Join professional wildlife photographer Kyle Moore on Awakening of the Wild North, an immersive Finland wildlife photography tour in spring. As winter finally loosens its grip on the boreal wilderness, Finland’s forests awaken with life, bringing exciting opportunities to photograph wild brown bears, wolves and wolverines as they become active once again.
After months beneath the snow, Europe’s great predators emerge into a landscape transformed by the arrival of spring — hungry, active and ready to reclaim their territories.
Our Awakening of the Wild North tour has been carefully designed to experience this remarkable period at its most rewarding. Travelling between two of Finland’s premier wildlife destinations, we maximise our opportunities for encounters with the country’s iconic predators, including brown bears, wolves and wolverines, alongside eagles, capercaillie and black grouse.
Two exceptional wilderness locations. Three iconic predators. One extraordinary spring journey into the wild heart of Finland.
Our first location is renowned for its healthy population of brown bears, including females emerging from their dens with young cubs. Photographing mothers and cubs as they move through the snow-covered forest offers an exceptionally rare and emotive glimpse into the lives of Finland’s bears.
We then journey south to a remote wilderness along the Finnish–Russian border, where ancient forests provide a stronghold for large male bears and a resident wolf population. With wolves roaming close to our base and the surrounding forests alive with lekking capercaillie, this second location adds an entirely different dimension to the adventure.
19th – Arrival
We arrive in Kajaani on an early evening flight, where our journey into Finland’s deep wilderness truly begins. From the airport, we transfer together to our first base: the legendary Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre. By the time we reach camp it will be around 20:00, with the forest already settling into its nocturnal rhythm.
On arrival, we will share our first meal together, outline the adventure ahead, and then retire to our rooms for a well-earned rest after a full day of travel – ready to meet the wild days to come.
20th – 21st – Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre
Breakfast will be served at approximately 08:00, followed by unhurried free time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the immediate area or make use of the established bird-feeding station just outside our accommodation. At this time of year, bird photography here is exceptional, with regular visitors including Bullfinch, Siberian Jay, Crested Tit and, of course, the ever-entertaining Red Squirrels.
The lodge is nestled within pristine boreal forest, and guests are free to wander and explore without restriction — an immersive introduction to Finland’s wild heart.
Around midday we will gather for a prepared lunch before turning our focus to the afternoon’s hide session. Travelling by snowmobile, we journey deep into the ancient forest, pushing towards the remote wilderness close to the Russian border. Upon arrival at the hide site, everything required for a comfortable overnight stay will be provided, including packed meals, heaters, and specialist Arctic winter bedding.
We will have several hours of evening light, followed by further opportunities at first light. Our aim is to photograph bears emerging into the soft blue glow of dawn, their forms etched in hoar frost and fresh snowfall. Each hide is equipped with basic facilities, including bunk beds and toilets, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the frozen night.
Martinselkonen is renowned for sightings of mother bears with their cubs, and this will be our primary focus during our time at this exceptional location.
Shortly after sunrise, we return to base by snowmobile, where a hot breakfast awaits. The following days will follow a similar rhythm, allowing us to settle fully into the wilderness routine.
22nd – Transfer South
After breakfast, we prepare to move on to the second lodge of our journey. Travelling south, we enter a new region of Finland known for its larger male bears, as well as being a stronghold for both Wolverines and Wolves. In recent years, this area has supported a highly reliable wolf pack, regularly active in the surrounding landscapes.
We will arrive in time for dinner, followed by a brief return to our rooms before once again preparing our equipment for the next hide session. As before, the hides are of high quality, and everything required for a comfortable and productive night is provided.
23rd–24th – Southern Region
Our nights here will follow a similar pattern to the 22nd. During our stay, we will have the flexibility to choose between overnight sessions in the bear hides or visits to nearby Black Grouse and Capercaillie lekking sites. Decisions will be guided by recent activity and conditions, but in previous years these locations have proven highly reliable, offering remarkable photographic opportunities.
