1. Timing Your Aurora Hunt

The best times to capture the Northern Lights are from September to March, with the peak months being October and February. Aurora tends to be better around the equinox, so in Canada, it’s better to plan your high-mountain or reflective lake aurora shots in the fall, and bigger mountain, and snow-covered vista shots in the winter.

The key is finding dark, clear nights and getting lucky with minimal moonlight. Use aurora tracking apps and websites like SpaceWeatherLive or Aurora Watch to monitor solar activity. I use AuroraAlerts, it was a one-time purchase and it lets me set alerts for specific conditions.

2. Aurora Factors (Intermediate-Advanced)

The conditions of Aurora are complex, and the terms are unintuitive. This is an over-simplified breakdown of the factors affecting aurora that might be reported by your app of choice.

KP Index (Geomagnetic Activity): Think of it as the “aurora score” from 0 to 9. The higher the number (KP 5 or above), the more likely you are to see the northern lights, and the further south they can appear.

• KP 0-2: Likely only visible near the poles.
• KP 3-4: You might see them in northern areas (like Canada, Alaska, or Scandinavia).
• KP 5+: A strong storm! Auroras could be visible farther south.

Solar Wind Speed: This is how fast solar particles are coming from the sun. Higher speed means more energy reaching Earth’s atmosphere, which makes brighter auroras.

• Speeds of 400-500 km/s are normal, but when it hits 600-800 km/s, auroras are more intense!

Solar Wind Density: This is the number of solar particles hitting the Earth’s atmosphere. More particles mean stronger auroras.

Bz or Bt (Magnetic Orientation): This measures the direction of the solar wind’s magnetic field.

• Bz is negative (-), it’s like unlocking a door—the solar wind can more easily interact with Earth’s magnetic field, making auroras stronger.
• Bz is positive (+) is like locking the door—it’s harder for the solar wind to create auroras.

What’s more, if the Bz makes a big drop, it’s a good sign things are going to get more intense.

3. Choosing the Right Location

The Canadian Rockies offer stunning backdrops for aurora photography. On smaller storms, prioritize viewpoints that face North. This is where the aurora will be strongest, and on small KPs it may only be visible on the horizon. Additionally, you should look for places far from city lights to avoid light pollution. Some ideal locations include:

• Jasper National Park: A designated Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper offers excellent opportunities to shoot the aurora, especially around Pyramid Lake.
• Banff National Park: Lake Minnewanka and Vermilion Lakes provide beautiful reflective surfaces for aurora shots.
• Abraham Lake: Famous for its frozen methane bubbles in winter, this location adds unique foreground elements to your photos.

4. Essential Gear

For photographers with a camera that has manual control:

• Camera: Manual control makes it easier, but newer phones do a fine job! As a general rule, the bigger the sensor, the better.
• Wide-Angle Lens: A fast, wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or lower) helps capture more of the night sky.
• Tripod: For long exposure shots, a sturdy tripod is non-negotiable to avoid camera shake.
• Remote Shutter/Intervalometer: This helps reduce camera shake and allows you to take multiple shots without touching the camera. You can always use the “time-delay” function if you want to replicate this functionality.
• Extra Batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries faster, so bring spares and keep them warm.

For photographers using a phone, consider bringing a tripod with a phone mount. (Did you know the Peak Design Tripod has one built in?). You can definitely handhold, but if you want to try timelapses, tripods are essential.

iPhone settings (no specific order):

• Use Night mode (iPhone 11 and later) or manual mode (third-party apps).
• Set exposure: 10 – 30 seconds
• ISO: Start between 200 – 400 and adjust as needed
• Focus: Manual or Infinity
• Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
• Turn on RAW Max if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

Android settings (no specific order):

• Use Pro/Manual/Night mode
• Set exposure: 10 – 30 seconds.
• ISO: Start between 200 – 400 and adjust as needed
• Focus: Manual or Infinity
• Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
• Turn on RAW if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

5. Camera Settings

So there are lots of ways to go about this. A lot of photographers use (M) mode to iterate on their shots. I prefer Aperture Priority (A) mode set to your biggest aperture [lowest number] (in my case f/2.8), and then use exposure compensation and iso to change the exposure.

• Mode: Switch your camera to manual mode (M) for full control.
• Aperture: Set your lens to its widest aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) to let in as much light as possible.
• ISO: Start at ISO 800-3200. Experiment based on your camera’s capabilities—a higher ISO will allow shorter exposures but might introduce noise. I’ve found 1600 to be a sweet spot, but if your camera handles noise better, feel free to pump it up!
• Shutter Speed: A starting point is 5-15 seconds. Aurora activity can be fast or slow, so adjust accordingly. Shorter exposures (3-6 seconds) work best for active auroras, while slower/dimmer auroras may need longer exposure.
• Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity. Use live view to zoom in on a distant bright object, like a star, for precise focusing. It’s best to test your lens/body combination in a bright environment first and note the best focus distances for your camera.

