2025 Great Gray Owl Weekend Tour
Widely known for my outstanding great gray owl photography join me in the field as I share my knowledge and years of experience. As a highly acclaimed and award-winning wildlife photographer, I will share my expertise and help you on your photography journey whatever your skill level. From understanding great gray owl behaviour to learning how to approach an owl to capturing sharp inflight photos and composing compelling images these trips are designed to improve your photography skills and allow you to photograph these mesmerizing beauties.
Your two-day private photography tour provides an unbelievable opportunity to experience the majestic great gray owl up close and personal. A typical day begins before sunrise allowing us to get the best morning light and enjoy the activity of owls at the beginning of the day. We will break later in the morning and regroup again later in the afternoon to once again get the best light later in the afternoon and into the early evening. The day is yours and can be tailored to your ability and activity level.
The entire time we are in the field, I will emphasize ethical wildlife photography practice. Both your safety and that of the owls are of primary importance when we are in the field and I will continually observe the species we are encountering to look for any signs of stress.
Late February and early March is great gray owl mating season and the owls are frequently active during the day. Great gray owls are not easy to find, and knowing their area is still no guarantee of finding one. Please note although I will try my best to locate great gray owls there is no guarantee any will be seen and if seen, sightings can be as short as a minute or last for hours.
All tours are offered in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada. Whether you have been photographing for years or just received your camera there is something for everyone in these day tours.
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
- Up to 45 days before the tour $900 refund
- Between 29 - 14 days before the tour $250 refund
- 13 days before the tour no refund
For all tours, each participant will be required to sign a Release of Liability and an Assumption of Risk Waiver before the start of the tour. You will be required to sign a non-disclosure of location agreement in relation to the owls for their protection and you may be asked to sign a photo release form (optional) to allow images taken of the tour to be used in future tour marketing.
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.