weekday instead of the weekend. Even at the "secret lookout spot", it can still be quite busy on weekends. If you want to have as much privacy as posible during your session, try to book your session on a weekday.
EARLY MORNING OR EVENING: For lighting and privacy, the best time for a session at Peyto Lake would be either early in the morning or late in the evening, an hour or two before sunset.
ROAD CONDITIONS: Check the road conditons before your session. Highway 93 is not as regularly maintained as Highway 1 so it's best to always check the current road conditions. Make SURE you have winter tires if driving in the winter!