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.
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.
Lower light conditions are better for nature photography.
Fall is a display of vibrant colours in the rainforest while winter offers misty landscapes and waves crashing on the rugged shoreline during storms.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28, 2023
(le texte en français suit)
Early bird gets a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!
Spring has finally arrived on Vancouver Island with warmer and sunnier days. The tops of mountains are still covered by snow but the snowmelt has started. Streams are swelling and they provide great opportunities for photographing waterfalls in the lush temperate rainforest. In addition, at this time of the year, birds and mammals are busy caring for their young. Don’t miss this magnificent time of the year when nature regenerates and offers one of its most beautiful shows.
Only a few spots left, sign up today!
Inscrivez-vous tôt et obtenez un lunch santé gratis en plus de garantir votre place !
Le printemps est enfin arrivé sur l'île de Vancouver avec des journées plus chaudes et ensoleillées. Le sommet des montagnes est encore enneigé mais la fonte des neiges a commencé. Les ruisseaux sont gonflés et offrent de belles opportunités pour photographier les cascades dans la luxuriante forêt pluviale tempérée. En plus, à ce temps-ci de l’année, les oiseaux et les mammifères sont occupés à prendre soin de leurs petits. Ne manquez pas ce magnifique moment de l’année où la nature se régénère et offre un de ses plus beaux spectacles.
Il ne reste que quelques places, inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui !
Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops for 2023, 2024 and 2025
On your visit to Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, join me for a photo tour or workshop. As a professional nature and wildlife photographer based on Vancouver Island, I know the best times and places to photograph nature far from the crowded touristic areas.
There are still spots available on photo workshops for this year, don’t miss your chance! You can also request a private tour or workshop at no extra cost, contact me to schedule yours. And if you like to plan in advance, I have added several photo workshops for 2024 and 2025.
Early birds get a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!
2023
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 13 May, 17 June, 8 July, 12 August
In French: 20 May, 19 August
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 26 to 28 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 21 to 23 July
Four days photo workshop in the field
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 12 to 15 October
Tofino
In French only: 18 to 22 September
In English: 2 to 6 October
2024
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 8 June, 17 August
In French: 4 May, 10 August
Full-day photo workshops in the field
Herring Spawn: 10 March
Herring Spawn: 13 March
Herring Spawn: 15 March
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 19 to 21 July
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 October
Tofino: 23 to 27 September
2025
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 7 June, 16 August
In French: 3 May, 9 August
Full-day photo workshops in the field
Herring Spawn: 9 March
Herring Spawn: 12 March
Herring Spawn: 14 March
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 16 to 18 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 July
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 October
Tofino: 22 to 26 September
Watch the herring spawn off the coast of Vancouver Island, BC
Every year, at the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This annual event attracts a lot of mammals and birds that feed on the fish and its eggs.
Perched on tall trees, bald eagles are keeping an eye on the action, ready for an opportunity to catch a herring or something else. Minks and river otters are also on the lookout for the silver fish while gulls bicker over their biggest catch. The sea lions are also here; they are hard to ignore with their constant barking. On the shoreline, curious seals are observing the action. The presence of sea lions and seals attracts larger predators such as the orca.
Join me for a photo workshop from 13 to 15 March to photograph this spectacular event.
Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island - Photo Excursion from 13 to 15 March 2023
Only a few spots left!
At the end of the winter, the Pacific herring migrates in mass to spawn in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles, and many other birds and mammals.
Join me for a three full-day photo excursion on the East coast of Vancouver Island. We will spend our entire time in the outdoors to photograph nature and wildlife, starting early in the morning (the best time). Before the workshop, I spend a lot of time traveling around the region to find the places where the wildlife is most active. If the spawn happens during the workshop, you’ll witness the water turning a milky turquoise and the ensuing feeding frenzy from birds and mammals. The spawn happens in shallow waters close to the shoreline where we’ll be ready with our cameras.
Dates: 13, 14 and 15 March 2023
Base camp: Courtenay, Comox Valley - Carpooling available
Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!
Tours et ateliers de photographie sur l’île de Vancouver, Colombie-Britannique
Vous souhaitez en apprendre davantage sur les bases de la photographie de la nature ou simplement améliorer vos capacités. Mais avant tout, vous souhaitez vivre cette expérience en français.
Contactez-moi, je suis là pour vous !
