Immerse yourself in nature photography on the less crowded east coast of Vancouver Island, where the beauty of nature meets an abundance of wildlife. Capture sea otters eating sea urchins and cracking open shells with a rock, majestic wapitis caring for their young, shorebirds foraging at low tide, and get inspired by cascading waterfalls and moss-covered trees in the temperate rainforest. Benefit from my extensive knowledge about the area as well as my expertise in nature photography to refine your skills. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just beginning your journey, this tour promises plenty of photo opportunities with like-minded travellers.

This tour is available in May, June, July, August, and September only. Contact Catherine to check her availability before you book. Limited to 3 guests per tour for a better experience and lesser impact on the environment and wildlife activity.

Day 1

Early departure from Courtenay (Comox Valley) to Port McNeill. On our way, we will visit an old-growth forest frequented by wapitis where we might also see river otters, minks, bald eagles, kingfishers and grouse. We'll have lunch at the picturesque village of Telegraph Cove. Then we'll travel to a coastal forest and walk on a shoreline where we might see shorebirds, minks, and, if we are fortunate, black bears and the elusive coastal wolf. Chek in at our hotel in Port McNeill late afternoon.

Day 2

We'll embark on a 6-hour boat tour to photograph sea otters. During the tour, we might see humpback whales, orcas, harbour seals, and sea lions as they are common in the area. We could also see black bears foraging on the shoreline at low tide.

Day 3

Check out of our hotel in Port McNeill. On our way back to Courtenay, we'll visit locations in the temperate rainforest to photograph beautiful waterfalls and moss-covered trees, where we might see owls, great blue herons, black-tailed deer, river otters and minks. We will be back in Courtenay late afternoon.

Included

Services of a professional wildlife photographer, guiding for the duration of the trip, one six-hour sea otter boat tour, transportation from the start point and end point in Courtenay (1), gasoline, tax, and snacks.

(1) Comox airport (YQQ) is located 9 kilometres from downtown Courtenay. There are daily direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

Not included

Hotel in Port McNeill, meals, personal expenses, travel insurance (2), travel cost and transportation from your start point to the Comox Valley (which comprises the municipalities of Cumberland, Comox and Courtenay), travel visa fees (if applicable), and accommodations in the Comox Valley. Gratuities are customary in Canada and are at your discretion.

(2) Health insurance (including hospitalisation and medical treatment) and travel insurance (including flights cancellation) are highly recommended.

Recommended gear

DSLR or mirorless camera, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, tripod, extra memory cards and batteries, battery charger, cloth, raincover for your camera. Optional: extender, polarizing filters, ND filters.

The itinerary is subject to change based on the weather, road and trail conditions, wildlife activity, and time spent at each location. If we are experiencing an amazing photo opportunity at one spot, we'll stay longer so the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.

Read ou Cancellation Policy

Reviews

''Catherine facilitated the most wonderful day of memories for me. She listened to my aims for the day and my background in photography, and shaped it into a day rich in learning, understanding the wildlife and their habitat, helping me to gain new skills. She was conscientious in keeping me safe and comfortable throughout the day. She is passionate about how we can capture the beauty of nature without impacting on it. And I got my photo of a bear!'' Graeme, Tasmania, Australia

''Even as a non-beginner photographer, I learned so much from Catherine. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and generous with her insights — from composition and camera settings to seeing light and color in new ways. I might have some winners from this trip. Catherine packed an amazing amount into three days: we explored mountains, forests, and beaches, and photographed a wide range of subjects, including elk, bald eagles, and other wildlife. A truly inspiring and well-organized workshop — highly recommended!'' Larry, Ontario

''I’ve just returned from a holiday on Vancouver Island, including a 3-day private photography tour with Catherine which was the highlight of the trip. Even before I arrived, we had agreed not only the itinerary for our tour, but Catherine also kindly provided some fantastic suggestions for other places for me to visit later. The tour itself was excellent; Catherine is passionate about her photography but also about the landscape and environment in which she is working. With her excellent local knowledge, we were able to photograph the animals I was hoping to see, in their natural surroundings and without disturbing them. For Catherine, the welfare of the subject comes first, along with her passion for the environment. For anyone seeking an engaging and meaningful adventure, I cannot recommend Catherine Babault’s private tours highly enough; this is an experience that will linger in your memory long after you return home.'' Alan, Scotland

''I had a three day photo tour with Catherine and it would be hard to find a better guide. Catherine was considerate and attentive at all times as well as being great company. Her in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife coupled with her professionalism and passion for her subject, made each day exciting and enjoyable. I cannot recommend Catherine too highly.'' Susan, England

