Exploring Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Portfolio // Photography
Landscapes and nature are what first drew me to photography. Years and years ago, I would find myself inspired whenever I was immersed in nature. I would photograph every element that surrounded me. The treeline, the horizon, the waves against the shoreline, flowers. The sky. And I would feel something deep within each photograph; within each landscape.
Visiting Canada’s west coast was so special, and being able to document our time there through my lens felt even more magical.
Here's a little glimpse into our week-long trip exploring Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
Port Renfrew
I have faint memories of visiting the island as a little girl – everything seemed so big. But Vancouver Island has never really been on my adult travel bucket list. I've travelled to Canada's east coast many times – falling in love with Newfoundland and Nova Scotia – I've hiked through the landscapes of Quebec, lived in Yellowknife for 10 years, and I discovered myself in the Canadian Rockies while living directly in Yoho National Park, spending every day exploring new heights (literally), and I thought that was it; nothing could ever compare.
So what brought us to Vancouver Island? In 2020, my partner and I were supposed to travel to Costa Rica but then the pandemic hit and our trip was cancelled. We then received a travel credit which we were hoping to put towards Costa Rica last year – but you know how that goes. When our friend (who lives on the island) said he was planning on moving back to Ontario by the end of the year, we decided to visit him out west. And this is how it went.
We started our trip visiting some old growth forests – everything still seems big. We explored a botanical beach in Port Renfrew and saw so many different life forms including this little guy sun bathing on the rocks.
Ucluelet & Tofino
We made our way to the west coast of the island, did a coastline trail in Ucluelet and a rainforest hike in Pacific Rim National Park, set up camp, then finished off the day at Wickaninnish Beach where we spent the afternoon surfing, fishing, watching the tide come in, and capping the night off with a beautiful sunset, snacks, and good company.
Campbell River
Making our way to the east side of the island, we began our morning watching the sun rise over the mountaintops.
Strathcona Provincial Park
After watching the sunrise, we made our way to Strathcona Provincial Park where we hiked and explored several waterfalls (perfect for the heat waves we had been having!), and had lunch at this beautiful lake spot.
Beautiful British Columbia
It is true. Nothing can compare to the west coast of Canada – old growth forests, ocean, beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, mountains.
Sunset
Finishing off the day by watching the sunset with two of my favourite people, in a beautiful place all to ourselves, had me feeling all sorts of ways – small, alive, excited, warm, overwhelmed, hopeful, anxious, in love, sad, grateful, and curious. Because this particular spot is a little hidden gem for locals, I will not be sharing the exact location here. But if you are planning a trip to Campbell River, and are interested in visiting this unique spot, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram.
Telegraph Cove
We woke up early to make our way north, driving to Telegraph Cove for some whale watching. The ocean was very active for us that day. We saw sea lions, orcas, and many many many humpback whales – and two calves!
I didn't use my camera for two of our travel days because 1. I forgot my batteries were charging at our Airbnb, and 2, we were out on the water. So, what you don't see is us visiting another old growth forest on our way to Campbell River, two other waterfalls, a visit to a farmer's market, watching the sunset over the ocean while on the boardwalk in Campbell River, witnessing the salmon run, fishing, fishing with seals, tubing down a 'lazy' river, and lots and lots of wildlife – a black bear, deer, eagles.
The week on the island felt peaceful. The pace was slow. And the people were friendly.
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When I’m not spending time with loved ones, my regular business hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. I always do my best to respond to emails within 48 hours. You can also find me on Instagram where I share my work, reflections, as well as some behind-the-scenes of my life.
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