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.

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/

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!

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.

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!

Where can I purchase the photo book Wild Vancouver Island?

If you are looking for a unique gift for a nature lover, photographer, wedding, birthday, anniversary, or retirement, Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

I am happy to announce that you can now purchase Wild Vancouver Island at these beautiful gift shops on Vancouver Island:

The Book Nook at Cafe Guido, Port Hardy, BC
The Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC
Bough & Antler, Campbell River, BC
Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo, BC
Comox Valley Visitor Centre, Courtenay, BC

You can also order a copy on this website. Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note.

Book Review: Wild Vancouver Island

I am thrilled to announce that my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island has received an outstanding review in the Vancouver Sun. Tom Sandborn wrote: ''She has clearly mastered the technical aspects of her art, and that mastery frees her to bear witness to the spirit of joy, discovery and delight that informs her engagement with the creatures and elements she portrays.'' Read more…

Wild Vancouver Island is the perfect gift for the photographer or nature lover in your life, or for yourself. You can order a copy here.

Photographing the coastal black bear

As a wildlife photographer, I enjoy learning about wild animals and observing them in their natural environment. While some photographers are interested in birds, I prefer mammals. Big mammals, like bears. Their large size, curvy shape and thick fur make them both attractive and intimidating.

I saw my first black bear in Manitoba during a solo road-trip across the country. I was driving on a rural road when suddenly a chunky bear crossed the road and dashed into the woods. It was a brief encounter but I was delighted. After settling on Vancouver Island, I became aware that bears are everywhere. They frequent the mountains, coastal rainforests and towns. I also learnt that black bears can swim, climb trees, and break into homes and vehicles. I had moved to bear country.

After learning about bear safety, my next step was to capture their natural behaviour in their natural habitat. However, I had to find the right balance between reaching my goal and minimizing my impact on the animals, which meant I had to keep a safe distance and avoid disrupting their activities. The other factors I had to consider were the location and accessibility, the time of the year, the light, and the setting. After spending an extensive period of time researching at home and exploring in the field, I found a remote prime fishing spot used by black bears during the salmon run. By the time I first visited that spot, I had encountered many black bears around Vancouver Island, so I was familiar with their behaviour and I knew how to read their body language.

Mama bear and her cub on a foggy morning, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

One morning, when I arrived at that fishing spot, it was entirely wrapped in thick fog and the visibility was greatly reduced. I could see dark rounded shapes here and there on the shoreline, but I could only determine whether it was a bear or a big boulder when it started to move. It was a surreal experience. One by one, bears came out of the rainforest and nonchalantly walked to a pool of water filled with salmon. Once they caught a fish, they walked back to the forest where they ate their tasty meal in peace. They mostly came alone but sometimes a mother bear was accompanied by her cubs. The time passed slowly as I waited for them to appear and disappear through the dense fog. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such an incredible animal.

A coastal black bear during the salmon run on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

There were other extraordinary moments. One day, I watched a teenage bear challenging authority. He reminded me as a teenager. He wanted access to the best fishing spot but a dominant sow was already there. Determined to get a salmon, he approached the spot knowing perfectly well that he was challenging her dominant place in the hierarchy. She ignored him so the intrepid yearling decided to get even closer. Annoyed by his persistence, she got up and briefly chased him. Startled, he ran away but he had forgotten where I was and he was coming towards me. So I had to tell him to back off in a stern voice. Surprised to find me in his way, he stopped, turned around and walked away.

I like observing the different characters in animals, especially bears. Some are shy, others are bold and curious. They are not that different from us. I have witnessed cubs fighting over a big salmon their mother had caught for them. At only a few months old, they were already demonstrating distinctive traits.

There are more stories like these in my book Wild Vancouver Island. It features several species such as Roosevelt elk, Vancouver Island marmots, sea otters, humpback whales and many other mammal and bird species. Working as a wildlife photographer has its challenges but it is also rewarding. When I have the privilege of having a glimpse into the lives of wild animals in their natural environment, I tend to forget all the time I spent waiting for them in the rain, fog or cold. Every year, I look forward to the salmon run and my trip to that special place, where I can spend days watching and photographing the coastal black bear.

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!

