Join photographers Taylor Burk and John Kelsey along with private chef Meesh Coles for 4 days as we observe and document this extraordinary natural event from land and water. This unique trip is catered to photography enthusiasts craving an adventure and those looking to appreciate the presence of wildlife and the phenomena of the herring spawn.

There is a maximum of 4 guests on each trip.

Food, drinks and snacks are included.

The majority of our days will be spent on the boat sailing the Strait of Georgia around Hornby and Denman Island looking for wildlife, herring spawn activity and whatever else comes our way. We will also be going for hikes on Hornby Island, partaking in some of the annual Herring Festival activities and of course lounging and enjoying the sauna and hot tub. As a group we will determine what we want to do each day based on our goals, conditions and the weather.

We are hoping to see an abundance of sea lions, eagles, whales and orcas in the area along with a variety of sea birds. Although this isn't a photography workshop, Taylor & John will be available to help guide you through your camera settings and assist you in capturing your concepts and visions, if you desire.

The Ship

Shambhala is a 42 foot cutter rigged sloop, built in Santa Anna California in 1977. John has restored this boat over the past 5 years from a state of serious neglect, and has recently completed the process of commercially certifying the vessel with Transport Canada. She is an absolute joy to sail, but also has all the amenities of home, including a wood stove that is guaranteed to keep you cozy on even the coldest days. John is a Transport Canada certified captain, with decades of experience in these waters, and is excited to welcome you aboard!

Photography

Throughout the tour there will be ample opportunities to photograph wildlife, landscapes, food and lifestyle imagery. Our goal is to put you in the best position possible to capture incredible images and have a great time doing so! Expect early mornings to catch sunrises and late nights star gazing.

Meeting Point

We will be meeting at the Marina in Deep Bay, British Columbia. From there we will sail to Hornby Island (~1.5hrs) and check into our home base, the Eureka House.

If you require a pick up/drop off from the Qualicum Beach or Courtney/Comox area please let us know, we can help you arrange that for a small additional fee.

Eureka House on Hornby Island. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and magic of this unique destination that will be sure to refuel your soul. Located on 3 acres of secluded forest on the side of the Mount Geoffrey Escarpment, it offers breathtaking panoramic ocean and mountain views.

Every aspect of Eureka house has been designed to provide you with the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the views from your own private mountain-side hot tub or relax after a day of exploring in the custom handcrafted sauna.

The cottage is surrounded by moss covered forests populated with massive, rare Garry Oaks and Arbutus. Steps away from a Provincial Park gives you instant access to trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Every spring, the coastal waters of British Columbia come alive with one of nature's most spectacular events: the herring spawn. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, millions of Pacific herring gather in massive schools along the coastline to spawn.

While the females lay their eggs in the intertidal vegetation and rocks, the male’s milt (or sperm) turns the waters a tropical turquoise colour. These small, silvery fish play a vital role in the region's ecosystem, serving as a keystone species that sustains a multitude of marine life. The event is a feast for the senses, as seabirds, seals, sea lions, and even whales converge to partake in the abundant buffet.

It's one of the best times to be out observing wildlife as it becomes a feeding frenzy.

Learn more about herring and the dangers they face in this short film and via CHI’s “Herring School”.

10% of profits will be donated to Conservancy Hornby Island.

• Ship & captain for duration of trip.

• 2 Photography guides. Our aim is to get you in the best possible positions to capture incredible imagery with respect to ethical wildlife photography practice. We are also here to help and critique wherever necessary.

• 3 nights accommodation at the Eureka House on Hornby Island.

• Chef + Meals:

We are spoiled on this trip as private chef Meesh Coles will be nourishing us with her incredible cooking. We will be enjoying fresh local ingredients and creative dishes, fuelling our adventures each day as follows:

Lunch and Dinner on day 1.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2 & 3.

Breakfast and lunch on day 4.

Along with snacks throughout the trip.

Your dietary preferences will be taken into consideration for each meal.

• A welcome package from our sponsors.

• A donation to Conservancy Hornby Island. 10% of profits will be donated to the volunteer based non-profit dedicated to protecting the land and marine environments around Hornby Island, in the traditional unceded territory of the K'ómoks First Nation.