Winners of the 2024 Reflections of Nature Photo Contest

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is proud to celebrate 25 photographers from coast to coast for their stunning images showcasing the beauty of Canada’s wildlife.

This year, we received a record-shattering number of submissions: more than 13,200 images submitted in total. That’s more than double our previous best year! We are grateful to every single person who shared their special wildlife moments with us – thank you.

The winning, runner-up and honourable mentions of this year’s Reflections of Nature Photo Contest highlight the best of Canada’s landscapes, wildlife and flora. They also capture how Canadians connect with nature and how wildlife weaves itself into our urban environments.

From a hot pursuit you won’t want to miss, to breathtaking lightning strikes, unexpected encounters at an abandoned radar station, an incredible moment on the edge of the world, and more — here are the 2024 photos that left us speechless.

GRAND PRIZE

WINNER

Barb Callander

“I was exploring the Great Bear Rainforest on a sea wolf expedition with First Nations guide Marven Robinson. As we sat quietly on the rocky shoreline, a pack of coastal wolves slipped silently from the mist and started fishing, expertly navigating the river to catch salmon at low tide.

A subspecies of Grey Wolf endemic to the Pacific Northwest, coastal wolves have evolved to fish in the coastal estuaries, taking advantage of the rich resources. Pacific salmon and wolves are both keystone species and important players in maintaining a fragile ecosystem.

‘In Hot Pursuit’ shows the intensity of a life-and-death battle for survival, particularly in the focus and explosive energy of the wolf.”

RUNNER-UP

Olivier Gicquel

“What I love about this photo is that it represents everything I appreciate in wildlife photography, namely: spontaneity. A moment, an instant. Indeed, during this hide, I was there to photograph other species, but in the end, it was these four young geese that stole the show from all the others.

This captured moment perfectly embodies those magical instances that come to us unexpectedly. I love how their silhouette is as much highlighted by the light as it is concealed by the shadow; this play of contrasts enhances these little beings amidst the vastness of the river.”

FOCUS ON FAUNA

WINNER

Marie-Josée D’Amour

“I went to the island to photograph Northern Gannets. I spent most of the time lying on the grass taking shots when this gannet came just in front of me to collect materials to make a cozy nest. I had to zoom out because it was so close!”

RUNNER UP

Jesse Olivier

“I was on a photography road trip with my life partner Késia who is also a photographer. We decided to start the day with an early morning hike under a light rain. The perfect conditions to find wildlife during spring season.

It was halfway up that we came across this cow moose and her two cubs. A moment I will remember forever!”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Norrie Franko

“We hiked out into the tundra each day hoping to find a herd of Muskoxen. After about a seven kilometre hike in this day we came across this herd. We were not sure who was watching who. We felt like we were ‘peopleview’.

Shooting was tricky as it was very windy making it difficult to hold your lens steady. I love the way the youngsters crowded together so interested in us. I called it ‘The Gang’s All Here’.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Christy Grinton

“Every fall the little Pacific Tree Frogs come out and sing at a local pond.  It is always a special time at the end of summer.

I love the fact the little Tree Frog climbed up to the end of the reed and is looking up wanting to keep going. I love the different shades of green and the light.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Brittany Crossman

“A red fox dad relaxes on the beach as his kit comes up to greet him. The moment between these two foxes is quite endearing, however, I have photographed parent/kit interactions many times before. What really makes this image special to me is the light, it was unbelievable. It’s very rare for both the subject and sky to both cooperate.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Sherry Malinoiski

“We were heading out fishing and seeing pelicans resting by an island on a rock here and how they were sitting together.”

CANADIAN LANDSCAPES

WINNER

Leona Rockwood

“This is the beautiful coastline of Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is one of my favourite views along the Bonavista Peninsula. Near here is a puffin colony, a very popular destination with photographers. I had gone hoping to capture the puffins at sunrise, but the sky had remained overcast. After a short walk to this location, the timing was perfect, with the splash of colour in the clouds and the early morning fog hanging around before it moved off for good.”

 RUNNER UP

Joey Siemens

“After a full day of chasing storms across the prairies, hoping to capture the raw energy of a lightning strike on camera, I was beginning to feel the weight of defeat, I finally decided to call it a day. Later that evening, the sky began to change—a sight so vibrant and striking that I knew I had to capture it.