6. Composition Tips

If you can, scout your locations beforehand. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s best to find viewpoints that face approximately North, with the horizon visible. This will maximize your chances. For stronger storms, you can include south-facing aspects. The higher / flatter you are, the further you’ll be able to see.

• Foreground Elements: Incorporate interesting foregrounds like mountain peaks, people, frozen lakes, or silhouettes of trees to add depth to your shots.
• Reflection: If near a body of water, capture the aurora’s reflection for a mirror-like effect.
• Rule of Thirds: Follow this basic photography rule by placing the aurora on the top two-thirds of your frame and foreground elements in the bottom third.

7. Managing Cold Weather

Winter nights in the Rockies can be extremely cold, so dress in layers and bring hand warmers. You’ll be not moving for long periods, so ensuring your fingers and toes are warm is essential. Bring a warm drink and/or a chair to keep you off the ground. Have patience, we can only accurately predict aurora about 10 minutes in advance, so it could go from 0-60 fast.

8. Post-Processing

After capturing your shots, post-processing can bring out the details and colors of the aurora. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. Be careful not to over-edit—the goal is to enhance, not alter, the natural beauty of the aurora.

Happy Aurora Hunting!

Since its debut in 2017, Blue Planet II has been a huge influence on my passion for underwater filming. I’ve watched it at least five times, and if there’s ever a job I’d drop everything for, it’s being a videographer for that series. The way they capture the beauty of marine life is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s something I’ve always aspired to do in my way.

Filming underwater has always been a priority for me, though the logistics can be tricky. Bringing a large underwater camera often makes it the sole focus of a dive or snorkel, limiting the ability to fully enjoy the experience. That’s why I’ve relied on GoPros for underwater footage since the Hero 3. Now with the Hero 8, the quality continues to amaze me.

While GoPros come with a learning curve—like realizing it’s impossible to capture Nudibranchs at point-blank range—their versatility allows me to relive unforgettable underwater moments time and again. I hope this video gives you a sense of that experience, paired with Radiohead’s beautiful custom composition for Blue Planet II.

Locations featured:

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia (Saxon Reef)
• Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
• Koh Tao, Thailand
• Komodo, Indonesia
• Nusa Penida, Indonesia
• Sipidan, East Borneo (Malaysia)

One of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand is glowworm tours – tours that allow you to see their special species of glowworm Arachnocampa luminosa. Endemic to New Zealand, these gnats provide some of the best displays of bioluminescence the world over.

The best place to see these shiny maggots is on a glowworm tour. However, with prices for photography-minded tours of Te Anu and Waitomo soaring upwards of $400NZD, I can understand why they might be out of reach for some.

If you’re wondering how to photograph these creatures, click here.

Here are some of the best places to see Glowworms without a time limit:

1. Okupata Caves

Tongariro National Park gets all the press, but the adjacent forest park doesn’t see nearly the same kind of tourism. Information on these caves can be difficult to find, but a number of blogs have detailed basic descriptions of how to prepare and what to do inside them.

Department of Conservation Map of Okupata Caves courtesy of The Amateur Athlete

The best entrance to the caves is “A” as it leads directly to the primary colony of glowworms down “Queen St” from C -> E. Keep in mind that the flow of the river can change suddenly and dramatically so make sure you’re well-prepared and always explore with a friend.

DOC Website on Okupata

2. Limestone Creek Reserve, Apiti

Another impressive display of Glowworms is in the Limestone Creek Reserve just outside of Apiti. Although hard to find, the Manawatu Scenic Road that you drive on to get there almost makes it worth it on its own.

The trail is only marked by a small wooden sign on the edge of the road. Once you’re parked, descend into the valley and turn right. The track only continues for about 600m through two caves and is eventually blocked by deadfall.

The caves themselves have extremely high walls and as a result you may only be able to see glowworms in the ceiling if you’ve visited during the day. For the real show, you need to visit about an hour after sunset.

We were recommended a few other areas that didn’t entirely pan out.

1. Clifden Caves

Stalactites? Check. Squeezing? Check. Treading carefully along a ledge around a knee-deep pool of water? Check. The Clifden Caves in the humble Southland Region don’t have a ridiculous amount of glowworms, so they’re not great for photography – but you’ll have a lot of fun regardless.