‘‘Catherine is a master photographer and a fantastic, patient and excellent teacher. She shared her knowledge in a way that I could finally understand some of the features of my camera that I've never known how to use. We went to stunningly, stunningly beautiful areas - an Island, a mountain top, the ocean side and a lush forest. She knew the natural history of all of the flora and fauna and shared this as she instructed me how to capture those the detailed and clear shots. (...) Catherine really supported my whole experience as a learner and as a visitor to that beautiful part of Vancouver Island. She was professional, organized, super pleasant and friendly and shared tips that will change the way I take pictures forever.’’ Cindy, British Columbia

‘‘We had a wonderful photo workshop with Catherine today! She is very knowledgeable and was able to clearly explain the concepts behind good nature photography. She was extremely helpful and patient with us as new and inexperienced photographers. Catherine is passionate about her work which made for a very enjoyable session.’’ Linda, California

‘‘Catherine was absolutely great. Very knowledgeable and extremely patient. I learnt so much in just one day and am starting to apply new techniques to my photography. Around Courtenay is a very beautiful part of the world, with amazing wildlife and a great guide. Merci encore!’’ Mark, Quebec

‘‘Catherine was a pleasure to work with. Our outing was on a very rainy and windy yet her warmth and attentiveness to details made it truly enjoyable. Before the trip, she had asked me about my objectives and scouted the spots we could visit. Her prep allowed us to get great shots despite the weather. Time well spent, good guidance on shots and pleasant company. I would recommend her to anyone interested in nature photography. She's a pro, no questions about it.’’ Mark, Ontario

‘‘I have just completed a 3-day photography workshop with Catherine and I cannot express how terrific the experience was. The forests, beaches, estuaries, and islands we visited were stunning and provided ample opportunity to explore composition with the camera. Catherine’s technical skills with the camera and her artistic perspective helped me to better understand how ‘to be quiet’ in nature in order to really think about the image you really want to make! Thanks Catherine for a truly lovely experience.’’ Sandra, Newfoundland

‘‘What an incredible day spent in the company of the friendly Catherine Babault. I highly recommend her tours or workshops. She will take you to discover the beauties of the region while giving you lots of information both on photography and on the place where you will be. Attentive to your interests or your requests, she will plan a day for you that you will not soon forget.’’ Nadia, Quebec (translation from French)

‘’Catherine’s easy going personality made for a relaxed, fun atmosphere where we could just have fun taking photos and learning. I really enjoyed that it was hands on from start to finish to get the most out of our time, and it was great to learn some of the secrets of a pro. I walked away with a better understanding of outdoor and wildlife photography, more confidence overall, and it got me excited to get back out there and practice what I learned.’’ Peter, British Columbia

‘‘I took her workshop and it was very informative at the same time enjoyable. We discovered amazing part of island and shoot lots of pictures. Catherine is very professional and friendly. She opened up my eyes in different perspective of photography. She is also very patient and explain everything in detail. By end of our workshop I am more comfortable with camera settings, composition, long exposure and work on tripod. I highly recommend her workshop for anyone who wants step in nature, landscape and wildlife photography.’’ Mehrdad, British Columbia

‘‘She is very knowledgeable about wildlife on Vancouver Island and is clearly dedicated to providing excellent service for her clients.’’ Ron, British Columbia

‘’Knowledgeable instructor, attuned to the wants and specific needs of the client. Able to alter plans in real time and a most caring attitude towards student, photography and the value of our natural environment. Excellent teaching skills and patience.’’ Brian, Saskatchewan

Catherine Babault Photography ethics

As an ethical nature photographer, Catherine Babault is committed to reduce our impact on the unique ecosystems of Vancouver Island and beyond: participants to workshops stay on designated trails where indicated and maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife by using a telephoto lens. We avoid as much as possible to disturb the animals’ routine. In addition, when Catherine hires the services of local guides (boat excursions), she makes sure that they share the same respect for the environment and well-being of wild animals.

What make my workshops different from others?

• I live on Vancouver Island. As a local, I have extensive knowledge of the area. I spend a lot of time in the field year-round no matter the weather tracking wildlife and looking for the best places and times to photograph nature.

• As an ethical nature photographer, I respect the environment: fauna and flora. The well-being and safety of wild animals always has priority over the participants’ aspirations. We limit our impact on their habitat and routine as much as possible.

• I offer a safe and friendly environment for everyone regardless of your gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural background, age, or abilities. I am part of a minority myself.

• During the workshops, my time is entirely dedicated to the participants, not to my own shots.

• I am fluent in both English and French.

• Learning does not stop at the end of the workshop. I am always available for follow-up questions.

• I am a certified first aider.

• Catherine Babault Photography is a licensed and insured business.