My Favourite Fall Locations
It is no secret, fall is my absolute favourite season. I absolutely adore all things fall. Crisp mornings, the way a warm cup of coffee tastes so much better, layers of clothing, textures, the rich colours. All of it. I can’t get enough.
I truly wish I could bottle up it up and make it last longer. It is simply unfair that fall is such a short season here in the north! In preparation of my favourite season, I thought it would be fun to share my favourite locations around Grande Prairie!
Pipestone Campground
First up, the beauty of Pipestone. You can’t go wrong! The water, the river bank, the trees.. all so beautiful! Pipestone is around a 30 minute drive from Grande Prairie and sooo worth the trip!
This location is perfect for those who like to explore. We can walk a little or walk a lot. Your adventurous spirit will shine at this stunning location. Skip rocks, or dip your toes in the water! Some things to be aware of, the rocks can be difficult to walk on and your shoes may get dirty.. it is a river and wet! Also, if we choose to walk and explore, there are some trails that require sure footing. So beautiful!
South Bear Creek
This next location is much more local and located right in Grande Prairie at South Bear Creek. Here are some examples from another location that I really only use in the fall. It can be a busy location choice! But it is beautiful! The evening glow here in the fall is stunning!
As with all of my sessions, this location involves a bit of walking. But easily broken up with photo opportunities along the way. There is a bit of a hill to get down to the open area closer to the creek, so that is something to keep in mind if there are any accessibility issues. Your shoes should stay clean at this location lol!
Woodsy Location
Up next is another favourite that is fairly local to Grande Prairie! I like to call it the Woodsy Location. It truly feels like we are out in the woods in the middle of the mountains.
Aside from the occasional person walking their dog, this location is pretty quiet. The trail is natural and with the exception of some roots to get over, it is fairly easily accessible. This location is great for sessions that are earlier in the day, lots of shade. There aren’t as many leafy trees at this one, so a lot of the gorgeous fall colour comes from the under brush and foliage along the trails. Such a great location!
Kleskun Hills
This might be one of the most under rated fall locations we have. Since there aren’t many trees here, I feel it often gets overlooked. But the ground cover can be absolutely stunning here in the fall! Throughout the season it just gets richer and richer. Shades of red that are soooo beautiful!
We would walk through the hills and explore. Such a great spot for adventurous family photos!
The Dunes
This following location near The Dunes is another that I pretty much exclusively only use in the fall. It is so magical when all of the under brush turns to fall. The oranges and reds are understated and exquisite! Very similar to the woodsy location above, but the trees are more ‘open’ here, and when the sun hits in the fall.. it is magic!
This spot is easily accessible, however there are no trails at this exact spot! I would recommend shoes that allow you to easily walk through brush and step over fallen trees. It is rustic, woodsy and stunning! There are trails close by if we wanted to visit those as well, we could!
Woodsy Creek
I adore this location! Although, I have to admit, it has been awhile since I have taken a family or couple out here to explore! This Woodsy Creek location is approximately 35 minutes from Grande Prairie, but sooo worth the drive!
In the fall, the water is nice and low, which is perfect for wandering around. There is a little bit of a hill to get down to the creek area, and then there is so much to explore! If it is a warm evening, you may even want to kick off your shoes! Such a fun spot for family photos!
O’Brien Provincial Park
I have become reacquainted with O’Brien again this fall, after not using this location very often for a few years. If you are local, you know it can be a busy spot! But, in the fall, the water is low enough to explore this magical spot on the river. It is a bit of a walk to get to (around 8 minutes or so), but so completely worth it!
Which is your favourite!? It is impossible for me to pick! All of these locations are best suited for evening light, that beautiful golden glow of fall.. ohhhh, I love it so much!
Happy Fall!