2026 Jasper Elk and Moose Rut Photoour

2026 JASPER ELK AND MOOSE RUT PHOTOTOUR

Dates: September 21 - 24, 2026
Spots: 3 
Costs: $2995 CDN per person + GST

The Power and Majesty of the Rut

Autumn in Jasper National Park is a season of raw energy and unforgettable encounters. The crisp morning air carries the echoing bugles of bull elk, their breath rising like mist in the dawn light. Along river valleys and alpine meadows, dominant bulls challenge rivals, gather harems, and remind us why the rut is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

Moose, too, emerge at the edges of lakes and wetlands, massive and commanding against the burnished gold of turning leaves. Watching a bull moose wade into the water, antlers dripping, is a moment every wildlife photographer dreams of.

What You’ll Experience

Over several days, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of Jasper’s fall wilderness:

• Golden Hours in the Field: Sunrise and sunset sessions focused on photographing elk bugling in the frost, and moose feeding or crossing water at the edge of still lakes.

• In-the-Moment Guidance: Learn from an award-winning wildlife photographer with deep experience in fieldcraft, ethics, and the art of telling stories through images.

• Unforgettable Scenes: From river crossings and mist-laden meadows to the thunderous clash of antlers, every moment offers the chance to capture behavior that defines the season.

• The Beauty of Jasper: In between sessions, enjoy the sweeping mountain views, pristine rivers, and fall colors that make this national park one of Canada’s crown jewels.

Why Join

This is more than a photography workshop; it’s a chance to witness and capture the raw beauty of the rut in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. With group sizes kept small, you’ll have space, guidance, and time to craft images that bring the story of elk and moose in autumn to life.

“Donna, your dedication to creating unique experiences and providing personal attention is truly inspiring. You're an incredible photographer and instructor!” - Monica 

What is included

• In-field photography and fieldcraft instruction
• Locations pre-scouted

What is not included

• Transportation to and from Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
• Accommodations
• Meals

What to expect

This workshop is about patience, timing, and being in the right place when the wild comes alive.

• Chilly Autumn Mornings: Expect crisp air at sunrise, when elk bugling is at its peak, and the visible breath of the animals adds atmosphere to every frame. Dressing in layers is essential, as temperatures can shift quickly throughout the day.

• Moderate Activity: Most locations require only short walks from the vehicle, but one highlight of the workshop is a 25-minute hike into a quiet lake where moose are often found along the shoreline. The hike is easy and manageable with camera gear, rewarding us with a chance to photograph moose in a truly wild setting.

• Essential Gear: A telephoto lens (400–600mm range) is highly recommended to capture behavior while maintaining a respectful distance. A shorter lens (70–200mm) is also useful for environmental portraits, especially when mist, mountains, and autumn colors frame the wildlife. Extra batteries and memory cards are a must in the cooler weather.

• Small Group Advantage: With limited participants, you’ll receive personal instruction and plenty of space to work without crowding, ideal for both learning and creativity.

• Beyond the Rut: While elk and moose are our main focus, Jasper often offers surprises: bighorn sheep scaling cliffs, coyotes moving through valleys, or the sheer grandeur of fall landscapes ready for wide-angle captures.

Enjoy the thrill of witnessing some of the most powerful wildlife behavior in North America.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in the area by 4 PM. We will meet at 5 PM for our first evening excursion, looking for elk.  

Day 2 & 3- We will meet before sunrise to find the elk as they are most active in cooler weather. As the temperatures start to warm, we will head out looking for moose, who are active at all times during the day during the rut.  We will regroup around 5:30 PM to search for elk before sunset. 

Day 4 - One last sunrise trip looking for elk before the tour ends. 

What will the weather be like?

• It will be cool, sometimes close to zero in the mornings and reaching the mid-teens by the afternoon.  There is always the possibility of rain, so bring rain gear with you. 
• An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour. 

What should you bring?

• Warm clothes that can be layered and hiking boots.
• Plenty of batteries.
• You can use a variety of lens sizes a 100-500mm zoom would be ideal, or a 400 or 600mm lens. 

Payment Schedule

Cancellation and Refund Policies