Wild Ice 2026

 OVERVIEW 

The lakes of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park have garnered worldwide attention as some of the most captivating and stunning locations on the planet for winter photography. Every year, the interplay of light and ice brings a different mix of incredible photo opportunities and turns the surface and shores of the lake into a creative playground. Join two long-time wild ice enthusiasts and Rockies locals, Kris Andres and Curtis Jones, as we go on a quest for the ultimate ice features, methane bubbles, winter sidelight, snowdrifts, starry skies and rugged skylines! This is a wonderful chance to flex your creative muscles in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada

Dates: January 23-25, 2026

Tour Leaders:* Kris Andres and Curtis Jones 

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN 

• How to approach vast and winter landscapes.
• How to photograph methane bubbles and alpine lakes.
• How to improve your storytelling skills.
• How to find your creative flow.
• Long exposure/filters focus stacking and other tools to level up your photography.
  
  

 ITINERARY 

Itinerary subject to change. Full itinerary to be provided to participants upon arrival.

Day 1 - January 23rd, 2026

1:00 PM - The Adventure Begins!

Doors swing open at 12:45 PM, so be ready! We'll be meeting in the Vermillion Room in the Juniper Hotel, where the energy is already buzzing.

Dive In!

Get ready for a warm welcome, with group introductions and an overview of tour exciting itinerary. Kris and Curtis will lead a lively slideshow to get you pumped, followed by some quick housekeeping so we can focus on the fun ahead.

We will have a Dinner Break and Gear Check

It’s time to recharge and refuel! Grab a bite at the Bistro or explore other dining options around Banff. We will also use this time to make sure your gear is ready for tonight’s big event.

The Nighttime Adventure

Now for the real excitement! We're heading out to explore the mystical shores and ice of one of Banff’s stunning alpine lakes. As night falls, we'll embrace the thrill of the unknown and we will begin our hunt for bubbles, whimsical icy foregrounds and stars! The exact spot is still a secret, but you can count on an unforgettable experience!

Day 2 - January 24th, 2026

Early Start for a Glorious Sunrise. Rise and shine!

Capturing Sunrise at Abraham Lake

The magical moment arrives as we reach Abraham Lake. Get ready to capture the ethereal beauty of the sunrise against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. We'll likely hit two spots, each with its own unique perspective. Make sure your cameras are ready for something special!

Lunch in Banff/Lake Louise Area

After an invigorating morning, it's time to refuel. We will plan to grab a bit at Lake Louise but we may extend our time and adventure at Abraham Lake. Everything is malleable so we can make the most of conditions!

Creative Sunset Fun at the Lake

The afternoon light is golden, and we're back at our favorite lakes to capture its beauty during sunset. This is the chance for your creative opportunities, so let your imagination run wild. This is where the magic happens. We will be working with you on our favorite techniques and guide you as you capture those special places.

Dinner Break

After a day of shooting, relax and enjoy dinner. Explore Banff's culinary scene or find a cozy spot to unwind. You've earned it!

Open Editing and Critique Session

The day isn't over yet! Gather in the Vermillion Room at the Juniper Hotel for some editing and a critique session. It's a great chance to share your work, get feedback, and see what everyone else captured. A perfect way to wrap up an exciting day!

Day 3 - January 25th, 2026

The Last Adventure Begins

Wake up and get ready for one final adventure! We depart at 7:30 AM sharp for our final sunrise shoot. The exact location is dependent on conditions, but trust us, it'll be worth it. The morning's golden hues set the scene for a breathtaking shoot. Bring your A-game and utilize the techniques you learned or refined these past days as we explore our final location and capture the beauty of the landscape in the morning light. It’s the last chance to create those unforgettable shots, so we will make every moment count.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Group Brunch Finale and Farewell at Juniper Bistro

After a morning of shooting, it's time to celebrate our journey with a group brunch at the Juniper Bistro. Enjoy a delicious meal, share your favorite moments from the weekend, and say goodbye to new friends and colleagues. It's the perfect way to end our adventure on a high note.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $1,650+ GST

Payment options:

1) Full payment or

2) Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $500 + GST + 1 instalment payment: CAD $1150 + GST (October 23, 2025)  

Note: failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant.

 FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• One-on-one and group photography instruction from Curtis Jones and Kris Andres.
• Field demonstrations of photography techniques
• Classroom editing session
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• Accommodations
• Transportation
• Meals
• Travel Insurance
• Park Pass
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.
  

 ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS 

Accommodations are not included but we do have a discount at the Juniper Hotel where will be hosting our classroom sessions. Meals are not included during this workshop but we will be within easy access to a wide variety of great restaurants.

 TRANSPORTATION

Each participant is responsible for transportation. We will drive in a group to our favorite locations, we encourage carpooling and ridesharing but we understand that some prefer to have their own space.

 TRAVELING FROM CALGARY TO BANFF 

- Car Rentals in Calgary
- Airport Shuttles to Banff: Explore Rockies or Banff Airporter
- Car Rentals in Banff

 PARK PASS 

You will need to purchase a park pass when you arrive at the entrance to the park. Purchase your park pass.

 BANFF NATIONAL PARK 

At 6640 km2, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being a mecca for photographers, Banff offers opportunities for other activities, such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. Local yoga studios and spas give you the chance to unwind, and a variety of art galleries and museums help you tap into the local history and culture. If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the park, we highly recommend you take advantage of everything it has to offer.

Visit http://BanffLakeLouise.com for more information on activities, restaurants and more. If you have specific questions around activities, please do not hesitate to ask.

 WHAT TO EXPECT 

The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible from the road, although we may hike short distances on occasion. 

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

OFFBEAT preaches and lives the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE 

It is advised that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage.

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 INSTRUCTORS 

About Kris Andres

Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day.

About Curtis Jones 

Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort­ zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with world­class athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

For any additional questions, please contact us at workshops@offbeatphoto.ca