2025 Christmas and Holiday Markets on Vancouver Island

The holiday season is fast approaching and this year again I will be a vendor at several Christmas / holiday markets in Courtenay and Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

If you are looking for a unique gift and would like to support an artist, meet me at one of these markets. I will have beautiful nature prints and copies of my photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

• November 15, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Campbell River Museum, part of the Campbell River Christmas Gift Tour.

• November 23, from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Crown Isle Christmas market.

• December 20 and 21, from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay. Hosted by Queneesh Indigenous Community Society. Entry by donation in cash or non-perishable food item.

Worldwide Shipping

If you can't make it to Courtenay or Campbell River, I ship worldwide. Simply order a book or print on this website before the holiday season rush. If you are not sure what to get, give them the choice with a gift card.

Five reasons to book a photo tour on Vancouver Island this fall and winter

1. Unique photo opportunities to capture black bears catching salmon, Roosevelt elk herds during the rutting period, and sea lions gatherings to feed along the coast.

2. Vancouver Island is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway whereas some birds choose to winter on the island such as trumpeter swan, long-tailed duck and surf scoter.

3. Lower light conditions are better for nature photography.

4. Fall is a display of vibrant colours in the rainforest while winter offers misty landscapes and waves crashing on the rugged shoreline during storms.

5. The shoulder season is a great time to enjoy the tranquility in the forest and take the time to create your best images. It is also cheaper to travel.

Book a tour by December 31, 2025 and save $100.

Use promocode VanIsle100 at checkout.

Save 50% on matted prints!

Save 50% on selected prints of nature and wildlife. Prints are 8 x 12 inches, the matte is 12 x 16 inches, offwhite and slightly textured. Each print is signed by Catherine Babault.

There is only one of each selected print on sale so first come, first served!

Go to the sale!

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Attention Book Collectors!

The gift shop at the Campbell River Museum has the last copy of my first book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey and the last copies of my second book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot.

If you would like to complete your collection of my photo books, be the first to contact them because these two books are no longer available and I won't do a reprint!

Contact the Campbell River Museum gift shop at https://crmuseum.ca/

New Vancouver Island Photo Tours

I am delighted to announce new group tours this summer!

The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Join me for a tour in the greater region of the Comox Valley. We'll depart early in the morning from Courtenay to take advantage of the light. We'll visit beautiful locations where we could see many species of birds, river otters, black-tailed deer, seals and black bears. Each tour lasts about 8 hours. They are limited to 3 persons plus me, your host, in order to reduce our impact on the environment and wildlife, and for a better learning experience.

Group photo tours available on June 3, 11, 19, 27, July 5, 9, 22, 31, and August 9 and 15. Learn more…

If you prefer, you can book a private photo tour or workshop at a different time.

Review: ‘‘We (a couple) booked Catherine for two days to take us to some beautiful photography locations on Vancouver Island, including both landscapes and wildlife. We had two amazing days. Catherine is a true professional, with extensive knowledge of nature and wildlife. She is also very respectful of animals and takes care not to disturb them, which we greatly appreciated. She gave us helpful tips for the rest of our stay on the island as well. In addition to being an excellent guide, Catherine is a wonderful person to spend time with, and we thoroughly enjoyed her company. We can highly recommend her to anyone looking to get more out of their photography experience on Vancouver Island.’’ Irma from the Netherlands

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

At the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This spectacular event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, seals, river otters, minks, and birds that feed on the small silver fish and its eggs. This is an exciting time for any wildlife photographer! Every year, I read daily reports and regularly scout the region for any signs of spawn or an increase of wildlife activity. That preparation is key in order for me to take you to the right place at the right time so you can photograph this unique event. I am already taking bookings for 2026 so don't miss your chance to photograph this amazing event by signing up early! Each group tour is limited to 3 people to reduce our impact on the environment. You can also ask for a private tour.

My tours are given on land only (not on a boat) so we have plenty of room for ourselves and our tripods. Being on stable ground means lower shutter speeds and sharper images. We can shoot even if the sea is stormy and quickly travel from one location to another as wildlife moves along the coast.

Watch my new video about the herring spawn on Vancouver Island.

When to use a polarizing filter

A polarizing filter is used to reduce reflections and glare from surfaces such as water or glass. Reflections are almost everywhere in nature: light bouncing off wet leaves or rocks surrounding waterfalls. In addition, a polarizing filter increases colour saturation, darken skies and reduces atmospheric haze.