The Cliffden Caves take 1-2 hours to navigate and require a moderate amount of fitness and flexibility. Make sure you have a spare torch and are wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and wet!

2. Velenski Track

We were recommended an easy bush walk just inside the town of Moana, but in all of our searching we only found a few clusters.

If you’re on the West Coast anyways, the Velenski Track is signposted on Taku Street right near the Lake Brunner Motor Camp.

I’ll continue to update this page as we explore them! If you’re interested in how the pictures on this page were taken check out how to shoot glowworms! 

Hot Pots, Hot Pools, Hot Springs? Free is something a lot of people can get behind, soaking in warm water is another.  Situated on the Ring of Fire between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Pacific Plate, New Zealand has a ton of geothermal activity. One hotspot in particular between Rotorua and Lake Tapo has a ton of springs.

1. Spa Park

Lake Taupo has a number of great offerings, one of the most notable being its many geothermal features. The Otumuheke Stream (hot river) winds its way down a waterfall into a series of small pools before flowing into the Waikato river. At approximately 41 degrees, the pools are a nice place for a relaxing soak before meandering out to the river to cool down.

2. Hot and Cold / Wai – O – Tapu 

About 30km (SH5) south of Rotorua is the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. On the same road is the literal local hotspot – Hot and Cold. The names comes from the confluence between hot and cold streams. The area was a local secret until it was picked-up by some local travel guides, and as a result Department of Conservation and the local iwi (Ngati Tahu/Ngati Whaoa) have picked up the area and installed some stairs and a boardwalk to maintain the local flora.

3. Keroseen Creek

Do you like waterfalls? What about hot waterfalls? Keroseen Creek has this and more along a short 500m walk following the streamy creek into beautiful native bush. The area can get quite busy in the evenings and on the weekends, but there’s plenty of space to spread out to find your little piece of zen.

4. The “Squeeze”

Definitely the most adventurous hot pool on this list, the Squeeze is only accessible by boat from the Waikato River just upstream of Orakei Korako. The Akatarewa stream outlet can be hard to find at times, so guided Jet Boat and Kayak Tours are the primary way that most people experience the springs. The hot pool is just a 10 minute walk upstream through a chasm known as “The Squeeze.” Once you’ve made it through the chasm, the stream culminates in a small canyon with three hot waterfalls. The pool is just a short walk up some stairs from this point.

This pool is maintained by the members of a naturalist club so it is not a ‘suit’able venue for those opposed. If you do decide to go on your own, tour groups usually arrive at 11am and 2pm so avoid the busy times if you can.

BONUS: Secret Waterfall Hotspring

Can’t spoil all of the spots can I? You’ll have to talk to some locals in the area to figure out where this one is!

Happy Soaking!

Amongst all of the other photographic opportunities that exist in New Zealand and Australia, one of the most under photographed is the endemic ‘glowworm.’ Why? Because like most tourism operations, efficiency trumps individual experience.

Found in native forests, grottos, and caverns – the insect is actually best found in the country’s limestone caves. The tiny bioluminescent creature isn’t actually a worm. The species endemic to New Zealand, Arachnocampa luminosa, are actually a fungal gnat (fly) that spin silk nets and lower themselves to capture their unsuspecting prey.

The best displays are in heavily protected and managed areas like the Te Aneau caves on the South Island or Waitomo on the North Island. Cost aside, many of the tour operators are on a tight time budget that rarely includes the time to experiment with these little bioluminescent creatures. If you’re wondering about where to photograph them, check this out!

Glowworms thrive in dark, moist environments that have both running water and low airflow. The water provides a steady source of hatchling aquatic insects and humidity while the lack of wind prevents their silk fishing nets from getting tangled up. These locations (visited in the dead of night) are not always the most ideal for humans so make sure you’re prepared before you set out.

A few of the best areas to see glowworms for free, where you won’t be chased away from tour guides can be found here.

What to Bring:

Once you’ve found them you’ll want to get in position with the right gear:

• Camera with manual control
• Lens (preferably f/1.8 – f/3.5)
• Tripod
• Intervalometer (software ones work!)
• Wool Socks (to keep your feet warm even if they get wet)
• Insulating Clothing (you’ll be sitting for a while)
• Variable brightness headlamp
• Something (chocolate, an ebook) to keep you preoccupied while you wait through several 5-10 minute exposures.

Obviously judge the conditions accordingly, standing in a forest requires different gear than amateur spelunking.

Those of you familiar with astrophotography will recognize this setup as it’s eerily similar to what you use for stars, although thankfully the glowworms should be rotating with the planet.

