The Wilds of Algonquin

NEW for 2020, I'm offering an exclusive opportunity to a small number of photographers (4 max!) to join me in search of Algonquin Park's wildlife. While most of my workshops offer both landscape & wildlife opportunities, these adventures are dedicated solely to finding and photographing our furry & feathered friends! But feel free to tuck a wide-angle lens in your pocket, as we'll be trekking (and tracking!) through some of the most beautiful landscape Ontario has to offer.

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Choose a 2- or 4-day adventure where we'll track wildlife using all the clues Mother Nature provides. No formal teaching, or classroom time, just immersing ourselves in nature with our cameras and a few like-minded souls.

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As the weather cools off and the park gets quieter, wildlife prepares for winter -- in particular, beavers are building their food caches and reinforcing their lodges, and moose are browsing to replenish their energy after a busy mating season. While there are never guarantees of wildlife sightings, we stand a pretty good chance of encountering Algonquin's famous residents, as we explore some trails, as well as hot-spots in the park.

 

What's included?

• Two (or four!) full days of guiding in & around Algonquin Provincial Park
• Informal photography help & back of camera critique in the field, as required
• Park pass - vehicle day use

What's not included?

• Accommodations - it is recommended you stay on the WEST side of Algonquin Park in Oxtongue Lake, Dwight, or Huntsville, as there are more options for both rooms & restaurants.
• Transportation & Gas - it is recommended that you carpool and share gas costs. Parking options at trailheads & roadside are limited.
• Meals & Snacks - being outside and active in the winter generally consumes more energy; therefore, it's highly recommended that you bring snacks & hydration. There are NO concession facilities open in the park at this time of year. We will be leaving the park and stopping at a cafe where you can purchase lunch, or feel free to pack a brown bag.
• Photography gear, appropriate clothing, & anything required for your personal comfort - weather this time of year can be unpredictable, at best! It is recommended that you dress in layers, including proper cold weather clothes and footwear. Crampons or ice cleats are highly recommended, as the terrain may be icy and very slippery. A full list of suggested gear and personal items will be provided after your deposit has been received.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver. 

Cost:

2-day adventure is $350 +HST per person

• Thursday, December 3 & Friday, December 4
• Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6

4-day adventure is $625 +HST per person

• Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6

Payment Policy:

A 50% non-refundable payment is due at the time of booking to secure your space in the adventure, with the balance due Sunday, October 4, 2020 (60 days prior). If you are booking within 60 days of the start of the adventure, fees are due in full at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy:

Please be sure you check your schedule prior to booking, as your initial payment of 50% is non-refundable. In the event you pay in full prior to the cancellation deadline (61 days or more prior to the adventure), you will be refunded 50% less transaction fees. Cancellations on or after Sunday, October 4, 2020 are non-refundable.

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What can you expect during the workshop?

• Long days in the great outdoors! We will be meeting around 7 a.m. each day. Lunch break for roughly 1-1.5hrs around 12:30 p.m. Comfort breaks throughout the day. Finishing about 5 p.m. each day
• A fair amount of driving - it takes roughly an hour to drive from one side of the park to the other and we will likely drive the full width at least once per day.
• Potentially hiking anywhere from 5-10km/day on trails that will likely be snow & ice covered, and include roots, rocks, hills & stairs. While this is designed to be reasonably accessible, late fall & winter hiking is always more challenging. If you have mobility issues or health concerns that may prevent you from fully enjoying the adventure, we'd suggest contacting Helen to discuss other options. It is every individual's responsibility to know their limitations, pace themselves accordingly, and participate only in what they're comfortable and confident doing
• While there is no formal instruction during this adventure, Helen is there to help those who have questions or require individual assistance. She will also offer back-of-camera critique to those interested - and you're bound to pick up some tracking tips & tricks! Helen will discuss ethics in wildlife photography at the outset and expect everyone to respect the park and her inhabitants. 
• A small group (4 max!) of like-minded people who will probably become fast friends!
• A mix of photography skill levels.
• Adventure rain, snow, or shine -- warm, or cold!

​Please note: I highly recommend bringing a telephoto lens to get the most out of this adventure. While we may find ourselves reasonably close to some wildlife, part of respecting the wildlife we photograph is keeping a safe distance. The most typical range of focal lengths used are between 200mm and 600mm. If you do not have a telephoto lens and you do not want to rent one, you can still participate and enjoy yourself, but please be mindful that your images will reflect your gear's capabilities, and as such will show more of the landscape (which I, personally, love!). If you are concerned about your gear, please feel free to contact me prior to registering.  

YOUR REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED IN FULL. 

Registrations are confirmed in the order the payments are received. Please don't delay payment and risk losing your spot! In the event the date you've selected is full, we'll email you ASAP!