Sunset over Cape Norman on the Great Northern Peninsula. Cape Norman is the northernmost point of insular Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Canada #80455

Photographing The Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Photographing The Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Cape Norman Newfoundland #80455 Purchase

A trip to Newfoundland can be considered getting away from it all. But photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador is getting away from it all on an entirely different level. To begin with, the drive from St John’s to L’Anse aux Meadows is an 11-hour 1067 km (663 miles) trip. If continuing to Labrador, add another hour for the ferry ride across the Strait of Belle Isle.

For landscape and nature photographers, photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador is an opportunity to get far off the beaten path and photograph some unique subject matter. And you won’t be competing with crowds of tourists vying for the best selfies! You will be nearly alone while photographing some of the rawest natural beauty in Atlantic Canada.

This post will detail a few locations from my first visit to the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador. However, there are many more places to explore than described here.

Strait of Belle Isle sea ice #80328 Purchase

The Great Northern Peninsula

Like an elongated thumb, the Great Northern Peninsula juts northward from western Newfoundland. The predominant feature on the peninsula is the Long Range Mountains. This range is considered the geologic northern extremity of the Appalachian Mountains. Gros Morne National Park encompasses some of the most rugged parts of the Long Range Mountains. On my trip, it was too early in the season to visit this park. So, unfortunately, I do not have any images or info from the park to share here.

Further north, the Long Range dwindles to low hills sprinkled with numerous lakes and marshes. Here, the boreal forest gives way to a somewhat sub-arctic environment. And, like most other coastal areas in Newfoundland, there are many small fishing villages. The largest town and hub of the area is St. Anthony. Most amenities can be found here, along with iceberg and whale watching tour companies.

Cape Norman Newfoundland #80388 Purchase

Cape Norman

One of my trip goals was to photograph the most northerly point of Newfoundland. Maps showed that this would be Cape Norman, and fortunately, there was also some interesting subject matter there.

Cape Norman is a barren headland of limestone cliffs and wild karst formations. The entire area resembles locations much further north in the Canadian Arctic. Situated on top of the cliffs is the Cape Norman Lighthouse. The lighthouse is mildly interesting but not as photogenic as other lighthouses in Newfoundland.

Cape Norman Newfoundland #80414 Purchase

Cape Norman Newfoundland #80436 Purchase

The best subject matter at Cape Norman is the cliffs and wave-eroded slabs of rock along the surf edge. Ample compositions can be found both on the top of the headland and at the water’s edge. But if your time is limited, the surf slabs would be the better option. And, like other areas in Newfoundland, an early-season visit has the added attraction of icebergs and sea ice.

There are plenty of places for random camping around Cape Norman, so you could easily spend a few days here exploring and photographing in different lighting conditions. However, be ready to stay in windy and exposed conditions. The nearest town is St. Anthony, about an hour’s drive away, so stock up on supplies and gas.

L’Anse aux Meadows Newfoundland #80513 Purchase

L’Anse aux Meadows

Possibly, the main attraction on the Great Northern Peninsula is L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Here are the remains and a reconstruction of an 11th-century Viking settlement, evidence of the first European presence in North America. After getting this far north in Newfoundland, it would be a shame to miss out on such an important historical attraction.

L’Anse aux Meadows Newfoundland #80533 Purchase

L’Anse aux Meadows Newfoundland #80526 Purchase

While the site is more of an educational stop, photographers can make some decent images here if the lighting is right. It’s also best to visit in late spring or summer when the surroundings green up. On my visit, everything was still winter brown. Also, like most everything else in Newfoundland, the informative visitor’s center doesn’t open until June 1. But you can still freely roam around the area and explore the fascinating reconstructed Viking village.

Arches Provincial Park Newfoundland #80550 Purchase

Arches Provincial Park

Further south on the Great Northern Peninsula, along the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast, is Arches Provincial Park. But don’t drive all the way here expecting to see something akin to the famous Arches National Park in Utah.

This tiny park is more like a wayside stop to one small but interesting arch formation on the beach. It’s worth stopping on the way to other destinations, but photographers will need some dynamic light and surf conditions to create good images.

Labrador

For those who have traveled to the top of the Great Northern Peninsula and have time available, a trip to Labrador is a must. Labrador, or The Big Land, is a raw and wild land rich in history and culture. However, precious little of it is accessible by car. Only the extreme southeastern part of its coast has paved roads. The rest of the coast and its few settlements are accessible by boat, plane, or ferry, and only in the summer months.

Labrador Coast #80219 Purchase

The most dramatic landscapes in Labrador are in Torngat National Park, way up on the northern tip of the province. Although to tour and photograph this park, you will need a fat bank account and a serious sense of adventure.

