The Intangibles
A Creative Retreat and Landscape Photography Masterclass at The Lodge at Bow Lake
Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Canada
October 11-15, 2027
Join Paul Zizka and Stasia Schmidt for 5 days of exclusive access to the Lodge at Bow Lake. You read that right: we’ll have the use of this charming, historic log cabin all to ourselves! The lodge is located right on the shores of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful lakes — the perfect place to explore the craft of landscape photography.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
~ 13 spots only ~
Private Lodging
$6,250 CAD + GST | ~ $4,440 USD
installment plan available; see below
Spouses/Partners Welcome!
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,500 + GST
Please email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse or add them upon registration.
with the support of
Go beyond the technical to find
your artistry.
Mid-October May is an exciting time of transition at the higher elevations in Banff National Park, where we’ll be situated for this workshop. Paul should know; The Lodge at Bow Lake was once his home when he first arrived in the mountains. Take it from a guy who has lived there for 1,000 days: it’s truly the most remarkable car-access location in Banff National Park. It’s also a dream location for a retreat-style workshop that will help photographers grow as artists.
With the support of your mentors and each other, you’ll work toward executing a vision and expanding your creative horizons. With each passing day, you’ll build upon concepts and learn to photograph with intention. Bow Lake is a landscape photographer’s dream — one of the most stunning panoramas in the Canadian Rockies. It’s also the gateway to the world-famous Icefields Parkway where lakes, glaciers and canyons abound.
The Intangibles will be an opportunity to challenge yourself. But what would a retreat be without time to unwind, reflect and curl up by the fire? With the restorative environment of the lodge entirely to ourselves, we’ll have the space to refuel in whatever way suits us best.
Here are the themes we’ll be exploring, as we go beyond gear and technique to tackle the elements that really catapult us forward and help us grow on our artistic journey:
The Intangibles
Intangible #1
Seeing the Opportunities: The Art of Noticing
Intangible #2
Working with Intention: The Importance of Purpose
Intangible #3
Developing Your Unique Vision: Tapping the Creative Flow
The point is: there is so much more to photography than mastering your settings, composition and post-processing skills. All those things are important, and we’ll be happy to answer questions about those topics during the retreat. But this experience is meant to take you deeper, into your motivations, your unique outlook, and the message you’re trying to convey through your work.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
Where We’ll Go
Being based at Bow Lake, we’re really in the heart of some of the Rockies’ (and the world’s!) most stunning scenery, with good access to the world-famous Icefields Parkway. We’ll also go beyond the icons and share some more secluded favourite spots of ours. And when we’re not accessing locations by vehicle, we’re treated to natural subjects right at Bow Lake with its surrounding peaks, seasonal transition and all manner of light and conditions.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
Retreat Includes
daily instruction, mentoring and 1:1 guidance from Paul Zizka and Stasia Schmidt
4 nights, all-inclusive stay in a private lodge room at The Lodge at Bow Lake
~ Private room
~ 250-300 sq ft of living space
~ Queen-sized bed
~ Spacious ensuite bathroom
~ Luxurious, cozy bedding
meals include:
~ unique daily creations for breakfast
~ lunch/packed lunches
~ thoughtfully crafted dinner cuisine
Not Included
transportation to and during the retreat
National Park Pass
alcoholic drinks
travel insurance
Because our workshop costs are committed to local partners well in advance, we can't offer full refunds, nor guarantee credits, as per our cancellation policy. We strongly encourage every participant to purchase travel insurance that includes medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Our Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change.
Check-in Date TBA @ 3 PM | Check-out Date TBA @ 10 AM
Sample Daily Itinerary
7 - 8 - Sunrise Walk
8 AM - Breakfast
9 to 10 AM - Introduction of the theme for the day and lecture
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM - Field exercise with packed lunch
1 to 2:30 PM - Culling and editing session
2:30 to 4:45 PM - Free time
4:45 to 6:15 PM - Field Excursion
6:30 to 8 PM - Group dinner
8pm to 9pm Critique and Group Discussion
Our Team
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Paul Zizka
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Paul Zizka is a Canon Pro mountain landscape and adventure photographer and a sought-after photo educator based in Banff, Canada. Whether it’s wading waist-deep into a glacier-fed lake or chasing auroras from dusk til dawn, Paul is known for an adventurous spirit that draws him to the extraordinary. In addition to eight published books, Paul’s award-winning photos have also been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic Adventure, Maclean’s, Outside Magazine, Washington Post, and Canadian Geographic. His client list includes the NHL, Apple, Westjet, Panasonic and Panasonic. [Photo: Stasia Schmidt]
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Stasia Schmidt
INSTRUCTOR
Stasia Schmidt is an acclaimed fine art photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Her landscapes and portraits show attention to simplicity and form; she is drawn to unexpected surrealism and creativity within the natural environment. Her work has been part of group exhibitions in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition to being the 2024 Canadian awardee of the Leica Women Foto Project, Stasia was recognized for her Ephemerality series in her home province of Alberta and she was declared the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by the Exposure Photography Festival. Her first art photo book, also titled Ephemerality, was released this spring.
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Meghan J. Ward
MARKETING + LOGISTICS
A writer and creative entrepreneur based in Banff, Meghan takes time on the side to flex her sales and marketing skills for Paul Zizka Photography. She’s the ‘other half’ to Paul in numerous ways: as his wife, fellow adventurer and business partner. At Paul Zizka Photography she manages everything from brand to website, photo licensing, corporate sales and workshop logistics. She is the author of several books including a children’s book, The Wonders That I Find and a travel memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home. [Photo: Paul Zizka]
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Sabina Litherland
ADMIN + CLIENT RELATIONS
Sabina grew up in a household of creatives, raised by a ballet dancer and a pianist. It was inevitable she would pursue a career in the arts. After earning a degree in Drama and Music and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University, she brought her passion to the Rockies, working in festivals and live events. She is thrilled to support the Paul Zizka Photography team in an administrative role. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and reading.
About the Lodge at Bow Lake
Standing under the watching eyes of Crowfoot Mountain since 1922, the Lodge at Bow Lake (formerly Num-Ti-Jah Lodge) was built by famed Rockies outfitter and guide, Jimmy Simpson. It is located just one hour from Banff, 2.5 hours from Calgary, making it easily accessible for international guests flying into Calgary International Airport. Though it closed during the pandemic, the lodge has new ownership that has invested in restoring the property and adding some modern amenities to its historic charm. We’re confident you’ll be blown away bt its location on the world-famous Icefields Parkway, and the ease of access we’ll have to the inspiring landscapes this region is best known for.
The Lodge at Bow Lake is a respite from our fast-paced, hyperconnected world. There are no telephones, TVs or WiFi. But you might just find the breathtaking nature and human-to-human conversations are a far superior replacement.
Retreat Dates:
October 11-15, 2027
Investment:
$6,250 CAD | ~ 4440 USD
Installment option: Deposit upon registration of $1,650 CAD + GST with the final balance due February 15, 2027. Please contact us to arrange an alternative installment option.
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,500 + GST
Please email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse, or add them upon registration.
Travel Insurance:
Because our workshop costs are committed to local partners well in advance, we can't offer full refunds, nor guarantee credits, as per our cancellation policy. We strongly encourage every participant to purchase travel insurance that includes medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Cancellation:
*Participant deposits and installments are non-refundable, unless you are able to sell your spot. In this case, we can provide a refund minus a $250 administration fee. The spousal supplement can be cancelled before September 1, 2026.
This retreat requires a minimum of 8 participants to run.
