There is something about fall that makes me want to pack up my camera, fill the car with entirely too much photography gear, and head out on a fall photography road trip.

For the past couple of years, fall has pulled me west toward the Rocky Mountains. There is nothing quite like seeing those mountains covered in golden aspens, watching wildlife prepare for winter, and waking up wondering what I might find around the next bend.

And if I’m being truthful, part of my heart will be in those mountains again this fall.

But this year, the road is taking me in a different direction.

Sometimes Plans Have to Change

Between the price of gas and a transmission that has recently decided it would like a little more attention than I would prefer, another long drive west just doesn’t seem like the smartest choice this year.

Am I disappointed? A little.

But one thing photography has taught me is that changing the plan doesn’t necessarily mean giving up the adventure.

Sometimes it simply means pointing the car in another direction.

So this fall, instead of heading west, I’m heading north.

Canada, here I come. 🇨🇦🍁

Going Back to Canada — But Somewhere New

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Canada wasn’t exactly unfamiliar territory. I traveled into British Columbia quite a bit and always loved it, especially Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

But Canada is a pretty big place.

I’ve never been to Winnipeg. I’ve never explored beyond International Falls, Minnesota. And I certainly haven’t spent much time wandering around the areas just north of Minnesota and Wisconsin with my camera.

Which got me thinking…

What’s up there?

And anyone who knows me probably realizes that is a very dangerous question for me to ask. 😂

Because “What’s up there?” quickly turns into:

“I wonder what’s down that road?”

And THAT usually turns into an entirely different adventure.

The Search for Fall…and Maybe a Moose

Of course, I’m hoping to find beautiful fall colors. I want to discover quiet roads, waterfalls, lakes, forests and those little hidden places that never seem to make it onto the tourist brochures.

But there is also one particular animal pretty high on my wish list.

A moose. 🫎

I’ve photographed moose before, but there is something about finding one when you’re out exploring that never gets old. And I would absolutely love to photograph one surrounded by the colors of a Canadian fall.

I’m not asking for much.

Just one cooperative moose.

Maybe standing near a beautiful lake.

Surrounded by colorful trees.

In perfect morning light.

Looking directly toward my camera.

See? Totally reasonable. 😂

Maybe Different Is Exactly What I Need

There will always be places I want to return to. The Rockies are definitely one of them.

I’ll miss the mountains this fall. I’ll miss the golden aspens, the cool mornings and that feeling I get when those enormous peaks come into view.

But maybe this year isn’t about going back.

Maybe it’s about discovering something new.

One of my favorite things about photography has always been the exploring. I love the famous destinations, but some of my favorite photographs and memories have come from places I never planned to visit.

A road that looked interesting.

A glimpse of water through the trees.

A patch of fog in the distance.

A bird sitting somewhere I didn’t expect.

Those moments remind me that we don’t always have to travel thousands of miles to find something beautiful. Sometimes we just have to be curious enough to turn down a different road.

So, Canada…What Have You Got?

I don’t know exactly what this trip will bring.

There will be some planning, of course.

There will also undoubtedly be some not planning. 😂

There will be early mornings, too much camera gear, plenty of snacks, unexpected stops and almost certainly at least one moment when I say:

“Oooooh…what’s down THAT road?”

And hopefully somewhere along the way there will be beautiful fall colors, incredible wildlife, a few photographs I haven’t even imagined yet…

…and one very cooperative moose.

Because really, sometimes one unforgettable moment is all it takes to make an entire road trip worthwhile.

So this fall, instead of chasing the Rockies, I’m going to follow the road north and see where it takes me.

Canada, I’ll see you soon.

And Moose?

Consider yourself officially on notice. 🫎📸🍁