Northern Alberta Owls Photography Tour
A five-day winter photography tour in northern Alberta focused on Great Grey Owls, other boreal birds and ethical field practice with local guide Nick Parayko.
About this tour
Explore boreal forest and open meadow habitats in the Edmonton region during a small-group winter birding and photography tour centered on Great Grey Owls. Local guide and wildlife biologist Nick Parayko uses his knowledge of the area to locate birds while keeping sensitive sites private and minimizing disturbance.
Field days begin early and follow current light, weather and wildlife activity. Alongside Great Grey Owls, possible subjects include Northern Hawk Owls, grouse, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, crossbills, waxwings and other northern birds. The group may also encounter larger wildlife at Elk Island National Park, but no species or photographic opportunity is guaranteed.
The program includes field photography instruction, transport, four nights of accommodation, breakfast, park admission and an evening presentation about local owls and ethical viewing. Participants must arrive in Edmonton on January 22 for the early start on January 23; that pre-tour airport hotel is not included.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Canada.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Edmonton region and Elk Island
Begin after an early breakfast, search for owls while traveling toward St. Albert and visit Elk Island National Park for birds and wider winter wildlife before hotel check-in.
Day 2
Sunrise owl search
Leave around sunrise for a full field day following current owl activity, with time for photography coaching and a songbird feeder when conditions allow.
Day 3
Boreal bird photography
Continue the early-start field program for Great Grey Owls and other northern birds, returning after the useful evening light.
Day 4
Winter field day and presentation
Use another full day for owl and boreal bird photography. The schedule also includes a presentation by wildlife biologist and guide Nick Parayko.
Day 5
Final field session and airport return
Photograph through the final winter field day, then return in the evening to Edmonton airport or the agreed airport hotel.
Locations & map
- Northern Alberta owl habitats - Edmonton area Canada
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Hotel accommodation from January 23 - Four nights, checking out January 27.
- Tour transport and airport-area return - Includes transport throughout the published program.
- Expert field guiding and photography instruction - Includes Nick Parayko’s local guiding and owl presentation.
- Breakfast, park admission and local-guide gratuities - As listed in the published program.
Not included
- Flights and the January 22 airport hotel - Participants arrange these independently.
- Lunches, dinners and personal equipment - Paid or supplied separately.
Transport & stays
- Private tour vehicle Road transport links the Edmonton airport area, hotel and selected field locations. | Meet: Edmonton International Airport area hotel | Pickup: Airport-hotel shuttle and final return details are confirmed before travel.
Accommodations
- St. Albert area hotel Same-sex double occupancy; limited single rooms available
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are owl sightings guaranteed?
No. The guide selects locations according to current conditions and bird activity while minimizing disturbance.
Why are the exact sites kept private?
The operator keeps sensitive owl locations private to reduce traffic and pressure. Participants are expected to follow the stated ethical viewing practices.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.