Great Grey Owl 4 Day Tour – Alberta, Canada

Photograph Alberta’s Iconic Winter Owls

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

  • $4,600 Canadian Dollars per person + 5% GST Tax (Approx $3400 USD)

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:

  • March 1-4, 2027 - 3 spots

  • March 8-11, 2027 - 3 spots

  • March 15-18, 2027 - 3 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).

  • *** If looking for dates outside of above dates, I offer custom Great Grey Owl Tours also CLICK HERE for info

Location:

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

Skill Level:

All levels welcome .

  • Two great gray owls perched on a barbed wire fence, one catching a small animal, the other holding prey in its beak during winter.
  • A short eared owl standing on a green wooden post, with one wing extended, behind a barbed wire fence, against a blurred gray sky.
  • A great grey owl flying low over dry grass with wings fully extended and head facing forward.
  • A great grey owl perched on a branch with its wings spread.
  • A great gray owl perched on a leafless branch, facing sideways with its head turned back, in front of a dark background.

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 12 years of experience guiding for Great Grey Owl 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.

An owl in flight with wings spread, captured against a plain white background.
An owl perched on a wooden fence in a grassy field, with a blurred autumnal background.
A Gray Owl landing on a wooden fence post in a grassy field with a blurred green forest background.
A young owl perched on a tree branch, with a blurred green background.
Black and white photo of an owl perched on a fence post in a snowy landscape, with a dark forest background.
A large owl with its wings spread wide, perched on a wooden railing outdoors.
A large owl with gray and white feathers spread wings perched on a small, leafless tree against a white background.
A snowy landscape features a large gray and white barred owl with yellow eyes sitting on the ground among dry grass and snow.
A white snowy owl perched on a branch in a snowy landscape
A Great Horned Owl chick with fuzzy grey and white feathers, yellow eyes, and a small yellow beak, perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves.
A great gray owl perched on a snow-covered branch in a winter landscape.

Payment & Booking Details

Price: $4600 CAD per person + 5% GST
($3400 USD + 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% 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.

Register Below for Great Grey Owl Photography 4 Day Tours