2025 Great Gray Owl Weekend Tour

2025 Great Gray Owl Weekend Tour

Photograph the Majestic Great Gray Owl with Expert Guidance

Renowned for my exceptional great gray owl photography, I invite you to join me in the field for an unforgettable experience. As an acclaimed, award-winning wildlife photographer, I’ll share my expertise, insights, and years of experience to help you elevate your photography skills—regardless of your current level.

During this two-day private photography tour, you’ll learn everything from understanding great gray owl behavior and ethically approaching these magnificent birds, to capturing sharp in-flight shots and composing visually compelling images. These tours are thoughtfully designed to give you the tools and techniques needed to capture the beauty of these mesmerizing creatures.

What to Expect:

• Tailored Fieldwork: Each day begins before sunrise to take advantage of the best morning light and observe the owls during their most active times. After a midday break, we’ll regroup in the late afternoon to make the most of the golden evening light. Each day can be tailored to your skill level, interests, and activity preferences.
• Seasonal Highlights: Late February to early March is the owls’ mating season, a time when they are often active during the day. This provides a unique opportunity to witness their behaviors and capture incredible moments.

Focus on Ethics and Safety:

Throughout the tour, ethical wildlife photography is my top priority. Your safety and the well-being of the owls are paramount. I will monitor the birds closely to ensure our presence does not cause stress or disrupt their natural activities.

Managing Expectations:

Great gray owls are elusive, even when you’re familiar with their habitat. While I will do everything possible to locate them, sightings cannot be guaranteed. When encountered, interactions may be fleeting or extend over hours, depending on the circumstances.

Tour Details:

All tours are held in the picturesque region of Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting with your camera, this experience offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your wildlife photography.

Join me for this unique opportunity to capture one of nature’s most captivating birds while improving your skills in an ethical, supportive environment!

2025 Tour Dates

February 22 & 23 
March 9 & 10
March 22 & 23

Costs

$1500 - One participant 
$2700 - Two participants

What is covered in the cost?

• Pick up and drop off at your accommodations for tour
• In-field photography tips and teaching
• Light snacks and a limited selection of refreshments

What is not covered in the cost?

• Transportation to and from Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada
• Accommodations
• Meals

What level of physical activity is required?

• You will need to be able to carry your own camera gear for 100-200 meters in cold weather and uneven terrain. 

What will the weather be like?

• Weather is unpredictable Temperatures tend to be around -30C in the morning and around -4C later in the day but can vary greatly.
• An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour. 

What should you bring?

• Warm clothes and footwear to be outside up to -20C for long periods of time. Dress in layers, however there will always be access to the tour vehicle to warm up.
• Plenty of batteries as they drain quickly in cold
• A lens that has reach to at least 400mm, 600mm is ideal
• Tripod is optional, but is not required. Donna will not have a tripod. 

Daily Itinerary (subject to change)

7:00 am - pick up at accommodations
7:30 - 8:00 am - arrive at first location
8:00 - 10:30 am - look for owls at first location and travel to other locations if needed
10:30 - 11:00 am - return to accommodations
2:00 pm - pick up at accommodations
2:30 - 3:00 pm - arrive at first location
3:00 - 5:30 pm - look for owls at first location and travel to other locations if needed
5:30 - 6:00 pm - return to accommodations

NOTE: While we will make every attempt to find the great gray owls during the tour there is NO guarantee that we will. Inability to find owls does not warrant a refund.