Dates: Last week of August 2028 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
Duration: 8 days
Instructors: Viktoria Haack & Anna Morgan
Photography Level: All
Fitness level: Easy – will need to be able to get in out of zodiac boats
Where you’ll stay: 68′ Ketch Sailboat
Number of participants: 10 – Minimum participant numbers required – (1 spot for a male still left)
Cost: $10,995 CAD plus GST (5%) (Inclusive of $200 CAD sustainability fee which supports First Nations partnerships and marine conservation in the Great Bear Rainforest.)
Booking Deposit: This workshop is dependent on reaching minimum participant numbers. If minimum numbers are not met by the time we must commit our own vessel deposit, the workshop may be cancelled. In that case, all paid deposits will be refunded in full.
$1000 + GST to secure a spot. This is fully refundable until September 1st 2026.
A second instalment of $4000 + GST is due on June 1st, 2027. This is non-refundable but can be transferred to another guest on the waitlist if one is available.
The remaining balance is due December 1st 2027. This is non-refundable but can be transferred to another guest on the waitlist if one is available.
I wouldn’t hesitate to take another workshop with either Anna or Viktoria and look forward to next time I can learn from them.
Lori M
Join Us For An Adventure Of A Lifetime In The Great Bear Rainforest
A globally significant ecological and cultural treasure, the Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate coastal rainforest in the world, stretching from northern Vancouver Island all the way along British Columbia’s central and north coast to Alaska. With waterfalls spouting off the side of moss-encrusted mountains and ancient forests that sustain 1,000 year old cedars, this magnificent stretch of coastline meets an array of colourful ocean life in the granite-dark waters along its rugged shores, cut by glaciers that have long since retreated. In this pristine ecosystem, wildlife outnumber humans. Incredibly biodiverse, the area is home to species including salmon, grizzly bears, coastal wolves, orca, cougars, sea otters, humpback whales, and the unique, white Spirit Bear. Stories from the natural world are woven into the legends of the local First Nations, whose stewardship has been deeply tied to the area for time immemorial.
About the trip:
As much of the Great Bear Rainforest is not accessible via road, there is no better way to slow down and truly experience the area than by boat. We have chosen to partner with Bluewater Adventures whose commitment to responsible and ethical tourism is rooted in reciprocity with the land and First Nations communities. For the duration of this multi-day wilderness experience, we will be living aboard the Island Roamer, a 68’ ketch sailboat custom built for remote expeditions. You can expect to wake up each morning surrounded by wildlife and the spectacular natural beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest.
With both covered and open-air deck spaces, the boat provides a fantastic base for wildlife-watching and immersing ourselves in the landscape. Each day we will take part in on-shore excursions or wildlife-viewing expeditions via smaller zodiac boats and we will also have the opportunity to explore the inlets and bays individually in kayaks if we wish.
Every year up to twenty percent of the world’s wild salmon – coho, chinook, chum, sockeye, and pink – flood the streams of the Great Bear Rainforest to spawn. We have timed this offering to coincide with the returning salmon who draw wildlife to the local rivers, making this the best time to view grizzly bears and the elusive Spirit Bear. It’s also prime time for humpback whales and other marine life, as well as for migratory birds returning to their wintering grounds.
We will be joined by a professional chef who prepares snacks and three thoughtfully curated meals each day for us. We will mostly be eating on board, but there are occasions where we may have a picnic lunch in the field.
Instruction:
A Creative Approach in a Remarkable Place
This is a truly unique offering, bringing a creatively focused workshop to this remarkable area. We firmly believe that having photography instructors who are accessible and available to participants is paramount. With a 5:1 guest-to-instructor ratio, you can expect plenty of hands-on instruction in the field, equally divided between participants, regardless of experience.
Developing Your Creative Voice
We will work with you to develop your storytelling ability, encourage self-discovery, and cultivate your own ways of seeing. This workshop is ideal for exploring or deepening your personal connection with landscape and nature, allowing self-expression to unfold in a place surrounded by natural beauty and inspiring vignettes of life. From small water details to majestic animals, we’ll guide you in creating a portfolio that speaks to the spirit of the place.
Field Time – Immersive and Flexible
Field sessions essentially run from dawn ’til dusk. We’ve included a rough itinerary below to outline what you can expect. However, the plans each day will remain flexible so we can respond creatively to weather conditions and make the most of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Community, Connection, and Shared Learning
We believe in the power of community and connection. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to bond with like-minded people who share a passion for photography. We’ll set time aside for group discussions exploring both the technical and artistic aspects of nature photography within a safe and inclusive space. Our hope is that the relationships fostered here will extend well beyond the workshop experience.
About Viktoria
In addition to her photography instruction, Viktoria brings more than twenty years of professional experience shaped by a background in fine art and anthropology. Her work spans wildlife, landscapes, and intimate natural details, guided by a respectful, non-intrusive approach that draws on cultural insight, ecological awareness, and a sensitivity to the quieter stories within the natural world. Her multi-genre experience, combined with involvement in conservation initiatives, informs a photographic practice that balances creativity with conscientious observation.
About Anna
A former veterinarian, Anna also holds a Master’s degree in Conservation Medicine from the University of Edinburgh. Anna’s work focuses on the intersection of art, ecology and social justice. Her research brought photography and conservation together so that photographic practice served both as a tool for reflective thinking and as a subject of research to bring a deeper understanding of the structural frameworks that underpin the premise of conservation photography. Anna encourages ecological wholeness by fostering photographic practices rooted in connection, openness and self-awareness.