25th – Departure
After our final return to base, we will enjoy breakfast together, followed by time to refresh, reflect, and complete any last-minute packing. We then transfer back to Kajaani Airport for our return flights home via Helsinki — carrying with us unforgettable encounters from the boreal wilderness.
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre is a family-run wildlife lodge founded in 1991. It is located in the municipality of Suomussalmi, beside the protected Martinselkonen Nature Reserve and close to Finland’s remote eastern border.
The centre was established by retired border guard Markku Määttä and his wife, Oili, and has since become one of Finland’s best-known bear-watching destinations. Its carefully positioned hides provide outstanding opportunities to observe and photograph wild brown bears, with the area being particularly renowned for sightings of mothers with young cubs during the summer months.
The accommodation offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable en-suite rooms and traditional Finnish hospitality. Each room is tastefully decorated in a rustic Nordic style, providing a cosy retreat after your evening in the hides. Wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature and enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients – perfect for fuelling your days of exploration and wildlife watching.
Boreal Wildlife Centre is a specialist wildlife photography destination located near Viiksimo, in Finland’s Kainuu region, close to the eastern border with Russia. Surrounded by vast boreal forests and pristine wilderness, it is renowned for its opportunities to observe and photograph wild brown bears, wolverines and other elusive forest wildlife.
The centre’s purpose-built photography hides provide excellent opportunities to capture wildlife in its natural environment. Comfortable accommodation offers a welcoming base between photography sessions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of Finland’s spectacular wilderness.
At Natures Thrill, we believe that an exceptional wildlife experience starts with the right guide. We carefully select guides not simply for their knowledge, but for their first-hand experience, local expertise and genuine connection to the places and wildlife we visit. Many of our guides have spent years, and in some cases decades, working in their regions, building an intimate understanding of wildlife behaviour, seasonal movements and the best opportunities for observation and photography. This depth of experience allows us to offer something far beyond a standard guided holiday — expert-led adventures shaped by people who truly know the wild places they call home.
Our Awakening of the Wild North tours are guided by Kyle Moore, one of our most experienced Finland wildlife specialists. Discover more about Kyle, his remarkable career and his life in the Finnish wilderness below.
Kyle Moore is the founder of BearPhoto and Natures Thrill. He established BearPhoto in 2017, specialising in bear-focused wildlife photography experiences, before expanding the business in 2026 with the launch of Natures Thrill, bringing together a wider portfolio of nature and wildlife adventures from around the world.
Based in the UK, Kyle is a multi-award-winning nature photographer and experienced wildlife guide, with a particular expertise in photographing bears in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. His work has taken him from the vast wilderness of Alaska and the Arctic landscapes of Canada, where he has photographed polar bears, to the dense boreal forests of Finland in pursuit of the elusive European brown bear.
Alongside his photography, Kyle has developed extensive knowledge of the destinations and wildlife he works with, allowing him to combine specialist field experience with a strong understanding of wildlife behaviour and photography. His imagery and expertise have led to collaborations with tourism boards, leading broadcasters including the BBC, and international brands, including a recent global campaign with Samsung showcasing its latest mobile photography technology.
Kyle’s photographs are represented by leading international photographic stock agencies and have been published across international media. Through BearPhoto and Natures Thrill, he continues to share his knowledge and passion for wildlife by creating carefully curated, photography-led experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations.
Click here to visit Kyle’s website: www.kylemoorephoto.com
Prepare for Finland with confidence using our comprehensive Finland Travel Resource Hub. Drawing on our specialist knowledge and first-hand experience, we’ve brought together practical travel advice, wildlife guides and photography tips to help you plan your adventure.
Discover Finland’s brown bears, wolves and wolverines, explore our guides to bear watching in Finland and wildlife photography, and find essential information on the best time to visit, flights and accommodation. Whether you’re planning a dedicated Finland wildlife tour or researching your next photography adventure, our expert resources will help you prepare for an unforgettable Finnish wilderness experience.
