Schoen Lake

Schoen Lake is a remote wilderness lake set inside Schoen Lake Provincial Park on northern Vancouver Island, ringed by old-growth forest and backed by the rugged peaks of the Vancouver Island Ranges. The combination of glassy water, ancient Douglas fir and cedar, and dramatic mountain terrain makes it a compelling subject at almost any time of day. Reflections are the main draw here; position yourself low near the shoreline in calm morning conditions for the clearest mirror shots with the mountains framing the background. A wide angle lens works well for capturing the full sweep of forest and peaks, while a telephoto lets you compress the distant ridgelines against the tree line. Dawn is ideal when mist lifts off the water and light is soft, and the lack of crowds means you can take your time. Access requires a gravel logging road drive, so check road conditions before heading out. (Schoen Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada)