When brainstorming photoshoot locations in the Canadian Prairies, the first thing that comes to mind is often a scene of never-ending agricultural fields, and not much else. While seemingly limitless fields do make up a lot of the region (and can be a great photography backdrop, included in this list), there are also many other landscapes across the prairies that are completely unexpected, unless you know where to look.
Here are 5 of my favourite photoshoot locations in the Canadian Prairies (so far).
1. The Big Muddy Badlands and Castle Butte, Saskatchewan
The Badlands in Southern Saskatchewan are an unexpected landscape in a province famous for flat roads and canola fields. Located four hours south west of Saskatoon, in the summertime the Badlands and Castle Butte are a sight to see of rolling emerald green hills à la Sound of Music, and massive sandstone formations.
Saskatchewan’s Badlands are located in a remote part of Southern Saskatchewan near the border. Moose Jaw, the closest city to the site, is two hours away and cell reception in the area is inconsistent. Be sure to fill up on gas, and pack food and water in case of any car issues. This road trip is best done in the summer, as the road going towards Castle Butte is a single lane highway which isn’t in great condition.
Check out: Satin Dress for Summer x Castle Butte, Big Muddy Badlands for more information on the area and the photo story.
2. The Crooked Bush, Saskatchewan
Nestled between two farmers fields down a narrow gravel road, The Crooked Bush is a bit of an accidental natural phenomenon. The twisted branches and dark green foliage of an aspen tree provide an impressive background for portrait and fashion photography.
This is an easy road trip to do in the summer. To get to the Crooked Bush, drive around an hour and a half north of Saskatoon through golden wheat fields. The area is about 30 minutes north west from the small town of Hafford, Saskatchewan.
3. Pick a field, any field.
If there’s one thing the prairies are known for, it’s the vast landscape of agricultural fields as far as the eye can see. Towards the end of the summer, the Canadian Prairies are covered in canary yellow canola flowers; a striking contrast against bright blue skies. They don’t call Saskatchewan The Land of the Living Skies for nothing. This is an equally great location in the winter when the fields are covered in snow. *Note: Be mindful of farmer’s fields. Respect private property, and don’t trespass.
Check out: Summer Fashion in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the photo story.
4. The Hoodoos, Alberta Badlands
Alberta’s Badlands are known as one of the most geologically rich areas in the world (notably for dinosaur fossils). Around an hour and a half from Calgary, you can find the Hoodoos, nestled in the hills of the Badlands surrounding the city of Drumheller.
Hoodoos are a type of sandstone formation found all around the world, but you might not expect to find them in the heart of Albertan farmland. The Hoodoos are a dramatic backdrop for a photoshoot, but if you’re simply looking to visit, they also make for a fun day trip from Calgary. Wrap up your shoot in the summer by treating yourself to an affogato, courtesy of the food trucks parked below the site.
Check out: Witchy Vibes at the Hoodoos, Drumheller, Alberta for more information and the photo story.
5. The Great Sand Hills, Southern Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is actually home to two massive sand dunes: the Athabasca Sand Dunes and the Great Sand Hills. The former, however, are located in the far north (bordering the Northwest Territories) and are only accessible by plane.
That said, the Great Sand Hills in Southern Saskatchewan are far easier to get to, and only require a four hour drive from either Saskatoon or Regina.
To get to the Great Sand Hills from one of the province’s major cities, you have to drive through the flattest part of the province. This is the part of Saskatchewan that people joke about being able to see your dog run away for three days in a row. There is literally not a hill to be seen.
While I personally haven’t had the chance to do a photoshoot here yet, I have visited a number of times. If you’re looking for a (accessible) desert-like photoshoot location in the Canadian Prairies, this is it.
*Note: The location of the southern dunes is also fairly remote. If you’re making a road trip there, go prepared.
If you enjoyed this list, bookmark it! It will be updated with new potential photoshoot locations in the Canadian Prairies.
If you know of any great photography locations in the Prairies, or simply great places to visit, be sure to comment below.
