If you’re passionate about wildlife but have never had the experience of seeing any in person, we’ve gathered the best Canadian wildlife photographers on Instagram you should check out! There are many wildlife species in Canada; fortunately, many you can view them from the comfort of your couch.
Here are 10 of the Best Canadian Wildlife Photographers:
1. Paul Nicklen
Paul Nicklen has spent more than twenty years capturing the beauty and plight of our planet through photography, film, and marine biology. Paul is one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers whose images capture an emotional connection with animals. He has won some of the most prestigious awards given to a photographer, including BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and World Press Photo for Photojournalism. Paul also co-founded @SeaLegacy, an organization dedicated to engaging billions of people in ocean conservation.
@paulnicklen | https://paulnicklen.com/
2. Cristina Mittermeier
Cristina Mittermeier, born in Mexico City, now lives on Vancouver Island. Cristina is an accomplished photographer and marine biologist, working with National Geographic, McLean’s, and TIME. She founded the non-profit organization @SeaLegacy along with Paul Nicklen and the International League of Conservation Photographers. Through multimedia storytelling and conservation work, she has devoted much of her life to fighting for the environment and protecting ocean ecosystems.
@mitty | https://cristinamittermeier.com/
3. John Marriott
John Marriott is an accomplished photographer and expert wildlife tracker dedicated to his passion. His unique skills and determination lead him to wildlife encounters that others could only dream of. This year, Marriott undertook a month-long project to track down the elusive cougar. Not only did Marriott succeed in tracking down these animals, he also came away with breathtaking images.
@johnemarriott | https://wildernessprints.com/
4. Daisy Gilardini
From Switzerland, now based in Vancouver, Canada, Daisy Gilardini specializes in conservation photography of Polar regions, emphasizing Antarctic wildlife and North American bears. Daisy has an exceptional eye for composition, which has helped her produce powerful visuals in her body of work. Gilardini’s numerous awards include BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Travel Photography of the Year, and Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards.
@daisygilardini | https://www.daisygilardini.com/
5. Michelle Valberg
Michelle Valberg is a renowned explorer and wildlife photographer. She has been telling stories through her images for over 30 years. Her photographs have been found on Canadian stamps, many international publications, and 4 books that she has self-published. Valberg’s images provide a unique perspective into the lives of animals while creating a connection between the viewer and the subject.
@michellevalbergphotography | http://www.michellevalberg.com/
6. Jenny Wong
In her own words, Jenny Wong is a girl who travelled the world and found her voice through photography. Wong’s images speak wonders, giving a glimpse into astonishing first-hand encounters.
Her dedication currently faces bringing awareness through her images to the front lines of climate change in the arctic.
@jdubcaptures | https://www.jennwong.ca/
7. Shane Klayn
Shane Klayn is a Vancouver-based photographer passionate about highlighting nature and all that we are surrounded by. In addition to studying fisheries management at university, he is employed as a fisheries technician. As a result, he has the opportunity to travel to unexplored areas of British Columbia. Klayn’s goal in photography is to show how the natural world is absolutely worth protecting.
Shane is the Lead Photography Co-Instructor for the canid-based conservation photography workshops offered by The Canid Project (thecanidproject.com).
@4elementphotos | https://www.4elementphotos.com/
8. Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller’s captivating visuals will transport you to an underwater world like you’ve never seen before. Ryan grew up in a small town in Manitoba, far from the ocean, which would soon become his passion. He turned his fascination with sharks and marine life into a career.
Studying photography, wildlife and forestry conservation, and training to be a commercial diver, Miller’s life now revolves around ocean conservation. He currently lives on Vancouver Island, where he captures stunning images of Pacific Northwest marine life.
@ryanmillerphoto | https://millermarine.ca/
9. Nick Hawkins
The award-winning photographer and National Geographic explorer Nick Hawkins captures images that shed light on important conservation issues and reveal the intricate beauty of the natural world. His work focuses on oceans and aquatic ecosystems, including the endangered right whale, sharks, coral reefs, and Atlantic salmon. His image of a blue shark graced the cover of the Canadian Wildlife magazine recently.
@nickhawkinsphotography | https://nickhawkins.photoshelter.com/
10. Abdulla Moussa
Abdulla Moussa, a Canmore, Alberta-based photographer, captures intimate moments with iconic Canadian animals, such as moose, wolves, bears, and more. He has been featured in Canadian Geographic and other publications.
@wildmoussaphotography | https://www.wildmoussaphotography.com/
Ranked in no particular order.
