Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of Canada's most iconic landscapes, a vivid turquoise glacier-fed lake framed by steep mountain walls and the Victoria Glacier at its far end, with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adding a classic architectural element to the scene. Position yourself along the northeastern shoreline for the most compelling compositions, using the lake's glassy surface as a foreground reflection and the glacier as your natural focal point. A wide-angle lens works well here to capture the full sweep of peaks and water, while a longer focal length lets you compress the glacier against the ridgeline. Early morning gives you the best chance of calm water for reflections and dramatically softer light before the crowds arrive; mist lifting off the lake at dawn can add real atmosphere. The lakeshore path is paved and accessible, but arrive well before sunrise in summer if you want the place to yourself. (Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada)