The disadvantage of a polarizing filter is the loss of light that comes through your lens. I recommend a high quality circular polarizing filter to reduce the loss of light between 1 and 1.5 stop. You can compensate that loss by reducing the shutter speed, using a bigger aperture or increasing the ISO. Make sure that both your lens and polarizing filter are clean and free of dust.

These photos demonstrate what a polarizing filter can do when the light bounces off the surface of wet leaves. Note that I used a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and a short depth of field to blur the background.

2025 Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

At the end of winter, Pacific herrings congregate in mass to spawn on eelgrass in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, seals, bald eagles, ducks, river otters and minks. Orcas and humpback whales can be seen from the shore.

Join me for a photo excursion during the herring spawn on the East coast of Vancouver Island! We spend our entire time in the outdoors to photograph nature and wildlife.

Before the workshop, I scout the region to find places where wildlife is the most active. Although the exact moment of spawning is unpredictable (it usually happens between the end of February and April), wildlife activity during this period is intense. When the spawn happens, you can observe the water turning a milky turquoise and the ensuing feeding frenzy from birds and mammals. At low tide, we can see herring eggs deposited on eelgrass and rocks. Note that we keep a safe and respectful distance from wildlife at all times and are very careful not to step on the herring eggs. They are part of a complex ecosystem that we must respect and protect.

Avoid seasickness on a boat tour and enjoy nature on land.

Daily tours on March 9, 12 and 14. Limited to 3 persons. Sign up early and get a free photo book!

Contact Catherine for a private tour or workshop.

Recommended training course

I recently took the workshop Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® with Indigenous Corporate Training, which was given by an amazing facilitator, Flavio Caron, and I highly recommend it.

I have the privilege to live on the unceded traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation and work on the traditional territories of several Indigenous Peoples on what is now known as Vancouver Island. When I walk in a forest with giant cedar trees or when I observe a black bear getting salmon in a river to feed her cubs or when I show this unique place to visitors on my photo tours, I think about the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for these lands and waters for millenia. I am grateful for their stewardship and also for their willingness to share the history, stories and knowledge of their respective communities with non-Indigenous people like me.

When I settled in Canada in the early 1990s, I had very little knowledge and understanding of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples. Because I always had an interest in other cultures, I went to cultural events and visited local museums, but I still lacked a deep cross-cultural understanding. That changed when I moved to Vancouver Island where the Indigenous culture is present in architecture, governance, education, tourism, events, markets, traditional food, road names... I smile with joy everytime I see a stop sign in Kwak'wala.

Last week, I took another step in my journey to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples in Canada. I participated to the workshop Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®. It covers various topics such as history, governance, laws, cultures, languages, and communication. I recommend it to anyone (individuals, business owners and entities) who wants to work toward reconciliation and develop respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. To learn more about this workshop and others offered by Indigenous Corporate Training, please visit their website.

Additional sources of information:

Docuseries: ''1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus'' Watch for free online on Knowledge Network.

Book: ''1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann (Knopf, 2005)

Book: ''Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples'' by Bob Joseph & Cynthia F. Joseph

Check First Voices to learn about languages and work on your pronunciation.

First Peoples' map of British Columbia

Learn about Indigenous Mountain Names for Vancouver Island Peaks.

Sign up for the Indigenous Canada online course with the University of Alberta.

Entrevue à l'émission Panorama de Radio-Canada

J'ai récemment eu le plaisir de parler avec Grégory Bernard à l'émission radio Panorama de Radio-Canada. J'ai partagé mes impressions lors de ma rencontre avec un oiseau rare en Colombie-Britannique qui s'appelle le colin de Virginie. Nous avons également discuté de mon travail de photographe animalière.

C'est toujours un grand plaisir et un honneur d'être en entrevue avec Grégory Bernard. Vous pouvez écouter l'entrevue ici.

Colin de Virginie (mâle).

Colin de Virginie (femelle).

No tax on the photo book Wild Vancouver Island!

Starting December 14, 2024 and until February 14, 2025, there is no tax (GST) on the beautiful photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Wild Vancouver Island reveals the beauty of the landscape and wild animals on Vancouver Island through the lens of nature photographer Catherine Babault. This book is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region such as the coastal black bear, sea otter, humpback whale, marmot, elk, and several other mammals and birds. Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

Order your copy today!

Christmas Craft Fair at the K'ómoks First Nation Community Hall

On Saturday, December 14, come to the Christmas Craft Fair at the K'ómoks First Nation Community Hall. I will have copies of my new book Wild Vancouver Island and beautiful prints.

There will be many talented artists and artisans, food, music, kids table, and door prizes!