Planning a wildlife adventure in Finland? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about our Finland wildlife tours, including travel arrangements, accommodation, wildlife encounters, photography opportunities and what to expect during your stay. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or have any questions about a particular tour, our team is always happy to help. Simply get in touch, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in planning your Finnish wildlife adventure.
Not at all. Our guides help photographers of every level, from first-time hide users to professionals. We’ll advise on settings and positioning throughout.
A telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended), spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. Full details are in the downloadable Photography Gear Guide above.
Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, our locations and hides are chosen for some of the best predator-viewing odds in Europe.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Full arrival and transfer details, including the nearest airport and pickup arrangements, are in the Trip Information Pack. Our team will confirm timings after booking.
2027: April 19th – 25th – Spaces Available
Tour cost: £2,495 GBP
Deposit: £300 GBP
Single Supplemen: Please note that single-room accommodation cannot always be guaranteed. If you require a single supplement, please mention this at the time of booking so we can confirm availability.
Group size:
Limited to only 8 guests
A key feature of our Finland wildlife photography tours is our commitment to small group sizes. We believe wildlife is best experienced in an intimate setting, allowing guests to enjoy a more personal connection with nature. Smaller groups also help create a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in the photography hides, providing everyone with the space and time to capture memorable images of Finland’s magnificent wildlife.
During our stay in Churchill, we’ll dine at a selection of the town’s local pubs and restaurants, offering a variety of menu options to suit different tastes. Dining out provides a chance to experience the character of this remote northern community, with meals enjoyed at local establishments throughout our stay.
Given Churchill’s isolated location and limited choice of restaurants, special dietary requirements cannot always be guaranteed. Options for specific dietary needs, including halal, vegan and gluten-free meals, may be limited or unavailable at certain establishments. We therefore recommend informing us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can advise you on what may be possible. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, flexibility is essential when dining in such a remote destination.
Our Churchill Polar Bear Tour begins and ends in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Your international flights should be arranged around our private charter flights between Winnipeg and Churchill, with the confirmed charter schedule determining the recommended arrival and departure times. As charter schedules are typically released closer to the departure date, we will provide detailed flight guidance and travel arrangements in your pre-departure information.
✅ Accommodation on a twin-room basis at both lodges: Martinselkonen and the Boreal Wildlife Centre.
✅ Airport transfers to/from our Kajaani
✅ Transfers between lodges
✅ Hide rentals and local guide
✅ Snowmobile transfers to and from the wildlife photography hides.
✅ All meals included at both lodges, including breakfast, lunch and packed lunches where applicable.
❌ Internatinal Airline Flights
❌ Travel Insurance
Kyle has spent the past decade photographing Finland’s iconic predators, gaining extensive first-hand knowledge of its wildlife, landscapes and seasons. Through his immersive tours, he shares this expertise and passion, offering guests a unique insight into Finland’s remarkable wilderness. Alongside Kyle, our Finland travel specialists are here to offer friendly, expert advice and help you plan an experience that’s right for you.
Experience the iconic Masai Mara with thrilling safari drives, Big Five wildlife encounters, sweeping savanna landscapes, and unforgettable views of the Great Migration in one of Africa’s most spectacular nature reserves.
At first glance, you might wonder why BearPhoto is leading an African safari, after all, bears don’t roam the savannahs of Kenya. But at BearPhoto, our passion has never been limited by geography or species. We are driven by one thing above all else: the pursuit of extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable photographic experiences. This journey to the Masai Mara represents exactly that – and more.
We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional photographic safari to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. For photographers, the Mara needs little introduction. Vast, open plains stretch to the horizon, alive with staggering numbers of wildlife and an unrivalled concentration of big cats. The scale, drama, and raw beauty of this ecosystem offer some of the most powerful natural spectacles anywhere in the world.
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