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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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:

Venez me rencontrer aux marchés d'hiver !

La saison des fêtes approche à grand pas ! Le temps est venu de penser à des cadeaux uniques pour vos êtres chers. Les marchés d’hiver ont ouvert leurs portes alors venez me rencontrer à :

- Campbell River Museum, le 18 novembre de 10 h à 17 h,

- Union Bay Craft Fair, le 19 novembre de 10 h à 15 h,

- Black Creek Community Centre, le 2 décembre de 10 h à 16 h.

J’aurai des exemplaires de mon livre de photos Vancouver Island Marmot et de superbes tirages d’art.

Voici quelques-uns des tirages qui seront en vente :

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