The first thing you’re going to need is an intervalometer – or a remote shutter release with a lock. If you don’t have one of these, don’t panic – your camera might have one built-in or available with a firmware upgrade / app installation. The lowest shutter speed that cameras will typically let shoot at natively is 30 seconds. That’s enough time to capture the glowworms, but for those really spectacular shots you’re going to want to see their surroundings as well.

Photographing Glowworms:

In manual mode, set your aperture to the largest allowed by the light (< f/4.0) and set the shutter speed to bulb. This way, the shutter will remain open just as long as the shutter button is held down. I found that dialling your shutter speed to somewhere between 3-5 minutes was the best for a full frame camera, I would extend that to 5-10 for any cropped sensor camera.

The other factor that you’ll have to modify is your ISO. Cranking your ISO all the way up will often introduce so much noise the photo will be unusable – I would max out your ff (full frame) camera’s ISO at 3,200 – 10,000 and your cropped sensor’s ISO at 3,200 – 6,400. But each camera has it’s own limits. Iffa you can keep the camera’s noise reduction off and shoot in RAW – this will give you the maximum flexibility to do your own in post.

Another factor would be using your variably bright headlamp to briefly light some of the features. Keep in mind glowworms are sensitive to light and may dim or turn themselves off as a response to it so use this technique sparingly. I have a headlamp with several modes – all but the weakest (approximately 20 lumens) is enough to overshadow the glowworms.

It’s also really important to be able to set the focus on your lens before you start with the long exposures. If you have markings, use those. If not, try bumping up the ISO as high as it’ll go and take some test shots before ramping it up.

In Summary:

Cropped Sensor: Aperture: < f2.8 | ISO 3,200 – 6,400 | Shutter Speed: 5 – 10 minutes

Full Frame: Aperture: < f4 | ISO 3,200 – 10,000 | Shutter Speed: 3 – 5 minutes

Post Processing:

Taking the photos is only the first step. For those dealing with less-than-ideal gear, or just refusing to risk their $3,000 investment in a cold, dark cave – there are some tricks you can do to maximize your potential. The first is shooting in RAW, which will give you the most uncompressed information to work with. The second is taking multiple exposures of the same scene. You can stack these exposures in a tool like Photoshop or Lightroom for noise reduction and shadow brightening. If you don’t, noise reduction software is readily available, just pick your favourite.

Shooting in RAW also affords the ability to adjust the white balance in post. So keep an eye on that as well if you happen to be shooting JPEG deep underground.

Hopefully using these tips you’ll be able to avoid a lot my mistakes and significantly reduce the amount of time spent fixing and messing up exposures. Happy Shooting!

Have you ever tried and failed to see something so many times you started to believe you might not ever see it? If you’ve ever endured west coast weather, you know what I mean. This was our third year in attempting to hike and see the legendary Takakia Lake.

In Haida, the area is known as SGaay Taw Siiwaay K’adjuu and became protected as a Heritage Site and Conservancy after the discovery that the area was an important location for the Haida in the collection of rare and endemic plants. 

Most fly into Takakia, as it’s the only alpine lake outside of the Gwaii Haanas that’s legal to land on in Haida Gwaii. Because helicopter time is expensive, our approach was from the end of Peel inlet which required an extreme amount of logistics to organize.

Peel itself had been an old logging camp during the 1950’s, they used the area as a base camp to access much of Englefield Bay and the west coast. Being just south-west of Moresby Mountain, Haida Gwaii’s tallest peak far more rainfall than the east coast average. This leads to an enormous amount of growth but, a notoriously small weather window for hiking and boating.

The logging road from Moresby Camp (east coast) to Peel Camp (west coast) was once one of the only roads to access Haida Gwaii’s west coast. Once logging ceased in the area, the road was maintained by hunters and fishermen who now use the area recreationally. Don [lastname] took an interest in the area and assembled three cabins for his personal use, which were regularly used by locals utilizing access to the west coast. Sandspit resident Bill Reiger, a close friend of Don’s, carried on minor upkeep and use of the cabins after Don’s passing in 2014.

After visiting the cabins with dirt bikes in 2014, a plan was developed by my uncle Doug of Moresby Explorer fame to enter in 2015 and make a hiking attempt at Takakia Lake. Having never heard of the area, I did some research.

Englefield Bay is made up of 5 inlets: Security, Peel, Mitchell, Mudge and [Name Needed]. Kaisun, an ancient Haida village, is located on the northwestern corner of Englefield and has a few decaying aboriginal artifacts and areas of sunken land that used to bear longhouses. The bay is also home to seals and large kelp fields that are excellent areas for jigging and sport fishing.  The area is a recreational gold mine, why has it seldom been used?

