Set out on a truly captivating 12-hour photography tour dedicated to the majestic Snowy Owl. Departing from Saskatoon, this immersive experience takes you to prime viewing areas where you’ll observe these arctic-nesting owls in their winter habitat. Led by a local expert, you’ll also have the chance to capture stunning images of Redpolls, Golden Eagles, and the serene beauty of the winter landscape. With a group size limited to just four participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized adventure unlike any other. But what makes this tour truly exceptional is the chance to witness the Snowy Owl’s captivating behavior up close and personal.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Saskatoon.
Key Points
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A 12-hour guided tour to photograph Snowy Owls in their natural winter habitat, departing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at 8 AM and returning by 8 PM.
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Priced at $696.97 for up to 4 participants, with free cancellation and full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance.
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Opportunities to observe Snowy Owls in their natural behaviors, as well as potential sightings of other winter birds and raptors.
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Includes guiding services, with participants required to bring warm clothing, camera gear, food, and drinks for the 12-hour excursion.
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Private or small group options available, with a maximum group size of 4 participants to ensure a personalized and memorable experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Snowy Owl Photography Tour offers a 12-hour experience to witness and photograph these majestic birds in their natural winter habitat.
Priced from $696.97 per group of up to 4 participants, the tour provides free cancellation with a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance.
Led by a local expert, the tour visits the best regions for observing Snowy Owls and potentially spotting other winter birds like Redpolls, Waxwings, and Snow Buntings.
The tour departs at 8 AM from Saskatoon, drives 2 hours to prime Snowy Owl viewing areas, and returns by 8 PM.
Participants must bring appropriate warm clothing and photography gear to make the most of this immersive wildlife photography opportunity.
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Experience and Highlights
Led by a local expert, the guided 8-hour tour takes participants to the best region for photographing and viewing Snowy Owls in their winter habitat.
The tour offers the opportunity to observe the behavior of these arctic-nesting owls in their natural environment.
Potential sightings also include:
- Redpolls, Waxwings, Bohemian Waxwings, and Snow Buntings – beautiful winter songbirds
- Raptors such as Golden Eagles, Gyrfalcons, Prairie Falcons, Short-eared Owls, and Great Horned Owls
Itinerary and Meeting Point
The tour begins at 8 am at the Esso Gas Station parking lot, located at the intersection of highway 7 and 11th St W in Saskatoon, Canada.
From there, the group will drive approximately 2 hours to a high-density Snowy Owl region. The tour will follow quiet rural back roads, providing excellent opportunities for photography and observation of the arctic nesting owls.
Participants may also spot winter songbirds like Redpolls, Waxwings, Bohemian Waxwings, and Snow Buntings, as well as other raptors such as Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon, Prairie Falcon, Short-eared Owl, and Great Horned Owl.
The tour will return to Saskatoon at approximately 8:00 pm.
Inclusions and What to Bring
What does the tour include, and what should participants bring?
The Snowy Owl Photography Tour includes guiding service from the meeting location.
Participants must bring warm clothing such as a parka, pants, hat, gloves, and long underwear. They should also bring a camera, food, and drinks. Warm shoes are recommended.
The tour offers:
- Guiding service from the meeting point
- Requirement to bring warm clothing
- Need to bring camera, food, and drinks
- Recommendation for warm shoes
Booking and Group Options
The tour offers private or small group options for booking. Guests can reserve their spot without an upfront payment through the "reserve now & pay later" option. The meeting point may vary depending on the selected booking option.
| Booking Options | Group Size |
|---|---|
| Private Tour | Up to 4 |
| Small Group | Up to 4 |
Whichever option is chosen, the tour guarantees a memorable experience photographing and observing the majestic Snowy Owls in their natural habitat during the winter months.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation allows guests to cancel their Snowy Owl Photography Tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This flexible policy provides peace of mind for those who may need to change their plans unexpectedly.
The key points about the cancellation policy are:
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
- This applies to the entire group, not individual participants.
- Cancellation must be communicated directly to the tour operator.
- Refunds will be processed promptly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
This cancellation policy demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility, making it an attractive option for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Participant Requirements
Participants must bring their own warm, weatherproof clothing and camera equipment for the Snowy Owl Photography Tour. The tour takes place in the winter, so dressing appropriately is crucial.
Recommended items include a winter parka, snow pants, insulated gloves, a warm hat, and sturdy winter boots. Participants should also bring their own food and drinks to sustain them during the 12-hour excursion.
Plus, a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens is essential for capturing high-quality images of the majestic Snowy Owls and other winter wildlife. The guide will provide expert advice on camera settings and techniques, but the participants are responsible for bringing their own photographic gear.
Additional Information
Snowy owls, the majestic arctic raptors, are the focal point of this captivating photography tour. The experience offers several noteworthy highlights:
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Guided by a local expert, the tour takes participants to the best regions for observing and photographing these elusive birds.
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Along With the snowy owls, the tour offers opportunities to spot winter songbirds, including Redpolls, Waxwings, Bohemian Waxwings, and Snow Buntings.
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Keen-eyed observers may even catch a glimpse of other impressive raptors, such as Golden Eagles, Gyrfalcons, Prairie Falcons, Short-eared Owls, and Great Horned Owls.
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The tour’s flexible scheduling and private or small group options ensure a personalized and memorable experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Camera Equipment Is Recommended for This Tour?
For this photo tour, participants should bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens of at least 300mm. A sturdy tripod is also recommended to capture clear, detailed shots of the snowy owls and other wildlife.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is focused on observing and photographing wildlife in their natural habitat, and the presence of pets could disturb the birds and other animals. Participants are advised to leave their pets at home.
Do I Need to Have Prior Photography Experience?
No prior photography experience is required. The tour is designed for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The guide will provide tips and assistance to help participants capture stunning images of the Snowy Owls.
Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?
The tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Participants must be able to walk on quiet rural back roads and stand for extended periods to observe and photograph the owls. While the tour provider can accommodate some needs, significant mobility restrictions may make participation difficult.
How Many Stops Will Be Made During the Tour?
The tour makes several stops along rural back roads to observe and photograph the snowy owls. The exact number of stops isn’t specified, but the itinerary indicates the tour will visit a high-density snowy owl region during the 12-hour experience.
Recap
This immersive 12-hour photography tour is a must-do experience for wildlife enthusiasts and shutterbugs. Witness the majestic Snowy Owls in their natural winter habitat, surrounded by the serene beauty of the landscape. Led by a local expert, you’ll have a personalized adventure with a small group, capturing stunning images of these arctic-nesting owls and other fascinating wildlife. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to connect with the natural world.
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