Interview on Global TV News with Jennifer Palma

On December 1st, 2024, I had the honour to talk with Jennifer Palma on Global TV News about my book Wild Vancouver Island. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my passion for nature and wildlife photography. To me being a wildlife photographer means learning as much as I can about each species that I have the privilege to photograph. In addition, it is essential for me to keep a safe distance from wildlife, respect their environment and avoid disturbing them.

You can watch the interview here.

Northern Bobwhite, Colin de Virginie, Colinus virginianus

In the summer of 2023 as I was processing photos in my home office, I heard an unusual call coming from outside. I was curious to find out what it was so I grabbed my camera and went looking for that mysterious bird. Running under the cover of thick bushes was a family of Northern Bobwhites. The adult male and female were trying to keep control of their brood by calling them but the young bobwhites were more interested in exploring their environment than listening to the adults.

This summer, I heard them again. They must have survived the winter and I wondered where they were coming from. The Northern Bobwhite is a non-migratory species that are only known from Walpole Island First Nation in southwestern Ontario and in eastern US. Introduction attempts in British Columbia decades ago were unsuccessful. The species is listed as endangered in Canada.

My sightings of this rare bird made the front page of the Victoria Times Colonist. I also had the honour to talk on the radio program Panorama on Radio-Canada and Vista Radio.

Male Northern Bobwhite

Female Northern Bobwhite

Upcoming Christmas Markets

The holiday season is fast approaching. On Saturday 16 November, I will have the pleasure to be a vendor again at the Museum at Campbell River during their annual Christmas Gift Tour. Get a signed copy of my new photo book Wild Vancouver Island or choose a beautiful mated print from my collection of nature and wildlife photographs. Come and see the beautiful artwork of local artists and artisans. Open from 10 am to 4 pm.

On Sunday 17 November, I will be signing copies of my book Wild Vancouver Island at the Christmas Market at Crown Isle in Comox. Open from 10 am to 5 pm.

You can also get a gift card and give them the option to choose from a photo book, a fine art print, a photo tour or workshop.

Start your holiday shopping early!

Black Bear Signs on Vancouver Island, BC

When photographing wildlife, I am always aware of my surroundings. I pay attention to sounds, animal calls, tracks, droppings, and any sign that indicates the presence of wildlife.

A few weeks ago, while on a solo trip to photograph bears in an isolated area, I was distracted by a beautiful Savannah sparrow foraging on the beach. The bird was getting close to me so I used a large piece of driftwood to lean over and take photos at eye-level. I was quiet and still so as not to startle the sparrow. After getting a few good shots, I stood up and that's when I heard a commotion right behind me. It sounded like someone or something heavy had tumbled over a big log. I quickly turned around and saw the back of a black bear in the thick bushes. He was about five metres away from me. The panicked bear started running into the bushes as fast as he could. I could follow his direction by the movements in the bushes. At one point, he even bumped into a small tree. Unlike the bear, I was very calm and the situation actually made me smile. Obviously he hadn't noticed my presence until I moved. But it was also a good reminder to me that I can be very close to wildlife without even realizing it. So I'd like to share with you some basic information and signs of black bears.

Salmon partially eaten by a bear

Black bear scratches

Sandy front foot and hind foot prints

Bear print in wet sand

Partial print of front foot

Partial print of front foot

On Vancouver Island, black bears inhabit forests, grasslands, meadows, intertidal zones, estuaries, river shorelines and urban areas. They eat a wide range of food such as plants, berries, insects, clams, crabs, and fish. Bears are plantigrade, which means they walk on the soles of their feet like humans. The print of their hind foot looks like that of humans. They have five toes like us. These photos show a few signs that you are in bear land: a partially eaten salmon, old scratches on a tree, tracks in the sand, and sandy prints of a front foot next to a hind foot on a wet log.

Stay safe!

Photographing the Roosevelt Elk mating period on Vancouver Island, BC

For several years now, I have been photographing a herd of Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I follow them through the seasons, I see the young grow and the females take care of them. I even took a rare photo of a female nursing three calves. I have always wanted to witness the rutting period, especially when the dominant male defends his harem against other males to be the sole procreator of the next generation. Since the ovulation period is short, it was important for me to be there at the right time.

This fall, I finally had the opportunity to photograph this event. When I arrived in the field, there were already about thirty Roosevelt elk: three dominant males, two immature males, females and young born this year. The dominant male kept an eye on the other males, chased them and eventually forced them across the river. He also kept a close eye on whether some females were ready for mating. His approach was simple: stroke the female's rump and neck, lick her flanks and then mate. He then lay down to rest among a few females.

