Pacific Northwest in Canada

Vancouver Island Workshop

Step into the land of the “Group of Seven” painters and capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Our destination, Tofino, British Columbia.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, typifies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, boasting flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities.

This area inspires many renowned artists and artisans, who honor the magic of this land by bringing it into the physical realm. Add to that a climate that summons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the Earth and it is clear that Vancouver Island is poised to please the photographer.

Dates: July 30th, 2016 to August 5th, 2016

Instructors: Kevin Allen Pepper and Chris Pepper

Arrivals and departures: Please be in Richmond, British Columbia to be picked up at 1pm on day one. Plan your departure on the last day after 5pm as we will be dropping you off in Vancouver at 2pm.

Price for the workshop: $3975CAD plus taxes ($2735USD plus 13% taxes... please check actual USD rate at time of booking)

Deposit to secure your place in the workshop is $1000.00CAD

Number of Attendees: There is a minimum of 5 people to a maximum of 10 people that will attend this workshop with Chris and Kevin.

Included: All accommodation in two bedroom cabins, two ferry rides, entrance fees to Buchart gardens, all meals except that which is not covered in itinerary, all National park entrance fees, all Provincial park entry fees, wildlife viewing on boats, transportation

Not Included: items of personal nature, alcohol, laundry, travelers insurance, extra nights if needed.

Notes on photos: Simon Pidcock is our partner and boat captain that will be taking us out on our excursions to photograph the whales.

Day One – Saturday

You will be picked up at the Vancouver International airport or your hotel in Richmond near the airport. Pickup is at 1:00pm.

From there we will take a ferry ride across the Georgia Strait, ending up in Victoria. We will check into our hotel and have an early welcome dinner

After dinner we depart for Buchart Gardens in the afternoon to Victoria. Here you will photograph the world famous Butchart Gardens is a wonderland containing spectacular theme gardens, exotic plants, streams and ponds. Ross Fountain, the famous Sunken Garden, Rose Garden and Japanese Garden are sure to create a lasting impression.

The Butchart Gardens firework shows began in 1977 and continue to be one of The Gardens’ most popular draws. The show times and dates vary from year to year, so please check below for the detailed schedule. The same show happens each Saturday but changes from year to year. If you’d like to get a sense of what our firework shows are like have a look at postings on YouTube and Flickr.

After the show we will linger a while to enjoy the Night Illuminations and a half hour live recital from the rare Aeolian Pipe Organ situated in the loft of the Organ Pavilion.

Day Two - Sunday

From Victoria we head west towards the west coast of Canada to your cabins near Port Renfrew.

On this part of the trip we will be photographing the rugged seascapes of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. An untouched area of the island that is sparsely populated and considered a photographers paradise.

Overnight at private cottages in Port Renfrew (home cooked meals in our cottages)

Day Three – Monday

Today we will Continue to explore all the areas of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park such as China Beach Provincial Park, Loss Creek Park, Parkinson Creek Park

Overnight at private cottages in Port Renfrew (home cooked meals in our cottages)

Day Four - Tuesday

Today we head north to Tofino and Ucluelet. We depart in the morning, taking roads that wind through the interior of the island.

On the way we will stop at Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.

We will arrive in Ucluelet in the afternoon and check into our cabins for the next few nights.

After we check in walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers

Tonight we will visit one of the secluded beaches or inlets for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two or three bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Five – Wednesday

Today at low tide we will go and photograph the black bears. Resident bears come down to the beaches at low tide to forage for such beach delicacies as rock crab, starfish and even a bit of kelp. They are an absolute pleasure to watch from the boat and thanks to their poor eyesight they are usually unaware of our presence so long as we keep quiet and a respectable distance up wind.

We will once again walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail and go photograph the area beaches between Tofino and Ucluelet. You will be photographing crashing waves, surfers riding the crashing surf and endless beaches long into the night as the sun sets before you. This is another perfect destination for photographers

During high sun we will spend some time back at our accommodation location and spend some time going through our images.

Tonight we will once again visit one of the secluded beaches for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Six – Thursday

We will leave our lodge after breakfast and head towards Cowichan Bay. When we arrive in Cowichan Bay you will have the opportunity to wander the seaside town and take photos around the harbour.

After dinner we will head out our first Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

Stay in two bedroom cabins or lodge in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Seven - Friday

This is all about the sea life in the ocean around Cowichan Bay after first light. Today we will head out for another Whale Watching tour to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

In the afternoon we will depart for the ferry terminal for an early afternoon sailing back to Vancouver. You will be dropped off at the airport by 3pm, or at your local hotel.

(Breakfast included)

Are you ready to take a trip of a lifetime? Message me here,