Great Grey Owl Photo Tour – Alberta, Canada
Great Grey Owl 4 day Photo Tour / Workshop
Step into the boreal forests of Alberta for an unforgettable experience photographing the elusive Great Grey Owl, the “Phantom of the North.” This workshop is designed so you can simply arrive, focus on your photography, and let everything else be taken care of.
Effortless, All-Inclusive Experience
From the moment you arrive, every detail is covered. My tours are built so participants have very little thinking to do, just show up, pick up your camera, and immerse yourself in the owls’ world. Logistics, accommodations, and local guidance are all arranged in advance.
Premium Accommodations
Enjoy the comfort of a newly built hotel in a convenient location, with restaurants and grocery stores nearby. Each participant has their own private room—no double occupancy—ensuring rest and privacy after full days in the field. Nights before and after the tour are included, making travel stress-free.
Photography Highlights
Four days of guided owl photography in pristine winter and spring habitats
Small group size for a personalized, ethical photography experience
Expert ethical guidance on owl behaviour, allowing you to anticipate and capture the best moments
Prime locations chosen for the highest chance of success
Ample time in the field to create award-worthy images
Price Per Person
$4,990 Canadian Dollars per person + 5% GST Tax
What’s Included
5 nights single-occupancy accommodation (night before and after included)
All ground transportation during the tour
Expert guiding and local knowledge
Tracking and focusing techniques for birds in flight
Photographic & video instruction, knowledge of the subject to enable best opportunities for desired photos
Daily field sessions focused on Great Grey Owls
Not Included:
Flight and or transportation to Calgary, Alberta. Canada (YYC)
Uber, Lyft, or taxi to hotel and airport
Meals
Group Size
Small Group - Limited to 3 people per tour
Schedule:
Day 0 evening arrive in Calgary and check into hotel
Days 1–4 full sunrise to sunset photographing owls
Day 5 morning depart for home
NOTE: If have a companion that wishes to come along but is not a photographer, the above rates still apply even if not photographing.
Tour Dates available:
January 18-21, 2027 - 3 spots
February 1-4, 2027 - 3 spots
February 8-11, 2027 - 3 spots
March 1-4, 2027 - 3 spots
March 8-11, 2027 - 3 spots
March 15-18, 2027 - 1 spots
April 5-8, 2027 - 3 spots. Daily schedule for this tour date is sunrise photography session (approximately 4 hrs), Midday break at hotel, Late afternoon session (approximately 4 hrs before sunset until sunset).
Location:
Boreal Forest & Open Prairie Regions, Alberta, Canada. You would fly into Calgary. (YYC)
Skill Level:
All levels welcome .
Physical Intensity required is Easy
Short walks from a motorized vehicle of less than 200m
Terrain is mostly smooth.
Spring – months can still have snow and cold temps closer to freezing in the mornings ( 0C / 32F). Need to dress for this to be able to shoot outside.
Winter – December till end of March it can be very cold with snow. Temps can range from +5C to -35C.
We go no matter what the temperature so need to be prepared to stand outside for 20-30min at a time.
Note - We are located at a higher altitude approx. 4000-4500 feet above seas level.
Must have reasonable balance and mobility while carrying photo gear
Why Photograph with Us?
Ken Anderson is a professional Canadian wildlife photographer with more than 14 years of experience guiding for Great Grey Owls 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.
Payment & Booking Details
Price: $4990 CAD per person + 5% GST
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% processing fee applies)
USD pricing is converted from Canadian pricing using a fixed exchange rate of 1.38 - This may be adjusted as rates change
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 tour / workshop 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.
Register Below for Great Grey Owl Photography 4 Day Tours
Testimonials
“Ken is highly knowledgeable about the behaviour of owls, as well as areas to explore to find them; especially the Great Grey. He provided insights on camera settings, locations and directions from which to shoot, and was exceptionally patient. Owls don't appear magically. He is thoughtful, kind, and provides clear instructions and detailed information so I could set my expectations accordingly. One of the best things I liked about Ken is that he made the housing and local transportation arrangements so I didn't have to worry those details. Keeping the group size small offered a lot of personal attention. It was very easy for me to learn, grow, and develop my experience with wildlife photography. I'd go with Ken again and appreciate his gentle, kind, attention to looking after my interests and personal needs”.
— Rocky/Burlington, ON
Ken Anderson’s grey owl photography tour was an outstanding experience from start to finish. What stood out most was his deep respect for the wildlife and his commitment to ethical practices. Ken was a fantastic host: organized, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what he does. He created a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere while still making sure everyone got the most out of the tour. Along the way, he shared a wealth of knowledge about owl behavior, which added real depth to the experience, and he was equally helpful on the photography side—offering practical tips that improved our shots. Overall, it was a great time and a well-run tour. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife photography.
— Mike B - VA, USA
“I am a first time participant in one of Ken Anderson Photography workshops. Ken came highly recommended as an excellent, and ethical guide who will not bait the wildlife, in my case Great Grey Owls. I am a veteran of photography workshops and this was by far the best for many reasons. Setting up the tour with Ken was very easy and painless with all payments through the internet making international payments a breeze. Ken is very knowledgeable with the subject wildlife, and puts you in a position to get great shots, portrait and birds in flight. Ken limits to a group of three participants, but on this tour I ended up the only client. The tour originated in Calgary, with Ken meeting me at my lodging promptly as scheduled each morning to be ready to photograph at first light, with photo opportunities until the golden hour each evening. You can expect a full day shooting. Ken is extremely affable and easy to talk to and ask questions. He was vey helpful; and eagerly pointed out techniques and tips for Great Grey Owl birds in flight shots. He always ensured I was in position for the shot before he even pulled out his camera. Foremost, he is an honest and ethical nature photographer and excellent guide.
— Bill Boss