Five reasons to book a photo tour on Vancouver Island this fall and winter

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Lower light conditions are better for nature photography.

4. Fall is a display of vibrant colours in the rainforest while winter offers misty landscapes and waves crashing on the rugged shoreline during storms.

5. 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.

Book a tour by December 31, 2025 and save $100.

Use promocode VanIsle100 at checkout.

New Vancouver Island Photo Tours

I am delighted to announce new group tours this summer!

The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Join me for a tour in the greater region of the Comox Valley. We'll depart early in the morning from Courtenay to take advantage of the light. We'll visit beautiful locations where we could see many species of birds, river otters, black-tailed deer, seals and black bears. Each tour lasts about 8 hours. They are limited to 3 persons plus me, your host, in order to reduce our impact on the environment and wildlife, and for a better learning experience.

Group photo tours available on June 3, 11, 19, 27, July 5, 9, 22, 31, and August 9 and 15. Learn more…

If you prefer, you can book a private photo tour or workshop at a different time.

Review: ‘‘We (a couple) booked Catherine for two days to take us to some beautiful photography locations on Vancouver Island, including both landscapes and wildlife. We had two amazing days. Catherine is a true professional, with extensive knowledge of nature and wildlife. She is also very respectful of animals and takes care not to disturb them, which we greatly appreciated. She gave us helpful tips for the rest of our stay on the island as well. In addition to being an excellent guide, Catherine is a wonderful person to spend time with, and we thoroughly enjoyed her company. We can highly recommend her to anyone looking to get more out of their photography experience on Vancouver Island.’’ Irma from the Netherlands

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.

Vancouver Island Photo Tours for Women

I am thrilled to announce new photo workshops for women in 2024 and 2025!

Join fellow women photographers on a 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, connect with nature, and hone your photography skills in the field with me.

Sign up for one of the three photo tours below. Limited to 5 participants per workshop.

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 24 to 26, 2024

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from May 6 to 8, 2025

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 23 to 25, 2025

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.

Christmas Day Nature Photography Excursion

No plans for Christmas day? Spend it with nature-loving photographers like you!

On December 25, join me for an amazing nature photography excursion in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Capture the light at sunrise, explore the beautiful landscape of the Valley, its coastline and lush forest while refining your photography skills. Spend the day with a small group of enthusiastic nature photographers and let me guide you in your photographic experience.

Limited to 5 participants, carpooling available. Book today.

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Pas de plans pour le jour de Noël ? Passez-le avec des photographes amoureux de la nature comme vous ! Le 25 décembre, rejoignez moi pour une incroyable excursion photographique dans la vallée de Comox sur l'île de Vancouver. Capturez la lumière du lever du soleil, explorez le magnifique paysage de la vallée, son littoral et sa forêt luxuriante tout en perfectionnant vos compétences en photographie. Passez la journée avec un groupe de photographes de la nature enthousiastes et laissez-moi vous guider dans votre expérience photographique.

Limité à 5 participants, covoiturage disponible. Réservez dès aujourd’hui.

Photo Workshop - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island

Join Catherine for an unforgettable Fall Colours Photo Workshop from October 12 to 15. Vancouver Island is renowned for its wild landscapes, lush rainforest, and a big variety of wildlife. Hone your photo skills in the field with a small group of 5 participants who share the same passion for nature and photography.

Spend four days in the field entirely dedicated to nature photography and capture the warm and vibrant colours of the autumn.

Sign up now!

Five reasons to attend the Summer on Vancouver Island Workshop

1. Vancouver Island is an amazing region that offers unique photo opportunities on its beautiful coast and in its lush rainforest.

2. The workshop is limited to a small group of five people.

3. We spend the entire time in the field.

4. Vancouver Island has a great variety of wildlife from small birds to big mammals.

5. My time is entirely dedicated to you whether it’s to bring you to the best spots or to guide you in your photographic experience.

Sign up today!

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!

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

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 !

Sustainable Photo Tours and Workshops on Vancouver Island

As the owner of a small business that offers photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island, I am committed to supporting sustainable development:

• During the tours, we photograph wildlife from a respectful and safe distance. The well-being and safety of wildlife has always priority over the photographic aspirations of the participants.

• I educate participants about ethics in nature photography.

• I share my knowledge about local wildlife and conservation projects.

• I promote carpooling and limit the tours/workshops to five (5) persons.

• I support local and sustainable businesses (hotels and tours operators).

• I minimize waste by avoiding the use of non-recyclable containers for snacks and water.

These are only some of the activities that form part of my sustainable plan. Learn more.

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