Exploring Cleveland Dam with My Camera
This past weekend, I set out for a photo walk at Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver — a choice driven partly by curiosity, partly by the price tag on the Grouse Mountain gondola. Let’s just say, $70+ for a ride up the mountain felt a little steep, so I rerouted toward the dam, and I’m glad I did.
Cleveland Dam sits right at the foot of the Capilano Watershed and offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks of the North Shore Mountains. From the viewpoint at the dam, I had a clear view of The Lions, the twin mountain peaks that dominate the skyline — a true icon of Vancouver’s landscape, still wearing their winter coats of snow.
As a photographer, I couldn’t resist the forest trails nearby. Towering evergreens, soft dappled light breaking through the canopy, and that rich west coast moss coating everything in sight — it was the perfect setting to play with HDR and photo stacking. I took multiple exposures of the same compositions, adjusting for highlights in the sky and deep shadows in the forest floor, aiming to capture more of the scene’s dynamic range than a single shot ever could.
The result? Some truly moody, textured photos with an almost painterly feel — especially where sunlight pierced through the mist and lit up the trail like something out of a fairytale. HDR has always been a tricky tool to wield subtly, but the balance felt right this time. Nature did most of the work. I just followed the light.
Midway through, I took a break and pulled out the burrito I’d picked up on the way — a little picnic-style lunch at the park near the dam. Burrito in hand, mountains in view, and the quiet sound of rushing water in the background… hard to complain.
The only hiccup? Traffic on the way back into Vancouver. Classic. But even gridlock couldn’t ruin the peaceful, creative energy of the day.
Whether you’re into photography, hiking, or just need a quick escape from the city, Cleveland Dam offers a slice of rugged beauty just minutes from the urban buzz. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are the ones that don’t cost a thing — except maybe a little patience on the drive home.