April 8, 2025
Planning on proposing soon? Continue reading where I share some tips & tricks, locations, and more to plan your perfect proposal in Banff.
Visiting the mountains for your first time? Or maybe you’re a local and can’t wait to get back out to the mountains! Maybe the mountains is where you fell in love with the person you’re about to make your forever. Whichever it is, Banff National park is the perfect place to pop the big question. I’ve been a local Banff proposal photographer for many years now and I strive to help couples make it their dream engagement. I can confidently say, that yes, Banff never disappoints.
Whether you’re wanting a quiet sunrise moment by Lake Louise or Vermilion lakes, or an adventurous mountaintop or private helicopter “yes”, I’ll help guide you through the entire thing.
Best Locations to Propose in Banff National Park
There are so many locations to choose from, I’ll name a few of my favorites here:
Lake Louise: I won’t sugar coat it for you. Lake Louise these days is getting busier and busier. That doesn’t mean it’s not still just as beautiful though. There are quite a few different locations here within walking distance where we can get the perfect backdrop for you and your loved one.
- If you walk along the lake to the right of the hotel, you’ll get to some “look-out” spots that has a gorgeous view of Fairview mountain in the background.
- Want the infamous Victoria Glacier in the background? No problem. All you have to do is walk right in front of the lake by the steps that are right in front of the hotel. This is a very popular spot, and I can’t guarantee that it’ll be people free. But I’ll definitely do all that I can to “shoo” people away so you two can have your moment! Just be warned, you will get cheering!
- If it’s in the winter, then I always suggest proposing right on the lake! 99% of the time, it’s easy to find a space that’s quiet and of course gorgeous views from every angle.
Moraine Lake: I’ll start with saying that Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle bus now – unless you want to hike each 14km way! The road is not cleared in the winter months and has high avalanche risk if you do decide to cross country ski there in the winter. I will not be available for proposals here in the winter for those reasons haha. The shuttle to Moraine Lake is open from June 1 to sometime mid-October; depending on whether. The spot that I love here for your surprise proposal is a little hike up the rock pile where you’ll get stunning views of the Ten Peaks. Want something a little more private? If you walk along the lake there are a few gaps in the trees where we can capture your perfect moment.
Vermilion Lakes: Peaceful, low-key, and beautiful. I feel like I’m repeating myself! I mean, you can’t really go wrong with any of these places honestly! Anyways, Vermilion Lakes is just outside the Town of Banff and I feel like not a lot of people visit there. You’ve got Mount Rundle in the background with a large lake surrounded by trees. Add in a dock for that extra cozy feeling, and you’ve got another amazing place to choose from.
Lake Minnewanka: Lake Minnewanka is just on the other side of the highway from the Town of Banff. Here they offer lake cruises as well in the summer! You could propose, go on a lake cruise, and then finish the evening with a lovely dinner in Banff – if you like pizza, then I HIGHLY suggest the Bear Street Tavern! Lake Minnewanka is another massive lake nestled by forests and gorgeous views of the mountains. On the drive there, you can sometimes spot some goats on the road! Or stop by one of the other lakes such as Johnston lake or Two-Jack.
Town of Banff: Maybe the two of you are staying the Banff and want to go for a walk by the river before or after dinner (I’d suggest after dinner in the summer so we can get those sunset photos!) I have some great spots that I love to use. It’s not a far walk from town, but you get to get away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown, and get some photos with the Bow River and Banff’s iconic Cascade Mountain in the background.
Hiking Proposal: Want something a little more adventurous? Hike to the top of Big Beehive in Lake Louise, or even the top of Sulphur mountain in Banff. Thinking of another hike? We can make it happen! Bring a picnic for the two of you for the top and once everything is set out, get on that knee and I’ll be there to capture it!
Private Helicopter: This is something I have been dreaming of capturing for years now. Get on a private helicopter ride, just you two, the pilot, and myself. The “reason” why I’m there is to take some landscape shots for a business – or any other excuse. You stop at a remote location, get out of the helicopter, ask me to take a photo of the two of you, I’ll make sure the background is nothing short of perfect, and pop the question. From there we’ll have 20 minutes to continue with an engagement shoot in an area literally all to yourself. A private helicopter proposal in Canmore, does this not sound amazing?!
Timing is Everything
For the least amount of crowds, most anytime in the winter is a safe bet. I know most people are visiting Banff & Lake Louise over the summer though, so let’s talk about that!
For the best lighting and the fewest crowds, either sunrise or sunset are the best. Sunrise are great for those early birds as sunrise is at 5:30 am – if you look on any sunrise planning website, there’s actually no “night” in the month of June! Sunset is around 10:00pm, which gives you lots of time to enjoy a nice dinner beforehand.
Depending on when you’re visiting, I’ll always help pick the perfect time for you. Whether you have plans and want to work around those, or maybe you aren’t an early bird but want to propose in the morning – I’ll help you choose a location & time that is close to you so you don’t have to do much traveling.
Need Help Planning? I’ve Got You
Planning from another province? Country? Not a problem. When you book with me, you can e-mail or text whenever you want. I’ll ask you questions to get a gauge on what you want your Banff Proposal to look like and we’ll go from there. From restaurant recommendations, private locations, lighting, and maybe some other local activities, I’ll help you plan the perfect timeline.
How the Surprise Proposal works
We’ve planned everything and we’ve got the timeline set. The big day is here and you’re about to propose to the love of your life in the beauty that is Banff or Lake Louise. I have a couple of different ways that we can go about capturing that perfect down on one knee photo;
- We spot each other at the spot I tell you in advance of where I’ll be (I always send a maps photo with a pin and coordinates!) You casually walk up to me – a stranger – and ask if I can take a photo of the two of you with your phone. Nothing suspicious as I’m just “a tourist taking photos with my camera”. I of course say sure, I’ll get one of you guys looking at me, and then I’ll say “let’s get one of you two looking at each other!” You two look at each other, I switch to using my camera, and BAM! Perfect time to pop the question! You guys can embrace each other, love, kiss, cry, laugh, whatever you need to do, and I’ll be there to capture all the memories. I introduce myself, we laugh about how you already knew me, and we get on with a beautiful engagement session.
- We’ll still spot each other to make sure we’re on the same page and that you know I’m there before popping the question. Difference is that this time, you don’t come up to me. I’m just someone walking around taking photos of the landscape. Once we spot each other at again, a spot I tell you in advance to go to, I’ll be secretly keeping my eyes on you and capture your moment. Again, enjoy each others company right after, take your time, and then I’ll introduce myself and we’ll start with the engagement session!
Let’s Propose in Banff!
Ready to get planning your proposal in Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, or Canmore? Let’s do it! I’ll help you create the perfect moment and be there to capture it. From logistics, to location, and helping bring a little bit of your relationship into the photo, I’ll be there all the way!
Inquire here today to get started! I can’t wait to hear from you and capture this milestone in both your lives!
