Canada, with its vast boreal forests, rugged mountains, icy tundras, and diverse wildlife, is a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. From grizzlies fishing in British Columbia to polar bears wandering the Arctic tundra, the Canadian wilderness offers countless breathtaking scenes. Among those capturing these moments are a talented group of wildlife photographers whose work does more than just document nature—it tells powerful stories about conservation, coexistence, and the raw beauty of the natural world.
Photo by: Daisy Gilardini
In this article, we explore ten award-winning Canadian wildlife photographers who have earned international acclaim for their stunning imagery. Through patience, skill, and deep respect for the wild, these artists have brought Canadian wildlife into global focus, inspiring awe and action in equal measure. Whether published in National Geographic, exhibited at prestigious galleries, or awarded by organizations like the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, their work stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and fragility.
#1. Michelle Valberg
Michelle Valberg is one of Canada’s most renowned wildlife and adventure photographers. A Nikon Ambassador and Order of Canada recipient, she is best known for her hauntingly beautiful images of Arctic wildlife—especially polar bears, narwhals, and muskoxen. Her work has appeared in Canadian Geographic and National Geographic, and her dedication to documenting Canada’s North has helped raise awareness about climate change’s impact on fragile ecosystems. Valberg’s photography blends artistic vision with documentary integrity, capturing both majesty and vulnerability in the natural world. She is also the founder of Project North, an initiative that delivers educational tools to children in remote Arctic communities.
#2. Don Gutoski
Winner of the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Don Gutoski stunned the world with his chilling yet poignant image “A Tale of Two Foxes.” The photo, depicting a red fox dragging the carcass of an arctic fox, symbolized the harsh realities of a warming world and the encroachment of southern species into Arctic territory. Based in Ontario and a full-time emergency physician, Gutoski merges science and art in his photography. His images are both technically precise and emotionally resonant, often highlighting themes of survival and environmental change in Canadian wildlife.
#3. John E. Marriott
With a career spanning over two decades, John E. Marriott is a leading voice in Canadian wildlife photography and conservation. Specializing in large mammals like wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears, Marriott has published multiple best-selling books and been featured in Canadian Geographic, National Geographic Adventure, and CBC’s Wild Canadian Year. A founding member of the EXPOSED Wildlife Conservancy, he uses photography as a tool for wildlife advocacy, particularly in challenging unethical hunting practices. Marriott’s immersive and respectful approach allows him to capture the spirit and dignity of wild animals in their natural habitats.
#4. Daisy Gilardini
Born in Switzerland and now based in British Columbia, Daisy Gilardini is internationally celebrated for her emotive portraits of polar regions and endangered species. Her image of a mother polar bear with her cubs earned recognition from the BBC and other international competitions. Gilardini’s work often focuses on the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic, using soft light and minimalist composition to draw viewers into the solitude and vulnerability of remote wildlife. She is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and frequently speaks about the role of photography in environmental education.
#5. Tony Beck
Tony Beck is an award-winning wildlife photographer and tour leader whose work spans over 100 countries, though his heart remains rooted in Canadian nature. Based in Ottawa, Beck’s photography captures birds in flight, foxes in mid-hunt, and whales breaching Atlantic waters. He is also known for his extensive workshops and eco-tours, where he teaches ethical wildlife photography and birding. Beck’s detailed and vibrant work has earned him accolades from nature photography contests and magazines, and his deep knowledge of avian behavior gives his images a unique ecological richness.
#6. Paul Nicklen
Paul Nicklen is a globally recognized wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist. A National Geographic Photographer and co-founder of SeaLegacy, Nicklen is known for his breathtaking underwater photography of Arctic and marine wildlife, including polar bears, narwhals, and leopard seals. Raised in Nunavut among the Inuit, Nicklen brings a rare intimacy to his work, fusing cultural insight with scientific understanding. He has received over 30 international awards, including the World Press Photo and Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His imagery doesn’t just dazzle—it advocates for the urgent protection of Earth’s oceans and ice.
#7. Simon d’Entremont
Simon d’Entremont is a rising star in the world of Canadian wildlife photography, known for his vibrant, sharply composed images of animals in their natural habitats across the Maritime provinces. Based in Nova Scotia, d’Entremont captures everything from owls mid-flight and red foxes in snowy fields to shorebirds along the rugged Atlantic coast. His photography combines a strong sense of storytelling with precise technical execution, often showcasing rare behaviors or fleeting moments with exceptional clarity and drama. D’Entremont is also active on social media, where he shares insights into the challenges and joys of wildlife photography, building a large following among nature enthusiasts. His work has been featured by Canadian Geographic, CBC, and other notable publications. With an eye for both beauty and behavior, Simon d’Entremont is helping to bring Eastern Canada’s rich biodiversity into national and international focus.
#8. Dave Sandford
Dave Sandford made headlines with his visceral and haunting images of Lake Erie’s storm waves and its wildlife, including owls, otters, and lake-dwelling birds. Based in London, Ontario, Sandford combines action photography with dramatic weather conditions to create dynamic and emotional wildlife portraits. His work has been featured in BBC Earth, The Weather Network, and multiple wildlife magazines. Particularly noted for his series “Liquid Mountains,” Sandford often risks difficult conditions to capture nature’s power and resilience in all seasons.
#9. Jo-Anne McArthur
Though best known as an animal rights photojournalist, Jo-Anne McArthur’s work often straddles the line between wildlife and ethical documentation. Her project “We Animals” includes emotionally impactful images of animals both in the wild and in captivity. McArthur has been recognized by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and other humanitarian photography awards. Her Canadian wildlife work—especially portraits of foxes, birds, and deer—focuses on sentience and empathy, urging viewers to consider the moral dimensions of how we treat the animals who share our world.
#10. Robert Postma
Robert Postma is a Yukon-based photographer celebrated for his vivid images of northern lights, wilderness landscapes, and Arctic wildlife. His ability to combine wildlife with stunning celestial phenomena sets his work apart. Postma’s photographs have won national and international competitions, including from Canadian Geographic and the World Photographic Cup. His wildlife images—especially of wolves, moose, and northern owls—often blend environmental storytelling with ethereal visual elements. Through his lens, Canada’s North is revealed not just as a remote place, but a living, breathing wonderland.
Conclusion
Canada’s wilderness is vast, diverse, and awe-inspiring—and these ten photographers have captured its essence with extraordinary skill and vision. From the icy expanses of the Arctic to temperate forests teeming with life, their work offers more than just beauty; it compels us to care. With each frame, they highlight the deep connections between wildlife, land, and people, urging us toward conservation and stewardship. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, aspiring photographer, or simply someone in search of wonder, exploring the work of these Canadian wildlife photographers is an invitation to fall in love with the wild all over again.
