You never know who might show up on the water! 🐾🌊 While our coastal tours off North Vancouver Island often feature iconic wildlife like whales, dolphins, and eagles, every now and then, we’re treated to some unexpected visitors.
From a raccoon scavenging along the shore to a sleek mink darting between rocks—or even a rare cougar sighting—these surprise encounters remind us that nature always keeps us on our toes. Every tour is a new adventure, and the wildlife writes its own story!
🌲All sightings are throughout Broughton Archipelago Provincial Marine Park, off northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Few things capture the essence of the Canadian wilderness like the haunting call of the common loon. Whether on tranquil northern lakes or along the coast on our tours, its striking black-and-white plumage and eerie wail reflect Canada’s deep connection to nature.
🖤🤍Common loon (Gavia immer) swimming in Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
🌍🐾 World Animal Day: Honouring Every Creature 🐾🌍
Today, we celebrate the incredible diversity of life here off the coast of Northern Vancouver Island. Our tours are privileged to explore the Broughton Archipelago and Knight Inlet, witnessing British Columbia’s finest wildlife—from foraging coastal bears to breaching orcas. This truly is one of the best places to experience nature’s wonders. World Animal Day is a call to protect these creatures and safeguard their habitats; every step we take matters.
🌲🌊Photos taken in Broughton Archipelago, traditional territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, and Knight Inlet traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
A humpback whale makes a powerful statement with a tail slap in Queen Charlotte Strait 🐋 This dramatic behaviour creates thunderous sounds that can be heard from great distances. Whether it`s for communication, feeding, dominance, or pure play, the force behind each slap is a breath-taking reminder of their sheer power.
🌊Queen Charlotte Strait, off Northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Golden moments with the A34 pod 🌅✨ With the sun dipping low came a golden light which illuminated the Northern Resident Orca blows, creating a mesmerising glow out on the water. This serene sight was captured in Weynton Passage off North Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Bear bums! 🐻🍑 Usually, this rear view is the first thing we spot after long search along the coastlines of Knight Inlet. It`s slowly becoming our favourite sight—it means we`ve finally found them! And, let`s be honest, they`re pretty cute.
🌲Knight Inlet, Traditional Territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Photographing marine life from the boat offers rare and unique opportunities, especially in fleeting, split-second moments like with this Orca and Pacific white-sided dolphin. Capturing them just below the surface, where a thin veil of water separates sea from air, perfectly reflects the tension and anticipation before the breach.
🌊Off northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
On our tours, we aim for more than just wildlife sightings—we strive to help our guests forge a connection with the region itself. The Broughton Archipelago and Knight Inlet, nestled within First Nation Territories, offer stunning landscapes. Being immersed in this natural beauty leaves you in awe, making the wait for wildlife an experience in itself 🌲🌄🌊🌤️
Photos captured are of Broughton Archipelago, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw First Nation, and Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Join Rolf’s family-friendly small group adventure photo tours with a maximum of 4 guests / 5 for families with children.
Rolf specializes in photo and wildlife experiences on board his safe, covered and certified boat.
With Rolf’s extensive expertise, you’ll gain invaluable insights, tips, and captivating stories to enrich your journey.