Wild Vancouver Island - Discount on Pre-orders

Nature photography book Wild Vancouver Island by Canadian wildlife photographer Catherine Babault

I’m thrilled to announce my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island. I have been working on this beautiful book for the last few months and I can’t wait to show it to you! Wild Vancouver Island is a celebration of the beautiful landscapes and extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region. As you may know, I have a fondness for bears. Last fall, I had the privilege of photographing coastal black bears up close during the salmon run and I selected my best shots for the book, which also features many other species such as sea otters, humpback whales, Roosevelt elk, and several birds and mammals.

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.

Get a 10% discount on pre-orders. I sign each copy! Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note. For those of you who live in the Comox Valley, enter COMOXVALLEYFS at checkout for a free delivery at your doorstep.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

Meet me at Winter Markets!

The holiday season is fast approaching. The time has come to think about unique gifts for your loved ones. Winter markets are starting to open their doors so come and meet me at:

- Campbell River Museum, on November 18, from 10 am to 5 pm;

- Union Bay Craft Fair, on November 19, from 10 am to 3 pm; and

- Black Creek Community Centre, on December 2, from 10 am to 4 pm.

I will have copies of my photo book Vancouver Island Marmot and some beautiful fine art prints like those below:

Limited Time Offer - Free Shipping

Free shipping in British Columbia and Alberta when you order my photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, the World’s Rarest Marmot. This offer ends on November 27, 2023. Enter promo code BCAB2023 at checkout.

Let me know if you’d like me to write a personal note when I sign the book.

Start your holiday shopping early, order a copy today!

“‘‘…Like Babault’s earlier book, this work is a feast for the eyes. The close-up images of marmots in the wild are charming, and the author’s keen artist’s eye has captured images of the steep mountain ridges, meadows and screes where the elusive rodents live that are delicate and colourful, evoking in their often fog-softened, flower-dotted beauty the works of the French Impressionists.’’”

— Vancouver Sun

Interview on CBC, North by Northwest

Sometimes we are lucky enough to be interviewed by a journalist we have admired for years. That's what happened to me when I was interviewed by Margaret Gallagher for North by Northwest, CBC Radio One in Vancouver. Despite being a little intimidated, I managed to speak more or less clearly about my Vancouver Island marmot photo book, which was released last December, and the conservation efforts to save the marmot from extinction.

I invite you to listen to the interview and order a signed copy of my book.

Parfois nous avons la chance d’être interviewé par une journaliste que nous admirons depuis des années. C’est ce qui m’est arrivé lorsque j’ai été interviewée par Margaret Gallagher pour l’émission North by Northwest, CBC Radio One à Vancouver. Malgré le fait que j’étais un peu intimidée, j’ai réussi à parler plus ou moins clairement de mon livre de photos sur la marmotte de l’île de Vancouver, paru en décembre dernier, et des efforts de conservation pour sauver la marmotte de l’extinction.

Je vous invite à écouter l’entrevue et commander une copie signée de mon livre.

Book Review in Vancouver Sun

My photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot received an incredible book review in this weekend edition of the Vancouver Sun. It is ‘‘highly recommended’’!

I am very grateful to Tom Sandborn for his kind words. Read his review.

Order your signed copy today.

Catherine Babault Holiday Gift Guide

It is the time of the year to find the perfect gift!

For a thoughtful and beautiful holiday gift, choose from a variety of fine art prints, a workshop (online or in the field) or a signed copy of my award-winning photo book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey. Or give them the option with a gift card!

And to make your shopping experience even better, get 25% OFF on fine art prints from 25 to 28 November, by using the promo code BLACKFRIDAY2023 at check-out.

Happy shopping!

Guide de cadeaux des fêtes, de Catherine Babault

C'est le moment de l'année pour trouver le cadeau parfait !

Pour un beau cadeau des fêtes bien attentionné, choisissez parmi une variété de tirages d'art, un atelier (en ligne ou sur le terrain) ou un exemplaire signé de mon livre primé Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey. Ou bien donnez-leur le choix avec une carte-cadeau !

Et pour améliorer votre expérience d’achat, obtenez 25 % de rabais du 25 au 28 novembre, en utilisant le code de promotion BLACKFRIDAY2023 au check-out.

