Every year, Algonquin Park draws over a million visitors, many eager to catch a glimpse of a moose. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to photograph many of these amazing animals. While sightings aren’t guaranteed on every trip, I’ve developed a routine that improves my odds.
Dawn and dusk are prime times to spot moose, especially along the Highway 60 corridor. In the cooler months, they’re often visible throughout the day, but their activity peaks at sunrise and sunset. When driving this stretch, I keep my speed at 60 km/h. This allows me to scan ditches, forest edges, ponds, and marshes for moose or movement. Driving slowly also gives me time to react and stop if a moose decides to cross. With less traffic at dawn and dusk, traveling 20 km/h below the speed limit is less likely to annoy other drivers. I constantly check my rearview mirror for approaching cars and pull over early when needed. There are plenty of safe places to pull over, either on the shoulder or in parking lots for trails.
I avoid this practice on weekends, when traffic is heavier. In fact, I see the most moose on Tuesday through Thursday. My theory is that they probably feel more comfortable coming out after the busy weekends, when the crowds of parkgoers have driven them deeper into the forest. Late April and early May are ideal for this technique. Moose are attracted to the highway to sip from sodium-rich puddles that form when snow melts and road salt runoff collects in the ditches. Checking the observation board in the lobby of the Visitor Centre is a great way to keep on top of recent sightings along Highway 60.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.7
If you do find a moose at the side of the highway and choose to stop to photograph it, keep a few things in mind. Highway 60 is a major throughway with heavy traffic and large commercial vehicles traveling up and down it. Make sure to pull completely off the highway, keeping the driver’s-side tires well clear of the white line, or better yet, park in the nearest lot and walk to where you spotted the moose. Don’t stop directly across from the moose, as this can spook it; go slightly past and walk back. Open and close your car door quietly, and approach slowly and quietly, preferably from the opposite side of the highway. If others are stopped, be aware of them and be courteous, and try not to scare the moose. Snap a few images and carry on.
Algonquin Park’s infamous moose jams make some drivers irate and can result in honking or, in the case of commercial vehicles, unnecessary use of Jake brakes. I used to drive a truck for a living, so I fully understand what unnecessary Jake braking is. It’s these sudden, loud, unfamiliar noises that really spook a moose, causing it to run and potentially collide with a vehicle. For this reason, I try to avoid moose jams. Again, dusk and dawn on weekdays help avoid moose jams, since traffic on the highway is lighter.
1/400, f/10, ISO 1600, -0.3
My preferred method of finding moose is by paddling Algonquin’s lakes, again shortly after sunrise and right before sunset. The quiet solitude of slipping through the water in my Swift 14’ Prospector Pack Boat is ideal. I search bays, shorelines, and creeks loaded with water lilies and other aquatic vegetation. This is a proven method. Like road salt, water lilies are packed with sodium, an essential mineral in a moose’s diet. It’s important to keep in mind that moose start feeling the effects of heat stroke at 17 degrees Celsius. This is why early and late in the day are best. Moose are most active feeding at these times and are often bedded down in a cool forest when the temperature rises.
There are many lakes easily accessible from Highway 60, most of which have moose. If you don’t own a canoe, renting one from an outfitter like Algonquin Outfitters or The Portage Outpost is an option. A stable boat suitable for photography, along with all the safety gear and equipment you need for a fun day on the water is provided. They will even deliver to the access point of your choice; you don’t need to worry about a roof rack or tying the canoe down.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 1250, -0.3,
Moose can be observed along many trails in Algonquin Park, with the Mizzy Lake Trail a popular choice. This 11km trail visits several small lakes and ponds and will take 4-5 hours to complete. Moose, wolves, bears, and other wildlife are often seen on this trail. Given the time it takes and the fact that moose are most active at dawn, getting an early start is a good idea. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
When photographing moose, you can use a slower shutter speed than with faster-moving wildlife such as birds. Remember the reciprocal rule when adjusting your settings. This means you want your shutter speed to be one over your lens’s maximum focal length. For me, using a 100-500 mm lens, I ideally want a shutter speed of at least 1/500. This helps eliminate camera shake, usually caused by my excitement. Yes, I have photographed moose at much slower speeds if they are standing still. However, following this rule yields better results. When light allows, I choose a much faster shutter speed, such as 1/1000 or faster. My keeper rate increases exponentially as shutter speeds increase. When shooting from a canoe or pack boat, the faster the better, as you are almost always moving.
1/400, f/7.1, ISO 2500, -0.7
To achieve these shutter speeds at dawn and dusk, I typically need a higher ISO. For this reason, a full-frame camera is helpful. ISO 800 is my minimum, but I often shoot at or above ISO 2000. My Canon R6 MKII handles high ISOs well, so fewer images end up in the recycle bin than with an APS-C camera.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 1600, -0.7
Most telephoto lenses geared for wildlife today range from 400mm on the short end to 800mm on the long end. These lenses are perfect for moose. I prefer the versatility of a zoom lens. I can frame in tight on the moose’s head for a portrait-type shot or zoom out for a more environmental look. My go-to lens is the Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens.
1/640, f/7.1, ISO 3200, -0.7
Getting the proper exposure is key, especially when using a higher ISO. Be sure to check your histogram and adjust your settings accordingly. Too often, I hear people say, “I’ll fix that later in post.” Nothing accentuates digital noise more than adjusting the exposure slider in your editing software at high ISOs. This is what leads to grainy, unusable photos. Do yourself a favour and get your exposure correct in camera.
If you are unfamiliar with Algonquin Park or need help improving your images, local photographers are available to guide you. I have done workshops with Helen Grose and highly recommend her. Helen is an amazing photographer and knows the park like the back of her hand. She’s a bit of a moose whisperer, too! Joining a group workshop was far outside my comfort zone, but I finally gave it a shot, and I’m so glad I did. Not only did Helen teach us about moose, I also improved my photography skills and had an amazing day with other like-minded people. We saw four moose at the workshop along with loons and other wildlife. Helen is available for group workshops or one-on-one outings. If you want to increase your odds of seeing wildlife in the park, reach out to Helen and book an adventure with her.
Like all wildlife, moose can be skittish and need plenty of space. Pay attention to their behaviour and approach them slowly, never in a straight line. Use a zig-zag approach. Walking at them in a straight line simulates a predator stalking and will cause them to flee. If the moose becomes comfortable with you, try moving closer. Move slowly and only when the moose is looking away, upward, or downward while feeding. Remember the adage I live by: if my behaviour changes their behaviour, I’m too close.
If you’re heading to Algonquin Park and hoping to spot and photograph a moose, try out these tips. Following this approach, I’ve had some incredible encounters and taken several photos I’m really proud of.
Good birding,
Paul
Paul