Battle Harbour is about at the limit north for the average traveler and photographer. This historic island village is accessible by ferry, and accommodations must be booked in advance. And, again, early-season visitors will be out of luck, as their operating season begins in June. That leaves a short drive from the Ferry terminal at Blanc-Sablon north to Red Bay.

Point Amour Lighthouse Labrador #80291 Purchase

Point Amour Lighthouse and Coastal Drive

The Point Amour Lighthouse is perhaps the main attraction on this short coastal drive. It’s one of the more photogenic lighthouses in Newfoundland and has plenty of history.

On my early season visit, I was treated to more icebergs and sea ice to accentuate the compositions. But, again, the surrounding landscape was still winter brown.

Point Amour Lighthouse Labrador #80238 Purchase

Point Amour Lighthouse Labrador #80274 Purchase

North of L’Anse Amour, the road veers inland along the Pinware River. A scenic viewpoint about halfway to Red Bay is worth a brief stop. The view looks west past the Pinware River to the forbidding interior wilderness of Labrador. I imagined that this is what the landscape would look like in an unbroken wilderness as far as Hudson’s Bay, a few thousand kilometers distant.

Pinware River View Labrador #80234 Purchase

To get a better sense of the mystique of Labrador, which grips me to this day, I highly recommend reading these books.
The Lure of the Labrador Wild; Dillon Wallace 1905
Where the Falcon Flys; Adam Shoalts 2023

Strait of Belle Isle Iceberg #80294 Purchase

Essential Tips:

Coastal photography on the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador greatly benefits from the presence of icebergs and sea or pack ice.
Be prepared to be self-reliant, especially in the early season. Groceries and gas stations may be far apart.
Iceberg and whale viewing tours are available in the town of St. Anthony.
Coastal areas on the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador can be very windy and raw. Dress appropriately and use extreme caution near the cliffs.
Vegetation may not green up until mid-June.
The St. Barbe-Blanc Sablon ferry requires reservations. Early in the season, ferry crossings can be delayed or canceled due to concentrations of heavy sea ice. Click the image below to watch a short video of the crossing!

Video: Sea ice in the Strait of Belle Isle #80203

Tips for Photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Creative Tips:

Allow enough time: One of the most important considerations when planning a photography trip to any location is time. Good photography rarely results from a hurried schedule. Chasing light is stressful, stay in one place and let the light come to you!

For your most important subject matter and locations, always try to stay at least two days. This will give you time for scouting, and also be present for several changes in lighting conditions.

Scouting: Scouting is an essential technique for better photography. Always scout out the best locations in advance by spending the day thoroughly exploring the area. Make notes of the best spots and how long it will take to reach them in the morning and evening golden hours.

Practical Tips:

When to go: Late spring through fall are all great times. However, May through early July are the best months for iceberg viewing.

Seasonal Closures: After the weather, my next introduction to Newfoundland was seasonal closures. The official summer/tourist season doesn’t begin here until June 1.

Nearly every provincial park, historic site, visitor’s center, campground, restroom, gift shop, etc., is shut tight until then. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are far and few between. On the other hand, all of this guarantees that you’ll escape the summer crowds and have most places all to yourself!

Lodging: I nearly always car camp on my photo tours, so I can’t say much about lodging. However, there are only a few large towns/cities in the province, so you’ll most likely be looking for lodging in small towns with limited accommodations. Book very early!

Camping: I didn’t find many campgrounds anywhere, aside from provincial and national parks, which were closed. However, free camping is available just about anywhere that isn’t private property. This mainly consists of gravel roads on Crown Land and trailheads.

Driving: Roads are generally very good. But I found that even main roads can be rough in some areas.

Rest Areas: There are none! I have to include this since it was such a shock to me. Even driving from St. John’s on the Trans-Canada Highway to the other end of the province there were no rest areas or port-a-potty’s. Secondary and backroads? Forget about it! Keep that in mind when starting in the morning after drinking a big mug of coffee, or that breakfast burrito!

Strait of Belle Isle sea ice #80320b Purchase

To see more of the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador, check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2

Now available: Newfoundland Sea, Sky Land, Ice Fine Art Folio

Other posts in this series:
Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/Cape Spear
Photographing Bonavista Peninsula Newfoundland
Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

Strait of Belle Isle Iceberg #80301 Purchase

Learn about how to protect the places we love to photograph
Visit the Nature First Website

All photos appearing in Photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

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January 14, 2025January 18, 2025

Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

Fogo Island sunset #80143 Purchase

This post is the third of five posts about photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador
Twillingate and Fogo Island are undoubtedly the focal points for many visitors to Canada’s Atlantic Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. These two destinations in north-central Newfoundland embody everything that attracts people to Newfoundland. In addition to picturesque authentic towns, rugged coastlines, whales, and icebergs. they have an “away from everything” look and feel to them. For photographers, Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland is a dream come true.

