As a landscape and wildlife photographer, I'm constantly seeking locations that offer a perfect blend of pristine wilderness and diverse ecosystems. My recent adventure to Vancouver Island and the surrounding Discovery Islands in British Columbia, Canada, proved to be an absolute treasure trove of photographic opportunities. This remote area offers a unique glimpse into the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, presenting an array of subjects from mist-shrouded coastlines to lush rainforests and diverse marine life.
Sonora Resort: A Hidden Gem in the Discovery Islands
Our journey centered around Sonora Island, one of the crown jewels of the Discovery Islands. We based ourselves at the luxurious and secluded Sonora Resort, which not only provided comfort but also offered unparalleled access to the island's natural wonders.
Even without venturing far from the resort, we were treated to spectacular wildlife sightings such as roosting bald eagles, pods of orcas gracefully breaking the surface and numerous sea lions and seals going after salmon.
Grizzly Bear Photography: A Rare and Thrilling Experience
One of the most exhilarating aspects of my photographic journey through the Discovery Islands was the opportunity to capture images of grizzly bears in their natural habitat. The mainland coast adjacent to the Discovery Islands, particularly the inlets and estuaries, is home to a significant population of these magnificent creatures.
The best time for grizzly bear photography in this region is typically from late August through October, coinciding with the annual salmon run. During this period, bears congregate near rivers and streams to feast on spawning salmon, providing unparalleled photo opportunities. We embarked on guided bear-watching tours from Sonora Resort, which took us to prime viewing locations on the mainland coast. The knowledgeable guides ensured our safety while positioning us for the best possible shots.
Tips for Photographing Grizzly Bears:
Use a long telephoto lens (at least 400mm) to maintain a safe distance
Set your camera to a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze action
Be patient and ready - bears can move surprisingly quickly when fishing
Consider the background - try to capture the bears in their natural environment
Use burst mode to capture sequences of action, such as a bear catching a salmon
Capturing the Majesty of Humpback Whales
While the grizzly bears provided thrilling terrestrial subjects, the waters surrounding the Discovery Islands offered equally spectacular photographic opportunities with the presence of humpback whales. These gentle giants of the ocean frequent the area from spring through fall, providing photographers with awe-inspiring scenes of marine wildlife.
Tips for Photographing Whales:
Anticipate whale behavior to capture breaches and tail flukes
Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or faster) to freeze motion
Be prepared for low-light conditions in early morning or overcast days
Compose shots to include the surrounding landscape for scale and context (don’t just shoot close ups)
Changing Light and Landscapes
One of the most captivating aspects of photographing in the Discovery Islands was the ever-changing quality of light. Misty mornings gave way to sun-dappled afternoons, while golden hour bathed the landscapes in warm, ethereal light. This dynamic environment challenged and inspired me to adapt my techniques throughout the day.
Venturing to Vancouver Island: A Photographic Contrast
While the heart of our journey centered on the Discovery Islands, no photographic expedition to this region would be complete without exploring the larger Vancouver Island. This expansive island offers a striking contrast to the intimate settings of the Discovery Islands, presenting an entirely new set of photographic opportunities.
Tofino: Where the Wild Pacific Meets the Shore
Our Vancouver Island adventure took us to Tofino, a small coastal town on the island's western edge, known for its beauty and dramatic seascapes. It is also home to the Pacific Rim National Park, which offers an array of landscape and wildlife opportunities. The long, sweeping beaches and powerful waves crashing against rocky outcrops provided dramatic scenes, especially during stormy weather and at sunset.
Photographing Tofino's Coastline:
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive beaches and dramatic skies
Experiment with long exposures to smooth out water and create ethereal effects
Include foreground elements like driftwood or tidal pools for added interest
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions
My Gear and Camera Settings
I brought my standard kit with me on this trip, which allowed me to shoot both landscape and wildlife photography. For most of my landscape images, I shot with my wide-angle or midrange lens in manual mode, often using a tripod for stability in low light conditions.
For wildlife photography, I primarily used a Canon 100-500mm lens, sometimes with a 1.4x converter, extending my reach to 700mm. My camera settings for wildlife were adjusted to program mode with a set shutter speed (usually 1/1000s or faster for birds in flight and marine mammals), the lowest possible aperture for the lens, and Auto ISO to ensure proper exposure. In addition, a monopod proved very helpful to ensure a stable lens and prevent arm fatigue during long wildlife viewing sessions. This setup ensured I could capture sharp photos of fast-moving subjects in changing light conditions.
Key Camera Equipment:
Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) or mid-range lens (24-105mm) for landscapes
Telephoto zoom (100-500mm) for wildlife
1.4x teleconverter for extra reach
Sturdy tripod for low-light and long-exposure shots (you can also collapse the tripod legs to make it a monopod, though it isn't as ideal)
Monopod for added stability with long lenses
Polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors, especially useful for coastal scenes
Final Thoughts
This photographic journey through the Discovery Islands and Vancouver Island showcased the incredible natural diversity of coastal British Columbia. For photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in unspoiled wilderness, I cannot recommend Vancouver Island and the Discovery Islands enough.
The region offers a perfect balance of intimate wildlife encounters and grand landscapes. From the secluded coves of the Discovery Islands to the expansive beaches of Tofino, each location presents its own unique challenges and rewards. The key to success lies in being prepared for diverse shooting conditions, remaining patient, and always being ready to adapt to the ever-changing environment.
Whether you're capturing the raw power of a grizzly bear fishing for salmon, the graceful breach of a humpback whale, or the sublime beauty of a misty coastal sunrise, this corner of the Pacific Northwest promises to fill your memory cards with extraordinary images and your heart with unforgettable experiences.
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