Canadian Geographic has announced the finalists and winners of its 2026 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition, showcasing some of the most remarkable wildlife images captured by Canadian photographers. With more than 10,000 entries submitted, 18 photographers were recognized across four categories: Terrestrial Life, Aquatic Life, Flora and Fungi, and Things With Wings.
The competition celebrates the incredible diversity of Canada’s wildlife and landscapes, from a mink caught mid-jump to an unusual sandworm swimming through the St. Lawrence Estuary. Among this year’s honourees is David Sturge of Paradise, N.L., who was named the 2026 Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year and will begin a two-year term as an Audain Emerging Photographer-in-Residence with Canadian Geographic.
Below, we’ve gathered the finalist images from this year’s competition. Scroll down to see the wildlife moments that impressed the judges this year.
#21 Things With Wings, Winner: Jon Behuniak
The photographer was searching for native bees to photograph in his backyard in Asquith, Sask. when he noticed this thick-headed fly (Myopa clausa) on a raspberry cane. These flies tend to hang out where they can find hosts — namely bees and wasps — for their parasitic larvae.
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6points
#22 Flora And Fungi, Honourable Mention: Tyler Cave
Sunlight filters through the lichens dangling over Khutzeymateen Inlet, B.C.
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5points