Twillingate Newfoundland #79861 Purchase

Twillingate

If you could choose only one destination to photograph in Newfoundland, I think Twillingate would be it. There is enough subject matter here to last a photographer an entire season! In spring and early summer, there are icebergs. In summer there is whale watching. And, of course, throughout the year there are beautiful coastal views and colorful fishing villages. I recommend at least three days to explore and photograph this very special area.

The town of Twillingate is about a five-hour drive from St. John’s. So plan accordingly if you’re flight arrives in St. John’s later in the day. After settling in it’s time to do some location scouting!

The area is divided into North and South Twillingate Islands. Prime locations on both islands are a short distance apart. So it’s possible to photograph both islands on the same day. During my first visit, I was able to photograph only the more well-known locations, several of which I describe here.

Tabular Iceberg off North Twillingate Island #79749 Purchase

Long Point Lighthouse North Twillingate Island #79844 Purchase

North Twillingate Island

First, take the short drive from town up to the Long Point Lighthouse on North Twillingate Island. The view from the lighthouse is spectacular and will allow you to see if there are any icebergs or pack ice in the vicinity. The lighthouse itself and the keeper’s house are very scenic. But, unfortunately, it’s difficult to take decent photos of it. However, this is a great spot to photograph the open Atlantic in dramatic light, especially if there is sea ice or bergs around.

Sea Ice in Sleepy Cove Newfoundland #80042 Purchase

The next stop is nearby Crow Head and Sleepy Cove. This is a very scenic cove with hiking trails that take you to more views and other rocky coves. I highly recommend scouting the area and photographing here during the golden hours.

There are more hiking trails all along the north edge of North Twillingate. A quick look at a map or satellite picture of the area will reveal lots of secret coves to explore.

Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80029 Purchase

South Twillingate Island

This island is by far the bigger of the two Twillingate islands. Some of the best areas for photography are along its northern headlands and coves. Arguably the most scenic is Spiller’s Cove. Not to be confused with Spillars Cove on the Bonavista Peninsula. Although both spellings are interchangeable, adding to the confusion. The drive to Spillars Cove from the town of Twillingate is also very scenic in itself, as you pass by numerous colorful fishing stages and homes.

Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #79938b Purchase

Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80009 Purchase

Rockcut Twillingate Trails has created numerous well-maintained trails to the most scenic spots in this area, including Spillars Cove. I highly recommend thoroughly scouting out the entire length of the Spillers Cove trail in advance. There are numerous sea stacks and changing views which offer plenty of spectacular photo opportunities.

Tour boat off Long Point Newfoundland #79840 Purchase

Iceberg and Whale Watching Tours

The chance to see and photograph icebergs or whales up close is a rare and thrilling experience. Outside of incredibly expensive trips to the Arctic or Antarctica, there aren’t many opportunities. Newfoundland brings iceberg viewing within reach to the average traveler.

Tabular Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79805 Purchase

Throughout Newfoundland, there are many choices for iceberg and whale watching tours. During my visit to Twillingate, I chose Iceberg Quest. My tour was very enjoyable, and I came back with many new iceberg images. The tour operators went out of their way to make sure everyone had plenty of photo ops.

Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79810 Purchase

Tips for Photographing on Iceberg Tours:

First, make sure to check and see if there are any decent bergs in the area. Always check Iceberg Finder for daily updates on where the icebergs are.
Tour operators generally take you to bergs close to shore. On my visit, there were a couple of impressive icebergs further out near the pack ice. They were too far and we didn’t get to photograph them.
If you go too early in the season, tour companies may not be operating. Although I was in Twillingate in mid-May, the harbor became ice-free only a few days earlier. So, my tour was one of the first of the season.
Dress warmly! Once you get out on the water it can get very chilly.
Wear a camera strap. Passengers are always hustling about on the deck to get a good photo. It’s very easy to get bumped and lose your camera overboard.
Always use vibration reduction on your lens. Tripods are not practical on the boat.

Lighthouse Island Newfoundland #80152 Purchase

Fogo Island

Fogo Island is one of the premier destinations in Newfoundland. It is a wild and windswept island with an almost sub-arctic look and feel of more northerly locations in Labrador. Fogo is home to numerous artists’ studios and a distinctive world-class hotel. This small island also has numerous coastal hiking trails, colorful villages, fishing stages, and cultural attractions. Iceberg and whale-watching tours are also available on Fogo.

Fishing Stage Fogo Island #80095 Purchase

Tower Studio Fogo Island #80095 Purchase

Fogo Island is also about a five-hour drive from St. John’s. But, in addition, it also has a 45-minute ferry crossing which requires reservations. Accommodations are numerous, from camping to luxury rooms. Most essentials can be found in the towns of Fogo and Joe Batt’s arm.