Contrary to popular belief the east coast of Haida Gwaii is actually similar in climate to that of Mainland BC or Vancouver Island receiving an annual rainfall of about 1,300mm. The west coast is really where the islands get their reputation. The average annual rainfall on the west coast is a massive 4,370mm just south of Moresby Mountain, which is exactly where this is located.

It rains approximately two-thirds of the time on the west coast of Haida Gwaii, which was a low estimate for August 2015. Our exploratory mission to the first lake was thwarted with low clouds; we turned back to wait for a better weather window. After spending a solid week and a half there, we turned back to Sandspit after having a few adventures.

How to get there

The following year was more organized and better prepared with a trail mostly-correctly marked out with flagging tape. To start you need to get to the end of Peel Inlet from Peel Camp. The hiking is treacherous, so you either need to hitch a ride with a local boat operator or carry kayaks or canoes in with you. Once you make it the 1.5km journey to the end of the inlet, you’ll follow an old logging road from the creek roughly half a km and turn up the old growth.

The following year was more organized and better prepared with a trail mostly-correctly marked out with flagging tape. To start, you need to get to the end of Peel Inlet from Peel Camp. The hiking is treacherous, so you should either hitch a ride with a local boat operator or carry kayaks or canoes in with you. Once you make the 1.5km journey to the end of the inlet, you’ll follow an old logging road from the creek roughly half a km and turn up towards the old growth.

A GPS is a necessary component to be sure you’re heading the right way. Traveling high is advisable, as the valleys between hills are often plagued with deadfall and impassible cliffs. The old growth follows steeply up the hill before becoming swamp like and relatively flat. The altitude gained is steady until you reach the first lake. 

After roughly two hours of hiking, you’ll reach Buddha Lake. This tarn sits in the center of the valley surrounded by ridges and one incredibly steep cliff. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and a swim on a hot day. If you’re near the north end of the lake, look, but do not touch the concrete Buddha head positioned on one of the large boulder-islands.

From here our route took us up the eastern side of the lake to the ridgeline. Ascending from the tarn is tough and ‘bushwacky,’ but once you mount the ridge the hiking gets moderately easier with less brush and fallen trees.

Another half-kilometer and you’ll reach a technical section that marks the start of the alpine. The rock wall is only 8 feet and is the only real technical portion of the hike. We developed a system of shuttling packs that worked for us and made a mental note to install a rope on our next ascent.

After the technical portion, the alpine begins. The area gets steeper, but there is a more defined trail (well marked with pink & yellow ribbon) to the ridge. We moved through this area fast compared to the bushwhacking portion, but it was also more vertigo-inducing. Another 45 minutes of hiking lead us to our camp for the evening.

It’s both comforting and disheartening to see where you started the day from your campsite. On the positive side, radio communication is a breeze because you have a line of site to Peel Camp. 

There are several medium-sized mosquito habitats on top of the mountain we filtered water from. They’ve been reliably wet, but dirty. Boiling in addition to whatever filter system you have is highly recommended.

Not knowing how much further it was to Takakia from this site, we opted to turn around from this point in 2016. Plagued with blisters, unpredictable weather and less-than-perfect preparation, we descended back to the Buddha Lake. In 2018 however, we did not make the same mistake. After spending our first night at Camp 1 we made an early start moving up and along the ridge towards Takakia. The route is easy to follow and generally not very exposed. After about 1.5 hours of hiking through heavy clouds, we could finally see our goal. Now tantalizingly close, we descended the ridge to a lookout over the lake.

In true bittersweet fashion, we had failed to reach our goal of this ridge the night before and thus half our group had to turn around to be back for prior commitments. We parted ways, making radio communication with camp, and confirmed our multi-day schedule of camping down by the lake for that night and back on the ridge for the following night.

The visibility improved but the cloud ceiling did not lift as we made our descent to the lake. The ridge down was steep and grassy enough that we felt comfortable sliding with our heavy packs. A wetter day would have called for a more careful descent at a safer position on the ridge. 

Moving towards the lake was a series of plateaus that required careful positioning to descent. We followed the plateau to a small creek and from there to the lake. The Takakia area has some extraordinarily large trees for its elevation, and there was significant evidence of bears in the area. 

The area we found to camp in was a small, marshy area close to the shoreline. In a wetter season, this spot would not have been an option, but given the dry weather, we chose to risk it given its water access. We positioned the tent on a durable rocky surface surrounded by bog.

We hiked up to a tall plateau in the area for dinner to look out over the lake and appreciate our journey. 

The following day’s sunrise was fogged in, so we slept in until it started to lift at about 8:00 am. We had breakfast, spent some time swimming and started to make an ascent of the ridge to the east of the lake. The slow and steep ascent lead to some of the best views of the lake. 

