Icefields Parkway Summer Engagement Session

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world and in summer, it becomes an unbeatable setting for engagement photos in the Canadian Rockies. Stretching between Banff and Jasper National Parks, this iconic highway is lined with turquoise lakes, hanging glaciers, and wide-open alpine views that feel remote yet surprisingly accessible.

A summer engagement session along the Icefields Parkway is perfect for couples who want variety without long hikes or complicated logistics. In a single session, you can experience sunrise light, dramatic mountain backdrops, and some of the most recognizable landscapes in the Rockies, all while keeping the experience relaxed and fun.

This engagement session focused on two standout locations along the parkway; Bow Lake at sunrise and Peyto Lake later in the morning, capturing very different moods within the same day.

Bow Lake Sunrise Couples Photos

Bow Lake at sunrise is quiet, calm, and deeply atmospheric. Early mornings here often bring glassy reflections, soft light and a sense of stillness that’s hard to find later in the day. For couples, this creates a private, almost cinematic experience, especially during peak summer when crowds arrive later. We started the session just as the first light touched Crowfoot Peak giving the rock that beautiful golden hue. We spent some time exploring the lake shore, keeping things light hearted and relaxed for these two adventure buddies. They had planned ahead for an outfit change so they could add some variety to their photos at Bow and Peyto Lakes respectively so with our first location done, it was time to depart for Peyto.

Summer Engagement at Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake must now be one of the most iconic viewpoints in Banff National Park. In summer, Peyto Lake’s vibrant turquoise color is at its peak, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding rock and forest. While Peyto Lake is a popular stop, thoughtful timing and positioning allow for engagement photos that still feel natural and personal. We focused on movement, interaction, and wider compositions that emphasized the scale of the landscape while keeping the couple at the center of the story. Summer is an especially rewarding time for engagement photos at Peyto Lake as the viewpoint is easily accessible, and the lake’s color is at its most vivid making it a favorite for couples planning destination engagements or mountain weddings in the Rockies.

Planning an Icefields Parkway Engagement Session

For couples considering an engagement session along the Icefields Parkway, summer offers long daylight hours, reliable access, and incredible location variety. Sunrise starts help avoid crowds and create a more intentional experience, while flexible timelines allow us to move with the light and weather. With that said, these locations are continually increasing in popularity for weddings and elopements and it is quite common to expect to share these views with other couples celebrating. We always strive to be honest with couples and so if privacy is at the top of your list, there are so many other locations we could show you that would blow your minds!

As Canmore-based engagement and wedding photographers, we help couples choose the right locations, timing, and flow so their session feels effortless and true to who they are. If you’re planning an engagement session in Banff, Lake Louise, or along the Icefields Parkway, we’re always happy to help you plan something meaningful and unforgettable.

Kahli & Leo

Wild Alpine Image Co.