Lion’s Den Trail Fogo Island #80141 Purchase

For landscape and nature photographers, the best opportunities are along the north coast trails, notably the Lion’s Den, Fogo Head, and Joe Batt’s Point trails. However, other great subjects on Fogo for photographers are several modernist-style art studios and the Fogo Inn.

Town of Fogo Newfoundland #80194 Purchase

Essential Tips:

Coastal photography on Twillingate and Fogo Island greatly benefits from the presence of icebergs and sea or pack ice.
Both Twillingate and Fogo Island are great areas to photograph long-exposure seascapes. Bring Big and or Little Stopper Neutral Density Filters, or their equivalent.
Iceberg and whale viewing tours are available in the town of Twillingate.
Like most of coastal Newfoundland, the cliffs and headlands here can be very windy. Dress appropriately and use extreme caution near the cliffs.
The town of Twillingate has plenty of lodging, restaurants, groceries, and other amenities available.
The Fogo Island ferry requires reservations. It’s a long drive to the landing, so allow plenty of time to get there.

Iceberg Twillingate Newfoundland #79884 Purchase

Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

Creative Tips:

For your most important subject matter and locations, always try to stay at least two days. This will give you time for scouting and also be present for several changes in lighting conditions.

Scouting: Scouting is an essential technique for better photography. Always scout out the best locations in advance by spending the day hiking as many trails as possible. Always make notes of the best spots and how long it will take to reach them in the morning and evening golden hours.

Practical Tips:

When to go: Late spring through fall are all great times. However, May through early July are the best months for iceberg viewing.

Seasonal Closures: After the weather, my next introduction to Newfoundland was seasonal closures. The official summer/tourist season doesn’t begin here until June 1.

Driving: Roads are generally very good. But I found that in some areas even main roads can be a bit rough.

Spiller’s Cove South Twillingate Island Newfoundland #80029 Purchase

To see more images check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2

Now available: Newfoundland Sea, Sky Land, Ice Fine Art Folio

Other posts in this series:
Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/Cape Spear
Photographing Bonavista Peninsula Newfoundland
Photographing The Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Learn about how to protect the places we love to photograph
Visit the Nature First Website

All photos appearing in Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

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June 23, 2024January 21, 2025

Yukon Territory Photography

Yukon Territory Photography
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15494 Purchase

Canada’s Yukon Territory offers photographers subject matter in an environment that is unique and challenging. The Yukon is a dream location, encompassing some of the highest mountains in North America and endless expanses of Arctic tundra. It also has the only road in North America which can be driven directly to the Arctic Ocean. Wildlife photographers can also photograph a variety of species, including grizzlies, Dall sheep, herds of caribou, and even polar bears.

Any Yukon Territory photography trip requires planning. It’s a big area with only one major city, and few roads, many of which are unpaved. And, of course, the further north you travel, the wilder things get. Small towns on maps may be nothing more than a gas station and general store offering only basic supplies. And like Alaska, some locations may be accessible only by air taxis.

Landscape and nature Photographers generally won’t need any special skills or equipment different from other locations. However certain locations, such as the northern reaches offer subject matter that is unusual and ripe for creative interpretations.

Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15327 Purchase

When to go

You can travel to many locations in The Yukon throughout the year. However, summer is the most practical for most photographers. But being this far north summer is a fairly short season, with autumn conditions appearing in mid-August.

Summer:
Summer offers very long days and the appearance of the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle. Warm temperatures and weather patterns are more reliable. Destinations are wide open as all parks and services are open for business.

June and July are also the times when flying insects are most prevalent. These include mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, no-seem-ums, and devilish bulldog flies, also known as deer flies and horse flies. Depending on your tolerance this can be a major factor in planning your trip. I have a low tolerance, so these months are a definite no-go for me. Bugs are at their worst in the northern half of the territory where endless expanses of marshy tundra provide ideal breeding grounds for the various tormentors. Although, most of the bugs begin to disappear by early August.

Tundra in fall color, Yukon Territory #15258 Purchase

Fall:

For me, this is the best time of the year for photographing in The Yukon. Fall colors begin to appear in the far north in mid to late August and can last into early October in the southern reaches. By the second half of August, most of the bugs are gone for the year. This season also marks the beginning of unpredictable shifts in weather patterns. One day can be sunny and warm, and the next day can be freezing with snow.

By late August the tundra is ablaze with fall color. Some of the most breathtaking landscape photography is in Tombstone Territorial Park and north to the Arctic Ocean. North of the Ogilvie Mountains is an endless sea of low mountains and rolling hills carpeted in brilliant yellow, orange, and reds.

Late August and early September can also mark the reappearance of northern lights. Combined with fall colors the northern lights offer amazing photography subject matter!

