By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer
What’s better than snapping a few nature shots and trying your hand at winning some snazzy prizes? The following is a list of free-entry photography contests across BC and Canada, with a variety of wildlife, outdoors, and ecological categories, alongside hefty prizes up for grabs. Happy snapping, and may the best photos win!
2023 Hiking Photo Contest
Presented by: Vancouver Trails
Submission deadline: September 25, 2023
Also known as the 2023 Vancouver Trails Photo Contest, this contest is accepting entries of any hiking trails around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland area throughout Southwestern BC. Images may include mountain views, forests, scenic hiking routes, and family and friends within photos. The contest offers a GoPro grand prize, a second place prize package of outdoor gear, and four $50 Canadian Tire gift cards as runner-up prizes.
2023 Global Photo Contest
Presented by: Nature United
Submission deadline: September 29, 2023
This nature photography contest is open internationally, though the organization works locally and across Canada to help preserve and protect precious environments. There are twelve categories, including oceans, aerials, birds, and plants and fungi. There’s a grand prize winner, as well as three runner-ups in each category, with monetary prizes for everyone. Submit your photos for a chance to win and vote on your favourites. That’s all there is to it!
Ocean Exposures Photo Contest 2023
Presented by: Living Oceans
Submission deadline: September 30, 2023
This contest includes three ocean photography categories: Below the Surface, Work and Play on the Ocean, and Coastal Wildlife, and is open across Canada, excluding Québec. There is a maximum of five photo entries per person. Following the submission period, voting and judging will take place throughout October. Winners will be announced in early November.
2023 Amateur Photographer Contest
Presented by: West Coast Traveller
Submission deadline: October 20, 2023
This Amateur Photographer Contest includes six distinct categories related to nature and wildlife, west coast travel, portraits, scenic views, local gems, and Instagram favourites. The contest is open to amateur photographers in Canada only. There must be no duplicate entries and images must be submitted in their original format. Voting on the top 100 images takes place throughout November and December. The contest is offering a travel package grand prize, as well as first, second, and third place prizes.