Je donne des tours et des ateliers de photographie de la nature, sur le terrain sur l’île de Vancouver, à l’année longue. Le français est ma langue maternelle alors je serais ravie de partager ma passion pour la photo avec vous dans cette langue.
En plus, vous avez des options : vous pouvez vous inscrire à un atelier déjà au calendrier ou bien demander un tour/atelier à une date de votre choix, que ce soit une demi-journée, une journée entière ou plusieurs jours.
Amenez votre partenaire ou un(e) ami(e) avec vous, explorez la superbe île de Vancouver avec votre appareil-photo en mains, découvrez sa faune charismatique et repartez avec vos plus belles photos et un savoir pour votre prochain voyage.
Book a Nature Photography Workshop on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A new year means new resolutions like traveling more or exploring new places, camera in hand.
On your visit to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, sign up for a nature photography workshop with a local photographer: me. Explore the rugged coastline and the temperate rainforest, capture unique species with your camera, and return home with compelling photos.
New workshops for this summer!
Summer is an ideal time to reconnect with nature and hone your skills as a nature photographer. Join me for a unique photo workshop in beautiful Strathcona Park, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
I have added three new workshops on weekends for your convenience:
Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!
Nature Photography Workshops on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 2022
Whether you are already on Vancouver Island or planning to visit this year, here is a list of my photo workshops in 2022:
29 January - Strathcona Park
26 February - Strathcona Park
21-23 March - Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island
27-29 May - Spring on Vancouver Island
19-23 September - Tofino (in French only)
3-7 October - Tofino
13-16 October - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island
Half-day photo workshop, Comox Valley (in English only) : 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August
Half-day photo workshop, Comox Valley (in French only) : 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August
If you prefer, you can request a private workshop that ranges from one day to several days. Book early as I am already starting to get requests for this summer.
I look forward to showing you my favourite places on Vancouver Island for nature photography and helping you improve your photography skills!
Television Interview - Entrevue à la télévision
On 4 July, I had the pleasure of talking to Geneviève Murchison, host of the television program Connexion on Radio-Canada, about my passion for nature photography. What a great way to start the summer!
In case you missed it, you can watch it here. It’s in French and starts at the 17:00 mark.
Le 4 juillet, j’ai eu le plaisir de parler avec Geneviève Murchison, animatrice du programme de télévision Connexion sur Radio-Canada, de ma passion pour la photographie de nature. Quelle superbe façon de commencer l’été!
Si vous avez manqué l’émission, vous pouvez la revoir ici. Ça commence à la 17e minute.
The story behind these images - L'histoire derrière ces photos
Earlier this spring, I noticed a nest in a second-growth forest that had been slightly damaged by the wind and the rain this winter. I wondered if it was going to be restored and used again. When I returned to this location this week, I found the nest which seemed to be in better condition. Yet no bird was sitting on it. I walked away a bit and waited to see if a bird was coming in order to find out what type of bird it was.
Then a female yellow warbler appeared in a tree a few meters from the nest. My attention immediately fell on her and, without moving so as not to frighten her, I tried to photograph her through the leafy branches. Not getting satisfactory results, I ended up walking away. Then I wondered if this was a diversionary tactic on the part of the warbler. I was then about ten meters away and the foliage was obstructing the nest, but I saw a small yellow dot on it and, using my telephoto lens, I zoomed in to find the warbler was sitting on her nest.
Delighted with my discovery, I left because I did not want her to abandon her nest after being disturbed.
Plus tôt ce printemps, j’ai remarqué un nid dans une forêt de seconde venue qui avait été un peu endommagé par le vent et la pluie cet hiver. Je me suis demandée si il allait être restauré et utilisé à nouveau. Lorsque je suis retournée à cet endroit cette semaine, j’ai retrouvé le nid qui semblait en meilleure condition. Pourtant il n’y avait pas d’oiseau qui couvait. Je me suis éloignée un peu et j’ai attendu de voir si un oiseau allait venir afin de découvrir de quel type d’oiseau il s’agissait.