Winter:

This of course is the most challenging season in The Yukon. Very long nights, wickedly cold temperatures, and few open services mark this season. Most main roads are still open for travel but conditions can be dicey, at best. Photographing the northern lights in The Yukon in winter can yield spectacular results. However, for safety reasons, you must take your preparations to another level.

Spring:

This season may be the best time to photograph the northern lights. The surroundings still have a wintery appearance, but the days are longer and temperatures are more reasonable. Road travel is safer and services begin to open.

Yukon Territory Photography Locations

Slims River Valley, Kluane National Park #13552 Purchase

Kluane National Park

This large national park in Yukon’s southwest corner is home to some of the largest and most spectacular mountains and glaciers in North America. Kluane is part of the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, a Unesco World Heritage site, all of which compose a massive expanse of mountains and ice.

Kluane National Park has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery a photographer can imagine. However, for the average visitor access to it is limited to several trails on its eastern perimeter. But, flight-seeing tours are available which will take you over the glaciers. Below are a few of the best locations accessible to photographers on foot.

Kathleen Lake, from the summit of King’s Throne, Kluane National Park #13475 Purchase

Kathleen Lake/Kings Throne:

This location is just south of Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway. Kathleen Lake is a large and beautiful lake that is a gateway to the park’s interior. Trails along its shores offer good photo opportunities, but the best photos are from the King’s Throne.

The trail to King’s Throne can be split into two parts. The first part is a relatively easy climb to the bench of the Throne, from here there are lovely views down and across Kathleen Lake. For photographers, the second part is the more desirable destination. The trail continues up from the bench and quickly turns into a rough and strenuous route. Views from the summit include Kathleen Lake far below, in addition, there are wonderful panoramas of the rugged glaciers and mountains of the interior of the park.

The summit of King’s Throne is one of the best destinations in the park. But keep in mind this is a difficult and strenuous hike.

Slims River Valley seen from Sheep Mountain, Kluane National Park #13553 Purchase

Ä’äy Chù (Slim’s River) West/ Discovery Mountain:

This awesome destination is a 2-4 day backpack that takes you to the edge of the interior glaciers and mountains. For photographers, however, I would recommend 3-6 days. Parks Canada rates this a difficult trip with a high possibility of bear encounters. The main valley trail ends along a campsite along the river, but the ultimate destination is the summit of Observation Mountain. From here are spectacular views of the Kaskawulsh Glacier and the interior mountains.

For those not wanting to do a long backpacking trip, the Sheep Creek Trail is a good alternative. The trail climbs up Sheep Mountain and has great views down the Slims River and beyond.

Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15190 Purchase

Tombstone Territorial Park:

This is possibly the ultimate destination in The Yukon for photographers. The park is located in the Ogilvie Mountains and Blackstone Uplands, about 1.5 hours north of Dawson City on the Dempster Highway. It sits where the northern boreal forest begins to transition to arctic tundra. Because of this, photographers can compose images of brilliantly colored tundra sprinkled with stands of spruce forests, against a backdrop of rugged granite mountains, and sparkling lakes.

Along the Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory #15479 Purchase

Frontcountry:

Photographers traveling to Tombstone Park have excellent options in both front-country and backcountry. The Dempster Highway cuts through the park and has numerous scenic pullouts along the way. The most notable of these is a classic view of the Tombstone Range and Klondike River Valley.

Driving north along the Dempster there are numerous ponds lakes and creeks to use in compositions with the mountains. Be aware that the tundra terrain just beyond the road is extremely fragile and difficult to walk on. Often the soft tussocks of lichens, mosses, and other plants live just above a watery subsurface on top of the permafrost. Walking on this terrain can easily twist an ankle, soak your feet, and kill the vegetation.

Grizzly Lake, Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15152 Purchase

Backcountry:

The backcountry locations of Grizzly, Talus, and Divide Lakes are the hands-down prime destinations for photographers in Tombstone Park. These lakes and their campsites lie in the heart of the park, at the base of spectacular granite spires. Truly some of the most beautiful scenery in North America.

Visiting and photographing all three lakes requires at least a four-day backpacking trip, and ideally around 8-9 days. The route to the first lake, Grizzly, is moderate to difficult. Getting from Grizzly to Talus and Divide Lakes is difficult and strenuous. However, like many backcountry destinations in Canada, with plenty of money available, you can book a flight instead. Of course, for the rest of us on foot, hearing a chopper lander near your tent can be annoying!

Reservations Woes:

Unfortunately, Tombstone Territorial Park has joined the growing list of locations, succumbing to internet popularity. Reservations are required for all three of the above backcountry lake campsites. No spots are set aside for walk-up reservations. Consequently, you are out of luck if you arrive without one. Reservations fill up for the entire season within minutes of becoming available early in the year.

