What's sets this photography workshop apart...
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World-class winter owl photography
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Ethics first.
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High participant to guide ratio!
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Alberta has one of the highest concentrations of wintering owls on earth. Consistently high numbers of Great Gray Owls, Northern Hawk Owls and Snowy Owls are found in this region each year.
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One of guiding principles of this workshop is to minimize the impact we have on the owls to the greatest extent possible. We aim to capture images that exhibit natural behaviour in their environment. For the well-being of the owls, bait will not be used on this workshop.
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With a 1:3 guide to participant ratio, each participant will receive high levels of individual attention. The small group size will also minimize our impact on the owls.
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Snowy Owl - Liron Gertsman
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Great Gray Owl - Gavin McKinnon
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Northern Hawk Owl - Gavin McKinnon
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Workshop Information
Dates: February 10-16, 2026 & February 18-24, 2026
These dates were selected during the premier time of year to see the most owls in Alberta's forests and prairies.
Cost: $4,999 CAD + GST (5%)
The workshop fee above its based on double occupancy and includes all ground transportation, accommodation in good-quality hotels, breakfast, professional guiding services and instruction.
Deposit & Cancellation Information: $700 CAD | $550 USD
The booking deposit is refundable for 45 days after receipt, or up until September 1 2025 (whichever comes first). The remaining balance is due by November 1st 2025 For cancellation 60-90 days before the trip, a 50% refund will be issued. Refunds are not available for cancellation 59 days or less prior to trip departure.
Group Size: 3-6 participants + 2 guides
The high participant to guide ratio on this tour is one of the many factors that sets it apart from similar workshops. Each participant will receive a high amount of individual attention and instruction. The small group size also reduces the impact that our group will have on the owls, leading to a more pleasant experience for all.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Edmonton
Today we will arrive in Edmonton, Alberta where the workshop will begin. We will meet in the evening to discuss more details about the upcoming days in the field.
Day 2-3: Central Alberta
These two days will be spent primarily exploring the southern boreal forest and parkland surrounding Edmonton. We will focus our efforts on finding Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls, however we may wander into the adjacent grasslands for a chance to see Snowy Owls. In addition to owls, finches such as Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills and both Common and Hoary Redpolls are plentiful in some winters.
Day 4: Central - Southern Alberta
On this day we will travel south from Edmonton to Calgary. Instead of taking the main highways, we will slowly travel on the side roads, passing through prime Snowy Owl habitat. Naturally, our focus today will be on capturing images of Snowy Owls.
Day 5-6: Southern Alberta
For the rest of the workshop we will be based out of Calgary. Calgary is in a unique geographic position as out is near the intersection of multiple habitat types. In the foothills we will have the chance to photograph species such as Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and possibly Northern Pygmy Owl. In the open country to the east of the city we will search for Snowy Owls, Great Horned Owls and if we are lucky, we may bump into some Short-eared Owls. These days will remain flexible so that we can focus on photographing any targets that we may have missed on previous days.
Day 7: Departure from Calgary
Today we will say our goodbyes and depart from Calgary. Participants may schedule flights at any time on this day.
Today we will arrive in Edmonton, Alberta where the workshop will begin. We will meet in the evening to discuss more details about the upcoming days in the field.
Day 2-3: Central Alberta
These two days will be spent primarily exploring the southern boreal forest and parkland surrounding Edmonton. We will focus our efforts on finding Great Gray Owls and Northern Hawk Owls, however we may wander into the adjacent grasslands for a chance to see Snowy Owls. In addition to owls, finches such as Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills and both Common and Hoary Redpolls are plentiful in some winters.
Day 4: Central - Southern Alberta
On this day we will travel south from Edmonton to Calgary. Instead of taking the main highways, we will slowly travel on the side roads, passing through prime Snowy Owl habitat. Naturally, our focus today will be on capturing images of Snowy Owls.
Day 5-6: Southern Alberta
For the rest of the workshop we will be based out of Calgary. Calgary is in a unique geographic position as out is near the intersection of multiple habitat types. In the foothills we will have the chance to photograph species such as Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and possibly Northern Pygmy Owl. In the open country to the east of the city we will search for Snowy Owls, Great Horned Owls and if we are lucky, we may bump into some Short-eared Owls. These days will remain flexible so that we can focus on photographing any targets that we may have missed on previous days.
Day 7: Departure from Calgary
Today we will say our goodbyes and depart from Calgary. Participants may schedule flights at any time on this day.
Guides:
Gavin McKinnon
Gavin McKinnon is a passionate birder who enjoys sharing his love of birds and nature with others. As the founder of Meadowlark Birding Tours, Gavin has made it his mission to create exceptional birding experiences for birders of all levels. From an early age, Gavin developed a deep fascination for birds after he visited Point Pelee National park on a family holiday. Since then, he has traveled extensively in Canada and to numerous locations in the tropics and around the globe in search of unique birding opportunities. In addition to leading tours, Gavin is actively involved in the local birding community. |
Liron Gertsman
You may have seen him on CBC’s “The National”, heard his voice on CBC Radio One, or seen his work in publications such Canadian Geographic magazine, The Guardian, Audubon, GEO magazine, and others. Liron Gertsman has been observing and photographing the natural world continuously since he first got his hands on a borrowed pair of binoculars and a camera at the age of five. As a naturalist and photographer, he feels it is his duty to show people the essence of Earth, by thinking outside the box to create unique experiences and eye-catching images that connect people with nature. Liron’s photographic work has been widely recognized and awarded, sweeping the professional category of the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards and earning a highly commended designation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. |