2,000 Miles and 2 Weeks: My Epic Photography Road Trip to Canada Starts Soon
Clay's Lens Photography | Travel Photography
The camera bags are packed, the route is planned, and my excitement is through the roof. In just a few days, my wife Elizabeth and I are embarking on what might be my most ambitious photography adventure yet: a 2-week road trip from North Carolina all the way to Montreal, Canada.
2,000 miles. Six states. Two countries. Two languages. Countless photo opportunities waiting to be discovered.
The Journey Begins
Sometimes the best photography happens when you least expect it. Sure, I've got the iconic shots planned: CN Tower reflections, Niagara Falls' thundering beauty, Montreal's cobblestone charm. But what really excites me are those unexpected moments that only reveal themselves on the open road.
My first stop? The dramatic landscapes of West Virginia, where New River Gorge National Park promises breathtaking canyon views and that iconic bridge that most photographers driving I-95 never see. There's something magical about taking the scenic route, even when it adds hours to your journey. The best shots aren't always at your final destination; sometimes they're hiding in plain sight along the way.
Why This Trip Matters
As travel photographers, we often get caught up in chasing the next exotic location. But there's incredible beauty in exploring what's relatively close to home. Canada has been calling to me for years, and finally, I'm answering.
This isn't just about collecting pretty pictures for my portfolio. I want to document the experience of discovery: what it feels like to see the Pittsburgh skyline emerge from the Fort Pitt Tunnel for the first time, or catch that perfect golden hour moment at Toronto's Harbourfront that tourists rushing to dinner completely miss. Plus, Elizabeth and I are planning to capture some cinematic video content with my gimbal setup to bring these locations to life in a whole new way.
What's in My Camera Bag
For a trip this long and diverse, gear selection is crucial. I'm keeping it streamlined but versatile:
Camera Body: My trusty full frame companion that's never let me down Lenses: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens for those stunning wide angle landscapes and street photography, Nikon 50mm f/1.4 for perfect portrait work and natural perspectives, and my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 for those distant mountain shots and compressed cityscapes Extras: Polarizing filter for those Niagara Falls shots, ND filters for long exposures, and plenty of backup batteries (Canadian cold can be brutal on electronics)
The real challenge? Fitting everything into our car alongside 2 weeks of clothes and road trip snacks. Priorities, right?
The Route That Dreams Are Made Of
Here's what has me most excited about each stop:
New River Gorge National Park, WV New River Gorge National Park's dramatic canyon views and iconic bridge photography Pittsburgh, PA Urban landscapes and that famous tunnel reveal Detroit, MI A city reinventing itself through art and architecture
Toronto, ON Skylines, islands, and world-class urban photography Niagara Falls, ON Because every photographer needs to tackle this classic Ottawa, ON Parliament Hill and unexpected cultural gems Montreal, QC The perfect blend of European charm and North American energy
Following Along
I'll be sharing real-time updates on my social media, but the real stories (the technical details, the hidden spots, the lessons learned) are coming right here to the blog.
Expect detailed location guides, behind-the-scenes shots of what it's really like to photograph these places, and honest reviews of whether these "must-see" destinations live up to the hype.
Questions I'm Hoping to Answer
Which Canadian city offers the best photography opportunities for the time invested?
Are those "secret" Toronto viewpoints really worth the early morning wake-up calls?
How does Montreal's bilingual photography scene compare to other major North American cities?
What gear actually matters for summer travel photography across different climates?
A Personal Challenge
Here's what I'm challenging myself to do: find at least one completely unexpected shot in each city. Not the postcard views everyone takes, but something that captures the real personality of these places. Something that makes viewers stop scrolling and think, "I've never seen it from that angle before."
Join the Journey
Have you photographed any of these locations? I'd love to hear your tips, hidden gems, or cautionary tales in the comments below. And if you've been thinking about planning your own photography road trip, maybe this will be the inspiration you need to finally book those hotels.
The adventure starts in just a few days. 2,000 miles of unknown photo opportunities await, and I couldn't be more ready.
Follow along with my Canadian photography adventure on TikTok and watch for detailed location guides and photo stories right here on the blog. Safe travels, fellow photographers!