The Dempster Highway, Yukon Territory #14903 Purchase

Dempster Highway and the Arctic:

For the ultimate trip, driving the complete length of the Dempster Highway and Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is an 887km (551 miles) drive from Dawson City to its end at Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. This well-maintained but unsurfaced road passes through numerous great photo opportunities. To name a few, Dawson City, Tombstone Territorial Park, Blackstone Uplands, the Richardson Mountains, and Pingo National Landmark at the end of the road on the Arctic Ocean.

Blackstone Uplands, Yukon Territory #15390 Purchase

Practical Tips for Yukon Territory Photography

Just about anywhere in The Yukon can be considered a remote location. You’ll need to prepare for self-reliance for the duration of your trip. This includes photography equipment. The city of Whitehorse may be your only option for photography gear stores.

Bring your entire photography kit, be prepared for everything!
Similarly, allow yourself plenty of extra time for weather and lighting. Be flexible with your itinerary, and prioritize locations.
Cell service will be extremely limited to non-existent outside of towns
Stock up on food, water, and supplies in major towns, small towns may be nothing more than a gas station.
Watch your gas gauge, and check the distance to the next gas station.
Have a mechanic check your vehicle in advance.
Always carry an emergency vehicle kit and at least one spare tire.
Electric vehicle charging stations are limited. At this time, there are none on the Dempster Highway.
Bring bug repellant and or head nets.
Bring Bear Spray and, above all, know how to use it effectively. Bear encounters are possible nearly everywhere in The Yukon. Educate yourself on traveling in bear habitat, and always be alert!
Pack clothing and gear for all weather conditions, including winter clothing and gear even in summer.
Check-in with visitor’s centers for local advice on weather, road, and trail conditions.
Enjoy your Yukon Territory photography trip!

Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory #15116 Purchase

Leave No Trace in the Yukon Territory

Please Please Please! Don’t plan a trip to this or any other wilderness area unless you are willing to follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace (LNT). Mount Baker Wilderness and all other wilderness areas throughout the world are under incredible pressure from growing amounts of visitors. Please do your part to help preserve these precious areas for future generations!

To learn more about the principles and practicing LNT please take a few minutes to visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Your children, grandchildren, and the Earth will thank you!

Seven Leave No Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors

Thanks for reading, feel free to share this post with your friends and colleagues!

Learn about how to protect the places we love to photograph
Visit the Nature First Website

Want to learn more, or have a professional photographer guide you in the field? Then take your Creative Photography to the next level with Private Instruction and Guided Photo Tours.

Photos appearing in Yukon Territory Photography are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Yukon Territory Photography

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July 9, 2023January 21, 2025

Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/ Cape Spear

Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/Cape Spear

Cape Spear Newfoundland #79487 Purchase

This post is the first of several detailing and giving tips for photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canada’s Atlantic Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is a destination that will thrill any photographer. It has many characteristics of more popular North Atlantic destinations, such as Scotland and Iceland, including miles of beautiful rugged coastline, colonies of seabirds, and quaint towns with a rich cultural history. It also has very friendly locals with delightfully unique accents. But unfortunately Newfoundland doesn’t have active volcanoes or haggis.

Newfoundland and Labrador also have one other big attraction that the aforementioned destinations don’t: Icebergs. Throughout the year, the Labrador Current reliably transports icebergs from Greenland and the Arctic down Iceberg Alley, to the coast of Newfoundland. The ever-changing shapes and sizes of the bergs provide an additional element of drama to photo compositions. And considering the exorbitant cost of travel to the high Arctic or Antarctica, photographing icebergs in Newfoundland is a hard-to-pass-up bargain!

Iceberg and Pack Ice Newfoundland #79746 Purchase

This spring, I was able to plan my first extended trip to Newfoundland and Labrador. I began by compiling a list of subject matter I wanted to photograph. Topping the list were icebergs, rugged coastlines, seabird colonies, lighthouses, and finally, fishing villages. After countless hours of poring over maps, tourism websites, and extensive Google searches, I came up with a rough itinerary. As always, I built in lots of flexibility to work around bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

I had 24 days allotted for photographing in Newfoundland, and the plan was to fly to St. John’s and then drive to my main destinations of Bonavista Peninsula, Twillingate, and Fogo Island. If time allows, I would take a ferry to Labrador, then return to photograph L’anse Aux Meadows and surrounding areas. Lastly came several locations on the Avalon Peninsula south of St. John’s. In the end, I photographed nearly every location and subject on my list.

Cape Spear Lighthouse Newfoundland #79534 Purchase

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Since I was flying into St. John’s I wanted my first destination to be nearby so I could get my bearings after a long travel day. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site was the logical choice, as it was just outside of the city and very photogenic. It turned out to be a great choice and also a harsh introduction to Newfoundland weather.

My home in Bellingham, Washington, and St. John’s are nearly the same latitude. But while at home, there was beautiful spring weather, Newfoundland was still gripped in late winter conditions. Temperatures were in the low 40s, vegetation was still winter brown, and the wind was nonstop and piercing cold. I was glad all my winter clothing came with me!

