Snowy Owls in Canadian Winter
- January 26th, 2026 - January 30th, 2026
- Spaces Left: 5 (Maximum 6 Photographers)
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
This bespoke, custom-tailored workshop in the Casselman area in Eastern Ontario, Canada, is for keen and passionate wildlife photographers who want to capture stunning and powerful photographs of snowy owls in winter. The farmland surrounding Casselman is one of the best places in the world to photograph migrating Snowy Owls. We have a small group size and personal, one-on-one tuition for the duration of the workshop.
- Dates: 26th January 2026 until 30th January 2026 (Duration 4 Nights / 5 Days)
- Investment: $8,850 USD ($450 USD Single Supplement). Wild Nature Photo Travel Team members pay no single supplement.
- Deposit: The deposit to secure your place is $3,500 USD, with the balance due 120 days before the workshop commences.
- Participants: Maximum 6 Photographers plus leader
- Start and Finish: Casselman, Eastern Ontario, Canada
- Trip Leaders: Joshua Holko Master Photog II
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Freezing
- Experience Level: Beginner to Professional
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
In January 2026, I will be offering a winter workshop for Snowy Owls in Canada. For the duration of this workshop, we have EXCLUSIVE LAND ACCESS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, which means it's only us and the owls. No other photographers are permitted. We will photograph in various winter conditions: It is expected to be out in blizzard-like conditions, heavy and light snow, and cloudy, foggy, or sunny days. This variety of weather, landscape, and lighting conditions, in addition to our local guides' in-depth knowledge of the owls, will provide you with the opportunity to create a diverse, creative and professional portfolio of this species. Mother nature will dictate the weather, including the amount of snow.
Migration is full of surprises. Great Grey owls, Northern Hawk owls, Boreal owls, and other northern species have been known to winter in this area. Every year, the adventure is different. We will adapt to optimize photographic opportunities.
The workshop is for photographers who want to capture intimate photographs of the majestic Snowy Owl in a winter setting. A typical day in the field starts at first light; we break for lunch and photograph until the last light. During this workshop, you can expect to learn fieldcraft techniques for photographing birds in flight and how to compose your images for maximum emotional impact and drama.
Accommodation: On this workshop we will be staying in a local hotel in the small village of Casselman. Casselman is located approximately ninety minutes drive from Montreal or a forty five minute drive from Ottawa. We recommend you hire a car from either Montreal or Ottawa for the duration of the workshop. Private rooms are available on request and twin-share is also available. Breakfast will be served at our accommodation. Lunch and dinner will be a combination of food in the field and local restaurants.
Photography: The number of Snowy Owls we expect to see and photograph in the area where we will be staying will likely vary between one and half a dozen individuals.
Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
Travel: We will travel by car for the duration of this workshop.
Equipment: Telephoto lenses from 300 mm to 600 mm are recommended. Zoom lenses generally provide more flexibility for fast-moving owls.
If you are excited about photographing the majestic Snowy Owl with a small group of dedicated photographers, now is the time to secure your place. Places are very limited, and once they are spoken for, that’s it.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
A typical day in the field starts with photography at first light. We will break for lunch and then photograph until the last light. Snowy owls will be our main subjects, but other owls and bird species often present themselves that we cannot refuse. By keeping our daily itinerary flexible, we can ensure we take advantage of the best light and subject that nature presents.
Note: The weather in northern Canada at this time of year can be particularly cold and savage. We reserve the right to make last-minute changes to the itinerary to both avoid bad weather and to take advantage of good weather and light as the elements permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold will it be in Winter in this part of Canada?
The average temperature in Casselman in January (winter) is -10º Celsius. However, temperatures can plummet below -20º Celsius and with wind chill it can feel even colder, so it is important to be prepared with warm clothing. We will be outside for hours at a time and often may be lying or kneeling in the snow so it is important to dress appropriately.
Where do we Stay?
We will be staying in a hotel in the small village of Casselman in Ontario, Canada. Rooms are available either as singles or as shared rooms for couples.
Where is Casselman?
The small village of Casselman is located approximately ninety minutes drive from the city of Montreal and approximately forty-five minutes drive from Ottawa.
How Do I get to Casselman?
We recommend you fly into either Montreal or Ottawa in Canada and then rent a car for the duration of the workshop. It is possible to take a taxi but it is quite expensive and having a rental car means we can all head into town in the evening if we decide to eat in one of the local restaurants. If you prefer not to rent a car please let us know and we will en-devour to make travel arrangements for you.
Is food included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the cost of the workshop.
Dietary Requirements?
If you have any special dietary requirements, you will be accommodated. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
Will there be Photographic Instruction?
Yes, the purpose of this small group workshop is to provide one-on-one tuition as required to make sure you come away with a string portfolio of photographs from your time with the Snowy Owls.
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- Transportation: All in-tour land transportation and guide services from our starting location in Casselman, Canada
- Land Access: Private Land access for Snowy Owls
- Accommodation: Accommodation for four nights at a local hotel.
- Food and Beverages: Includes breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (excluding alcohol) from January 26th until the workshop is completed on January 30th.
- Tuition: Expert one-on-one Photographic tuition and guiding services
Exclusions
- Transportation: Any travel required to arrive at the expedition starting location in Casselman, Canada.
- Duties and Taxes: Any taxes, levies, insurances, Immigration, duty, and visa fees where applicable.
- Personal Items: Any personal items, including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance. Tipping is not required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A deposit of $3,500 USD must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place, with the balance due 120 DAYS before the workshop commencement date. Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card Visa/Master (+3%) or Direct Deposit / Wire Transfer.
Refunds and Cancellations: Our standard workshop policy requires an initial non-refundable deposit for the reservation of your space and your payment balance in full 120 days before the commencement of the workshop date unless otherwise noted. If we do not receive the balance on or before the due date, and we are unable to get in contact with you via the contact details you have provided, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. At our discretion, we may apply your deposit to be used for another workshop within one year. Please note that price increases may apply in this instance.
If the workshop is cancelled for any reason, your deposit will be refunded in full. Wild Nature Photo Travel Pty Ltd., trading as Joshua Holko Photography and Joshua Holko, is not responsible for any financial commitments that registered attendees have with third parties such as airlines or other travel services.
READ FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Travel Insurance: You must purchase travel and evacuation insurance in the event of illness or any other emergency that delays or otherwise prevents you from travelling on the trip. Wild Nature Photo Travel partners with and recommends Global Rescue for Evacuation and Medical insurance.
REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP
If you are excited about photographing Snowy Owls in a Winter landscape with a small group of like-minded, passionate photographers, now is the time to register your interest. Places are extremely limited, and once spoken for, that's it.