From that point, we had sports weather and clear skies as we hiked the ridge to a small col before our ascent. The ascent back to the ridge was steep but fast, we were sweating enough that we couldn’t even effectively apply our sunscreen. After scaring a large amount of deer, we made it to the ridge and set up camp, realizing how little water we had brought.

Sitting on that ridge with our small sac of wine and a setting sun really helped me put into perspective just how awe-inspiring this area is. One side of the ridge sees two lakes and an inlet looking out over the west coast, and the other sees Takakia Lake and a view out over Tsau Inlet on the East Coast. So much of the access to these areas is so restricted due to its remoteness; this wouldn’t have even been possible without the access roads from Moresby Camp or the infrastructure put here by Don for locals to use. Maintenance of these areas and utilization of Leave No Trace Principles are key for its survival.

It’s was nice to see Luxury eco-tourism businesses based in the area, coexisting and working with locals and hikers in order to adequately preserve this access to the west coast for everyone. One example is “The Ocean House at Stads K’uns GawGa” based in Peel inlet.  It would not be possible without the maintenance and work everyone puts into maintaining the roads and trails.

We were lucky enough to see some of the Perseid Meteor Shower from on top of the ridge. The Moon had just set at 2:30am in the morning and you can see the glow of the Moresby Lake Dam in the distance.

The morning after was unlike anything I’d ever seen, a complete inversion of clouds made the mountains look like islands. To see what that looked like, look at one of the spherical photos taken of the area right after sunrise.

The hike down was uneventful. The bushwhacking requires some navigation but ultimately even at our slow pace it only took us 4-5 hours with extensive breaks for swimming and relaxing along the way to get back down to the inlet. 

Takakia Lake, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to and a place I would have no hesitation returning to.

The above GPS Tracks do not indicate a path. In fact I can remember a few instances in which we were lost while on this track. They do however offer approximate distances and altitudes to the northern-most portion of the ridge. From there traversing the ridge is easy and straightforward to Takakia Lake.

Anthony Island (SGang Gwaay) is the area that gets all the press for having the largest collection of Haida totem poles in their original locations. There are however a few areas less well-publicized that have Haida totem poles in their original locations. One of these locations is Cha’atl. 

Cha’atl is located on Skidegate Inlet and is only partly exposed to the Pacific Ocean. The village is easily accessible from the west coast which helped the village rise to prominence in the trading that occurred prior to 1834. The village was inhabited until the 1860s when various epidemics forced the constituents to move inland to Skidegate and Masset.

Though a large fire destroyed part of the town in 1878 there are still two well-carved Haida house frontal poles still standing. Natural, free-standing house frontal poles are rare due to their height, as they are extremely susceptible to wind and other elements. 

The pole locations are not marked but are not hard to find. The first pole is just a short walk from the steep beach on the southwest side of Chaatl Island. A small trail leads up to the pole. The shaded or southeast-facing side of the pole is covered in mosses and generally blends in with the environment. The drier, west-facing side is much more defined. 

You can see spherical locations of the photos here: West Side of the Pole | East Side of the Pole

A short walk from the pole at the village site is the Mosquito Pole. This pole is the reason why this village site is famous, and one of the few poles still standing from the 1850s. The walk is about 1km and follows flagging tape through the forest. Keep an eye out as the Mosquito Pole can blend into its surroundings.

Just like with any other Ancient Village site, please have respect for the area. The village site is massively important to the Haida culture. Please ensure you utilize Leave No Trace Principles while visiting and don’t camp at or near the village site. There are plenty of other beaches that are suitable for camping nearby. 

Haida Gwaii (previously known as ‘The Queen Charlotte Islands”) has always been something of a second home for me since I was a kid. My father grew up in the Moresby Island town of Sandspit, so visiting the islands wasn’t only a familial necessity but also significantly easier than if I had discovered the place on my own.

The Islands while currently developing themselves as a tourism destination still is one of the most expensive and hard to access parks in Canada. Incorporated after Indigenous Canadians protested the logging industry’s use of the islands in 1978; the park (Gwaii Hanas) is jointly managed by the CHN (Council of Haida Nations) and Parks Canada. In addition to the Gwaii Hanas, Haida Gwaii is also home to a number of provincial parks including the famous Yakoun Provincial Park.

The only way to gain access to the islands is either a Ferry that services both Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert or one of two airports in either Masset or Sandspit. Beyond that, you’ll either need to own a boat or book one of the many tour companies to enter the park which has a strict policy of only admitting 12 people per day.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Parks Canada has generously waived the entry and reservation fees normally associated with the park. This was the prompt for our 6-day Kayak trip to Skincuttle, an inlet in the south Gwaii Hanas.