Bon shopping !

The making of my photo book Vancouver Island Wildlife

When I moved to Vancouver Island many years ago, I was fascinated by the diversity of fauna, flora and landscape. From the mountain meadows to the ocean, there are so many species to study and photograph. Some are permanent residents while others are seasonal visitors. All are very interesting. While exploring my new surroundings, I noticed the human impact on the environment and became aware of species at risk. With the help of a photo book, I hoped to show the beauty and diversity of Vancouver Island’s wildlife and raise awareness about our responsibility towards the conservation of its unique ecosystems.

For my book project, I researched many species to learn about their habitat, diet, biology, etc. I visited remote locations, sometimes by boat or floatplane. Often I got up in the middle of the night to be in the field by sunrise. I travelled long distances by vehicle and on foot. I walked in the snow, rain, fog and mud, sometimes I stepped on smelly things like rotten salmon on riverbanks. I prepared all my trips carefully because this is wilderness; I studied maps, topography, weather forecast, tide tables, sunrise and sunset times, and I maintained my vehicle in good condition, with an emergency kit and other essential items. This was a full-time project, working up to 60 hours a week, and it took me over a year to compile enough images for a photo book.

I edited thousands of images to select less than two hundred. My images had to be bold, uncluttered and well composed. I processed each one of them and converted them in CMYK for printing. Then I started to design the book and write the text. English is not my first language so I hired a professional translator in Victoria to proofread the text. I asked a professional photographer in my city to review my selection of images and give me honest feedback. At that point, I started to contact several printers in Canada before choosing one in Vancouver. I used offset printing instead of digital printing; although it is a lot more expensive, it is the best quality printing for a photo book. You could say that my book is 100% made in British Columbia from the subject to the printer. Some might think CAD$40 is expensive for a book but think about all the costs involved: camera equipment, travel expenses (gas, accommodation, meals), car maintenance, car insurance, business insurance, business licence, professional services (bush pilot, proofreader, printer, website…), and my time dedicated to this amazing project.

I feel very humble by the incredible success of this book. I won a Nautilus book award in the USA and received great feedback from the media. I am always touched to hear kind comments from readers in Canada, the USA and Europe. I hope that my book has achieved its goal: showing the beauty and fragility of our environment so that we are all aware of our collective responsibility towards its protection for future generations.

Black Friday Sale 2021 - Nature Photography Book

Get 15% OFF my award-winning book Vancouver Island Wildlife: a Photo Journey

Check off some names from your list or gift the host of the party with this beautiful book about Vancouver Island wildlife. Black Friday Sale goes from 26 to 29 November, enter promo code BLACKFRIDAY2021 at checkout.

Mark your calendar!

Obtenez 15% de réduction sur mon livre primé Vancouver Island Wildlife: a Photo Journey

Cochez des noms sur votre liste ou remettez en cadeau à l'hôte(sse) de la fête ce magnifique livre sur le monde sauvage de l'île de Vancouver. La vente Black Friday va du 26 au 29 novembre. Entrez le code de promotion BLACKFRIDAY2021 à la caisse (checkout).

Marquez votre calendrier !

Holiday Season Shopping - C'est le Temps des Fêtes !

The Holiday Season is just around the corner. This year, send your loved ones who appreciate nature and photography a beautiful photo book on Vancouver Island, or a landscape, wildlife or abstract print, or book an in-person or online workshop. If you’re unsure which one they would prefer, ask for a gift certificate.

When you order a product or service from this website, you are contributing to the success of a small business owned by a woman. You are not sending me to space :-)

Le Temps des Fêtes arrive à grands pas. Cette année, offrez à vos êtres chers amoureux de la nature et la photographie un beau livre de photos sur l’Île de Vancouver ou bien un tirage de photo de paysage, abstraite ou animalière ou encore un atelier en personne ou en ligne. Si vous ne savez que choisir, demandez un certificat-cadeau.

Lorsque vous commandez un produit ou un service sur ce site Web, vous contribuez au succès d'une petite entreprise gérée par une femme. Vous ne m'envoyez pas dans l'espace :-)