A majestic elk with large antlers standing in a forest with dense green foliage and trees.

Elk Rut, Owls & Fall Landscapes - Canadian Rockies

Autumn Wildlife & Scenic Photography in the Heart of Alberta

Experience the Canadian Rockies during one of the most spectacular times of year. This 5-day photography tour focuses on the powerful elk rut, elusive owls, and stunning fall landscapes across Alberta. Having grown up here and spent decades photographing these mountains and their wildlife, I bring deep local knowledge that helps place us in the right locations at the right time. Limited to just three photographers per tour, this small-group experience ensures personalized guidance, quiet shooting opportunities, and the flexibility to adapt to wildlife and conditions.

Tour Length:

5 days

Group Size:

Limited to just 3 photographers

Cost:

$5,900 CAD per person + 5$ GST Tax  ($4300 USA Dollars)

2026 Tour Dates

September 14-18, 2026

September 21–25, 2026

Tour Highlights

Elk Rut in Full Swing

Photograph bull elk during peak rut as they bugle, posture, and spar for dominance. Early mornings often bring dramatic light and atmospheric conditions that make for exceptional wildlife images.

Owls in Their Element

Seek out Great Gray Owls in their native forest and grassland habitats. With Ken’s deep field experience in these areas, you’ll maximize ethical, low-impact photographic opportunities.

Alberta’s Autumn Landscapes

Capture golden aspen forests, rugged foothills, and scenic mountain vistas bursting with fall color. A perfect mix of wide landscapes and quiet forest details offers something for every photographic style.

Schedule:

  • Day 0 evening arrive in Calgary and check into hotel

  • Day 1 - Sunrise Great Grey Owls, afternoon head to Canmore / Banff, landscape, elk, Bighorn Sheep till dark. Stay in Canmore

  • Day 2 - Morning with Elk Banff area, mid morning depart for Jasper, Landscape and wildlife on route. Evening Jasper Elk. Stay in Jasper

  • Day 3 - Morning with Jasper Elk, mid morning landscape and other wildlife Jasper area. Mid afternoon return to Canmore, Evening with Elk. Stay in Canmore.

  • Day 4 - Elk Rut in the morning plus some landscape locations, late afternoon head for Great Grey owls. Stay in Calgary

  • Day 5 - Sunrise and sunset with the owls. Mid day Kananaskis area for wildlife and landscapes.

  • Day 6 - Depart for home

Schedule subject to change depending on wildlife and weather.

A great grey owl with yellow eyes perched on a tree branch in a forest with yellow autumn leaves.
A large elk with impressive antlers walking through a grassy field with a blurred forest background.
A large owl perched on a wooden fence post in a grassy field, with trees and a blurred yellowish background.
Beautiful mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks reflected in a calm lake, under partly cloudy skies, with dense forest along the shoreline.
A small rodent, possibly a pika, with fluffy fur and gray and white coloring, is holding and chewing on a small branch with green leaves while standing on rocky terrain.
Close-up of a great gray and brown owl with yellow eyes, set against a blurred green background.
A large elk with impressive antlers standing in a field of green plants with a dark forest in the background.
A serene mountain lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks and dense evergreen forest under a cloudy sky.
Close-up of a moose with large antlers, brown fur, and a dark face.
A bird with the head of an owl and the body of a bird of prey in flight over grass.
A mountain stream flowing through a forest with tall pine trees, against a backdrop of rugged mountains and a clear blue sky.
A great grey owl perched on a tree trunk in a forest with yellow and green autumn leaves.
A serene mountain lake surrounded by tall pine trees with snow-capped rugged mountains in the background, reflecting in the calm water, under a partly cloudy sky.
A small rodent, possibly a pika, sitting on rocks and holding a piece of grass in its mouth in a rocky natural environment.
Close-up of a great gray and white owl with a facial disc, staring sideways with yellow eyes, against a blurred yellow and green background.
Two young goats playing and touching noses.
A large great grey owl with outstretched wings landing on a barbed wire fence, holding a small bird in its talons, in a grassy field.
Close-up of a moose with large antlers, wet fur, and an open mouth.
An owl in mid-flight flying over a barbed wire fence in a green, wooded area with sunlight filtering through the trees.

What’s Included

  • 5 days of guided field photography sessions

  • Local transportation during the tour (starting and ending in Calgary, Alberta)

  • Comfortable accommodations.

  • Local knowledge of wildlife expertise.

  • Personalized instruction and field support

  • Detailed pre-trip itinerary and gear/travel recommendations

  • National Park fees

What’s Not Included

  • Meals and snacks

  • Airfare or travel to and from Calgary International Airport (YYC)

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Gratuities (optional)

Fitness Level Required

Easy to moderate. Photography typically involves short walks on uneven ground. Participants should be comfortable carrying their own gear and being outdoors for extended periods.

Accommodation is Included:

I have partnered with Alt Hotel Calgary University District for accommodation for nights in Calgary. It is in the NW Calgary and opened in June 2023. It has great amenities around it such as, numerous restaurants, coffee shop, grocery store,pharmacy.

Deposits & Booking

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot on this tour.

  • Deposits are non-refundable (see Cancellation Policy below)

  • Invoices are issued electronically

Canadian Clients

Canadian clients may pay in CAD using:

  • Interac e-Transfer (no processing fee)

  • Credit card (a 2.7% processing fee applies)

U.S. Clients

U.S. clients may pay in USD using:

  • ACH bank transfer (USD) – preferred, lowest-fee option

  • Credit card (a 2.7% USD processing fee applies)

USD pricing is converted from Canadian pricing using a fixed exchange rate of 1.38.
ACH payment instructions are provided directly on the invoice.

Final Payment

The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour / workshop date

Automatic email reminders are sent in advance of the final payment deadline.

Non-Photographer Companions

The same daily rates apply for non-photographer companions.

Cancellation Policy

This tour involves accommodations, transportation, and other arrangements that require non-refundable advance commitments.

  • The 50% deposit is non-refundable

  • If you cancel before final payment is due, we will attempt to fill your spot

    • If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee

  • If you cancel after final payment, no refund will be issued unless your spot can be filled

    • If successful, all payments will be refunded minus a $500 administration fee

We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and travel insurance to protect your investment.

Waiver & Non-Disclosure Notice

All participants are required to sign a Liability Waiver prior to joining any Ken Anderson Photography workshop or tour. This agreement outlines the inherent risks associated with wildlife photography in remote environments, affirms that you are responsible for your own personal safety at all times, and includes a commitment to protecting sensitive wildlife locations.