I spent about 3 hours with them at a respectful distance so as not to disturb their activities. During this time, in addition to chasing rivals and copulating, some elk napped while others grazed. I eventually lost sight of them as they moved deeper into the forest.

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops in 2025

I offer photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island all year round since 2018, in English and French. I had the pleasure to meet amateur and professional photographers from North America, South America, Europe and Australia. I'd love to show you some of my favourite places on Vancouver Island for nature and wildlife photography. I offer both group tours/workshops and private tours/workshops all year round. Contact me for more information.

Private nature photography tours and workshops

Contact me if you would like to book a private tour or workshop on Vancouver Island. I am more than happy to prepare a customized itinerary based on your interests and experience in photography. The private tours and workshops range from half a day to a full day or several days.

Group photo workshops in the field for 2025

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island - Daily photo workshops during the herring spawn. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife on our shore. If you are a keen wildlife photographer, this workshop is for you. We could see sea lions, seals, whales from the shore, minks, river otters, many many bird species such as bald eagles and great blue herons. Avoid seasickness on a boat tour and enjoy nature from land! Limited to 3 people per workshop. Sign up early.

Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women in May - Join fellow women photographers on this unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir. Limited to 3 participants. Learn more.

Spring on Vancouver Island - Spring is a time of migration for thousands of birds and mammals on the island. During this three-day workshop, we will visit the shore, estuaries and forests with moss-covered trees where we could see a variety of wildlife such as owls, bald eagles, beavers, black-tailed deers, seals, sea lions, river otters and many other species. Sign up today.

Summer on Vancouver Island - The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shore on the island. Wildlife is busy caring for their young and protecting their territory in the lush rainforest and on the coast. Limited to 3 participants, sign up today.

Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women in September - Join fellow women photographers on this unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir. Limited to 3 participants. Learn more.

Fall on Vancouver Island - Fall is an exciting time for photographers and wildlife. Many birds pass through the region on route to their winter grounds or make Vancouver Island their temporary home. The salmon returns to its native springs to spawn and black bears take advantage of it to fatten up for winter. Meanwhile deciduous trees in the lush forests turn yellow, orange and red to the delight of photographers. This is a popular workshop and it is limited to 3 participants, sign up early.

Composing with light

Wildlife photographers are familiar with two unpredictable elements: wild animals' behaviour and light. On Vancouver Island it can rain, be foggy and sunny on the same day therefore the light varies all the time. No matter what type of light, harsh or soft, I have to adapt and be creative. Over the years, I have photographed black bears in all kinds of weather conditions and these are some photos to illustrate how I used the light.

Bright sunny day

Harsh light on a sunny day creates strong contrast between shadow and light. Details are lost in dark shadows and bright spots. Furthermore bright spots attract the eyes of the viewer so I take that into consideration when I frame my subject. Light can also bounce off shiny surfaces such as water and leaves, and for this reason I use a polarizing filter to suppress the glare.

Black bear on a sunny day. Photo taken with a polarizing filter.

Black bear on a bright sunrise. Photo taken without a polarizing filter.

Overcast day

Soft light on a cloudy day means less contrast between shadow and light. The viewer's eyes are attracted by the details in the fur of the black bear, its brown snout, its beady eyes and the scales of the fish. This is my prefered type of light.

Black bear on an overcast day.

Black bear with a salmon on an overcast day.

Shooting in thick fog

One morning, I found myself surrounded by black bears in thick fog. The only way to differentiate between rounded boulders and fatty black bears was when the large dark mass started to move. Instead of putting my camera down and waiting for the fog to dissipate, which could take a long time, I used the fog to capture the mood of that moment.

Black bear in thick fog.

Female black bear and her cub in thick fog.

Silhouettes

A backlit subject, or a dark subject against a bright background, can produce interesting silhouettes and create bold images. The subject really stands out.

Silhouette of a black bear walking on the shore.

Silhouette of a black bear eating a salmon in the sea.

No matter what type of light, there are ways to adapt and be creative.

Entrevue à la radio de Radio-Canada

Le 7 septembre, j’ai eu le plaisir d’être interviewée par Isabelle Craig, à l’émission Lève-tôt de Radio-Canada diffusée à Montréal.

J’ai parlé des animaux que je photographie lors de la montaison du saumon à la fin de l’été sur l’île de Vancouver, de la recherche sur les espèces que j’effectue en amont et de ma préparation avant de me rendre dans des endroits isolés.

J’ai également présenté mes nouveaux tours en groupe qui s’adressent uniquement aux femmes et nous avons parlé de mes deux derniers livres.

Je vous invite à écouter l’entrevue ici.