Chephren Lake
Chephren Lake is a remote alpine lake in Banff National Park, backed by the dramatic faces of Mount Chephren and Howse Peak, with turquoise glacial water that shifts in color throughout the day. The classic composition puts you at the shoreline with the peaks reflected in the still water, and the best reflections come in the early morning before any wind picks up. A wide angle lens works well here to capture both the lake surface and the towering walls above, though a mid-range zoom lets you isolate the peaks for tighter mountain portraits. The hike in is roughly 8 kilometers round trip from the Waterfowl Lakes Campground parking area off the Icefields Parkway, with moderate elevation gain and a well-marked trail. Arrive early not only for calm water but also to beat other hikers who can crowd the shoreline later in the day. (Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada)
