Vancouver in July...

Killerbob

I am visting Vancouver in July, and was hoping to hit a few spots particularly suited to photography:) We will stay in Vancouver for a few days, and then drive to Lake Louise and back. Staying at B&Bs along the way... So, suggestions for photogenic stops?

PB_PM

There are way too many spots around Vancouver, and along the way to Lake Louise, to hit in such a short time, where to begin?

In and directly around Vancouver itself, Stanley Park and the seawall are a good place to start. Queen Elisabeth Park is another well known spot. The Vancouver Public Library is known for it's architecture. False Creek, near and around Science World, among other spots in the area. Lynn Canyon or Capilano Suspension Bridge. Lighthouse Park is also a nice spot.

Photobug

@killerbob - follow PB_PM suggestions. If you were staying longer, you need to spend a day on Victoria Island. Lots to see and my favorite place is Butchart Gardens. It's a long boat ride (~2 hrs) to the island so going over on one day and returning the same day makes fora 16 hour day. We did that and I don't recommend it.

We spent 2 hours at Butchart Gardens and that was not near long enough. We rushed and had to skip lots of spots. Ideally you want to go to the island and shoot for a day, especially the harbor, and mansions. Spend half a day at Butchart Gardens and then return to Vancouver. You will need lots of memory cards and a macro lens and a widen angle lens for the gardens. Google Butchart Gardens...they are absolutely beautiful.

WestEndFoto

Photobug's suggestion has merit. The ferry ride to Vancouver Island is nice and Butchart Gardens is nice.

Killerbob

When I say a few days, we are actually thinking staying in Vancouver for 4-5 days, then take 2 days to drive to Lake Louise. Stay there a few days, before driving back to Vancouver. All-in-all a 17 day stay in Canada:)

There should be enough buffer time to spend time on Vancouver Island as well.

Photobug

You will absolutely love Vancouver Island. There is a grand hotel on the island, great for photography and lots of places to stay. Don't forget to get pictures of the totem poles, too.

PB_PM

Photobug's suggestion has merit. The ferry ride to Vancouver Island is nice and Butchart Gardens is nice.

Indeed, a trip to Vancouver Island is a very rewarding visit unto itself. I was there for a week a few years ago on a camping trip, mostly on the south west coast, and just scratched the surface.

Let us know when you'll be in town, maybe we can have a met up somewhere for a shoot.

Paperman

Be sure to spare at least 2-3 evenings for some night shots/city scapes - if you are into that kind of photography, of course. Vancouver is a great city to shoot after dusk; too bad you can cover only one spot at each blue hour :-). Just remind us again when time nears and we can come up with tons of suggestions.

KnockKnock

Try to fit in an afternoon at Granville Island. Nice public market / art community.

Msmoto

Take the steam train to Squamish... and get a few cups of coffee from that great coffee shop in the area.... ~O)

Photobug

There is also a scenic train ride from Vancouver to Seattle. Be careful, not all trains run the scenic along the coast. Reasonable cost too.

Killerbob

Take the steam train to Squamish... and get a few cups of coffee from that great coffee shop in the area.... ~O)

I think that was discontinued. I looked for it, and at least one of the steam trains is now still standing:(

kanuck

You are in for a treat Bob it's a beautiful place to be come July. Based on your itinerary, I would try to shoot some views of the skyscrapers from one of the bridges downtown such as Grandville or Mainstreet. Gastown is pretty interesting too although it tends to be pretty touristy. It is about 350 miles or 550 kms to Lake Louise so around 6-8 hours of driving. I would try to concentrate on the downtown region before heading out to the Provincial Park. I have made the trip 3 times personally, the views are magical