I quickly set up my camera to take a sequence of panoramic shots, framing the entire scene. And then, in the very first image, it happened: a powerful lightning strike split the sky right next to the double rainbow. I could hardly believe my eyes—it was the moment I had spent all day chasing, unfolding in a way I could never have anticipated. I stood there in complete shock, caught between amazement and disbelief.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Cathleen Mewis

“Heading back from a day long outing in search of wildlife. The sunset was beautiful and before we lost it, I rushed to find a good foreground for it and came upon this line of trees in a field.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Jacqueline Tyley

“Whitehorse received news of wildfires spreading throughout the Yukon. My partner, Jon, and I went looking to see how close to danger we were. Only a 40-minute drive away, is where I captured this photo.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Patrick Maxwell

“I’ve always loved watching waves crashing; the bigger, the better! When the snowfall stopped, I grabbed my camera and ran to the shore. While I took many photos of waves that day, this was the photo that really spoke to me. The timing was perfect because this was the largest wave I saw; conveniently in the exact location where I had setup to take photos!”

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

WINNER

Dana McMullen

“It was late summer when I ventured into Algonquin Park hoping to find the cold morning air mixing with the warm summer waters of Lake Opeongo. I arrived an hour before sunrise. The air was cold, and fog was starting to rise from the water as the sky began to light up. The cloudscape began to glow and reflect in the calm waters below.

I like big texture and colour in the images I create. From top to bottom and from side to side, this image is full of texture and colour.”

RUNNER UP

Jonathan Franchomme

“Last winter, I went to Sutton with my friends to explore as I’ve never been there. As we made our way back down, the blue hour created a breathtaking atmosphere under the snow-covered trees.

I started walking down a little bit faster than my friends to photograph them as they were descending with their headlamps.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Trevor Lowthers

“I was out searching for wildlife when I came across this snapping turtle on the road. I parked at a safe distance and grabbed my camera to document while warning oncoming traffic. I got lots of smiles and thumbs up.

This fine fellow stopped and thought he would expedite the turtle’s journey. Nobody was injured and a few moments later they were both back to safety!”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Leigh Johnston

“I suddenly looked over and saw my partner immersed in the trees. He looked so small compared to the trees. I feel like the photo captures how small we really are compared to the vastness of the world, and the nature it holds.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Tanya Sokalski

“Featured in this photo is my friend’s adorable son who was in awe watching a frog. I love the look on the little boys’ face, pure joy!”

URBAN INTERACTION

WINNER

Susanne Spanell

“I was out early with a friend. The plan was to take sunrise pictures at Deer Lake. It was a foggy morning and made for nice fall photos. I spotted two Mallard Ducks on the lake in the morning fog. I realized that the lingering fog with the ducks plus the reflection of the buildings getting hit by the morning sun would make for a unique photo.”

RUNNER UP

Steven Rose

“The radar is located on a high property point just outside town a great spot to look for Polar Bears in the area. We were early and saw tracks around the station shortly after the polar bear appeared in the doorway a dream come true.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Gerhard Kaiser

“Driving back from Point Pelee National Park when we spotted this Starling murmuration. Love the way the Starlings formed this pattern next to the hydro lines. A lot of electricity in the air.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

“It was near sunset at the time, and you can catch a bit of that in the sky and some of the city lights had just started to come on. Makes for a nice backdrop for the city fox.”

FINDING FLORA

WINNER

Visnja Gasparic Vojvodic

“I started capturing the beauty of nature through a camera lens in 2018, and it has been a journey of healing and discovery. When I was struggling with my health, my husband gifted me a camera to encourage me to step outside and find joy and inspiration. Photography soon became my therapy, where I could focus on the intricate beauty around me instead of my own struggles.”

RUNNER UP

Nicolas Finelli

“After a rainfall, I knew that there would be opportunities to capture droplets and reflections. I explored the simple beauty around our home.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Crystal Chan

“I was out on a family photoshoot. We noticed a field full of wildflowers and these stunning blanket flowers and I couldn’t help but capture some shots of them from various angles.

I love how it evokes a feeling of positivity and uplifted-ness! It’s meant to have a minimal look to it with the flowers taking front and centre backed with a natural landscape.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Alanna Cluff

“My husband and I were enjoying a beautiful summer day at the family cottage, and we decided to go for a snorkel. I love the perspective of this photo. It’s shot from an angle that we don’t get to see regularly.”

Learn more about the Reflections of Nature Annual Photo Contest or other ways the Canadian Wildlife Federation helps promote our connection with nature  >