August 4th – 8th, 2025 | Banff, Alberta, CA
Hosted by NAPCP Member, Sara Harper
Discover breathtaking locations, unwind, and connect with one another – we’re excited to share all the details for this extraordinary adventure with our NAPCP friends!
Hosted by NAPCP member Sara Harper of Sara D Harper Photography, this NAPCP Adventure promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend.
Much like our Ambassador-hosted Gatherings, this Adventure is designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and strengthen bonds within our community. We’ll explore the stunning lakes and mountains in the region, with a flexible itinerary that allows plenty of downtime for relaxation, creativity, and meaningful conversations with fellow NAPCP members.
This is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills, collaborate with peers, and capture the beauty of nature. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, professional insight, or simply time to recharge, this trip offers it all.
The cost of this NAPCP Adventure is $1299. There are a limited number of seats available so make sure you sign up for our elist to be the first to know when registration opens on November 21st!
Registration Opens November 21st – Join the elist!
NAPCP Adventure Highlights
Welcome Dinner: A warm welcome dinner in downtown Banff together to kick off our adventure.
Unique Photography Shootouts: Participate in curated photo shootouts, including a special astrophotography shootout hosted by award-winning photographers from the NAPCP community.
Networking & Fireside Chats: Build deeper connections through intimate fireside discussions and activities designed to inspire and foster collaboration.
Morning Mastermind Session: Roundtable discussion for sharing insights, tips, and problem-solving with fellow attendees.
Iconic Lake Louise & Tea House Hike: Explore Lake Louise and embark on the famous Tea House Hike with breathtaking mountain views and a memorable lunch.
Adventure at Moraine Lake: Hike the scenic Moraine Lake trails, followed by an optional canoeing experience on its pristine waters.
Group Dinners in Downtown Banff: Enjoy local cuisine together at vibrant downtown Banff restaurants, fostering camaraderie.
A Chance for Relaxation: Unwind at the famous Banff Hot Springs for a soothing end to the journey before heading home.
Get Inspired by the Beauty of Nature!
NAPCP Adventure Details
PROGRAMMING AND SCHEDULE
PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
This NAPCP Adventure is designed to inspire, rejuvenate, and strengthen bonds within our community. We’ll explore the stunning lakes and mountains in the region, with a flexible itinerary that allows plenty of downtime for relaxation, creativity, shootouts, and meaningful conversations with fellow NAPCP members.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Get ready for some fun! Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Monday, August 4th:
- Arrive in Banff. Guests who arrive around the same time as the NAPCP team can ride with us in our van to the hotel. Those who don’t make it in time to travel with us by van can utilize a shuttle or car service on their own to travel to the hotel.
- Welcome dinner in Downtown Banff for those who have arrived.
Tuesday, August 5th:
- Breakfast on your own at the hotel or in downtown Banff
- Our group will meet at Canalta Lodge and take our van to Lake Louise.
- Once at Lake Louise we will explore the area and go on the famous Tea House Hike up the mountain where will will enjoy the stunning views and have lunch. (cash only/each person will handle their own bill)
- Late afternoon back to hotel.
- Dinner in downtown Banff as a group. (each person will handle their own bill)
Wednesday, August 6th:
- Brunch together in downtown Banff (each person will handle their own bill)
- Morning Mastermind Roundtable Discussion at the hotel after breakfast. Each attendee should bring one question and have one tip to share with the group.
- Afternoon shopping and exploring in downtown Banff.
- Fireside Chats: Connect deeper with photographers you’ve met along the way as we split off into smaller more focused groups for discussion.
- Afternoon shootout hosted by NAPCP Member Jillian Faulkner of Jillian Faulkner Photography in downtown Banff
- Dinner in downtown Banff (each person will handle their own bill)
- Late night astrophotography shootout hosted by NAPCP Member and 2014 Photographer of the Year Jennifer Kapala of Jennifer Kapala Photography
Thursday, August 7th:
- Breakfast on your own at the hotel or in downtown Banff
- Our group will meet at Canalta Lodge and take our van to Moraine Lake
- Once we arrive at the lake, we will take a hike.
- Impromptu shootout using each member of our group as a model with direction from our NAPCP Adventure host, Sara Harper on posing
- Lunch at a small café on the lake.
