Explore the Majestic Great Gray Owl in Alberta’s Winter Wilderness
Encircling Earth’s northern pole is a vast expanse of forest—nature’s crown of larch, pine, and spruce. This immense northern woodland, the planet’s largest terrestrial ecosystem, is home to a singularly captivating bird: the magnificent great gray owl. These elusive “gray ghosts” of the forest embody the wilderness’s magic and mystery.
Each winter, great gray owls venture from the remote, snow-draped forests to the edges of rural Alberta’s roadways, hunting voles and mice beneath the drifts. Many of these owls have never encountered humans, making them wonderfully approachable and ideal photographic subjects.
In preparation for our tour, our expert local guide scouts the backroads of central Alberta, identifying the most accessible owls and prime photographic opportunities. From our cozy, ranch-style cabins, we set out each day, fueled by hearty, delicious meals prepared by our gracious host, ready to explore the surrounding forests. This journey offers countless chances to capture the owls in various winter landscapes, each more breathtaking than the last. As winter draws to a close in March, northern songbirds become more active, eagerly seeking nesting partners. This season provides a unique opportunity to photograph them while they are preoccupied with their courtship. Expect to encounter a diverse array of birds, including four species of woodpeckers, redpolls, chickadees, nuthatches, ravens, and jays, particularly around our guest ranch. We aim to help you add these captivating species to your personal photo library.