Additional Expertise On Board
Alongside Viktoria and Anna, we will also be joined by a biologist who can help you identify species, interpret animal behaviours, and introduce you to some of the ecological challenges the Great Bear Rainforest faces – and the stewardship efforts working to protect it.
TRIP LOCATION:
The Great Bear Rainforest is located on the north and central coast of British Columbia. Our trip begins in Bella Bella, which is accessible by scheduled flights from Vancouver (via Pacific Coastal Airlines) or by BC Ferries and water taxis from nearby communities. The adventure concludes in Terrace, reachable by flight from Vancouver or Prince George, or via the Via Rail train or Highway 16 for those traveling by car.
We’ll explore carefully selected channels, inlets, islands, and beaches throughout the Great Bear Rainforest region, accessed exclusively by boat and on foot, allowing us to immerse fully in this remote and pristine landscape.
What experience is needed?
No prior experience is necessary. For those who are new to this, there will be ample opportunity to learn about wildlife, ecology, boating and photography. For those with plenty of experience under their belt, you will have a great time putting your skills to use.
What level of fitness is required?
The landscape is quite fjord-like, with extremely dense forest, and there are a number of opportunities for shore excursions. Guests will need to be able to get in and out of the zodiac boats used for wildlife viewing which requires some mobility to swing legs in and out of. Crew are always there to support with this. There won’t be any strenuous hiking on shore although some of the (optional) trails may be muddy or uneven.
What is the accommodation like?
The trip fee is based on double occupancy in one of the 6 cabins and includes all your meals, amenities and daily activities aboard the boat. The fee does not include transportation to and from the start point and end points of the trip.
Please note that the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not permitted on board the vessel.
I am a landscape photographer – Is this workshop suitable for me?
Absolutely! The landscapes in the Great Bear Rainforest are breathtaking and there is lots of opportunity for grand landscape photography, small scenes exploration and intimate details as well as motion studies and multiple exposure work. Please note that drone use is not permitted.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. We will send out a registration form prior to the trip where you can detail any dietary restrictions and preferences in advance of the trip.
Is travel insurance recommended?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance in the event of unexpected events that prevents you from attending the workshop.
What wildlife am I likely to see?
We expect to encounter a variety of wildlife during our trip. Bears – including Grizzly Bears and Black Bears, sometimes even Spirit Bears, may be seen along rivers and streams.
Along the coast, Humpback Whales are often present, and Orcas or Fin Whales may appear offshore. River and Sea Otters are commonly spotted along shorelines, while Coastal Wolves and Mink are more elusive.
Birdlife is abundant and diverse: Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, American Dippers, loons, alcids such as Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets, and Pigeon Guillemots, shorebirds including Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, Red‑necked Phalaropes, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, and various gulls may all be observed.
Wildlife is unpredictable, and sightings, or how close animals come, are determined by chance. We practice careful, ethical viewing to ensure animals remain undisturbed and behave naturally. Binoculars and long lenses are recommended to enhance the experience.
Camera gear:
- DSLR / Mirrorless camera
- Variety of lenses
- Tripod
- Filters
- Batteries & chargers
- Spare memory cards
- Rainproof cover for camera
- Lens cleaning supplies
- Camera bag
- Laptop if you would like to store or work on images
Other items:
- Appropriate clothing and layers for the environment and weather (A full packing list will be sent)
- Hiking boots, waterproof boots
- Sunscreen / lip salve
- Bug spray
- Water bottle / warm drinks bottle / snacks
- Wet weather protection for camera gear
What’s included
- Itinerary planning, photography guiding and instruction
- Accommodation during the trip
- Food
- Some drinks
- During trip transportation
- Other services & entry fees
What’s not included
- Transportation to and from Bella Bella / Terrace
- Accommodation before or after the trip
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for boat crew
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
The Adventure Begins!
We set off from the small, First Nations coastal town of Bella Bella – also known as Waglisla, which is home to the Heiltsuk First Nation – departing from the Bella Bella Municipal Dock.
Shortly after leaving, we’ll be visiting some great areas for Sea Otters, and hope to get some good views of these adorable ocean mustelids before continuing on.
Day 2-4:
The “Salmon Forest”
Within the territories of the Gitga’at and Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations, the unique coastal ecosystems here support impressive biodiversity. Nestled in some of the most impressive coastal fjords in the world, we’ll visit some lush estuaries where, accompanied by a Gitga’at guide, we hope to watch grizzly bears – and the elusive Spirit bear – as they fish for salmon. Bald eagles are abundant here and it is common while sailing in this area to see humpback whales.
Day 5-7:
Winding Waterways
As we explore the waters of southern Douglas Channel and at various other places along our journey, we expect to encounter humpback whales. We’ll take the time to observe these 15-metre-long creatures whenever the opportunity arises and hope to witness spectacular behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, and possibly bubble-net feeding (an amazing cooperative foraging technique). We also hope to have luck in spotting other marine mammals like fin whales – second in size only to the blue whale – orca, porpoise, and Steller sea lions.
We’ll have another opportunity to watch bears when we will once again be joined by a Gitga’at guide on shore. This is an area that wolves frequent so we can experience some of these surprise encounters.
Time allowing, we may visit local whale researchers to learn about their fascinating work. There may also be an opportunity to visit Bishop Bay hot springs for a soothing soak amidst an eclectic collection of fishing floats.
Day 8:
The Heart of the Rainforest
Our workshop ends in Terrace after a short transfer from the coastal town of Kitimat. As we make our way through the water to our final stop we’ll probably spot wildlife such as humpback whales and an array of seabirds.
Do you have a question about this workshop? Please contact me!
Please view the Terms & Conditions for this workshop HERE.
