Spectacular Southern Saskatchewan

Spectacular night skies, natural beauty, sweeping landscapes that surprise you at every turn, endless skies, and the most welcoming people

Neil’s keystone goal on these tours is that every guest feels safe and cared for. 

Everything else unfolds naturally in a place like Southern Saskatchewan. With the locations chosen and the timing of the trip, the scenery, wildlife, people, and chance encounters become an automatic part of the experience. The exact scene is never guaranteed, but guests can trust that Neil will put them in the right place at the right time to witness something truly remarkable.

We leave Calgary on July 8 at 9:00 and head east into Saskatchewan for a beautiful first day on the prairies, settling in Burstall, Sk for the night. As always, the journey begins in the van, where the comfort, conversation, and sense of community set the tone for the entire tour. Guests travel in a safe, spacious, purpose-built photography van, and Neil’s attention to comfort and care means everyone is supported from the moment they step inside.

The next morning gives us perfect sunrise access to the Great Saskatchewan Sandhills as we continue east and south toward Willow Bunch. We will call Willow Bunch home for three nights as we explore the incredible landscapes of the Missouri Coteau, Grasslands National Park, the Big Muddy, Castle Butte, and countless unexpected viewpoints along the way. We will meet and spend time with residents at community events like the tractor pulls, always approaching people and places with courtesy and respect. Neil’s long-standing commitment to safety, nature stewardship, and considerate interactions guides every stop on this tour.

After three unforgettable nights in the deep south, we head west to the stunning Cypress Hills for two nights at the Cypress Hills Resort. Here we enjoy new moon dark skies among Lodgepole Pine forests and rolling grasslands, taking advantage of some of the best night photography conditions in the province. As always, guests can expect thoughtful pacing, expert field instruction, and the strong sense of camaraderie that grows each day in the van.

Our final day back to Calgary will wind through beautiful valleys and wide open vistas.

What’s Included
Single accommodation for all six nights of the tour. Full guiding and photography instruction throughout the trip. Transportation from the start point in Calgary in Neil’s custom photography van. Light breakfasts during our stay in Willow Bunch, along with the famous Bumper Cafe, Neil’s back-bumper cafe experience. Guests also enjoy road snacks, water, and ju-jubes as we travel. Shared accommodation is available upon request. 

We will stay at the Burstall Motel, the Jolly Giant Motel in Willow Bunch, and the Cypress Hills Resort.

Trip Highlights

• Birding and nature photography across diverse prairie ecosystems

• Sweeping landscape photography throughout the Missouri Coteau and beyond

• Meeting and connecting with local residents in small southern Saskatchewan communities

• Full day in Grasslands National Park East Block

• The Big Muddy and Castle Butte

• Tractor Pulls in Willow Bunch

• All the best local restaurants and small town gems

• Two nights in Cypress Hills, SK, with spectacular Living Skies

• Dark night photography under a new moon

• Trip wide photography guidance and support

• Relaxed pace with time to explore, linger, and let fate guide our days

The Nitty Gritty Details

• Start and End
  The tour begins and ends in Calgary. We depart Calgary on July 8 at 9:00 and return on the final afternoon around 6:00pm after exploring our way back through Alberta's southern valleys and prairie vistas.

• Who This Trip Is For
  This trip is for everyone, photographer or not. Many spouses and travel partners who join without cameras end up having an incredible time. They enjoy the landscapes, communities, wildlife, and relaxed pacing without the burden of camera settings or heavy gear. These tours are built for curiosity, comfort, and exploration, and every guest is welcomed fully into the experience.

• Transportation
  All travel is in Neil’s custom-built photography van. It is comfortable, spacious, climate-controlled, and designed for camera gear, long lenses, and easy access during stops. Safety and comfort are top priorities, with thoughtful driving days and regular breaks.

• Accommodations
  We spend one night at the Burstall Motel, three nights at the Jolly Giant Motel in Willow Bunch, and two nights at the Cypress Hills Resort.
  Single accommodation is included for guests who choose the Single ticket. Shared guests stay in the same room and the same bed.

• Meals
  Light breakfasts are provided during our stay in Willow Bunch. All other meals are purchased at local restaurants chosen for quality, character, and convenience. Snacks, water, and ju jubes are available in the van, along with coffee and hot drinks from the Bumper Cafe.

• Daily Rhythm
  Days include a mix of structured outings, local exploration, and time to follow opportunities as they appear. Expect relaxed mornings, extraordinary wildlife encounters, evening golden-light sessions, wholesome meal breaks, and dark-sky photography on clear nights. 

• Weather and Terrain
  Southern Saskatchewan offers wide open prairie, coulees, rolling hills, and badlands terrain. Weather can shift quickly. Good footwear, layers, and sun protection are essential. We operate with nature first in mind and adjust plans when needed.

• Photography Support
  All skill levels are welcome. Neil provides guidance throughout the trip, from composition and exposure to fieldcraft and night sky techniques. You set your own creative pace, and Neil adapts instruction to your goals.

• Safety and Respect
  Neil maintains a strong focus on guest safety, vehicle readiness, and respectful interactions with wildlife, landscapes, and local communities. We travel as considerate visitors wherever we go.

• Pricing
  Single Accommodation: $3,499.00 per person plus GST
  Shared Accommodation (same bed): $3,099.00 per person plus GST - Both purchased together. 
  A deposit-only registration option of $500.00 per person is available until March 1st, when the full payment is due.