Join Adam Gibbs and Paul Thomson for a taste of the big trees and wild coastlines on Vancouver Island.
Join Paul Thomson and Adam Gibbs for a six-day photography tour that captures the essence of Vancouver Island—from the wild, rugged coastline to the serene beauty of ancient forests and flowing waterfalls.
Our journey begins on the island’s west coast with a stay in Port Renfrew, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the towering old-growth forests, home to some of the largest and oldest trees in Canada. It's a landscape of rich textures and atmospheric light, perfect for exploring the quiet intricacies of rainforest photography.
From there, we continue to make our way up the east coast and settle in Parksville, a hub for some of Vancouver Island’s most scenic waterfalls. Lastly, we travel northward to Hornby Island to photograph its fascinating tafoni rock formations and sublime coastal forests—sculpted patterns and surreal textures shaped by wind and sea.
This workshop is a celebration of water, forest, and coastal form—a dynamic blend of the island’s most compelling natural elements.
8 Participants Total
Cost USD $4200
Vancouver Island Photography Tour Itinerary
With Adam Gibbs & Paul Thomson | 6 Days | May 6th - 11th, 2026
Day 0 – Arrival in Nanaimo
Arrive in Nanaimo, where you’ll be picked up the next morning from the hotel.
Day 1 & 2 – Port Renfrew: Old-Growth Forests & Wild Coast
We begin our photographic adventure by heading to the west coast and the small town of Port Renfrew—a gateway to some of Canada's most impressive old-growth forests.
Explore the giants of Eden Grove and the moss-draped beauty of rainforest trails.
Coastal photography sessions at Botanical Beach and Sombrio Beach, known for dramatic tides and sea-carved rock
Two nights here allow us to immerse ourselves in the moody light and rich textures of the rainforest and shoreline.
Day 3–4 – Hornby Island: Patterns, Rock Formations & Woodland Calm
From Port Renfrew, we travel east along the coast of Vancouver Island to Parksville, home to several beautiful, accessible waterfalls.
Photograph iconic spots like Englishman River Falls and Little Qualicum Falls.
Experiment with long exposures and water flow compositions in lush forest settings
On the final evening, we’ll gather for a casual image review and reflection session.
Day 5 & 6 – Parksville: Waterfalls & Reflections
Our final stop takes us aboard a ferry to Hornby Island, one of the Gulf Islands nestled off the east coast.
Two nights on Hornby offer a peaceful retreat and a slower pace
We'll focus on quieter moments in nature—coastal woodlands, delicate patterns, and soft light
Photograph the island’s unique tafoni rock formations, shaped into surreal patterns by wind and water
Optional slow-paced walks through forested trails and along the shoreline for meditative shooting
Departure – Final Day
After breakfast, we’ll return to Nanaimo for drop-offs and final farewells. You’ll leave with a full memory card, new friendships, and inspiration from the diverse and wild beauty of Vancouver Island.