The annual trip to Haida Gwaii for my family involved a lot of visiting with family and hanging out and tradition but generally centered around one fantastic adventure. In previous years we had done everything from ambitious multi-peak ascents and backpacking to historical/geographical site visiting. The culmination of these years of visiting, which, by no means make me an expert on the area; allows me to boast fairly incredible coverage of the islands.

This year I was there in time for the most luxurious-6-day-boating-kayak-trip of all time. Family friends and previous guides Bill and Joanne came as mentors and guides for myself and my young cousins. My uncle Doug Gould previously of Moresby Explorers fame, had organized to carry kayaks down to Skincuttle eliminating a significant portion of the work and travel time involved in exploring such an area.

Establishing a sort of base camp in and around the Swan Islands allowed myself and the other new kayakers to ease into the skills and energy requirements necessary for kayaking on the islands while remaining fairly protected and scenic.

Our small portion of the inlet was central to accessing the Bolkus Islands (one of the islands famously visited by Captain Pool on his voyage through the south in the 1800s), Burnaby Narrows (one of the most densely populated areas on the planet), and a host of other interesting things to see and visit.

Ultimately spending any time in the park is a treat, Haida Gwaii is home to some of the most magnificent flora on the planet.

Beyond kayaking, in the park, I was treated by my uncle Ian to multiple excursions to some of the more remote parts of the north island (Graham) including Rennel Sound. A strong south-easterly contributed to relatively nice weather and untypically large waves crashing off the west coast.

Every year I look forward to returning to the islands for some new adventure to be had or sight to see – I highly encourage anyone who is interested in a remote wilderness experience to search out and explore Haida Gwaii – just be sure to treat it well while you’re there.

A Love Letter to Haida Gwaii: A Cinematic Tribute to Canada’s Untouched Wilderness

If you haven’t heard of Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, let me introduce you to one of Canada’s most remote and breathtaking treasures. This chain of islands, located just north of Vancouver Island, has been a staple of my summers since I was a kid. Over the years, these islands have become more than just a vacation destination—they’re a second home. A second home deeply rooted in both natural beauty and cultural significance.

In recent years, I’ve been trying to capture the essence of Haida Gwaii through film and photography. After numerous attempts to shoot an adventure-style documentary we decided to shift gears and focus on a more cinematic approach. The result? This video—a tribute to the incredible scenery and untamed wilderness of Haida Gwaii.

Capturing the Spirit of Haida Gwaii

For me, this project isn’t just about pretty footage; it’s about sharing a place that’s shaped my summers for years. It’s a love note to the islands. Each frame in this video represents a piece of Haida Gwaii’s story—the misty forests, towering cedars, ancient totem poles, and endless ocean horizons.

The footage you’ll see was shot over several trips using a combination of a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone and a Sony A7RII 4K video camera. Our primary focus was capturing the landscapes and wildlife that define the islands, but there was something else we wanted to convey too—the raw, untouched feeling you get when you’re out there. It’s like stepping into a different world, a place where time slows down, and nature is in full control.

Challenges and Respect for the Land

One of the most exciting parts of this project was working closely with Parks Canada to ensure we were filming responsibly, especially in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, an area with immense cultural and ecological importance. Parks Canada graciously allowed us to film under strict conditions to protect the land, wildlife, and waters of the park.

One of the conditions was that our drone could only take off from water, which added an extra layer of challenge to our shoots. We also had to maintain a significant distance from wildlife, particularly sea life like whales and sea lions. These restrictions may have limited some of our shots, but they pushed us creatively to work with the environment in a respectful way, something we felt was important when filming in such a sacred place.

To meet these guidelines, we modified the drone’s camera, which allowed for some generous cropping and upscaling from 4K footage. This gave us the flexibility to capture sweeping, cinematic shots while adhering to Parks Canada’s strict guidelines, ensuring the safety of the environment and its inhabitants.

A Journey of Discovery

What makes Haida Gwaii so special, and what I hope comes across in this video, is its isolation. These islands feel almost untouched by time, with sprawling rainforests, mist-covered mountains, and ancient Haida villages that whisper stories of a people connected to the land for millennia. It’s a place where you can stand on a rocky beach and feel as though you’re the only person on earth.

This isolation is a big part of what has kept Haida Gwaii so pristine, and I believe it’s also why it has such a powerful impact on those who visit. Every trip out there feels like a new adventure, a rediscovery of a place that always offers something new. Whether it’s hiking through the dense moss-covered forests, kayaking alongside seals, or standing in awe of a towering totem pole, there’s always something magical waiting around the corner.

