Kananaskis is a great area between Banff and Canmore, full of scenery and wildlife. Originally, we came in search of potential bear and elk sightings, but no one appeared during our stay. We then reached Upper Kananaskis Lake, and set out for a few pictures of the view, which is amazing. Then we drove to see Castle Mountain, again with Bow River at the foreground. Finally we ended the day at Herbert Lake, where we saw a group of Lesser Scaup, a bird species that feeds by diving into the water. The lake is surrounded by pine forest, bushes that turn to red during autumn, and has a lot of dead logs, either partially or completely submerged into the water, which helps to use lines in our compositions.

A tree trunk marks the highest level of water that his lake has attained in the past few days. It also makes for an interesting subject in this picture.

Change the angle a little bit, and your subject may change entirely. Or at least your perspective regarding that subject.

A small stream that feeds into Bow River. The white lines are an effect of the long exposure technique; it is actually foam that moved and marked the current flow.

I am fascinated by the trees reflecting into the lake surface. The water is so calm, that reflections are crystal clear.

I wonder how long this trunk has been there. Oh wait, the moving clouds are interesting as well. Better to take a picture of both with the mountain and the lake.

Bare rock that gains a lot of elevation, a familiar sight by then on Banff. The Rocky Mountains are a popular place for climbing sports.

Another view of Castle Mountains, with a layer of pine forest in front.

Now this is a group of fallen trees on the lake.

Now this is an even better reflection, featuring the mountains in the back.

This fallen tree follows the line of the reflected pine forest on the back. A play by parallel lines.

Now a double line with the trunk shadow. Light was dim already, so shadows were not too sharp.

Some of the bushes are turning the yellow/red color for the autumn season.

Herbert Lake. The trail to this lake is short and near the road that got us there.

I visited a lot of spots along the lake shore to find the most interesting compositions. This one with the pine trunk starting so close to the camera struck me the most.

As darkness approaches, we take the final shots. Scenery to remember for a lifetime.

You can easily imagine why it is called Castle Mountain. The water flowing through Bow River is crystal clear up close, and turquoise from afar.

I am starting to feel the blues of having to leave such a colorful place. So why not stare at it for a moment?

On this area, Bow River makes a turn that takes it straight into Banff.