Cape Spear is a headland on the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula. It is also the easternmost point of land in Canada and the North American continent, excluding Greenland. It is so far east that you can almost imagine seeing Ireland on the horizon. There is a lot to see at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. It sports two picturesque but distinctly different historic lighthouses. The site also has a WWII gun battery and radar station. You can also start for a hike on the East Coast Trail or just sit and watch for whales.

Cape Spear also has a visitor center with guided tours of the lighthouses. However, these amenities, and every other throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as I was to find out, were still closed for the season.

Cape Spear Lighthouse Newfoundland #79521 Purchase

Photographing at Cape Spear

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site and the immediate surrounding area can be explored in a few hours. The lighthouses, of course, are the main attractions for photographers. But hiking a mile or so north or south from the parking lot on the East Coast Trail is also rewarding with additional photo opportunities.

Essential Tip: This is a location that is good for both morning/sunrise and evening/sunset light. If the weather is poor and you have time, like I did, it’s worth trying to stick around an extra day or two for good light.

Cape Spear Lighthouse Newfoundland #79526 Purchase

Essential Tip: There are many elements here that you can utilize for excellent compositions. Most notably, the stairs on the trail to and below the lighthouses and the white picket fence along the original upper lighthouse. The bedrock along the bluff, which glows reddish brown in evening and morning light, is also worth including.

Essential Tip: You’re nearly guaranteed to have windy conditions here, so make sure to bring a sturdy tripod. And don’t forget to bring a warm, windproof jacket or coat. Leave your hat in the car because it’ll easily be blown away. In fact, use utmost caution along the top of the bluffs as the winds can easily be strong enough to blow you and or your gear over the cliffs! There are a few compositions here that can tempt photographers to inch dangerously close to the edge.

Cape Bay Newfoundland #79492 Purchase

Back down at Cape Bay, it’s worth hiking a short way to Cantwells Cove. The slanted rock formations here and the finger-like inlets are great in the right light, especially for sunrise.

Aside from a steady tripod, lenses from ultra-wide to telephoto will come in handy. Seabirds aren’t plentiful at Cape Spear, but if whales are present, a long telephoto could be useful.

Cape Spear Lighthouse Newfoundland #79461 Purchase

Practicalities for Photographing in Newfoundland

Since this was my first photo tour of Newfoundland and Labrador, I don’t profess to be an expert on the location. However, as you might expect, I did come away with some very useful information to pass on.

Weather: Newfoundland and Labrador weather has a temperate marine climate. Summer temperatures are generally cooler and rarely hot and humid. During my trip in May, the wind, sometimes very strong and sustained, was a nearly constant companion. Temperatures reached into the low 60s on only a few rare days and were mostly in the 40s to low 50s. One morning in Twillingate I even woke up to an inch of snow!

Warm wind and rainproof clothing are essential. Boggy, marshy terrain is present nearly everywhere in the province, so good waterproof footwear is also a must.

Pack Ice Twillingate Island Newfoundland #79988 Purchase

Icebergs: Research advised me that May through June was the best time for viewing icebergs. That appears to be true, but I could add a bit to that. In addition to icebergs, there was quite a lot of pack ice present in some locations, which added another dramatic element to my images. Pack ice is most likely an early-season phenomenon and not present during summer. It also moves around quite a bit, especially when the wind changes direction. One day a cove can be choked with ice, and the next day it can be completely free of it.

Coastal areas of central Newfoundland, such as Twillingate, appear to receive the lion’s share of icebergs. There are many iceberg boat tour companies in the area, and I highly advise booking a tour on one. You’ll safely get much closer to bergs this way, and it’s fascinating to see one up close.

Iceberg Finder is an excellent source to keep track of where iceberg are located before, during, and after a Newfoundland visit.

Cape Race Road Newfoundland #80608 Purchase

Traveling while Photographing in Newfoundland

Seasonal Closures: After the weather, seasonal closures were my next introduction to Newfoundland. The official summer/tourist season doesn’t begin here until June 1.

Nearly every provincial park, historic site, visitor’s center, campground, restroom, gift shop, etc., is shut tight until then. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are far and few between. On the other hand, all of this pretty much guarantees that you’ll escape the summer crowds and have most places all to yourself!

Lodging: Since I nearly always car camp on my photo tours, I can’t say much about lodging. However, there are only a few large towns/cities in the province, so you’ll most likely be looking for lodging in very small towns with limited accommodations. Book very early!

Rest Areas: There are none! I have to include this since it was such a shock to me. Even driving from St. John’s on the Trans-Canada Highway to the other end of the province there was not one rest area or port-a-potty. Secondary and backroads? Forget about it! Keep that in mind when starting out in the morning after drinking a big mug of coffee, or that breakfast burrito!

