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.

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.

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