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 enjoy quality time in nature.

With a maximum of four guests onboard, you’ll enjoy an intimate and personalized experience. If you’d like to bring a partner who prefers to stay on land, they can join you in your room at a discounted rate and enjoy exploring the island at their own pace.

Accommodation, food, drinks and snacks are all included.

The majority of our days will be spent on the sailboat in 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.

Photography

On this photo tour, everything is chartered privately, giving us the freedom to decide where to stop and what to focus on—an experience you won’t find on a regular guided trip. We’re not bound by rigid schedules or mixed group interests; instead, our priority is creating the ideal setting for photography.

With this dedicated approach, we can spend as much time as needed with our subjects, waiting for the perfect light and capturing those fleeting moments. Our goal is to place you in the best possible position—while maintaining a respectful and ethical approach toward wildlife—to capture incredible images and fully enjoy the experience. Although this isn't a dedicated photography workshop, Taylor and John will be available to assist with camera settings and guide you in capturing your creative vision if you desire.

Whether you’re up for early mornings to catch sunrises and late nights under the stars—or prefer to sleep in and take it slow—this adventure is paced to suit your style.

Wildlife

We’re hopeful to encounter an abundance of sea lions, eagles, orcas, a variety of seabirds and more in the area.

However, please note that while our trip is timed to coincide with the annual herring spawn, as well as the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, these natural events are never guaranteed. The rhythms of nature are unpredictable, and sightings may vary from year to year. However, rest assured that our itinerary is filled with exciting activities and scenic experiences to ensure an incredible adventure, regardless of wildlife conditions!
View photos from previous tours here.

Meeting Point

We will be meeting at the Marina in Deep Bay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. 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 Qualicum Beach or the Courtney/Comox area please let us know, we can arrange a shuttle for a small additional fee.

Eureka House on Hornby Island.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty 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.

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 6 years from a state of serious neglect, and has 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!

• 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.

• Your accommodation at the Eureka House on Hornby Island during your selected tour dates.

• 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.

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.

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.