- After lunch, there will be an opportunity for those people who are interested in renting canoes to get out on the lake and have some fun! Each canoe is $100CND and can be split by 2-3 people.
- After we are done at the lake we will head back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
- Dinner together at a restaurant in downtown Banff.
- Optional excursion for those who are leaving Friday to visit the Banff Hot Springs
Friday, August 8th:
- Pack up and head home!
Please note: While we’ve laid out this itinerary, flexibility is the name of the game. We’re here to have fun, learn, and create memories together, so expect some delightful surprises along the way!
TRAVEL AND BOOKING INFORMATION
FLIGHT INFORMATION AND TRAVEL DATES
YYC Calgary International Airport: code YYC
We recommend flying in the afternoon or evening of Monday, August 4th and staying until the morning of Friday, August 8th.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Join us for an unforgettable NAPCP Adventure in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, from August 4th to August 8th, 2025! This event offers countless opportunities to connect with fellow seasoned photographers from the NAPCP community, including a former Photographer of the Year. With a perfect mix of exciting activities and time to unwind, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
The registration fee for this NAPCP Adventure is $1299 which covers the following:
- 3-day guided adventure through the stunning Canadian Rockies
- Admission to Banff National Park
- Transportation via our 15 person van to all locations with the exception of the airport
- Networking opportunities with fellow photographers
- Group excursions to some of Canada’s most beautiful locations
- Morning Mastermind Roundtable discussion where each attendee will bring one question and one tip to share with the group
- Fireside Chats where you can connect deeper with the photographers you’ve met along the way
- Beautifully coordinated Senior shootout in downtown Banff led by award winning NAPCP member, Jillian Faulkner
- Astrophotography instruction during a late-night shoot, led by 2014 Photographer of the Year, Jennifer Kapala
- Posing instruction during an impromptu shootout at Moraine Lake with our host Sara Harper
- Coordinated group dinners which will foster more intimate connections with other photographers (meal expenses covered by attendees)
- Optional excursions, including the Tea Hike at Lake Louise, canoeing on Moraine Lake, and visiting the Banff Hot Springs
- Snacks, beverages, and other delightful surprises throughout the event
LODGING
Our group has a room block at the Canalta Lodge in downtown Banff. Although our guests are welcome to stay at another hotel if they choose, we will be meeting up at the lodge on our travel days as well as utilizing the space for gathering together and connecting with one another.
COST – Room rates in our block start at $373USD a night. Once you book your adventure, we will add our attendees to an exclusive Facebook Group where you will be able to connect with other travelers and find a roommate if you would like to split the cost of your stay with another attendee.
BOOKING – In order to book your room, click here and make sure you choose USD from the dropdown on the top righthand side of the screen.
On the landing page, enter the applicable group code – NAPCP – into the box labeled ‘Enter Group Code’. Please note that the box is case sensitive.
Hit the search button, and this will bring up available group rooms and rates.
Room rates will include our daily buffet breakfast, which operates 6am-10am each morning.
For those driving, complementary outdoor parking is available at the rear of the property; optional underground parking will be offered upon arrival, this is $19 +gst per vehicle, per night.
SHUTTLES AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
We will be renting a 15-passenger van to transport our attendees to the scheduled group activities throughout the 3-day adventure. Any travel outside of this will be the responsibility of the attendee.
Transportation from the airport via the van may be a possibility depending on what time your flight arrives at YYC on Monday, August 4, 2025. We will coordinate travel dates and times for everyone attending the event once people start booking their trips in order to ensure that those who are arriving in time to catch a ride in the van can do so, but also that others can connect with each other to split rides via a car service or sit together on the shuttle.
It’s about 1.5 hours from the airport to Banff. Shuttle services (such as this one) from the airport to the hotel will cost around $121USD round trip.
WHAT TO PACK
Our adventure in Banff will take us to many different places. To make sure you are prepared for anything, we suggest you pack the following items. Temperatures in Banff in August are typically anywhere from 72°F to 66°F, rarely falling below 55°F or exceeding 81°F so keep that in mind when packing your bags! We will be creating a Facebook group for all attendees once we open registration and will share more details about what to pack there, but below is a list of some basic items we suggest.