To see more images check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2

Now available: Newfoundland Sea, Sky Land, Ice Fine Art Folio

Other posts in this series:
Photographing Bonavista Peninsula Newfoundland
Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island
Photographing The Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Cape Bonavista Sunset Newfoundland #79565 Purchase

Learn about how to protect the places we love to photograph
Visit the Nature First Website

All photos appearing in Photographing in Newfoundland and Labrador/ Cape Spear are available for Commercial Licensing and Fine Art Prints. Click on any image to purchase, or contact me for more info!

Photographing in Newfoundland

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May 9, 2023July 9, 2023

Newfoundland Photo Tour

Sunrise on the way to Newfoundland

Update: Check out the first post about my recent Newfoundland and Labrador trip!

Announcing even more exciting news for this spring. From May 7 through May 30 I will be photographing in an entirely new and long-anticipated location, Newfoundland Canada! It’s been several years since my last trip to one of Canada’s Atlantic Provinces, Nova Scotia, and I’m beyond thrilled to explore some new territory!

This timing of this tour coincides with the annual arrival of icebergs drifting down from Greenland and the Arctic. Coastal Newfoundland is known as Iceberg Alley and is one of the best places on Earth to see icebergs outside the Arctic and Antarctica.

Of course, there is much more to see and photograph besides icebergs. Other subject matter will include, lighthouses, colorful fishing villages, important cultural and historic sites, sea birds, and possibly even whales.

Below are some of the main locations on my shoot list. Newfoundland is a big province so all locations are tentative

Locations:
Cape Spear and Avalon Peninsula
Bonavista Peninsula
Fogo Island
Twillingate
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Any other locations or subject matter you would like me to include?
Contact me and I’ll do my best to include them!

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October 28, 2016November 20, 2023

New England Atlantic Canada Images

New England Atlantic Canada Images

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Nova Scotia #58903 Purchase

Wow, what a busy week since our return home after six weeks and over 10,000 miles on the road! Aside from catching up on household chores, filling client orders, and general business tasks, I have a mountain of new images to get to. I’ve just begun the lengthy task of editing and processing all the files, but have made an initial pass and found some photos that stand out. I’m getting a bit ahead of myself by doing this. I usually wait until I have completed the full editing and image processing is complete, but since this project will take several weeks to complete I’m anxious to share with you some of the highlights so far. We’ll also be sending out regular email progress updates in the coming weeks.

Bennington Battle Monument, Vermont #59477 Purchase

Within the next several days I’ll be posting a full gallery of new images from the first couple of locations covered on the trip, Medicine Rocks Montana, and Watkins Glen New York. Make sure to check back often, here and on my Facebook page. And don’t forget, all of the images are immediately available for commercial licensing and as fine art prints!

Locations and subject matter covered during this trip:

Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Highlands, Cabot Trail, Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, Blue Rocks
New Brunswick: Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park
Maine: Acadia National Park, Grafton Notch
New Hampshire: White Mountains, Kancamagus Byway, Franconia Notch
Vermont: Stowe, Peacham, Groton Woods, Woodstock, Bennington, Newfane, and more
New York: Watkins Glen State Park
Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen State Park
Fall foliage, covered bridges, barns, farms, towns, fall festivals, fishing, villages, waterfalls, historic sites, coastal scenes, seasonal farm stands

Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia #58824 Purchase

Fall foliage, Pauline Lake Vermont #59457 Purchase

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The Great Northern Peninsula

Cape Norman

L’Anse aux Meadows

Arches Provincial Park

Labrador

Point Amour Lighthouse and Coastal Drive

Essential Tips:

Tips for Photographing the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador

Practical Tips:

To see more of the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador, check out these galleries: Newfoundland and Labrador 1 Newfoundland and Labrador 2

Twillingate

North Twillingate Island

South Twillingate Island

Iceberg and Whale Watching Tours

Tips for Photographing on Iceberg Tours:

Fogo Island

Essential Tips:

Photographing Twillingate and Fogo Island Newfoundland

Practical Tips:

To see more images check out these galleries: Newfoundland and Labrador 1 Newfoundland and Labrador 2

When to go

Fall:

Winter:

Spring:

Yukon Territory Photography Locations

Kluane National Park

Kathleen Lake/Kings Throne:

Ä’äy Chù (Slim’s River) West/ Discovery Mountain:

Frontcountry:

Backcountry:

Reservations Woes:

Practical Tips for Yukon Territory Photography

Leave No Trace in the Yukon Territory

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Photographing at Cape Spear

Practicalities for Photographing in Newfoundland

Traveling while Photographing in Newfoundland

Locations and subject matter covered during this trip:

To see more of the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador, check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2

To see more images check out these galleries:
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2