Looking Ahead

This video is just the beginning. After seeing what we were able to achieve with our drone and 4K camera setup, we’re already planning next year’s trip, where we’ll focus even more on the cultural aspects of Haida Gwaii, particularly the deep connection between the Haida people and their land.

I can’t wait to return to the islands and continue exploring this untouched paradise. Haida Gwaii has given me so much over the years, and this video is just a small way of giving back, sharing a glimpse of its beauty with the world.

If you’re interested in seeing the full video, check it out above, and I hope it inspires you to discover the wonders of Haida Gwaii for yourself.

Abraham Lake has always been one of the few places, easily accessible from either Edmonton or Calgary that I’ve always wanted to visit. The massive man-made lake covers some 50 km². The decaying plant matter in the lake bed releases methane bubbles year round but in the winter – gets caught under the frozen surface and freezes into the ice. This has become quite the phenomenon for photographers.

This was the inspiration for the first University of Alberta Outdoors Club (UAOC) Photographically Minded trip. The two typical semesters in Universities in Canada are Fall and Winter, which would be more accurately stated as Pre Winter and Winter. Typically, there is often a shortage of unique trips to run during the school year – especially in the Winter Semester. The Canadian Rockies Photographic Workshop is aimed at new photographers looking to learn how to use a more advanced camera system on their adventures. The workshop puts an emphasis on pairing new and advanced photographers in a blended lecture/hands-on environment.

A Blend of Education and Exploration

The participants in UAOC trips are usually university-aged individuals, eager for outdoor adventures. The Canadian Rockies in winter provide the perfect backdrop for a workshop like this—challenging but not overly demanding, with short hikes, long days, and constantly changing light that tests even seasoned photographers.

This workshop focused on creating a balance between skill-building and exploration. We paired each new photographer with a more experienced participant to provide mentorship on composition, camera settings, and outdoor photography techniques. The small-group format allowed for personalized attention while encouraging collaboration and shared learning.

You can watch one exchange student’s experience on our trip here.

The Trip Itinerary

Our adventure was based out of the Rampart Creek Hostel, an ideal spot on the Icefields Parkway. With its proximity to major attractions like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, the hostel served as the perfect launchpad for our photo excursions, offering easy access to some of the Rockies’ most iconic views with just a five-hour drive from Edmonton.

Here’s how the weekend unfolded:

Friday: Arrival and Orientation

• 17:00: Departed Edmonton (400 km, ~4-hour drive)
• 21:30: Arrived at Rampart Creek Hostel
• 22:30: Camera Controls Made Easy – a brief but essential lecture on exposure, ensuring all participants were familiar with their gear before heading into the field.
• 23:30: Lights out, ready for an early morning.

Saturday: The Main Event

• 05:45: Early wake-up call for breakfast.
• 06:30: Departed for Abraham Lake (44-minute drive).
• 07:30: Arrived at Abraham Lake, just in time for a stunning sunrise at 08:25. The frozen methane bubbles did not disappoint—each photographer had the chance to capture the unique patterns beneath the ice.
• 09:30: After shooting at Abraham, we ventured to Crescent Falls for a short, half-hour hike. This stop included a compositional lesson over a well-deserved lunch.
• 12:30: Departed for the scenic Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, two stunning locations that offered fresh opportunities to practice landscape photography.
• 17:10: The group experienced a breathtaking sunset at Peyto Lake.
• 19:00: Back at the hostel, we ventured out for a final workshop on astrophotography. The clear, cold skies provided excellent visibility of the stars, making for some incredible nighttime shots.

Sunday: Wrapping Up

• 08:00: A late start allowed everyone to catch up on rest.
• 11:00: Packed up and cleaned the hostel, preparing for departure.
• 12:00: We capped off the weekend with a visit to Siffleur Falls, one last chance to snap photos of waterfalls and enjoy the tranquility of the Rockies.
• 17:00: With cameras in hand and memory cards full, we returned to Abraham Lake for one last sunset.
• 18:00: Began the drive back to Edmonton, tired but exhilarated by the experience.
• 21:30: Arrived back in Edmonton, full of new skills, new friendships, and countless images.

A Tradition in the Making

Given the overwhelming success of this workshop, we are proud to announce that the UAOC Canadian Rockies Photographic Workshop will be an annual event! This trip is the perfect opportunity for those who love photography and outdoor adventure, with the added benefit of learning from fellow photographers in some of the most picturesque locations in the world.

If you’re interested in joining next year’s trip, feel free to reach out through our contact page, or contact the UAOC directly at outdoors@ualberta.ca.