The Canyon Creek Recreation Association is inviting campers, visitors and staff to capture their favourite moments at the campground as part of a summer photo contest, with winners in four outdoor-themed categories each receiving a $100 prize.
The contest is open through Aug. 30 and welcomes up to five entries per person. Photos may be submitted in four categories—fishing, camping, beach fun and wildlife—with online public voting taking place from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15.
Each contestant is eligible to win one $100 prize, with the highest-voted photo determining the winner if multiple entries from the same person place first. The idea for the Canyon Creek photo contest grew out of a recent refresh of the ourcanyoncreek.com website, as the association looked for ways to better showcase the area through the eyes of residents and visitors, Association President Dale Giroux told The Leader.
As part of the website update, the association reviewed and updated information, added a new “Know Before You Go” section, expanded its points-of-interest map and included resources on topics such as events, amenities, road closures, wildfire activity, weather and fire bans.
During that process, organizers noticed that while the website provided useful information, its photo collection did not fully reflect the character of Canyon Creek.
“The photos were good, but they weren’t truly Canyon Creek,” Giroux said. “Many were generic stock images, and they didn’t capture the beauty, character, or everyday moments that locals and visitors experience here.”
The photo contest was created as a way to collect and share those authentic experiences while encouraging more people to explore the resources available through the website, he said.
Organizers hope the contest will highlight the many activities and scenery that make Canyon Creek unique, including fishing, camping, beach activities and wildlife.
Entries can capture everything from memorable catches on Lesser Slave Lake and family campfires to shoreline adventures and local wildlife photographed from a safe distance.
“Each category reflects the pride we have in Canyon Creek — its natural beauty, its recreation opportunities, and the everyday experiences that make people fall in love with this place,” Giroux said.
The association said Canyon Creek offers plenty of opportunities for photography throughout the year, with changing seasons bringing different landscapes and experiences.
“From lake views and sunsets to wildlife, fishing, boating and quiet forest trails, it’s a place where people naturally reach for their cameras.”
The contest is open to anyone who has taken photos in the Canyon Creek area, including local residents, seasonal campers, visitors and staff.
Entries can be submitted in four categories: fishing, camping, beach fun and wildlife.
The initiative was brought forward as an agenda item at a Canyon Creek Recreation Association meeting, where members approved moving ahead with the contest, including prize amounts. An association member volunteered to lead the website updates and worked with Tangent Civic to develop the improvements and finalize the contest details.
Organizers said the project was a collaborative effort involving members of the association’s 38-person membership.
“We’re excited to see the creativity people bring,” they said. “We’re hoping for a strong turnout — enough entries to really showcase the variety of experiences people have in Canyon Creek.”
Those interested in submitting photos to the contest can do so by visiting ourcanyoncreek.com/contest and clicking on “Upload your photos.“
Organizers reminded the public that by submitting photos, participants confirm they have obtained the approval of all recognizable people in the images, including permission from a parent or guardian for any children.
William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader
