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The Amazing Vancouver Island Explorer’s Escape

“We have fun exploring the awe and beauty of Canada’s landscapes with people keen to have fun exploring their potential to create amazing memories with their camera.”

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Trip Overview...

  • Fall in love all over again!  Some places on this earth are simply magical and leave a footprint on your heart when you visit them.  Vancouver Island off the West Coast of Canada is one of those places. Join us as we take our cameras and soak in some of what this breathtakingly beautiful island has to offer:  like  incredible sunsets, quaint harbours, the old world  charm of Victoria, Butchart Gardens, waterfalls and oh yes the wildlife (birds, sea otters, bears and more)  Not just a “vacation”,this will be an incredible memory making experience as you set off to explore and capture memories to last a lifetime.

Gallery

Photo Credits : Cathy Anderson

Trip Details

Trip Cost: 

  • $4995  See Below for One Time Escape Launch Promotional Price!

Photography Skill Level:

  • Perfect for all Skill Levels

Dates:

  • Friday September 27 - Thursday Oct 3

Length:

  • 7 days / 6 nights

What it includes:

  • Meals: All Breakfasts & Lunches
  • All Ground Transportation from the time we meet in Victoria to your return
  • All Lodging during the workshop based on double occupancy
  • All Permits & Park Fees
  • Lots of one on one coaching time with David & Darrell your photography hosts/instructors

Group Size:

  • Maximum 12 Photographers

Hosts/Instructors:

  • 2

What is not included:

  • Transportation to and from Victoria British Columbia 
  • Meals not listed on the “Included” list
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lodging outside the Escape Dates
  • Souvenirs / Personal Items

  • The General Plan: We have planned this trip to be max on opportunity but also generous on flexibility.  Each day has fun activities planned at amazing locations but also leaves some time to take advantage of what that day,  at that specific location may offer us  that we couldn't have possibly planned for (like a visit from a  family of seals at the dock or an amazing approaching storm sky etc)  There will be sunrise and sunset challenges.  We are also going to do an evening of Astro photography!   Those early morning and late evening challenges are open but optional to/for each participant.  If one evening you just want to relax in the hotel's hot tub and enjoy a beverage of read .. do that!      We have indoor exercise planned as backup should any day provide weather so severe it prevents us from getting out.  We will have fun no matter what                                                                                                                                                                    
  • The Learnings:  Darrell and I will fit teaching into the days as we introduce specific fun challenges we will introduce for a certain area.  We'll then be available for participants to engage in one on one mentoring.  From my experience I know that you'll also learn a ton from each other and so we'll mix in a healthy amount of "teamwork" exercises including the chance for everyone to share and talk about their images as each day wraps up. Some of the topics everyone will receive coaching on are:  Sunrise/Sunset Photography, Astro Photography, Landscape Photography, Street Photography, Macro Photography, Wildlife photography., Art Forms like ICM (Intentional Camera Movement), Light Trails, Travel Photography, Night Photography etc.  Our passion is to both share what we know and create an environment that encourages everyone present to do the same.  Personal excellence is best developed in community and the focus will be learning in an atmosphere where you are comfortable, having fun and open to sharing where you are struggling and where you rock!                                 
  •  Days 1 & 2.                                                                                                                                                               We will meet in Victoria  on Friday September 27 at the Embassy Inn near the Victoria harbour (we'll stay there for 2 nights).  We'll have a team dinner in Victoria that night and have fun with some night photography/ harbour challenges,  On Saturday the two core agenda items are starting off with a visit to the World famous Butchart Gardens just outside of the city and then returning for an afternoon exploring the beautiful buildings in Victoria with some Architecture/Street and Food Photography Challenges : 0 )                                                              
  • Days 3 & 4:                                                                                                                                                                 On Sunday morning after breakfast we'll head towards Parksville BC where we will be staying at the Ocean Sands Resort for 2 nights. We'll be taking the Brentwood Ferry to Parksville.  Once there the next two days will be fun filled with attractions like the Malahat Skywalk, Ammonite Falls, Nanaimo and its wharfs, Sunrise/Sunset challenges as well as an Astro photography evening on the Sunday night  : O )                                                                                                                 
  • Days 5 & 6.                                                                                                                                                                  On Tuesday morning we head up to Courtney for two nights where we will stay at the BayView Hotel.  There are so many great things to see there!  Two great examples we will check out: The Comox Nature Walk and Seal Bay Nature Park .  Other possibilities include: Englishman Falls, The little town of Coombs, Cathedral Grove, Port Alberni, Little Mountain Outlook.  The last day in Courtney will see us head up to Campbell River for an ECO tour where we'll be taken by boat up the Inlet towards a section where bears are typically seen catching salmon/fish out of the water etc.  The boat journey can also be full of awe inspiring viewings of  whales/seals/otters/eagles/other birds etc.  I CANT WAiT for this!!!!                                          This should be one of those days we will remember for a lifetime.                                                          
  • Day 7:                                                                                                                                                                             We will get up for an early breakfast and take the 3 hour trip back to Victoria to arrive by  Noon or 1 Pm latest.  You can decide to add additional nights on your own or  we can drop you off at the airport for an afternoon or evening flight out.

This Escape includes an exciting Wildlife ECO tour that can include grizzly bears, whales and seals!

Satisfaction Guarantee

The No Worry Satisfaction Guarantee

We aim to provide memorable experiences for all of our guests.  If for whatever you are not satisfied with an escape with us then we will give you a full credit for the amount that you paid towards another trip.

One of the kickoff activities is to explore the amazing world renowned Butchart Gardens just south of Victoria

Meet your Escape Hosts / Photography Coaches

David

Having bought Learn Photography Canada early in 2023 after having coached with them for 3 years, David is introducing these Escapes as the perfect outlet for combining his passion for photography, people and travel.   He loves to simplify photography concepts for his students in practical and fun ways.  David has been telling people’s stories through wedding & commercial photography for over 20 years.  Fun, easy going and attentive,  here is what one of his clients had to say about David: 

“David was FABULOUS- such a genuine & fun energy. David truly made us feel & look like the stars of the show.” - Carley M.

Darrell

An award winning photographer, Darrell brings an incredible curiosity to photography that you will love.  It will help you stretch your boundaries and start taking fresh, new and exciting images.  With a love for helping others, Darrell uses questions to help launch people down a journey of discovery with their camera.  He will be your on-escape cheerleader, there to help you grow!

DAY TRIPS AND REAd:

Photography Day Trips

Photography Day Trips

Our day trips are “As much photo fun as you can pack into a day”  Join us as your Learn Photography Canada Host will help guide you and the small group you are with to a mix of well known locations in your area that you’ll definitely want to photograph as well as a few secret gems.  The price of each day trip includes transportation*, lunch and photography tips & tricks throughout the day  from your host instructor.  This is a great way to grow your photography skills and have a great time  exploring the city/region you are visiting.  Walk away with images and memories that will last a lifetime!

Click here for Current Day Trips”