Species profile
About this species
The Canada Lynx is a medium-sized wild cat native to the boreal forests of North America, characterised by its thick silvery-grey fur, tufted ears & large padded paws that act as natural snowshoes. It is a specialist predator, relying heavily on the snowshoe hare for the majority of its diet, with lynx populations closely mirroring the cyclical boom & bust of hare numbers. The species is well adapted to cold climates & is known for its elusive, solitary behaviour, making it a challenging subject for wildlife photographers.
Dense boreal & subalpine forests with thick understorey vegetation, particularly areas with abundant snowshoe hare populations across Canada, Alaska & parts of the northern the United States.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Canada Lynx with us in Canada.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months from December through February offer the best opportunities, as tracks in snow make locating individuals easier & the lynx's grey-white coat contrasts beautifully with the landscape. Early morning & late afternoon during the golden hours provide ideal light, as lynx are most active around dawn & dusk.
Position yourself near known snowshoe hare habitat in winter, as lynx actively patrol these areas & can be encountered during their hunting routines. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to maintain a respectful distance & avoid disturbing the animal, allowing for natural behaviour shots. In snowy conditions, dial in positive exposure compensation of around +1 to +1.5 stops to ensure the lynx's pale fur is correctly exposed against bright white backgrounds.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Canada Lynx
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.