It started out like any other day. I got out of bed at 4:00 a.m., turned on the coffee maker, and started to work. The commute from my bedroom to the desk in the living room was uncongested, as it is every morning. After a few hours of work and a couple cups of coffee, it was break time. For me, break time typically consists of a 20-30 minute ride on a stationary bike followed by free weights, breakfast, then a shower, and this day was no different.
I had planned on putting in a full day of work, but was quickly distracted by a flock of evening grosbeaks at my feeders, so I put on my warm clothes, grabbed my camera, and headed into the backyard. I managed to capture a few images of the grosbeaks, but most were on the feeders and not in the adjacent trees. I much prefer to capture birds in a more natural setting than on feeders. It was a cold day with a wind chill of -26, but clear blue skies. There were lots of birds active, and the sunshine was incredible, so I decided to make the short drive into Algonquin Park.
As I made my way through the park, an Algonquin wolf crossed the highway in front of me. I pulled safely off the road, rolled down my window, and enjoyed watching this beautiful animal. I tried for some images, but the light was poor, and the wolf was positioned slightly down a hill, so it was hard to get its entire body in the frame. The wolf stood motionless, looking back at me.
The eye contact we shared was pretty amazing, well, at least for me! I caught movement out of the corner of my eye, and a second wolf appeared. Once the two were together, they high-tailed it into the woods. I’m not one to chase wildlife anyway, but especially ones that have left in such a hurry. I was a little disappointed I didn’t capture any images, but this was the best look I’ve ever had at an Algonquin wolf.
I’ve been fortunate to see Algonquin wolves a few times, but the encounters have been brief and often in poor light. I’ve also heard packs howling, and this is an amazing experience too. As the wolves were now long gone, I pulled back on the highway and carried on through the park.
About one kilometer down the road, a third wolf was running along the shoulder. With the freshly plowed snow, there was no room for me to pull over, and the wolf kept moving. I slowed down in case the wolf entered the road, and fortunately, oncoming traffic did the same. With no safe place to pull off, I did what I often do when photographing wildlife: I don’t go where the animal is; I try to anticipate where it’s going and put myself there.
Knowing there was a trail down the road, I decided to go there and wait for the wolf. It was a long shot that the wolf would travel this far, but I knew it was my best opportunity to see and photograph the wolf.
After parking my car, I climbed up on a ridge. Sure enough, the wolf was still travelling down the highway. If it kept coming my way, I was going to get some shots. My only gripe was that the wolf would pass by me with a guardrail behind it, and not the natural forest scene I was hoping for. To my delight, the wolf crossed the road, the side with no guardrail. I quickly crossed the road and hid behind a snowbank. As the shoulder narrowed, the wolf entered the woods. I’m not surprised, as my long-shot plan was unfolding too perfectly.
The wolf continued east just at the edge of the forest. I snapped what images I could, but with so many trees, there were lots of obstructions. To make things even more challenging, the trees were casting shadows, and the wolf was moving from full sun to full shade to everything in between. I thought my chances of getting a clear shot were done.
I don’t think the wolf knew where I was, as I was very concealed. Not only did I not want the wolf to see me, but I also didn’t want any motorists to see me taking pictures of something in the woods, or they’d be sure to stop. This is how Algonquin’s infamous “moose jams” happen. The wolf made it to the area where I had previously been standing on the ridge and was quite interested in the smell of my footprints in the snow. The wolf moved along slowly with its nose to the ground and even peed several times in my tracks.
At this point, the wolf began to emerge from the trees, offering an opportunity for a photo. It was then that I realized the wolf knew I was there as it looked right at me. The wolf continued to make its way along the tree line following my tracks before disappearing into the woods. This was truly an incredible encounter, and I was sure I captured some images I’d be happy with.
After making my way back to my car, the wolf appeared out of the forest again. This time, it was walking right toward me. Not wanting to be too close, I opened the car door and got in. As I sat in the driver’s seat, the wolf passed by, only a car width away, before disappearing into the woods for the last time.
In my last blog post, My Photography Wish List For Winter 2026, I mentioned several species I wanted to photograph this winter. Although it wasn’t mentioned in that post, the Algonquin wolf was on my list.
The Algonquin wolf, also known as the Eastern wolf, is often the subject of debate when one is sighted. Often, Algonquin wolves are mistaken for coyotes. In fact, when I first moved to the area, the first one I saw, albeit briefly, I thought was a coyote. Algonquin wolves are typically larger than coyotes and smaller than gray wolves. Proper identification requires genetic testing, but when I spoke to a member of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources a few years back, he said there are no coyotes in this area; they’re all Algonquin wolves.
Algonquin wolves are currently listed as threatened on Ontario’s Species at Risk list and are a fragile species. This is yet another reason to drive slowly when visiting the park. I consider myself very fortunate to have had this experience. I’ve had many great encounters over the years in Algonquin Park, but I think this one might take the cake. Seeing three of these elusive animals, one of them so photogenic, is a memory I’ll never forget.
Good birding,
Paul
If you enjoyed this, please share using the buttons below. Thanks & good birding!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing! We often cottage on Oxtongue lake and I had what I thought was a coyote walk passed the door are you saying it was more likely a wolf!?!
Thanks Carol! Hybridization does occur in some townships surrounding Algonquin Park, which is why genetic testing is required to be 100% certain. To answer your question, I live in Dwight and the MNR told me no coyotes in this area, so yes I would think what you saw was a wolf! There have been several wolf sightings reported on the Oxtongue Lake community Facebook page recently.
That is truly super amazing, Paul!! Very exciting!!. That is on my bucket list to get pics of too, but big timber wolves. I saw 3 last year but they were just too far away. We see them regularly when we go way way north, photos of them and a big bull moose from the canoe….. then my life will be complete! I admire you for getting out in -26 weather, you got more than the early birds! I am guessing you will see more wolves as mating season is upon us. LOVED those photos and thank you for sharing your adventure!
Sue
Thanks Sue! It sure was an amazing experience. Seeing the really big wolves up north would be incredible, I hope you get the chance to photograph them and a big bull. I’ve got a pretty good layering system that works well to keep me warm and I can adjust depending on my activity level. I’ve had several more wolf encounters since this one and they are definitely getting more active. I’m lucky to have Algonquin wolves on the property here at the cabin I’m renting.
I love your photography of birds AND animals. I love your stories, too. You are documenting a world that is becoming increasingly more precious. Please keep doing what you are doing, and thank you for sharing. With every good wish, Lois
I am so happy to hear you love my photography and stories! I appreciate you following along on my adventures! I really am going to do my best to share more going forward.
Thank you for sharing. I have always enjoyed your stories and photographs. I have used some of your bird feeding suggestions, successfully. You are truly inspiring. I hope to go to Algonquin Park this winter yet and see my first Canada Jay and Pine Martin.
Thank you so much for the kind words Darlene! I’m glad to hear you’ve had success with my feeding suggestions. Canada jays and pine martins are always a treat to see in Algonquin.
What a fabulous story and incredible photos. You were truly blessed that day!
Thank you very much Bernadette!
Loved to hear about your wolf encounter it’s great to see them with no mange and healthy.
Thanks Debra, I’m glad you loved it! All the ones I have seen have looked great with beautiful coats.
Great post! Wolves are such beautiful creatures. I’m happy for you that you had this exciting encounter. Thank you for sharing it and the wonderful photos.
Thank you very much Jim for your kind words! I am glad you enjoyed the post and the photos.