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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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.

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.

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!

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.

Vancouver Island Photo Tour this summer

A few places are still available for my Summer on Vancouver Island photo workshop. The long days of summer provide plenty of time to explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Wildlife is busy caring for their offspring and protecting their territory.

Join me for a unique photo workshop, make new friends and create your best images!

Sign up by June 15 and get a free signed copy of my new photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Contact me if you would like to book a private photo tour or workshop at another date. I still have some availability this summer and I also offer private photo tours and workshops all year round, in English or in French.

Speaking event - Arrowsmith Naturalists

On April 25, 2024, at 7 pm, I’ll have the pleasure to talk about my experience photographing the Vancouver Island marmot for my book, with the members of the Arrowsmith Naturalists in Parksville, British Columbia. Details here.

The Arrowsmith Naturalists was founded in 1970 to know, enjoy, and preserve nature. We are affiliated with B.C. Nature and Nature Canada. Our members are a knowledgeable, committed, and welcoming group who enjoy monthly meetings, field trips, and stewardship activities.

Earth Day - Jour de la Terre

I had the honour to talk with Lyne Barnabé, Art reporter at Radio-Canada, for Earth Day. As you already know, I promote ethics in nature photography and her article details my approach in that regard. Whether we photograph nature and wildlife at home or abroad, it is important to respect wild animals and their habitat: keep a safe distance, use a telephoto lens, do not disturb their activities, never feed wildlife, do not call them or destroy their habitat to get a better photo. I encourage you to read Lyne Barnabé’s article (in French) and check the photos.

J’ai eu l’honneur de parler avec Lyne Barnabé, journaliste culturelle à Radio-Canada, pour le Jour de la Terre. Comme vous le savez déjà, je promeus l’éthique en photographie naturaliste et son article détaille bien mon approche. Que nous photographions la nature et la faune à la maison ou à l’étranger, il est important de respecter les animaux sauvages et leur habitat : garder une distance sécuritaire, utiliser un téléobjectif, ne pas déranger leurs activités, ne jamais les nourrir, ne pas les appeller our détruire leur habitat afin d’obtenir une meilleure photo. Je vous invite à lire l’article de Lyne Barnabé et regarder les photos.

Book launch of Wild Vancouver Island

Image credit: Museum at Campbell River

I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book Wild Vancouver Island at the Museum in Campbell River on April 21.

Get a signed copy for you or for a gift to the photographer or nature lover in your circle. The book features photos of coastal black bears, sea otters, whales, ravens, eagles and more.

The museum will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday with native plant garden tours and demos with Shirts to Bags.

Come and join us there from noon to 5 pm!

Wild Vancouver Island officially published!

Wild Vancouver Island is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of wild animals on Vancouver Island. The book features coastal black bears, sea otters, humpback whales, Roosevelt elk, marmots, and several other mammals and birds.

Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, to you or a loved-one, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of biodiversity.

On April 21, from noon to 5 pm, I will be signing copies of my new book at the Museum at Campbell River. The museum is organizing a special event with many guests in celebration of Earth Day. Meet me there!

2024 Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

This year again I am keeping a close eye on the herring spawn in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island. This is an exciting time for wildlife photographers as many species such as orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and many other birds gather for the feast.

Join me on a daily tour in March. This is a popular photo tour, book early or ask me for a private photo tour at a time convenient for you.

We will start early in the morning and spend the day on the shoreline when we could see lots of wildlife. Last year, we saw a pod of orca close to shore and also sea lions, seals, a mink and river otters as well as many birds.

I look forward to sharing this incredible event with you!

Photograph the Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island with professional photographer Catherine Babault

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops for 2024

I have been giving photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island since 2018 and had the pleasure to meet photographers of all levels from North America and Europe.

As a professional nature photographer, I spend a lot of time in the field all year round tracking and photographing the great variety of wildlife and landscapes in this unique part of the world. I know the best places and times for nature photography and I’d love to show them to you.

Private nature photography tours and workshops all year round

If you’d like to book a private tour or workshop on Vancouver Island, contact me, I’ll be more than happy to prepare an itinerary for you based on your interests and experience in photography. I organize private tours and workshops (half day, full day, and multiple days), in English and in French (I am fluent in both languages).

Upcoming photo workshops in the field in 2024

Herring Spawn - Daily photo tours during the herring spawn. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife on the coast. If you are a keen wildlife photographer, this workshop is for you. We could see sea lions, seals, whales (from the coast), minks, river otters, many many bird species such as bald eagles and great blue herons. Limited to 5 people per day. Sign up early!

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’ll visit the shoreline, 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 shorelines of the island. Wildlife is busy caring for their offspring and protecting their territory in the lush rainforest and on the coast. Limited to 5 participants, sign up today.

Tofino, Vancouver Island - Join me for a unique photo workshop in Tofino, on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Explore the amazing landscape of the Pacific Northwest: old-growth forests, moss covered trees in the temperate rainforest, stunning bluffs, and sandy beaches. Limited to 5 participants. Sign up early.

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, sign up early.