Swift Fox & Grassland Wildlife Tour

Swift Fox & Grassland Wildlife Tour Southeast Alberta | July 20–21, 2026

About This Trip

Most Albertans have never been to the extreme southeast corner of the province. There is not a lot pulling you out there. No mountains. No famous parks. Just grassland and sky.

That is exactly the point.

This is where Alberta's native prairie is still intact. Sagebrush flats, mixed-grass prairie, badlands. No pivot irrigators. Just the land the way it was, and the animals and birds that never left.

We are going to spend two days looking for those animals and birds. 

** This trip has hiking components, much more extensive than our regular trips. 

The Target List

Swift Fox is the headliner. One of the most sought-after mammals in the province, and genuinely possible along public roads in this area. Chris knows this country.

Beyond the fox, we will be in the right place for:

• Pronghorn
• Prairie Rattlesnake (Chris has his snake tongs. We have learned.)
• Ferruginous Hawk
• Burrowing Owl
• Loggerhead Shrike
• Long-billed Curlew
• Sage Thrasher and other grassland specialists

Sage Grouse are a long shot, but we will be in their territory. Short-horned Lizard is possible depending on access. This is wild country. Nothing is guaranteed, but the effort will be there, and many of you know how that tends to work out for us. 

How This Trip Works

We leave Calgary early on July 20, heading southeast through Taber toward the hamlet of Manyberries. We work the grasslands through the day and into the evening, timing our stops to catch different species at their most active. 

We'll eat when we're hungry. I'll also have a cooler full of water and another one if we decide to pack a picnic. There aren't many restaurants down there. 

We'll stay overnight in Bow Island, at the Bow Island Lodge. It's simply a pillow and a shower for us this trip. We'll get up really early on July 21 and head back south to make the most of our time on the prairies. We'll be back in Calgary by 9:00 pm. One thing to know going in: this trip has more of an on-foot component than my usual tours. Some of what we are looking for can only be reached by walking in on conservancy lands. Bring good footwear. Bring water. July in southeast Alberta is hot and exposed. We have strong strategies in place to combat the creepy crawlies, including the ticks we'll no doubt encounter. I'll provide strategies and recommendations in that regard for you ahead of the trip. 

Price

$965 CAD per person + GST

Includes round-trip transportation from Calgary, guiding from Chris and me, and one night's accommodation in Bow Island. I also provide bottled water in the van. 

You'll get your own meals. 

Your Guides

Neil Zeller -- that's me. Calgary-based photographer and tour leader. This is what I do.

Chris Fisher is one of Western Canada's foremost naturalists. He has been coming to this corner of the province for years and knows it better than almost anyone. His knowledge of prairie ecology is genuinely remarkable.

Policies

All fees are non-refundable but fully transferable and giftable. A liability release form must be agreed to upon registration. This tour is for adults 18 years and older. We go in all weather conditions, but they may affect our itinerary and destinations. You will receive a full prep email a couple of weeks before the trip.