- Camera Gear: There are no requirements on what to bring gear-wise. Our group will participate in multiple shootouts while in Canada, but we will also be hiking in some of the most widely known National Parks with beautiful views. Please bring along any gear you want, but make sure that you are able to carry it on long hikes if you plan to take photos there. We recommend bringing a good camera backpack to the parks to make it easier to carry your gear. You may also want to bring a tripod for our astrophotography shoot out if you plan to participate.
- A Few Nicer Outfits: We plan to do a few group dinners at more upscale restaurants in the Banff area throughout the trip.
- An Outfit for a Headshot: If you’d like to join in in a fun headshot exchange one day while we are in Banff, bring along your favorite outfit.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: For our hikes at the National Parks.
- Bear Bells: OPTIONAL – for hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
- Hiking Boots: It’s always a positive to have good hiking boots when you are in the mountains. As an alternative, some companies like Vans make hiking gym shoes which would also be sufficient.
- Workout/Hiking Clothes: A lot of our time will be spent in and around nature, walking and hiking. Please make sure you dress appropriately and that you layer your clothing as it will get chilly at night.
- Swimsuit: There will be opportunities at the hotel for swimming in the hot tub as well as an added excursion to the Banff Hot Springs.
- Passport: If you are not a Canadian citizen and you will be traveling internationally to attend this event, make sure you pack your passport!
Registration Opens November 21st – Join the elist!
Capture, Connect, and Explore: Here’s What’s Included
An exhilarating 3-day guided adventure through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, where every twist and turn unveils nature's grandeur.
Forge lasting connections with a vibrant community of photographers in dynamic networking opportunities.
Experience the awe of group excursions to Canada’s most stunning locations, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Dive into our interactive Morning Mastermind Roundtable, where each attendee brings one burning question and a pro tip to elevate the group’s collective wisdom.
Gather around for Fireside Chats, fostering deep, meaningful connections with your fellow adventurers.
Take part in a stunningly styled Senior Shootout set against the charming backdrop of downtown Banff.
Discover the magic of the night sky with hands-on Astrophotography instruction during a thrilling late-night shoot, led by our 2014 Photographer of the Year, Jennifer Kapala.
Sharpen your posing skills with an impromptu shootout at the iconic Moraine Lake, hosted by the talented Sara Harper.
Bond over curated group dinners, designed to spark intimate conversations and deeper relationships (meal expenses covered by attendees).
Opt in for even more adventure with optional excursions like the legendary Tea Hike at Lake Louise, serene canoeing on Moraine Lake, and a relaxing dip in the Banff Hot Springs.
Enjoy an array of snacks, beverages, and delightful surprises sprinkled throughout your journey to keep the energy high and spirits even higher!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PORTFOLIO USE
While images from shoot outs cannot be used in photography competitions, they are great for adding new work to your portfolio.
DO I NEED A LAPTOP
It’s up to you whether or not you’d like to bring a laptop along on your trip. We do not require it, but some people may want to bring it along for our Mastermind Roundtable Discussion or our Fireside Chats on Wednesday.
FINDING A ROOMMATE
If you’d like to bring down the cost of your trip by sharing a room with another attendee, we will be starting a Facebook group where you can post your request once you book your spot for the Adventure.
INSPIRING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with a vibrant community of photographers during fireside chats, group discussions, and informal outings. Exchange tips, share experiences, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors alike. This retreat is designed to foster collaboration and inspiration in an intimate, supportive environment.
HANDS-ON PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCES
Elevate your skills with immersive shootouts led by award-winning photographers. Whether it’s mastering astrophotography under Banff’s clear night skies or perfecting your portrait techniques during an afternoon family session, these shootouts will provide practical experience and guidance to sharpen your craft.
UNPARALLELED SCENIC BACKDROPS
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of some of Canada’s most breathtaking National Parks. From the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise to the towering peaks surrounding Moraine Lake, every location offers a stunning natural canvas. Capture portfolio-worthy images and unforgettable memories as you explore some of Canada’s most photographed landscapes.
ADVENTURE AND RELAXATION COMBINED
This retreat perfectly balances thrilling outdoor adventures like the Tea House Hike and canoeing at Moraine Lake with moments of relaxation, such as soaking in the Banff Hot Springs. Whether you’re seeking a creative recharge or an adventurous escape, this experience offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal rejuvenation.