Puis une paruline jaune est apparue dans un arbre à quelques mètres du nid. Mon attention s’est aussitôt portée sur elle et, sans me déplacer pour ne pas l’effrayer, j’ai essayé de la photographier au travers des branches feuillues. N’obtenant pas de résultats satisfaisants, j’ai fini par m’éloigner. Puis je me suis demandée si il s’agissait d’une tactique de diversion de la part de la paruline. J’étais alors à une dizaine de mètres et le feuillage obstruait le nid mais j’ai distingué un petit point jaune dessus et, à l’aide de mon téléobjectif, j’ai zoomé pour découvrir que la paruline couvait son nid.
Ravie de ma découverte, je suis partie car je ne voulais surtout pas qu’elle abandonne son nid après avoir été dérangée.
Photo Workshops during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ateliers photo pendant la pandémie de COVID-19
All the workshops are given in small groups (5 participants max) and in the outdoors so you are less likely to get or spread COVID-19. You can either join an already scheduled workshop or ask for a private workshop for yourself or as members of the same bubble at no extra cost. We offer half-day, weekend and multi-day workshops all year-round. Feel free to contact us for details.
During the pandemic, we take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. We ask everyone attending the outdoor event to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres between one another, unless you reside together. We recommend the use of a mask and we supply hand sanitation gel.
The day prior to the start of the workshop, you will be asked whether you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the workshop, please inform us immediately; we will reschedule you for another workshop once you have fully recovered.
Below are the current travel restrictions for Vancouver Island, BC:
Vancouver Island residents are allowed to travel within the Vancouver Island Health region for recreational purposes.
For British Columbians, travel is allowed within your health zone. Non-essential travel between health zones continues to be restricted.
For Canadians, all non-essential travel to BC must be avoided until further notice.
For international visitors, the Canadian border remains closed for non-essential travel, including those who have been vaccinated.
For current travel information, visit https://www.hellobc.com/what-you-need-to-know/
Further details on the current orders can be found at: gov.bc.ca/COVID-19
Ateliers photo pendant la pandémie de COVID-19
Tous les ateliers sont donnés en petits groupes (5 participants max) et en plein air donc vous êtes moins susceptible d'attraper ou de propager le COVID-19. Vous pouvez soit rejoindre un atelier déjà programmé, soit demander un atelier privé pour vous-même ou en tant que membre de la même bulle, et ce, sans frais supplémentaire. Nous proposons des ateliers d'une demie-journée, d'un week-end et de plusieurs jours tout au long de l'année. N'hésitez pas à nous contacter pour plus de détails.
Pendant la pandémie, nous prenons toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer votre sécurité. Nous demandons à tous ceux qui participent à l'événement en plein air de maintenir une distance physique de 2 mètres, à moins que vous ne viviez ensemble. Nous recommandons le port d'un masque et nous fournissons du gel désinfectant pour les mains.
La veille de l'atelier, nous vous demanderons si vous avez des symptômes de COVID-19 et si vous avez été en contact étroit avec un cas confirmé ou suspecté de COVID-19. Si vous avez des symptômes de COVID-19 avant le début l'atelier, veuillez nous en informer immédiatement ; nous vous reporterons votre inscription à un futur atelier lorsque vous serez complètement rétabli.
Vous trouverez ci-dessous les restrictions de voyage courantes pour l'île de Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique :
Les résidents de l'île de Vancouver sont autorisés à se déplacer dans la région sanitaire de l'île de Vancouver à des fins récréatives.
Pour les Britanno-Colombiens, les déplacements sont autorisés dans votre zone sanitaire seulement. Les déplacements non essentiels entre les zones sanitaires continuent d'être limités.
Pour les Canadiens, tout voyage non essentiel en Colombie-Britannique doit être évité jusqu'à nouvel ordre.
Pour les visiteurs internationaux, la frontière canadienne reste fermée pour les déplacements non essentiels, y compris pour ceux qui ont été vaccinés.
Pour les dernières informations sur les voyages, visitez : https://www.hellobc.com/what-you-need-to-know/ (en anglais seulement)
Pour plus de détails sur les mesures en cours, visitez : gov.bc.ca/COVID-19 (en anglais seulement)
Update on Nature Photo Workshops
Great news! My photo workshops are now open to anyone living in British Columbia.
The day prior to the start of the workshop, you will be asked whether you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and have travelled outside British Columbia in the last 14 days. During the workshop, participants and the instructor will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering (please bring your own mask). Contact me if you would prefer to schedule a photo workshop with members of your circle only.
It’s time to get out of the house, enjoy nature on beautiful Vancouver Island and refine your photo skills!
Catherine