Jasper National Park
June 2023
Visiting Jasper National Park in the spring offers a unique and rewarding experience for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The park is quiet, the weather is improving, and the hibernating animals waking up make it an ideal time to explore this national park.
One of the main highlights of visiting Jasper in the spring is the increased chance of encountering bears. In May and June, bears emerge from their winter slumber and start foraging for food. As they search for an easy meal, they are often spotted on the sides of roads, eating grass. This provides an incredible opportunity for wildlife photographers to capture images without spending large amounts of time searching for animals.
My own experience in Jasper during the spring was nothing short of extraordinary. The quietness of the park during this time allowed me to immerse myself fully in the natural surroundings and observe wildlife without disruptions. Within minutes of arriving, I spotted a black bear grazing on the roadside, setting the tone for an eventful and fulfilling week ahead.
Throughout my trip, I was fortunate to witness a wide variety of wildlife. From the stunning cinnamon-colored black bear; to Bighorn Sheep; foxes; a moose; ground squirrels; and, of course, elk. The park was teeming with life. This abundance of wildlife offered numerous opportunities for photography, allowing me to experiment with different shutter speeds and compositions.
One of my primary goals was to photograph a Grizzly Bear, but despite not achieving this specific objective, the abundance of other encounters compensated for it. The sheer number of opportunities allowed me to take creative risks with my shots, as I knew there would be more chances to capture great images. Mistakes were less burdensome, and I was able to learn from them in real-time during extended encounters.
Moreover, the quiet roads and fewer tourists in the spring allowed me to move around more freely, seeking better angles and optimal lighting for my photographs. This freedom of movement and lack of disturbance resulted in more authentic and natural shots of the wildlife.
In contrast, visiting Jasper in the middle of summer can be challenging for wildlife photographers. The increased number of tourists can create congestion on the roads and hinder the ability to have intimate encounters with animals. With less snow, more animals go to the alpine for food, leaving fewer animals in the valley. The bustling town can make it harder to find tranquility and truly connect with nature.
Jasper National Park in the spring is a paradise for wildlife photographers, offering a unique and immersive experience with nature's inhabitants. The abundance of wildlife sightings, coupled with the quietness of the park, grants ample opportunities for creative and breathtaking photographs. If you seek a more tranquil and authentic encounter with nature, then springtime visit to Jasper is the perfect choice.