Custom Great Grey Owl Photography Tours.

Photograph Alberta’s Iconic Winter Owls

Explore Alberta’s boreal forests and expansive prairie landscapes to photograph two of Canada’s most captivating and elusive owl species: the Great Grey Owl and the Snowy Owl. These tours are designed for photographers who seek quiet, respectful encounters in wild, photogenic settings.

Great Grey Owls hunt silently along forest edges, while Snowy Owls perch prominently in open prairie terrain. Winter and early spring offer prime conditions to capture these majestic birds in stunning natural light.

Tour Dates:

  • Custom - inquire in the form on bottom of this page for available dates

  • Minimum 3 days, max 4 days

  • No guiding on weekends available

If looking for all inclusive tour with accommodation included CLICK HERE

Location:

  • Boreal Forest & Open Prairie Regions, Alberta, Canada.  You would fly into Calgary. (YYC)

Skill Level:

  • All levels welcome

Group Size:

  • Limited to 3 photographers per group

Tour Type:

  • Guided wildlife photography experience focused on Great Grey and Snowy Owls

Includes:

  • Full-day guiding and in-field coaching

  • Snowy Owl photography opportunities (as available)

  • Local transportation during the tour

Not Included

  • Flight and or transportation to Calgary, Alberta. Canada (YYC)

  • Accommodation - recommended hotel provided with a 10% discount booking code

  • Meals 

A northern pygmy owl with yellow eyes and brown and white feathers is perched on a snow-covered tree stump in a snowy environment.
A snowy owl perched on a snow-covered evergreen tree branch during a snowstorm.
A snowy scene with a great gray owl perched on a snow-covered pine branch in winter weather.
A great grey owl with outstretched wings flying over a barbed wire fence in a grassy field, with a blurred forest in the background.
A snowy owl perched on a barren, leafless tree branch against a white sky.
A great gray owl in flight with spread wings, set against a blurred green background.
A great gray owl with wings spread wide in flight near a small tree with green pine needles.
A great grey owl with its wings spread wide, perched upside down on a wooden post.

Recommended Accommodation:

I have partnered with Alt Hotel Calgary University District for accommodation.. 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. Upon booking your spot you will be sent a link and a booking code for 10% off.

Why Photograph with Us?

Ken Anderson is a professional Canadian wildlife photographer with more than 12 years of experience guiding Great Grey Owl tours in Alberta. His knowledge of owl behavior and ethical field practices ensures you get authentic, high-quality photo opportunities without disturbing the birds.

Unlike some operators who bait or run large groups, Ken has proven you do not need shortcuts to get great images. Patience, time in the field, and understanding wildlife behavior lead to better photographs and more meaningful encounters.

  • Ethical photography only: No baiting, flushing, or harassment

  • Small groups: Limited to 3 photographers for minimal disturbance

  • Protected locations: No public sharing of sensitive sites

  • Respect for landowners and community: Always with permission and sustainability in mind

Our tours often feature both Great Grey and Snowy Owls, with the possibility of additional species depending on conditions. With logistics, accommodation, and instruction handled for you, all you need to do is focus on creating images and enjoying the experience.

Two great grey owls on a barbed wire fence, one with a rodent in its beak, in a snowy outdoor environment.
A great grey owl in flight carrying a mouse in its talons.
A detailed image of a great gray owl perched on a weathered, leafless branch, with its piercing yellow eyes staring forward against a blurred green and brown background.
A close-up of a short eared owl with bright yellow eyes perched on a weathered wooden post, against a blurred, light background.
A large, great grey owl with yellow eyes landing on a wooden fence post with outstretched wings.
A great grey owl in flight with wings spread wide, showing detailed dark gray and brown feathers, against a blurry green background.
A great grey owl with yellow eyes flying with wings spread wide
A detailed close-up of a great grey owl in flight with its wings spread wide, showing intricate feather patterns, against a blurred background.
A great grey owl perched on a small branch, with wings spread wide, in a natural outdoor setting.
A short eared owl standing on a weathered green wooden post, with one wing partially extended, in front of a blurry gray sky background.

Payment & Booking Details

  • Price: $750 CAD per person, per day + 5% GST

  • Duration: Minimum 3 days, maximum 4 days

Deposit Options

  • $500 deposit (non-refundable) to reserve your spot

    • Balance up to 50% due within 30 days of booking

  • OR 50% deposit at time of booking

    • $500 of this deposit is non-refundable

Final Payment

  • Remaining balance due 60 days before tour date

Currency

  • All payments must be made in Canadian Dollars

  • Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received and processed

Payment Reminders

  • Email reminders for final payments are sent automatically

Non-Photographer Companions

  • Same daily rates apply even if not photographing

Cancellation Policy

The $500 deposit to reserve your spot is non-refundable.

  • If you cancel before final payment is due, all payments will be refunded minus:

    • The $500 deposit to reserve your spot

    • Any unrecoverable third-party costs (e.g., permits, lodging, transportation deposits).

  • If you cancel after final payment, no refund will be issued.

    • If your spot is filled by another participant, we will refund the full amount paid minus the $500 deposit to reserve your spot.

  • 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 and Non-Disclosure Agreement 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.

By participating, you agree to keep confidential all location information disclosed or discovered during the event, including but not limited to specific nesting, roosting, or hunting areas of owls and other vulnerable species. You further agree not to:

  • Share GPS coordinates or detailed location descriptions

  • Publish identifiable location information on social media, blogs, or forums

  • Guide others to these locations without express written permission from Ken Anderson Photography / Ken Anderson Sports Inc.

A digital waiver will be sent to you upon registration and must be completed before the start of the workshop. These measures are in place to protect wildlife from disturbance, harassment, and habitat degradation. Your cooperation helps ensure the continued health and safety of these species.

Register Below for Great Grey Owl Photography Tour with Custom Date