Through the lens: ExploreSask photo contest returns for 2026

This image was the 2025 Grand Prize and People and Places winner. It was taken at Twin Shores Lodging at Bird's Point. (Source: Lindsey MacLeod)

Shutterbugs across the province are yet again being encouraged to submit photos and videos that capture the beauty of Saskatchewan.

Tourism Saskatchewan’s ExploreSask Photo Contest is back and is accepting entries as of Monday, June 15.

The contest encourages amateur photographers and videographers to submit their “most striking content” that captures the province’s natural beauty and also tells stories about its people and communities. It’s set to run until Sept. 15.

Contestants can make submissions in six different categories:

• People and Places – Consists of portraits of Saskatchewan people from “all walks of life” enjoying indoor or outdoor activities and places the show off the community spirit and liveliness of the province’s towns, cities, cityscapes, local attractions and urban life.
• Prairie – Includes scenic photos from Prairie region and hidden treasures like valleys, hills, badlands and other natural features
• Wildlife – Includes images that highlight wild animals, birds and insects
• Winter – Meant to showcase scenes of winter from outdoor activities to snowy landscapes.
• Woods and Water – Consists of photography that features the province’s lakes and rivers as well as its diverse forests and trees.
• Video – Requires participants to submit an edited piece or single shot video (60 seconds maximum) of Saskatchewan wildlife, people, places and landscapes.

The prize-winning photographer in each category will receive a $500 Visa gift card according to the province. The Grand Prize Winner selected from all five photo categories will also win an additional $500 Visa gift card.

The winner in the video category will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card.

Residents can submit their entries and read the full contest rules here.