INTO THE GREY

quick facts:

- located in Alberta, Canada
- only tour with an owl sighting guarantee
- 3 day experience

Things you'll love

about this tour

Ethics are priority

We don't bait, we don't harass, we don't flush.
If you're looking to photograph these incredible

owls in an appropriate context, you can feel good about joining my tour.

TWO guides instead of one

Myself and another ethical wildlife photographer are leading this one together - that doubles the frequency of us spotting owls for you.

Let us drive you around

We'll do all the driving. Pickup and drop off at your accommodations each day. (If you'd prefer to travel in your own vehicle, that is fine too)

Owl Guarantee*

On each tour it's common to have 10 or more owl owl encounters.
*see bottom of page for details

The Details

Welcome to "Into the Grey" - a 3 day, ethical owl viewing and photography experience. If you've never seen a Great Grey Owl before, just wait until one turns its head and stares right at you! It'll be a moment you never forget. GGOs are often active by roadsides, perching on trees, posts and poles. They have a calm, tolerant demeanour, often allowing for prolonged photography and action shots as they hunt numerous times.

DAILY ITINERARY:
Day 1: We head out mid afternoon for our first session and return after dusk.
Day 2: We pick you up before sunrise. If owl action slows down, we break for lunch together at a local restaurant. We head out again for evening until dusk.
Day 3: A morning session and one final afternoon/early evening session.

This makes for a total of 5 owl "sessions". On each individual session, we typically have 1 to 3 owl encounters. Throughout the course of the entire tour we normally will have 10 or more great grey owl encounters, with the chance of encountering pygmy owls, barred owls, northern hawk owls, deer, foxes, coyotes, and moose.

MY ROLE FOR YOU:
I'm eager to provide you with the best possible experience! Myself and the second photographer leading this trip will take turns driving the group as we all keep an eye out for owls. If you would rather follow behind us in your own vehicle that is fine as well.

YOUR ROLE:

Enjoy the ride as we cruise some pretty countryside roads searching for owls. It will be fun trying to spot owls as a group and seeing who can find one first - nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition! It is not uncommon to have over half a dozen owl encounters in just one fully day. You'll love photographing these large birds of prey as they are typically quite tolerant of human presence, and allow for prolonged sessions where we can try different angles and compositions to capture their beauty.

Contact Me

with inquiries + booking requests

$1499 (Canadian dollars)

Taking inquiries for winter 2025

What level of photography experience is recommended?

All levels are welcome (even non-photographers who are simply nature enthusiasts). The tour is, however, primarily geared towards beginner and intermediate photographers who are looking to learn photography tips and tricks along the way.
What exactly does this tour entail?

There are many different areas I can guide you, and it will largely depend on time of year and the goals you have in mind. For instance - for loons, I might recommend we get out on my boat on a certain lake. For moose, I might recommend a certain short hike, or a certain area to drive around. For lake sunrises I have certain areas in mind. For autumn colours, there are a whole new set of places I would take us. Therefore, in order to curate the best possible experience for you, I look forward to learning your hopes + goals, and each tour will be unique!
Will we see wildlife?

Though I'd love to be able to, I simply cannot guarantee we'll see wildlife. However, there are certain things we can do to vastly increase our chances depending on which animals you are most interested in seeing. (If you are REALLY serious about moose, consider joining my Moose Quest trip which guarantees moose sightings) (If you are REALLY serious about loons and chicks, consider joining my Loon Quest trip)
What time of year is best for wildlife?

I'd recommend May and early June for most wildlife, though autumn can be good too.
Where does the tour take place?

The location will be at a designated meeting spot along highway 60 in Algonquin Provincial Park. After booking, more information will be disclosed. We will travel around together but in separate vehicles.
What about bad weather?

Aside from severe weather, we plan to run the trip rain or shine.
Will I need my own transportation?

Yes - guests will meet with me at an established location, and we will travel around together but in separate vehicles.
Are accommodations provided if I choose multiple days of guiding?

Guests are responsible for their own accommodations. There are many options in Huntsville + Dwight (west end of Algonquin) and Whitney (east end) in addition to camping in Algonquin Park.
What is the maximum group size?

4 guests in addition to myself. I also offer private guiding on request.
What is the cancellation policy?

A 50% refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This is 100% refundable up until 60 days prior to the trip start date at which point it is non refundable. The remaining 50% is required 30 days prior to the trip start date (a reminder in advance of this approaching date will be sent out).

Click here to see my other tours

Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to the tour.

A 50% refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This is 100% refundable up until 60 days prior to the trip start date at which point it is non refundable. The remaining 50% is required 60 days prior to the trip start date (a reminder in advance of this approaching date will be sent out).

*The Owl Guarantee guarantees you see at least one great grey owl throughout the duration of the entire tour, assuming you are present for all of the owl outings, or I will reimburse this trip for you.