Successful wildlife photography starts with preparation. Researching animal behavior, prime locations, and seasonal patterns helps you anticipate wildlife activity and increases your chances of capturing powerful images. Dawn and dusk are often the best times to photograph both wildlife and landscapes, offering soft light and peak animal movement. Packing the right gear, staying updated on the weather, understanding permit requirements, and prioritizing safety are all essential for a productive trip. Flexibility is equally important—wildlife is unpredictable, and the best moments often come when you least expect them.

North America’s rich variety of ecosystems, from arctic tundra and dense forests to sprawling grasslands and wetlands, provides endless opportunities for wildlife photographers. Yellowstone’s bison and grizzlies, Alaska’s moose and caribou, the elk and bighorn sheep of the Canadian Rockies, and the birds and alligators of Florida’s Everglades are just a few examples. In this article, we will explore these and many other wildlife destinations across North America to help you plan your next photography journey.

Our Top Wildlife Photography Destinations in North America (in alphabetical order)

Alaska. Alaska’s long summer days offer endless wildlife photography opportunities. Late spring through early fall is ideal for capturing bears, moose, caribou, and their young. Katmai National Park is famous for brown bears fishing for salmon, while Lake Clark also offers bear viewing—though Katmai’s bear density is higher. Eagles can often be spotted soaring above these landscapes, adding to the dramatic wildlife scenes. Kenai Fjords and Inside Passage boat tours provide close encounters with orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and puffins. Smaller private boats offer the best wildlife access, allowing you to get closer to the animals. In places like Resurrection Bay and Valdez, larger boats can’t reach the photo-friendly areas that smaller boats can.

Arizona. Spring and fall migrations bring peak bird activity, with early mornings offering the best sightings. Over 15 hummingbird species, including Broad-billed, Rivoli’s, and Violet-crowned, pass through the region. Colorful warblers, orioles, tanagers, owls, crested caracaras, and the elusive Elegant Trogon make this a top spot for bird photography. Madera Canyon, Southeastern Arizona near the Chiricahuas, and multiple parks and wetlands around Tucson offer rich landscapes for capturing wildlife. Spring blooms in Saguaro National Park add a vibrant backdrop to your photos, while the area also hosts javelina, bobcats, coyotes, and various reptiles. This is the premiere place for songbird photography.

Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. Fall and winter offer breathtaking sunrises as thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese take flight. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see these majestic birds take off and land, as they leave their roosting sites in the morning to forage for food and return at night to rest. The early morning light casts a golden glow over the birds as they lift off in unison, while the evening brings stunning silhouettes as they land against the setting sun. The noise they create during these times is unforgettable—thousands of cranes and geese calling out in unison, filling the air with their distinctive, resonant calls that echo across the wetlands. Wetlands and marshes attract waterfowl, raptors, quail, roadrunners, and coyotes. Late November through February is the peak season, though migration shifts in warmer years can extend viewing opportunities. The vibrant landscapes and active wildlife make this a prime destination for photographers.

The Canadian Rockies. Jasper, Kananaskis, and Banff National Parks provide excellent opportunities to photograph moose, elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, mountain goats, pikas, grizzlies, black bears, and wolves, all set against dramatic mountain scenery. Other nearby areas like Yoho National Park and the Icefields Parkway also offer fantastic wildlife sightings. The region supports a variety of birdlife, including eagles, owls, and songbirds, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife photographers year-round. Whether photographing animals in alpine meadows or capturing birds soaring over snow-capped peaks, the Canadian Rockies offer diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Florida. Florida’s diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to freshwater marshes, offer outstanding wildlife photography, especially in winter. The Everglades and, Big Cypress are prime spots to photograph alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and the elusive snail kite. Coastal areas like Cape Canaveral, Sanibel Island, and Sarasota also attract wading birds, ospreys, and pelicans, making Florida a year-round destination for wildlife photographers.

Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton is a top destination for photographing moose, elk, bison, grizzly bears, and black bears. Fall is especially rewarding, with the elk and moose rut and vibrant foliage providing dramatic backdrops. Spring (April to June) offers newborn wildlife and active predators, while winter’s snow-covered landscape can make spotting animals like coyotes, red fox, pronghorns, and bison easier. The park is also home to bald eagles, ospreys, and the elusive great gray owl. Wildlife viewing is best in spring, fall, and winter—summer crowds from late June to early September can limit sightings.

Maine Coast. The Maine Coast offers fantastic wildlife photography, especially from late May through early August, when seabirds return to nest. June and July are the best months to capture Atlantic puffins, common murres, razorbills, terns, and northern gannets. Boat tours provide close-up views of puffins on nesting islands, making this a top destination for photographing seabirds in their rugged coastal environment. Beyond seabirds, the coast is home to harbor seals, which can often be spotted lounging on rocks, and various marine life like lobsters and starfish. Acadia National Park and the surrounding islands also offer great opportunities to photograph deer, moose, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring above the coastline.

Great Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains, known for their rich biodiversity, are a prime location for wildlife photography. Expect to see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, warblers, woodpeckers, and black bears—one of the best spots in the U.S. for bear sightings. Hidden gems within the park offer incredible opportunities to capture animals in their natural habitats. Spring provides the chance to photograph newborns in lush surroundings, while fall brings stunning foliage and unique mating behaviors. A few well-known hotspots in the area make for unforgettable wildlife shots, but the true magic lies in exploring beyond the typical paths.

Yellowstone National Park. Winter in Yellowstone transforms the park into a snow-covered wonderland, making it easier to spot animals like bison, elk, wolves, and red foxes, whose thick winter coats stand out against the snow. Late spring and early summer offer the opportunity to photograph newborn animals, while autumn brings the rut, with dramatic mating displays from elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Lamar and Hayden Valleys are prime wildlife hotspots, with Lamar Valley being one of the best places in the park to spot wolves and bison, while Hayden Valley offers incredible opportunities for photographing bison, elk, black bears, coyotes, and other species. Outside the park, nearby areas are great for capturing wildlife like bighorn sheep and river otters. Combining Yellowstone with Grand Teton is a perfect option. Avoid visiting from late June to early September due to crowds and reduced wildlife sightings.

Conclusion

North America is a treasure trove for wildlife photographers, offering a range of landscapes and ecosystems teeming with diverse species. From the migratory birds of Arizona to the powerful bears of Alaska, each location provides unique opportunities to capture nature in its rawest form. By researching animal behavior, planning for the right seasons, and being prepared for the conditions, you can maximize your chances of documenting extraordinary moments.